Top Best Things in MPLS According to Ilia #bye

Well Minnie, it's been really real.  Your watery wonderfulness has infiltrated this ice cold heart and you will forever remain my home. 

But, not physically my home because I'm currently leaving you for sunny SoCal.  So you know, you're still home like in the way people say "home" in movies and shit.  You get it. 

I realize that most of these things are specific to me but, this is my blog so get outta here if that's not cool with you.  Also though, you might learn something about this fabulous city so stick around. 

Here I will list my top 10 favorite things about Minneapolis (and I will try not to cry)

1. Family 

This goes without saying but, needs to be said; I have the most incredibly strong family anyone could ever choose for their champion in a trial-by-combat.  They are stubborn and wise and generous and I'm a sappy sap just thinking about being far from their energy.

I am leaving a mom who makes Rosie The Riveter look like a wimp, a brother who raised 3 incredible girls by working his goofy ass off and having a heart of gold. Having a wife who could walk a tight rope and paint a portrait at the same time doesn't hurt either.  You two are masterminds.  Anyway, I will miss you all so incredibly much and I know you think I love the dog (I do love you Leo SO MUCH) more than anything but you're all wrong.  You are my heart and if anyone tries to f*ck with you I'll be on that delta nonstop so quick it'll be like I was here all along. 

2. The People

Minneapolites are some of the most creative people I've encountered in my life.  They are driven and kind and won't take no shit.  This city seems to generate the type of people who are innately thoughtful and confidently themselves.  I've been inspired by so many people in this city and for that I am forever grateful. 

3. Friends

I take my friendships very seriously, just ask the males who have come along trying to be fuckboys.  The women in my life are there because they are tough bitches who love fiercely and are unapologetically themselves. 

I have some great ones here in Minneapolis and I am the luckiest girl alive to call these women my friends.  They have been there when I'm disgusting and being a huge narcissist and they've been there when I'm being a sappy sap.  I have never in my life been more accepted for being me as I am today by my best friends.  

I will miss you so much. It hurts my heart to think about not being able to pee with the door open so we don't have to pause our conversations.   Please come visit me like, tomorrow. Today. Come visit me today.  Come now.  

4. Uptown

If you're one of those people that are like blah blah Uptown sucks blah blah then I probably don't know you because Uptown is great - it's not perfect but who the eff wants to hang out somewhere that's sterile.  Not I.  

Uptown has been my home for three years, longer than anywhere else in my adult life and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.  The bustle of the lakes mixed with the incredible offerings of local beer and food is enough to keep me, but alas I have to leave you for a while Uptown.  My favorite spots are listed below in case any new Uptown-ers stumble upon this. 

Ilia's Uptown Faves

To Sit All Day: Dunn Brothers

Coffee for a Lake Walk: Isles Bun & Coffee

Lake Walks: Lake of the Isles

Water Sports/swimming: Lake Calhoun

Thai Food: Amazing Thailand

Rooftop Beer: LynLake Brewery

5. The Music

Alabama Shakes at Harriet Island

From Rock The Garden to Music in the Park to First Ave and Skyway - Minneapolis music is THE BEST.  There are local shows daily and when summer rolls around wooooo you better get your ass out to some shows.  Whatever genre of music strikes your fancy, you will find some live music to enjoy in this city.   I have such fond memories of jazz at The Dakota, Lissie's residency at Icehouse, Beirut at Cabooze and seeing Alt J at the Myth.  I could probably just use this space to list out all the great shows but I won't belabor my point.  Minneapolis music culture is poppin' - do your research and shake ya booty this summer.  DAMN IT I'LL MISS THIS.  Alabama Shakes on Harriet Island is pictured above - one of my favorite outdoor shows to date. 

6. The Food

Black: Coffee & Waffle Bar

Minneapolis has an incredibly diverse food culture.  Yes, brunch is probably the most popular food-related past-time and rightfully so, but Minnie offers a mean dinner as well.   I likely spent 80% of my income on exploring the food scene in Minneapolis.  With breweries like Surly offering delicious eats to food trucks on Nicollet, there is so much to chomp on.  Pictured above is Black Coffee & Waffle Bar.  I recommend the coffee and waffles.  If you're reading this and it's lunchtime - head to Pizzeria Lola or Young Joni and get yourself a delicious wood fired pizza.  If there's a wait it is worth it.  Now I want pizza. 

7. Summer

As I sit here in the airport waiting to depart my city - I think about how amazing Minneapolis is during the summer.  One of my favorite things to do is strap on my rollerblades and maybe a swimsuit and have a little roll around the lakes before jumping in what is usually pretty cold water.    The greenline makes for easy bicycle commutes to work or wherever your heart takes you including all the way to St.Paul.  I may be biased - but Minneapolis does summer right.  The Minneapolis Farmer's Markets are particularly pleasing to me.  Not to mention block parties, outdoor concerts, movies in the park, running the lakes, hiking, breweries, swimming, etc.  You get the picture.  Minneapolis summer = the best. 

8.  Halloween

Halloween if you all don't know is pretty much my favorite thing ever invented.   It took me roughly 10 minutes to settle on these two pictures because there are SO MANY GOOD ONES.   Minneapolis offers some awesome events during October to commemorate Halloween or as I like to call it "All Hallows Eve".   There will absolutely be live music, zombie crawls, drag shows and more for you to get your costume on in the city.  Take an uber!  Don't be dumb. 

Zombie Crawl Downtown Minneapolis

BroadCity costumes 2015 Minneapolis Halloween

9. Union Brunch 

For a good time, Union.  Get there by 11am to get a good spot and don't forget your sunnies.  This place is without a doubt my absolute favorite place to be on a Saturday or Sunday.  There's a DJ, bottomless mimosas and a retractable ceiling so you can admire Minneapolis from up high.  I have had some gooood (too good?) times at this local gem and the Drag Shows they host have never disappointed me.  This is not a bad place to celebrate Halloween if you so choose - but I prefer to dance and drink on any old weekend.   Dancing is required. 

10. Lake of The Isles

I have to give a special I love you to LOTI because it has been a saving grace for me in my nearly 4 years in Minneapolis.  I've run around this lake a billion times and somehow it never got old. 

 There was the time we tried to take Christmas pictures at the lake with my cat (pictured above)and ended up on a cat chase in the backyard of what I assume was a 4 million dollar home.  No trespassing fines were assessed.   

If I wanted to read that's where I'd go, if I wanted to run, bike, rollerblade, walk, chat, eat, drink. Lake of The Isles was my refuge and I will miss it like it's an actual human that gave me hugs sometimes. 

As passionate as I am (some call it dramatic - WRONG) Minneapolites are wild about their city and I will miss being one of you very very much.   Bye for now.