Minneapolis

Minnesotans are a hardy bunch. After surviving long winters with temperatures that many have never even imagined (DNR reports -60F or -51C as the record low), Minnesotans soak up as much time outside as possible during the short summer months. There are so many activities going on, the dilemma is usually what to choose! Here are some outdoor highlights from my past weekend in Minneapolis:

BBQ pork and fries from Jake's trailer

 Food Truck Fair. Trailer food is becoming popular in the Twin Cities. Sections of a couple streets were closed off to make this into a grand block party of trailer food. There was even live music (a very solid cover band). We saw all sorts of foods, even a grilled cheese trailer called "O'Cheeze". (For those uneducated in Minnesotan sayings, there is a very common expression "Oh, geez"!) We ate some pork BBQ sliders and lobster tacos at Jake's food trailer. Andrew Zimmern's Canteen trailer was also situated along the fair. As were a variety of food trailers with all sorts of food, as well as very long lines. Entrance was free. $2 charge to get a drink wristband. $5/drink ticket. Foods ranged from $5+; and, serving sizes were small.

Cherry & Spoonbridge at Walker Sculpture Garden

Walker Sculpture Garden. The Walker Sculpture Garden is open year round (and free!). The most iconic sculpture is the Cherry & the Spoonbridge, designed by public installation artists Claus Oldenberg and his wife Coosje van Bruggen. There's also a horse sculpture by Deborah Butterfield, made out of castings of driftwood. However, my favorite piece has always been the Arikidea by Mark di Suvero. Unlike the Cherry & Spoon and the horse sculpture, you are encouraged to get on the moving platform of the Arikidea. According to the Walker's website, there are free tours at 11:30 on Saturdays and Sundays (in the summer only). This summer, there is also an artist-designed mini-golf course ($12/person).

Cover band playing at Twin Cities Pride Festival

Twin Cities Pride. We crossed the bridge over the highway from the Walker Sculpture Garden to Loring Park and stumbled upon Twin Cities Pride Festival (June 28-29). People crowded the park and surrounding streets. There was more free, live music. And, there were lots of booths selling a variety of items, although we were only tempted by a booth selling bunnies and another selling hats made in Minnesota (Brims & Tongues). Perhaps the best of any festival is the people watching. We got a table at Loring Kitchen & Bar and refreshed ourselves with good food and cheap vodka drinks. 

View of the skyline from Target Field

Target Field. The home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field nests in downtown Minneapolis. Unlike their previous field (the Metrodome), Target Field is uncovered. We could see the skyline from our seats as well as watch the sun reflect off passing clouds. Although ticket prices are more expensive, there are no bad seats in this stadium. Plus, you don't need to try to find parking around this stadium. There are two different light rail lines that you drop off at the main gate! We were seated along the third base foul line. But, even when we got up and walked around for snacks, we could stop for good views, once even looking straight down at the center fielder catching a pop-up. But, what is a stadium without it's food? There are all the usual options here -- hotdogs, beer. But, there are also some distinctly Minnesotan options such as fair food, mini-donuts being my favorite. One final bonus for a city with such little free WiFi, Target Field has it.

[One final free activity we attended was Como Park Zoo. Always a great stop to see the animals; and, the small size makes it manageable with small children. Free. Hosts live music over the summer. Check out their special events calendar.]