Twin Cities Tour Guide

Well, the weather is warming up, and that means that return of outdoor farmers markets can be far away. With that in mind, I wanted to share a link sent to me by my brother, who has his own blog about organic eating, The Reluctant Eater. The link is, from what I can tell, a French travel-related blog (mostly in English though). They just published a list of their ten favorite farmers markets in the U.S., and lo and behold, the St. Paul farmers market was #2!. Check out the blog post.

Also, the Minneapolis Farmers market starts this weekend, and others will be starting soon. Check out these posts for more info on farmers markets in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Bon Apetit!

Readers, today I have some astonishing news. I heard about this from a friend of mine named Alli Porfos, who works for the Oripo Falls Times. She was apparently contacted this morning by an anonymous tipster. I for one was stunned when she told me about this, and I just had share with you before major media outlets break the story. The article hasn’t been published yet, but Alli sent me the full text and gave me permission to reprint for you. Thanks a lot, Alli! I’m thrilled you let me be the first to share this shocking story!

Here’s the text of Alli’s article:

Recently, there has been a lot of news about the newly proposed cooperative ventures between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The two states have suggested numerous joint policies and measures to cut down on various expenses. It has been mentioned in many media outlets, including the Minneapolis Star Tribune. 

However, it turns out there may be more to this story. A source at the Minnesota State Capital building in St. Paul (who has asked to remain anonymous) has come forward with some more information about potential further cooperation between Minnesota and its neighbor, Wisconsin. 

According to the source, in an effort to save even more money in the sagging economy, Minnesota and Wisconsin will begin sharing a wireless internet connection, cars, and maybe even rent.

Apparently the State of Wisconsin has asked if it can “piggyback” on Minnesota’s wireless network which is currently secure and password protested. Wisconsin has promised to pay half of the bill, saying “I’ll totally pay you on the first of each month. I’ll put the money in an envelope, or maybe like put a post-it on it and slip it under your [Minnesota's] door.” Minnesota was reluctant to share it’s password with Wisconsin claiming, “I use that password for, like, everything, man.”

Minnesota agreed to share it’s wireless network on the condition that Wisconsin let Minnesota use it’s car in return. Minnesota will use Wisconsin’s car on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while Wisconsin will use it on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The two states would alternate on Fridays, unless one state has a date or something like that, then they could use the car two Fridays in a row. Minnesota and Wisconsin will also carpool with other states whenever possible.  Wisconsin argued that Minnesota drives inattentively and often loses control in winter conditions, but Minnesota finally got Wisconsin to agree by saying, “Dude, If you don’t let me use the car, I won’t be able to take Sheila out on dates, and she’ll break up with me. Come on, Wisconsin, I swear on all that is good and pure, I will totally drive safely, pay for all my gas and repairs, pay half of the insurance cost, and if I do more than $500 dollars damage, I’ll give you my ipod touch.” 

Apparently Wisconsin has also suggested that it could deduct the money it owes for the internet from the money Minnesota owes and then Minnesota could simply pay Wisconsin the difference, but Minnesota would prefer that each state pay separately to avoid confusion. 

The two states are also supposedly discussing the possibility of becoming roommates but cannot agree whether Minnesota should move in with Wisconsin or vice versa. Minnesota has a bigger place, but Wisconsin insists that it’s place is better because “It has a kickass lake view and it doesn’t get quite as drafty and cold in the winter as Minnesota’s place does.” The rent on both places is similar.

The two states are not cutting expenses in all areas however. Both are considering spending a little more money on food, saying, “We are both so damn sick of Ramen Noodles.” 

Thanks for reading. I’d also like to introduce my new sponsor, “Apparel Fuels” the clothing that can power engines. Buy some now and have a happy “Apparel Fuels” Day!

Hello again,

          It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything but I saw this article and couldn’t resist. It’s a list of ideas for fun things to do and see in the Twin Cities, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper. Do you think they have a good grasp of what makes the Twin Cities tick? I think are close, but missed some key point of interest (Valley Fair, Mall of America, the theater scene, St. Anthony main etc), perhaps because they were focusing on things that one could do at minimal or no expense.

I’ll be back with more posts soon. If you have anything you’d like me to post about related to the Twin Cities, feel free to leave a comment!

I recently visited my brother Ryan and his wife Janet in Boulder, Co. Ryan writes a blog called The Reluctant Eater which focuses on healthy cooking and eating using real, healthy ingredients. Since my visit, I have gotten really into cooking. I have been making meals from scratch, using only real, organic ingredients. Ryan even asked me to write a guest post for the Reluctant Eater about my newfound passion for cooking.

Anyway, these recent events have got me wondering about opportunities for organic eating in the Twin Cities. I have found a few organic restaurants through Google searching, but would love to hear your suggestions as well. My plan is start going to local organic eateries and sampling a few meals, then posting a short review. So if you have any favorite places eat that focus on organic and/or locally grown ingredients, please let me know. 

Also, since my background is in education, I’m curious if anyone knows of any schools in the area (or anywhere really) that focus on organic and/or locally grown foods in their lunches. Many school lunches are notoriously unhealthy, and I think that simply using healthier ingredients in school lunches could make a big difference in the well-being of the students and the planet.

Would you like to see more organic and/or locally grown food in school lunches? Do you think it is feasible to make meals on a large scale (such as at a school) using largely organic/local ingredients?

If you are wondering how to show your special someone a magical valentines day in the Twin Cities, I can offer some suggestions, include one unforgettable date idea for the more whimsical couples that you won’t find anywhere else.

Romantic Spots

Check my post on romantic spots in the Twin Cities; it contains some great ideas for low cost romantic spots in Minneapolis, as well as a number of great romantic restaraunts. Many of the romantic spots are outdoors, but that shouldn’t scare you away from checking them out. Plus, if get a little cold outside, that is just another excuse to snuggle even more closely with your special someone when you come in out of the cold.

A Few Other Ideas

Skating - Romantic skating venues abound in the Twin Cities. Tops on my list are the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. Both are best experienced around dusk, when the surrounding buildings and houses are lit up. Catch a spectacular sunset view at the Lake of the Isles skating area (near the north end of the lake (at 25th street and accessible from both sides of the lake). Landmark has skate rentals, and I’m not sure about Lake of the Isles.

Don’t forget to curl up on the couch with your special someone and a mug of hot cocoa in front of glowing fire to cap off a romantic evening after skating outdoors.

You can also skate and avoid the cold at indoor rinks. The top indoor rink is probably the Depot, in the refurbished train depot in Minneapolis near the Metrodome, which is surrounded by glass walls allowing skaters to kind of feel as though they are outdoors.

There are countless other skating rinks in the area. Check here for a partial list of Twin Cities skating areas.

An Unforgettable Date for the More Whimsical

Take your Valentine dancing in the wonderfully opulent grand salon of an 18th century French hotel… without leaving the Twin Cities and without paying a dime!  This romantic space can be found on the upper level of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. What could be romantic and whimsical than dancing surrounded by the ornate walls and lush crimson curtains of an elegant grand salon… which happens to be in the middle of the museum. In my experience, that partiucular area of the museum is generally not heavily trafficked so you may even have the salon to yourself for a while. There is no music, unless you bring an ipod or something else (but use headphones or your date won’t last very long).  Admission at the museum is always free.

For more info on the M.I.A. (and a picture of the grand salon) check out this post.

That’s all for now. Hope you have a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day!

Those of you who are in need of a skyway, you’re in luck! For a small price you can own a piece of Twin Cities weirdom. A skyway in Minneapolis that was removed when the light rail line was built is now for sale. And the best part is that the people who are selling it actually put an ad on Craigslist for the skyway. You have to check this ad out. It includes the expected details (size, length, etc) plus a litany of photographs. But what makes this ad incredible is that it includes blueprints and renderings of a variety of interesting uses, including a romantic northwoods retreat. There is a list of about twenty possible uses (ironically 8 other uses are suggested before “skyway”). My favorite suggested use is “habitable billboard”. I mean, who hasn’t at some point in their life seen a billboard and thought “I wish I could live inside that billboard.”? 

I have seriously considered trying to buy this thing, though it would be a stretch to come up with $79,000 and I have nowhere to put an 80 x 20ft skyway. Otherwise, I would love to turn it into a “scuplture” or “fish house” (actual suggestions from the ad - though after fish house it warns that the structure might be “a bit heavy - gotta watch that ice” but I’m sure it would do just fine on a glacier if you happen to have one lying around).

I honestly wish I had a place to put this skyway, because it would be a ton of fun to turn it into a house. But unless I miraculously acquire a piece of land and $79,500 I guess I’ll just have to wait until another skyway comes on the market. 

I’ll try to let you know who ends up buying this thing if I can find out who it is (If it’s me I’ll invite you over for a skyway warming party).  ’Til then, check out the weird list, and subscribe to receive instant updates!

Hello again,

         Sorry about the holiday hiatus, but I’m back now and so is the weird list. Today’s post is all about bright ideas: a building that may be the world’s largest mood ring (thanks for the suggestion DK), and a light fixture so big it affects the temperature around it.

Weird Thing #9: The “Mood” Building - Target Headquarters

The invention of the “Mood Ring” was a hallmark day for people who were incapable of determining what kind of mood they were in on there own. And just in case the city of Minneapolis ever wonders how it is feeling, the Target Corporation has created what appears to be a technicolor color-changing “Mood building”:

According to the building, Minneapolis was feeling blue when this photo was

 taken by anjouwu.

The lights obviously do not actually reflect the mood of the city, but they do constantly change colors. The lights came on for the first time just after September 11, 2001 to light the skyline with patriotic hues. For a much more comprehensive story of this building, check out this site. Or check out the building in person. It’s located at 11th St. and Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis (map).

Weird Thing #10: Rain, Sleet, Snow and the Longest Light Fixture in the World

Our next weird thing is record setter, courtesy of the United States Postal Service. The main downtown post office in Minneapolis is in itself a record breaker, being the largest Art Deco style industrial building in the U.S., but it’s the enormous light fixture inside that really shines. Running the length of the lobby, this 350 foot, 16 ton chandelier is the longest and one of the largest in the world. 

The record-setting fixture beautifully photographed by Payton Chung

Believe it or not, this massive fixture was actually originally intended help control the temperature in the post office! That’s right, the lights generate enough heat to affect the temperature in the lobby! If you ever get a chance, stop in the Post Office, at 100 1st St. S (map), and step back in time with the brass rails, bronze teller cages, and marble terrazzo floor of this record setting building. And you’ll be able to clearly see it all under the warm glowing, warming (literally) glow of the longest light fixture in the world!

There you have it, a post on two more weird, but strangely illuminating oddities in the Twin Cities. To see the rest of the list, check out the master list. I’d love to hear your comments, and if you want to get instant updates, subscribe using the box on the right! 

Thanks for reading!

Hi Everyone,

             I’m glad so many of you are enjoying the ongoing Twin Cities Weird List posts. I thought it would be helpful to create a master list of all of the weird things I have written about, complete with links to their respective posts. As I add new oddities to the Weird List I will also add them to the master list (Oh yes, I will be adding more weird things… many more… so subscribe to receive instant updates on future posts).

Here it is: The Twin Cities Weird List Master List (as of today)

#1 The World’s Only Suspension Building - Marquette Plaza

#2 The Hennepin Avenue Bridge - The Suspension Bridge that Isn’t.

#3 God’s Flying Car

#4 The Sarah Palin Skyway to Nowhere

#5 The Misshapen Mill - Pillsbury’s “A” Mill

#6 The Misnamed Park - Boom Island Park

#7 “Jim Hill’s Folly” - Stone Arch Bridge

#8 The Artist Formerly Known as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”

#9 The “Mood” Building - Target World Headquarters

#10 The World’s Largest Light Fixture - The Minneapolis Main Post Office

That’s the list so far. Keep checking back for more weirdness, or subscribe for instant updates. Feel free to suggest any other Twin Cities oddities you think I should write about. Now, strangely enough, I have to go.

Stay Classy, Twin Cities!

The weirdness continues with today’s post featuring a bridge whose builders ignored the fact that “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line”, and a surprise celebrity cameo. Also check out previous installments of the weird list: part I, part II, part III or check out the ever-growing master list to see all of the weird things at once.

Weird Thing #7: The Stone Arch Bridge A.K.A. “Jim Hill’s Folly”.

This beloved historic Minneapolis icon is the centerpiece of the Riverfront district (map). Often labeled “the Most Romantic Spot in Minneapolis“, it certainly the most beautiful of the many bridges spanning the Mississippi. Take a look at this photo though, and you’ll notice something odd about this bridge:

Photo courtesy of Enrico Fuente.

The Stone Arch Bridge (in the foreground) is not being distorted by the camera lens. It actually curves like that! But the curve is not the only oddity surrounding this landmark. When it was built in 1883, St. Anthony Falls (background between the two bridges) was further downstream - very close, in fact, to where the bridge was built. It also happens that where the bridge crosses the Mississippi is one of the widest sections of the river in Minneapolis.

All this begs the question: Why build a bridge over one of the widest and most turbulent spots on the Mississippi river in the entire Twin Cities? And further, why design that bridge with a big sweeping curve that makes it almost twice as long as it actually needs to be to span the river?

The Answer: The bridge was built by railroad baron James J. Hill (hence the nickname “Jim Hill’s Folly”). Hill owned rail lines and stations on both sides of the river and realized that if he could connect them, his already vast fortune could increase immensely. Thus the Stone Arch Bridge was built in the only spot where it could connect his rail lines on either side of the river. The curve was necessary in order to connect the tracks to his station near the river at Hennepin Ave. But the waterfall, turbulence, width of the river, and other obstacles couldn’t have stopped the stubborn Hill, rumored to have once said, “Give me enough snuff, whiskey, and Swedes, and I’ll build you a railroad to hell!” For more info, read this post, or this one.

Weird Thing #8: The Artist Formerly Known as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”

Yes, he’s a person, not a thing. And yes he is one of the most famous musicians in the world. And yes his music is pretty cool. He also happens to be from Minneapolis, and I think even most folks like me, who enjoy his music, can admit that he is a little weird.

Photo courtesy of Mick Orlosky.

So there you have it. Stayed tuned - the list will continue next week. Subscribe for updates! Feel free to comment or add you own suggestions for weird things in the Twin Cities. 

Click here to see the always growing weird list master list.

Welcome back to another exciting edition of the weirdest and wackiest the Twin Cities has to offer. Today’s post features two more Minneapolis oddities: a misshapen mill and a misnamed park. As always, please comment, especially if you know more about any of these strange places, know of any other odd spots in the Twin Cities. Also, check out the ever growing master list for more weirdness. Enjoy:

Wierd Thing #5: Pillsbury’s “A” Mill - that almost got an “F”

It can be difficult to see at first glance just what is so weird about the Pillsbury ‘A’ Mill (see map). Can you spot it?

Did you notice that the middle of the building appears to curve in at the top and bow out near the bottom (where the “A” is)? Believe it or not, that distortion has nothing to do with my camera lens. That is how the building actually looks! 

The strange shape of the Pillsbury ‘A’ Mill is an unintended consequence of Pillsbury’s decision to defy a common convention when the building was built in 1881.  At that time, mills were typically designed by engineers familiar with the industry. However, Pillsbury decided that their new mill (the largest in the world for some time) needed to be more visually appealing, so they hired Leroy Buffington, an architect, who knew nothing of the milling industry, to design their building. Naturally, he underestimated the stresses that the weight and continous forces of the operating milling equipment would put on the building, and the eastern wall began to bow in at the top (22 inches) and out at the bottom.

Structural repairs, including the large metal vertical braces below the “A” which connect to cables running through the building to anchors on the eastern side, stopped the bowing and the mill was able to remain functional until 2003. Current plans call for it to be turned into condominiums.

Weird Thing #6: Boom Island - The “Misnamed” Park

A quick stroll through Boom Island Park, located on the Mississippi River just north of downtown Minneapolis (map), reveals a lot of things about Boom Island. First, it is large and relatively flat with lots of grass and flowers. Second, it offers beautiful river and Minneapolis skyline views. Oh, and third - it is clearly not an island. While most islands are, in fact, completely surrounded by water, Boom Island only has water on one side, as you can blurily see in this satellite image, courtesy of Google Maps (look for the green arrow).

So, then, why is it called Boom “Island”? The reason is that, Boom Island was a true island - until the early 1900s. It was called Boom Island because in the mid and late 1800s the river on both sides of the island was full of log booms - clusters of logs chained together - that been floated down from the North woods to be processed at the several sawmills and lumberyards in and around the island. However, the island and the booms went up in flames in 1893, nearly ending the logging industry in Minneapolis. Several decades later, the east channel was filled in with landfill and what was once an island became a riverside park.

Supposedly nothing has ever grown where the channel was filled in, so who knows what may be under there.  I suspect it’s the rubble of the building that used to be attached to the “Sarah Palin Skyway to Nowhere”.

That’s all for now. Have no fear, there will be more weirdness to come this week, so stay tuned. Subscribe using the box on the right to receive instant notification when the next installment of the Twin Cities Weird List is published. If haven’t already check out the Weird List part I and II. Also check out the weird list master list, which contains all of the oddities from every installment in the weird list.