*Or, everything I didn’t know about Minneapolis and wasn’t afraid to ask.
I’ve officially been in the Twin Cities over two months. I’ve been to Minnehaha Falls, eaten at Hell’s Kitchen, and visited the Miracle of Birth exhibit at the state fair on Sunday. I think I’ve even figured out where “Up North” is. I don’t feel like a local quite yet, but I’ve learned a lot in the past 60 days, including:
- Harriet Island is not an island in Lake Harriet. It’s not even a real island.
Harriet Island is nowhere near Lake Harriet.
- “Circle me, Bert” is not a rhyming song my son will be learning at preschool this fall.
- Interstates 35 E and 35 W run north and south. Tell me I am not the only one who finds this confusing.
- TC and MSP refer to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, but MPLS only refers to Minneapolis.
- MKTA is not pronounced “Mikta,” it’s an abbreviation for Minnetonka.
- The DFL is not a local football league; it’s a political party. I had to look this one up after reading a bunch of articles in the Strib (learned that nickname too!) during the primaries.
- Parking ramp = parking garage = parking structure. Where I grew up in northeast Ohio, we referred to the indoor building where one could park a car as a “parking garage.” When I went to college at the University of Michigan (the U of M I refer to – but that’s another story), all the Michiganders called parking garages “parking structures.” And here in the TC, they are referred to as “parking ramps.”
- SLP refers to St Louis Park. I was invited to attend a Neshama Hadassah meeting that was set to meet in the community room at “Byerly’s SLP.” Had to refer to Google for this one.
I’m still trying to figure out the obsession with mini donuts, and the lack of locally-owned ice cream parlors. Yes, I’ve been to Sebastian Joe’s, but there’s nothing but Dairy Queen out here in the ‘burbs.
In the spirit of Rosh Hashana and all things new for the new year, what other new things should I learn? If you are also a transplant to MN, what did you discover that’s unique to MSP? Let me know your suggestions, hints and tips! You betcha’ I’d like to know…
(Photo:edkohler)
Another thing that I find confusing here in Minneapolis, is that people say “will you ‘borrow’ me a cup of sugar??” Huh. I always thought it was “Lend”…. whassup with that?
Oh, and I did investigate bringing Graeters Ice Cream to Minneapolis, but they do not franchise. 🙁 lol
There is more than Sebastian Joe’s. St. Paul has Izzy’s and The Grand Ole Creamery. There is also a GOC in Mpls (at Minnehaha Pky & Cedar). There is also the Pumphouse Creamery at Chicago & 46th. The Hopkins Depot also serve ice cream from the Pumphouse. If frozen custard is more your style, Adele’s in Excelsior and Wayzata is a good choice. There is also Liberty Custard in Minneapolis.
Thanks Hughster! I’ve actually heard of most of those and been to Adele’s. In Ohio where I grew up, we had some locally owned chains that were available in every suburb – think Sebastian Joe’s with locations in Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, and so on. The kind of place that you can just run out to at night to pick up a treat – even if the kids are already in bed. 🙂
The Edina Creamery around 50th and France in Edina is one of my favorite ice cream shops. Second to Izzy’s!
Lack of locally owned ice cream stands is something I have or sure noticed!! I’m also from the north east!