I’ve traveled the majority of my life and yet, I’ve never hated anything more than feeling like a tourist. Obviously, it’s inevitable – you can’t visit Washington DC without seeing the Mall or London without riding on the Eye or Cleveland without visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, I think there’s something to be said for trying the local (or at least more unknown) places.
So, that’s my mission to bring the local flavor of a city to your visit (which arguably should still include all the museums and sight-seeing you want). This week, with the help of Joia Felton ’17, I’m focusing on Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1. Walk around the lakes! Joia recommends Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. Minneapolis is a really “green” city and the locals take full advantage of that.
2. While at Lake of the Isles, grab a cup of coffee and a puppy dog tail — they’re like an uncoiled cinnamon bun and slathered in icing. You can find the best puppy dog tails at Isles Bun & Coffee (they also have gluten free and vegan options!).
3. Take a bike ride! There are paths all over the city. Joia recommends the Grand Round Bike Tour, but cautions that it is an entire day’s worth of activity.
4. If you’re craving an unusual dessert, go to Sebastian’ Joe’s for unique flavors of homemade ice cream. Joia begs you to try the raspberry flavor!
5. If you’re in Minneapolis during the summer, hit up the parks for the free, outdoor large-screen movies. They show everything from classics, such as The Princess Bride, to newer releases, such as Big Hero 6. They get a pretty impressive turn-out, though, so stake out a spot early!
6. In the winter, Joia recommends seeing “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater (one of the first major resident theater in America), before quickly retreating back inside to watch the snow. The show has been a Minneapolis tradition since 1982!
7. If you’re craving a good breakfast, lunch or brunch, check out the Bad Waitress Café, which is committed to serving organic and locally-grown meals. It’s also situated right near the premier art museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which has rotating exhibits (currently featuring Jane Austen’s “living room”) and a vast permanent collection.
8. Bitten by the theatre bug? Check out Brave New Workshop (a punny take on the Huxley novel, Brave New World), an improv studio which offers daily shows, classes and workshops. It’s the oldest sketch improve theatre in the United States!
9. Even though Joia admits it is somewhat of a tourist spot, she can’t deny that the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the coolest spots in town. Everyone should get a picture on the Spoon Bridge and take a picnic to eat in the garden! If you like the Sculpture Garden, walk around the Walker Art Center as well!
10. In terms of eateries, try Pizzeria Lola for amazing wood-fire pizzas — also, their promotional commercial features the adorable Lola, the dog for which the restaurant is named, so what more could you want? You should also visit Victor’s 1959 Café, which brings traditional Cuban food (most importantly, the Sandwich Cubano) to the Midwest.
11. The two biggest summer music festivals are Rock the Garden, hosted by Walker Art Center & The Current (a radio station), which features both international and local acts ranging from all genres, and Soundset, a hip-hop festival.
12. Try a Juicy Lucy, a traditional Minneapolis burger stuffed with (traditionally cheddar but really any kind of) cheese. They’re most famously found at Matt’s Bar and Grill, but can also be found on the menu anywhere with a burger.
13. Go to the Farmer’s Market at Mill City! It’s held every Saturday from May to October. The market was also founded with the support of the Mill City Museum, which is a Minneapolis historical museum built in an old flour mill.
14. If you’ve got a crafty streak, Joia highly recommends StevenBe, what she dubs “the wackiest yarn store ever.” Apparently, the owner of the store knits impossible stuff, such as a sweater from old cassette tapes.
15. Always, always, always smile and hold the door! As strange as it sounds, Joia said that Minnesotans always talk to strangers. So strike up a conversation with someone in the park or while waiting in line – that’s a quick way to make friends and learn more about the city while visiting.
If you love your hometown or have a city you’re particularly familiar with, and want to show tourists what the locals love, please contact me at hewittr@kenyon.edu and I’ll happily sit down with you to work out an article that showcases your love for your city.
Image credits: Joia Felton