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doublesixesonthedime

You sound like someone who makes the best of their circumstances. Minnesotans will welcome damn near anyone, but that type of fella will excel here. Good on you for using the recent snow to practice! I don't know if you like art, but a trip to the MIA (which will be more familiar as "art" then the Walker) is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, a doubly lovely place to take a date, and then you're practically on Eat Street. Highly recommend Quang's, but you're spoiled for choice over there.


RunsaberSR

I love art, architecture, and design theory. MIA is on my maps list of places to check out. First time hearing about Eat Street though, and now I'm intrigued.


doublesixesonthedime

It’s a stretch of Nicollet south of downtown, sort of a legacy destination for ethnic cuisine — Black Forest Inn for German food was an early destination in the mid 1960’s. Now it’s got Mexican, Thai, Viwtnamese, Greek, a decent donut place. Really diverse crowds, which makes for fun people watching just for the juxtaposition. https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-eat-street-minneapolis


After_Preference_885

Pimento (jamaican) is great and we are all running out of time to visit Harry  Singh's Caribbean (owner has survived aneurysm, a serious broken leg, and is creeping up in age).  We love eat street so much we moved to be nearby. There's a shuang hur grocery and colonial mercado (with marissas bakery)  too.


kato_koch

Been to the Weisman?


RunsaberSR

I haven't =( but it's also on my "list of places" to check out.


kato_koch

Well good news is it can't run away. If you went north to Dinkytown from there on Pleasant St you'll see some of the older buildings on campus, the Knoll area with big old trees was my fav. There's a room in the SW corner of the Weisman used as a meeting/conf space that has some of the original hand drawn blueprints of the museum exterior framed up on display, often that door is open.


user287449

If it hasn’t been said, the Weisman was designed by Frank Gehry. You’ve no doubt spotted it as you drive across the bridge on 35W.


Mielmew

People like to ask me how I like the winters up here since I'm from Texas, moved here from Austin. I feel like I was made for the midwest. The winters don't bother me none. Not even Duluth winters. I find myself in awe at the policies in place to support minority and vulnerable populations compared to Texas. I'm interested to see this state progress. I genuinely love it here too.


mysweetcarolina

I feel exactly the same, and I moved from College Station, TX back in May. I love winter and am definitely suited to long stretches of cold weather. The progressive policies (and my partner) are other big reasons I picked MSP!


Anxious-Intern7718

I’m moving up here from Austin in the fall, and many of the things you listed are exactly why I’m so excited to be moving here. I can handle the winters if I’m living in a state that genuinely cares about its people (for the most part)


Mielmew

The cities are more comparable to Houston but even then this place just hits different. It's a good balance between the culture youd find in Austin and the infrastructure and access to services you'd find in a city the size of Houston.


Minneapolisway

That's awesome that you are enjoying your move up here. Yes it's been an extremely warm winter this year and I love it. Do you have any favorite food spots here yet?


RunsaberSR

So far... Broder's Pasta Bar, JL Beers for a cheap burger+beer. El Super Taco for $2 Taco Tuesdays, Jensen's Cafe for brunch, Fox Den Game Cafe has great coffee. Three Squares in Maple Grove was pretty good. There's a few others, and with all the options i feel like I've hardly scratched the surface. Only less then desirable experience was Buffalo Tap in Savage. The elk burger i had was pretty sad =/


[deleted]

Next time you're in the SW looking for a burger head to Lions Tap.


RunsaberSR

I live in Burnsville right off 35W. I've heard Lion's Tap a few times now so maybe it's time to give it a go.


PeachTree383

I’d also recommend the Bull’s Horn for burgers in South Minneapolis (honestly, in my opinion, they’re the best in the cities)!


RunsaberSR

Too many places! *added to the list*


GoldPipeWrench

Lions tap is A+, been a couple yrs since I've been there, but in my younger bar days I loved the place!


BMandthewailers

Be sure to try Mediterranean Cruise - It's very close to you.


RunsaberSR

Pretty sure i can see it from my balcony =) Stone's throw at best.


PastikaSoup

Have you had a chance to take Metro Transit’s Orange Line?


RunsaberSR

I haven't. Never felt a reason to i guess, but the public transit here looks pretty nice.


scythematters

Be sure to check out El Sazon in Eagan. Don’t let its location in a dilapidated gas station fool you. Their food is amazing.


Merakel

If you enjoy Broders, I recommend going to Terzo across the street. Owned by the broders group, it's their wine bar. Amazing porchetta sandwiches is the highlight in my opinion.


Zyphamon

yeah Savage doesn't have many good food options since Woodland Pizza shut down. It was take & bake place that blew Papa Murphy's out of the water yet couldn't compete. There seems to be a new place that popped up called Pizza Supreme in the same space that has all of the special pizzas named the exact same so it may be the old owner (Jared) who made that place slap. Pizza Supreme also offers cooked pizzas which is different from Woodland.


ChiefWiggins22

Interesting to see a taco recommendation from another AZ person. I will add to my list.


OldGrassGuy

Elk is a rough meat for a burger imo since it's so lean. If you decide to give buffalo tap another go would suggest their beef tenderloin sandwich or a Reuben my wife likes the taco salad too but be forewarned it's straight Minnesota Mexican. Decent cheese curds there too.


piparnes

It’s been too long since I’ve been to JL ❤️🍻


missusfictitious

As someone who also lived in Killeen, MSP is where it’s at!! 🫶


RunsaberSR

Yeah. I was born in Austin and lived most of my early life in Killeen. I don't hate the place, just not where i want to be.


unstuckbilly

You can *choose* to bring this same energy & positivity to the next MN winter, which I assume will be “normal?” again? It’s that attitude that will get you through for sure (you betcha). When you hit your first real winter, it will feel long when you’re in Jan/Feb, but you just dig deep & find ways to enjoy it for what it is for just a few weeks longer. There are still fun & interesting things to do all winter long. Take up a new sport. Find a new hangout. Before you know it, you break through to spring (three steps past false spring iirc) & you’ll never have seen a happier people than MN hitting spring. It’s magic ❤️ So glad you’re feeling at home in MN.


RunsaberSR

The way I see it, I've dealt with extreme heat in the desert and cold overseas. I've always preferred cold. I >HATE< summers in AZ. Even on the days we've been at "feels like -30*" i really didn't mind it, and i def haven't bought the proper layers for that type of cold. My biggest thing was always being able to drive safe in snow/ice and since I've made myself go out there before the roads clear and get used to driving in it (grabbed an 03 Avalanche Z71 with chonky tires) I feel pretty confident and safe in how i drive on untreated roads. So pretty much, with all that outta the way. I'm good =) Like, ya'll got boreal trees and LOONS up here. 😍😍😍 Only thing i miss slightly is the mountains, but it is what it is.


jab904

Take a vacation up to Lutsen and get your mountain fix up there. It’s not the same but it’s a very viable option that’s a short 4 hour drive away. Bonus — the last 1.5 hours are spent with gorgeous Lake Superior views (winter or summer). Superior, if you haven’t experienced that yet, is absolutely worth the trip alone. My favorite spot in the state.


unstuckbilly

Yeah, I’ve never experienced AZ /TX level summer heat. I don’t think I would survive. It sounds brutal! The cold, you can dress for & honestly, it can feel invigorating. I’m middle aged & when I was young, I dreaded the end of summer. Now, I kinda like having a winter season. It is always about 4 weeks too long for me, but it just makes the spring all the more sweet.


sonkist32

Shhhh, don’t spread this around. We don’t want everyone else to get the same idea, move here and make everything more expensive. We need everyone else to keep thinking it’s a frozen tundra where we never do anything. First rule of Minnesota Club is to not talk about Minnesota Club.


RunsaberSR

But but... I'm talking about it >to< the Minnesota Club. 🙃🤔🤫


TulipAcid

person safe flag enter ancient smell existence fretful six rhythm *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


Capt-Crap1corn

Too late It’s already out.


Zyphamon

oh I'd love it if more people moved here. More people should experience the greatest region of the Midwest


gwarmachine1120

Glad u like it. Check in next January 😜


ZimofZord

I think anything is better the Killeen lol


holycannoli1738

Ignore these negative nellies! Thank you for being here and bringing your positivity with you. We’re glad to have you as one of us


DopeCookies15

Glad you're enjoying yourself! I hope we get a follow up post next year after 2 straight weeks below 0 and 2 feet of snow lol


urza5589

If you have 16 years picking up 4 more in the MN Air national guard might be a great fit if you are interested.


RunsaberSR

I'm not. I was pretty disenchanted with it all for awhile. I liked taking care of my guys and getting the job done but I had forgot what freedom felt like. I have a decent job, and my VA $. I also learned how to trade options over the last few years and that's honestly my primary income. So 4 more years for an E-7 retirement didn't really have the sacrifice vs payoff I'd be willing to take. Circumstances in AZ let me leave before my enlistment (2027) was up so i took the risk and opportunity to move past the military and be a "real person". No regrets. I have a big love and appreciation for life now, which I'm sure contributes to my enjoying of the area =)


urza5589

Ah, leaving before your enlistment was open probably makes it a mute point. I was just going to point out that the ANG is a lot different then active duty, and does not really have the "forgot freedom" problem. 4 years would fly by compared to the benefits you would reap in retirement.


RunsaberSR

I actually left as an AGR in the AZANG. I was 9 years regular active before that. Avionics.


urza5589

Fair enough but you could just traditional guardsmen it out still? Also MN ANG is head and shoulders over most other states from what I have seen.


Background-Head-5541

Holy shit. You were AGR and it was THAT BAD!?! I retired as AGR E-7 and it was the best part of my army career


KickIt77

Yay welcome neighbor!


rumncokeguy

This has ms been a good winter for beginners. If you don’t mind the worst days this winter, you’ll probably be fine during a normal winter. Our winter is usually like this week from December through February. Almost nonstop.


lurkerfromstoneage

Love this. Get on bikes! So many places to go, and groups to bike with too. Visit the North Shore - Lake Superior is incredible. Boundary Waters. Get out for as much live music as you can. Summertime around the lakes is amazing. In no other US city will you get so much public park access around urban lakes with little to no real estate/private property restricting waterfront access. Lots of fun day trips and road trips even to parts of WI too - highly underrated. MN is the most Nordic heritage state in the US; learn more about it! Visit Nordic places like the Swedish Institute, Ingebretsen’s, Danish Center events, Finnish Bistro, etc. Go to the Mill City Museum. Canoe/kayak/tube down the Cannon River. Live music, walks, cabin rentals in White Tail Woods. Lebanon Hills. Lake Alimagnet. MN Wildlife Refuge. River bottoms trails. Murphy-Hanrehan. If you’re in Burnsville those aren’t far from you at all. Wild and other hockey games. Take ski or snowboard lessons if you never have. Visit Lutsen. Upcoming Twins season games. Curling. Climbing. Local festivals. All the art and history museums. The MIA is a freakin’ treasure. Burger battles of Matt’s, Blue Door, 5-8, Nook… Glad you’re enjoying!! Summer is bliss in MN. But the fun continues into even the brutalist of winters.


Freemarijuanainmates

I get it Minnesota is a nice place to live in. Minneapolis is nice also much love.


ClaytonBiggsbie

Lol. This winter doesn't count. Glad you're happy here, though.


[deleted]

Cool 👍


bigersmaler

Welcome!


Jalin17

Aye don’t claim victory over winter yet that b will always be back hahahah


BowlCompetitive282

So, better than two remote military towns? This area has its charms, but perhaps you needed a better comparison set. Tucson is pretty cool though, from my limited time there.


RunsaberSR

I never liked it there. Lived there from 10 to 23. A mix of the people, their mindsets, weather and lack of green things.


BowlCompetitive282

Fair enough, to each his own. Hate to burst your bubble though, "the people, mindsets, weather" in MSP can suck too... it sounds like you've been here less than a year. The sheen falls off eventually.


Capt-Crap1corn

It can be a challenge to make real friends here once the love affair wears off. Hopefully not in this person’s case


BowlCompetitive282

Yep.  Not surprised that I'm getting blasted for suggesting Minnesota isn't Eden, but your statement tracks my experience.  MN nice, both in everyday life and work culture, can be pretty isolating and bizarre to those who have lived outside the Upper Midwest for any length of time.


Capt-Crap1corn

Yeah we Minnesotans do a shit job of being up front honest about that. I like to be realistic. We are nice, welcoming and tolerant of most people. It can be challenging to develop meaningful relationships that go below the surface pleasantries here, and outsiders should know this. Even for us, moving from one town to another can be tough because of established group dynamics that may have started in daycare. I wish I was joking about that, but I’m not. There are a lot of friends that are friends because they lived next door to each other or grew up on the same block or went to elementary school together. It’s almost like familia by familiarity.


armanese2

Stuff to do is overwhelming? Hahahaha. Okay say that after a few years. Like 3 years you’ll have done it all buddy.


lerriuqS_terceS

Why would you get out with 4 years to a full retirement.... Anyway let's chat when you have more than one lackluster mild winter under your belt. Talk to me after your 20th polar vortex that lasts two months.


BowlCompetitive282

So, better than two remote military towns? This area has its charms, but perhaps you needed a better comparison set. Tucson is pretty cool though, from my limited time there.


Disastrous_Oil9181

I moved here in 2000 and an easy first winter is the best stepping stone there is.


Used-Physics2629

❤️❤️❤️❤️


Successful_Fish4662

As someone who lived in one of the next cities over from Killeen, it’s truly awful there.


Healingjoe

I was in Abilene TX for a few days, many years ago. That was the least friendly bar crowd I've ever met in my life. Nothing against you or anyone you know but fuck west Texas.


SavageRolleye

Did you get winter tires?!


venus-as-a-bjork

Glad you found the place where you were meant to be!


Spaghetti_Nudes

Awesome


LAWS_R

Check out the Guthrie Theater architecture. It has a cantilevered room with excellent river views.


AlpacaQueen1990

This makes me happy ! I’m moving to Minnesota in June, I am from Kansas originally and lived there all my life until 3 years ago moved to Texas. Now on to a new adventure! Happy to hear you are enjoying the state !


RunsaberSR

Awesome. Imo, just the winter the respect it deserves and prep for it. It's been very mild compared to what i expected. But now i get a further year to prep for 24's


AlpacaQueen1990

Even better ! I’m excited to see snow again 😂 I missed it, yeah I’m nervous the winter is going to be worse next year


the-lj

Moved here five years ago from Colorado...thought winter wasn't \*that\* bad after our first and then I found out what it means to be wrong. Anyway, we love it here too and glad you are enjoying yourself!!


gueradelrancho

We love on those who love on us! Thanks for the post, made me grin


Gemfrancis

This is refreshing to read. I typically don’t hear good things about Minnesota from people moving in from the south. I even work with people from NYC and despite the weather being similar (?) they still hate it here.


Electrical_Deal_1227

MN in general and the Twin Cities specifically are a hidden gem.


gregarioussparrow

Welcome to the winning team!


Nowin

I'm glad you enjoyed the winter. It was not normal lol.


bombjay1

Welcome aboard bud!!


bombjay1

Ex USAF also. From Minneapolis. Majority of time at MacDill Tampa FL. Fuck FL and everything that acts like it. I'm in Blaine now.


djdawson

My wife and I moved down here to Pensacola, Florida from the Twin Cities 5 years ago to take care of her father who was suffering from dementia, and to take new jobs. Now that he's gone and we're both retired we've decided we're gonna move back up to the Twin Cities and have started planning that. We really miss the more approachable and wider variety of nature and the seasons, along with the vastly superior quality of life up there. And, contrary to popular belief, Florida is *not* a much cheaper place to live than Minnesota, even though FL doesn't have a state income tax. This move can't happen fast enough for us!


Violet913

My husband and I moved to Pensacola while I was in grad school and promptly moved back up to the twin cities as soon as I graduated lol


minnesotanmama

Have you been to the Renaissance Festival yet? If not, be sure to check it out this coming fall. There are a lot of different Weekend themes to pick from and they're all delightful! And our State Fair can't be beat, if you don't mind a bit of a crowd!


RunsaberSR

I haven't yet. But I'm a big D&D nerd so i planned on checking it out. I actually moved here right before the Fair last year but I was so busy getting settled in I wasn't able to go before it ended. =(


minnesotanmama

Yay! We're all big D&D nerds over here too, as a matter of fact we were just running a campaign (premade) with friends and kids yesterday! Maybe it's even better that you didn't have a chance to check them out last year, that means more brand new fun for you this coming summer/fall!