The Happiest Place in America - also healthiest, most livable, and bike friendly? Pt. 2/5
In 2017 alone Minnesota was ranked the #1 “happiest” state in the US, and the Twin Cities were ranked #1 in terms of livability, bike friendliness, and most healthy/active. Yet for so many, Minnesota is still an expansive blank. It’s a handful of stereotypes and assumptions wrapped in a snowy mystery.
Attention on this region can be obscured, especially in a country absorbed in national affairs. However, even within Minnesota, culture isn’t entirely defined by its residents as it continues to take shape. But, that culture is emerging as the North proudly thaws from that mystery. I’m excited to share my insights regarding the broader cultural characteristics of the North Star State. Click here for Part 1
Minnesotan culture is:
2) Supportive of Locals
Building off of the interconnectedness between urban and rural communities, there’s an appreciable amount of hospitality afforded to local endeavors in Minnesota. In fact, a crucial component of Minnesota’s livability is the voice claimed by its citizenry. Minnesotans are fiercely supportive of one another, from the biggest development projects and business initiatives to the smallest neighborhood meetings and church gatherings. While local support is omnipresent among nearly every facet of Minnesota life, its manifestation is most noticeable in these core areas:
Local businesses – If you can dream it, you can do it… in the Twin Cities. Although cities such as Chicago, NYC and LA are often considered among the most culturally variated and commercially diverse cities in the country (perhaps even the world), the price of rent and cost of living in these areas has increased so much that aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and chefs have started looking elsewhere to pursue their passions while cultivating a following. A common example of this: the flourishing food scene in the Twin Cities. You know Minnesota is doing something right when James Beard Foundation winner and Daniel Boulud protégé, Gavin Kaysen, decided to leave NYC to start his own restaurant, Spoon & Stable, in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District. The culinary offerings don’t stop there: there is a burgeoning market for local breweries. Housed in an old brick factory in St. Paul’s Midway industrial area is Dual Citizen Brewery, opened by Portland transplants Max Filter and Tim Kessler. The Twin Cities offer it all; food halls, community kitchens, farmers markets, elixir cafes, fermentation bars, and endless food trucks to suit even the most unusual culinary curiosities.
Local involvement – Having spent ample time in both Chicago and LA over the years, it’s easy to see first-hand how sprawling metropolises will push for economic growth and expansion at all costs and, consequently, without much input from citizens who may become affected or disadvantaged by such growth. In my experience, this is by far the exception rather than the norm in Minnesota. Whereas public servants and elected officials are beholden to the public’s concerns and opinions, this same care and attentiveness is often afforded by private entrepreneurs as well. For a recent example, developer Peter Kenefick recently announced a possible plan to replace several of his restaurants in the Summit Hill neighborhood of St. Paul with multi-story retail and rental properties. For many urban Americans, this story is all too common: the neighborhood they once lived in becomes radically transformed by powers unknown. Rather than move full steam ahead and leave neighbors in the dark, Kenefick worked with the Summit Hill Association to arrange a community meeting and learn about residents’ concerns over the potential plan. The Association is but one such engagement group of many in the Twin Cities: community and development councils are present in many Twin Cities neighborhoods and are happy to welcome new members of all backgrounds.
Local activities – Finding entertainment in the Twin Cities is an effortless task. The famed First Avenue & 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis is home to a steady stream of musical talent across practically every genre, while both Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to an abundance of theatres ranging in focus from opera and orchestra to improv comedy and drama. The Twin Cities also feature a number of festivals and carnivals throughout the year, with tons of neighborhood festivals including Mac-Grove’s Grand Old Day Fest, Longfellow’s Music and Arts Fest and the Open Streets series. And of course, the Minnesota State Fair which attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually.
Several weeks after the start of each new year, Minnesotans brace the frigid temperatures and flock to festivals such as the Winter Carnival in St. Paul to witness the city’s magnificent ice palace and sculptures, and the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival. For the politically motivated, rallies and marches in the Twin Cities (and especially the State Capitol in St. Paul) are commonplace and voice concern about a range of pressing issues, from women’s rights to police violence. It’s incredibly easy and common to fill free and social time with local activities.
Part 1 - Minnesotan Culture
For the full article please visit my website Local North
All pictures are either my own or sourced from Pexels - free stock photos.