Before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, I would raise an eyebrow when I heard someone bragging about his or her lake-filled, marvelous city. However, now I'm one of those shameless braggers throwing in plugs about my city to every non-Minneapolitan that I meet. But apparently those barefaced efforts have been paying off. In 2007 Forbes rated Minneapolis number 20 on its list of America's 30 Most Visited Cities due to its annual 18.3 million visitors.
So what is bringing all these people to the city of Minneapolis? Could it be its tremendous theater scene, which is ranked second in the nation only to New York City? Or could it be the four seasons that create Minnesota's breathtaking landscapes? Perhaps it is the outdoor recreation along one of the city's many lakes. Or quite simply, maybe those 18.3 million visitors come to experience the Minnesota Nice.
Known for its celebration of the arts, Minneapolis offers more than 75 theater companies and more than six theaters. Attend a show at the newly remodeled and fantastically modern Guthrie Theater that can be spotted down the block by its chic midnight blue exterior. Afterwards, relax under the stars while sitting on the outdoor patio of the 53-meter cantilever bridge that is suspended above the Mississippi riverfront. If music is more your thing, listen to your favorite artist perform in the Pantages Theater where every seat is a good seat. After the concert, walk down the street to the electic, yet classy Solera to enjoy late night tapas, Spanish-style.
Revel in this midwestern city no matter what time of year you visit. In the summer, rent a kayak on Lake Calhoun and paddle your way along the lakefront of the Lake of the Isles to peer at the beautiful houses. Although they don't vary in size muchmost being quite roomyyour eyes can take pleasure in every style from Tudor to town-home or as fancy as French. If you've worked up an appetite after kayaking, take pleasure in a rainbow burger or a fish sandwich at The Tin Fish on Lake Calhoun's pavilion. However, if sweets are more your vice, bring a blanket and relax on the lawn beneath the old Oak trees at Lake Harriet's bandshell to cool off with an ice cream cone. Every summer evening at 7:30, you can rest your head against the trunk of that old Oak while listening to the music of local acts such as folk musician Bill Isles or the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra.
In the fall, take a walk around one of Minneapolis's twenty-two lakes and let your eyes soak in the colors of the leaves with their saturated cherry reds, the sun-lit yellows, and the sour apple greens. In early October, celebrate Minneapolis's German roots in the European Oktoberfest with traditional food, music, dance, and of course beer, in the hip St. Anthony Historic District. You can munch on authentic German food from Kramarczuk East European Deli and sip on imported beers from the Black Forest Inn Biergarten while enjoying the entertainment of Oktoberfest. This celebration, located next to the striking scenery of the Mississippi River bank, is a must for Minneapolitans and visitors alike.
If you find yourself in Minneapolis in the winter, have no fear. Bundle up with a hat and gloves and make your way over to Minnehaha Park to rent free ice-skates and join a pickup game of hockey with a few friendly locals. When you get cold, head inside the recreation center for a complimentary hot chocolate. If you're daring enough, delight yourself in a Lynhurst neighborhood secret and walk on over to Newton Avenue South and 51st Street with your sled to enjoy a thrilling ride down the snow hill. And let's not forget the Holidazzle parade that lights up the eyes of children and adults alike. Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving and ending the weekend before Christmas, this spectacular parade on Nicollet Mall is a must-see for everyone who likes to kick off the holiday spirit in the great Minneapolis waylights, floats, Santa and all.
If it's spring when you make your trip to Minneapolis, head over to one of the gardens east of Lake Harriet and smell the beginnings of the season. Or perhaps, if you're not quite ready to go outside, enjoy the trendy shopping in Uptown. For lunch, duck inside Cafe Barbette and give your taste buds a treat with their phenomenal french fries. And if it's Tuesday and you're in the mood to groove, stop by Famous Dave's on Lake Street and dance the night away to a live salsa band at 9:00 PM.
Whether you're a Minneapolis native or couldn't even point the city out on the map, this all-star city really is an American gem.