My TC Top Ten

Just Another Day In Paradise  

Because the happenings of this world are boring me right now, I will submit for your approval/ridicule/debate my list of the top ten places in and around the twin cities to spend four hours.

1. First Avenue Nightclub: Night-in and night-out this place embodies the lost soul of the music industry. As you walk through the doors, you are transported back to a time when club managers considered more than how much money a band makes the club that night, when bands poured their hearts out to the audience, and when bands said nice things about a club because they actually liked it. Come as you are easy-going scene, stiff drinks, and great music... my idea of nirvana.

2. Minneapolis Farmer’s Market: While four hours may be overdoing it a bit here, it would not be that hard to spend two or three on a nice Sunday morning. The sights of bright fruit and flowers, the smells of numerous fresh-baked homemade breads and sweets, and the fantastic people watching all combine to make a day at the farmer’s market good for the mind and the body.

3. Lake Calhoun: So you are stuck in a little apartment, without air conditioning? No problem. Go join the people in the know, soaking-up the sun, reading, running, biking, and dog-walking down by one of the most famous lakes in the state. Just be careful to stay-away from the sketchy guys that hang-out next to their motorcycles, or you may get stuck listening to a proud owner recite the specs of his new exhaust system.

4. Midway Stadium: Baseball the way it was meant to be played... outside. We Minnesotans do not suffer through nine months of winter just so we can be sucked into the ‘human habitrail’ (a.k.a the Metrodome) for a ball game. Bonus points: Midway is a great concert venue as well.

5. The Bluffs of St. Paul: Wide paved paths can be found all along the Mississippi river. But the best views of the river are found near the St. Paul downtown skyline. Watch barges move up and down the mighty Mississip, or if your lucky maybe you’ll catch a bald eagle soaring above.

6. Columbia Golf Course: Well designed (if not always well maintained) Columbia offers a great overall golfing experience. Beginners and more experienced players alike will appreciate the interesting layout, numerous water hazards, and abundant wildlife. And as it should be, unlike most private courses, there are no houses on the course.

7. Nye’s, Jitters, and the Times: This three-headed monster of bars in Northeast Minneapolis caters to the 24-35 year-old crowd. You can lounge at Nye’s, dance at The Times, and get a little rowdy at Jitters. They are all fine places to in and of themselves, but just in case “this place is dead anyway,” you can always move-on to the next.

8. University of Minnesota (East Bank): There is so much to do in and around the East Bank of the U of M, that even most college students are busy. The Oak Street Theater is a hidden gem, the Village Wok is a great date spot, the silvery Weisman Art Museum, and who couldn’t use a little more time at the Rec Center. I can’t forget to mention Sally’s and Stub & Herb’s - two U of M institutions.

9. Lake Johanna: Located in New Brighton this decently sized lake was nearly empty a couple of weekends ago on a beautiful day. It is amazing how close Lake Johanna is to the city and yet how far North you feel.

10. St. Anthony Main: The best spot that nobody knows about. On a nice summer night grab your special someone, and stake-out a spot along the mighty Mississippi. There are a variety of establishments ranging from high-class (Vics / Jazzmines) to causal (Tugs). The river, the sunset, and the sky-line combine to produce an amazing panorama of sights.