When I moved to Minneapolis in July 2024, I wanted to open my life up to new people and experiences both personally and professionally. It has been a goal of mine to live in a big city ever since I was a child, and I’m glad to say it has finally happened! Traveling and exploring this state has been a big hobby and a great creative depository for me since I moved here, and living in Minneapolis will allow me to continue with this great outlet.
There’s something I need to address though first and foremost. Minneapolis has gotten a lot of scrutiny since 2020 as being let’s just say “run down” to put it nicely. While it does have its fair share of crime, I have to say that the toxic social media perceptions that I’ve noticed have not been even close to my reality I’ve experienced while living here. I do recognize that being vigilant when in a large city is important. Yes, there have been some horrific crimes here recently, but most major large cities can say the same thing! It’s the reality of living in a densely populated area, and I have not let it deter me from taking a chance and opening myself up to new places and experiences.
So let me start.
One of the major and upcoming attractions I first discovered when coming here is Uptown. It has several nice restaurants and bars, with one of the first I went to being part of a larger hotel called the Moxy. I immediately noticed an apartment complex across the street known as The Asher that looked as if it had a hot tub, which is where I began to feel the cool relaxed vibe that this neighborhood has.
My view of paradise.
I also really find it convenient how close all of this is to the Chain of Lakes. This was especially nice during the summer, as I found myself walking around the Chain of Lakes and coming up to Duette Wine & Coffee, which interestingly has an ice skating rink right outside during the winter (see link below for more pictures). The architecture of this building is so modern and well constructed that I almost feel more of a sense of richness than I actually have just sitting and enjoying the views at this place.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/duet-coffee-and-wine-minneapolis-3
Before I moved here, I was excited to see the Bde Maka Ska because of the kayaking opportunities. On a sunny day, I always love looking at the clean lake with the skyline.
I would also highly recommend the diner right next to where I get groceries at Cub called The Breakfast Club. It has a 50s aesthetic and is full of retro colors of which I think would make any diner a major attraction.
The Breakfast Club
Downtown
I haven’t even gotten to the main focal point which is downtown though. I purposely demanded when asked what I wanted to do for my birthday that me and my parents walk around the Target on Nicollet, as I knew just how good the graphic design inspiration was and I had to channel my inner Geek. If you’re seeing a sign that says “this was definitely made by a designer” and you’re an artist, you are definitely in the right place.
Saul’s Bell System did not go away.
https://www.target.com/sl/mpls-nicollet-mall/1375
But it’s not just the graphic design that’s beautiful, the architecture would be the focal point for most people. That sense of thankfulness for being here really sets in when driving through this aesthetically amazing landscape that is downtown Minneapolis.
I once again had to go to Hell’s Kitchen too (see website link below).
I really like the difference and contrast between downtown and Uptown. Uptown is more of the developing community for young people with a very bright future, but it’s also a little more casual. The downtown is obviously the more developed of the two communities, with it being the epicenter of all the sports teams as well as major businesses and restaurants. How great is it to have options?
https://www.minneapolis.org/neighborhoods/south/uptown
What’s Around?
The balance between city and nature life is definitely important to me. I’ve traveled to several parks around Minneapolis by two most common being St. Croix State Park and Wild River State Park. Going for hikes here is a great way to take a forest bath and cleanse the mind after a week on the computer.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00253#homepage
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00254#homepage
3 picture (above) from St. Croix State Park.
Wild River State Park
In doing these camping and hiking trips, I often find them as a good opportunity for reflection on areas of my life where I can improve. This is very hard to admit, but as much as I have talked about meeting new people, it has been very difficult to find the time and the money since I am in the thick of my career and it takes up so much of my time. It is something I will continue to work at while living in my new location, but I sometimes can’t help but feel that sense of loneliness at times. Moving around a lot means a lot of friends from different locations, whether that be in Detroit Lakes or Illinois, are seen less often.
I feel like overall, having these experiences keeps my life stimulated in a good way. It brings up both positive and negative emotions for the better, and I only see each negative as an opportunity for growth. But overall, I’ve created a life where I can expose myself to aesthetically pleasing and interesting places, and all this has been a great outlet for me even when I’m experiencing stress.
So I encourage everyone, explore the world around you even if the perception isn’t the most favorable.
I will continue to update on any new cool places I find in the future.