Minneapolis : Medtronic Marathon and Harvest Time Barn Dance
Posted by admin on Sep 16, 2008
Minneapolis skyline over the waterfront - Courtesy drewhensel.org
Spread across both sides of the Mississippi River and lying to the North of the confluence of Minnesota River, Minneapolis forms the biggest city in the state of Minnesota. It verily adjoins the capital city of Saint Paul to go on to form the largest metropolitan area in Upper Midwest US. The City of Lakes that emerged from the two mills built close by St Anthony Falls and near to earlier Indian settlements takes its name from the Indian word for water minne to which the Greek suffix polis got added to create Minneapolis.
Water bodies abound in this region. Twenty or more lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi riverfront, countless creeks and waterfalls, interconnected parkways of the Chain of Lakes and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway – all make Minneapolis an abundantly water rich city. Hydropower has been used here since ancient days. Subsequently the timber and flour mills also got powered by water energy making it the “the greatest direct-drive waterpower center the world has ever seen.”
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul border each other as well as share many of the same political, educational, and cultural institutions. Some interesting places to visit in Minneapolis include Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, First Avenue, Metrodome, Uptown, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute Of Arts, French Meadow Bakery And Cafe, Lake Calhoun, Hard Times Cafe, Minnehaha Falls, Dinkytown, University Of Minnesota, Quest Night Club, Nye’s Polonaise, 7th Street Entry, Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge, Chino Latino among others.
Minneapolis is a modern thriving American city with lots of entertainment and colorful cultural festivities that get celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. The city is all set to celebrate its 150 years of existence in 2008. Its the downtown area that predominantly hosts a number of city events and offers fascinating points of interest. There are umpteen sightseeing and fun activities continually being organized to keep the city spirits up and about. Besides the galleries, museums and shopping, the city scape flaunts beautiful parks and green spaces enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Minneapolis parks are well planned and situated all around the city.
The well defined skyline compliments the towering lush trees over the water front creating a unique blend of man made and natural environment. The large urban centers are quite unique especially because of the skyways that connect a number of tall buildings providing breath taking views of the city from atop. Visitors can also go in for a range of exciting options that suit them like golf, biking and casino gambling that are all part of the city life here. Alternatively if one is looking for a more relaxed holiday then there are cabins and house boat rentals for secluded getaways. Both the waterways and the mountain trails offer exclusive retreats from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Minneapolis is a city of contrast and excitement. People are friendly and outgoing and there is a sense of community feeling. A number of hotels cater to every kind of budget and can be found in many great areas of the city. It is best to check out the Downtown Minneapolis hotel site that will help you to find the right place to be comfortable in besides opening the doors to the great American landscape here that is full of myriad exciting possibilities. You can make your choice as per your taste and inclination.
Once here you will recognize the great role played by the city in terms of education, economy, health care, innovation, the arts under a progressive government. Minneapolis remains the commercial center of one of the largest farming areas in the United States and has one of the largest grain exchanges in the world. Together Minneapolis and St Paul form the largest city in Minnesota. Even so they remain very different from one another. While the larger city of Minneapolis is the quintessence of the glistening modern American city, the more spaciously laid out St Paul, built on terraces above the Mississippi, has preserved something of the character of an old frontier town. Features common to both cities, however, are their extensive parks and their economic importance as centers of the electronics, printing and publishing industries.
The city has an upbeat entertainment portfolio and the list of varied events lined up may take you by surprise. All through September you have a number of concerts, shows and performances that remain heavily booked well in advance. It would be a good thing to ensure tickets before hand if you are keen to enjoy a few of them. Apolcalyptica, Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick, Railroad Earth, Little House on The Prairie, Bucket Head and Eagles are some of the exciting events that you might want ot see for yourself. Besides there is to be some sporting action also. Check out for Minnesoto Golden Goophers vs Florida Atlantic Owls or HHH Metrodome Football – what ever catches your fancy.
Minneapolis plays host to fabulous events that include musical shows and art fairs. The widely known bizarre water festival attracts both locals and tourists. As does the famed Winter Carnival that is a regular draw each season. The Minneapolis Greek Festival offers a taste of Greece. This festival that takes place in September features Greek dancing, food, shopping in support of the local Greek community. Not to be missed is also the Harvest Time Barn Dance - an annual hoe down celebrating the American culture of the wild west, with square dancing and jig music from popular bands, along with traditional food and auctions of cultural items. This is a wonderful way to truly experience the American west and its hugely popular with the locals. By far the most appealing event is to be the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon scheduled for October 5 along the scenic route around the lake areas and the Mississippi River. With the average temperature to be in the mid 60s the race is bound to be the nation’s most beautiful urban marathon. Take your pick while in Minneapolis.