I remember years ago when Darrin Nelson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings how he complained how there was so little to do in the Twin Cities. He had come from San Francisco and thought this was the hicks. I don't think he had experienced life here, but was going by what the West Coast thinks of the Midwest.
We might not be "hopping" like the coasts, but last time I checked the entertainment page was full of things to choose from. The positive thing about the Twin Cities is that we can get to these events without all the hassle of some of those major cities. Our prices are also more "reasonable." You might even be able to go out for a drink after the event.
I always find I need to sell the Twin Cities to those coming here. They have no idea of what we have to offer. We have events that are free, those you can participate in, sports, nature, "big town" events and "small town" events. What other town do you have a lake in the heart of the city and can see boats people have made out of milk cartons and watch them race? Do you know of another town where they dump snow on the streets and create a cross country skiing race? Try to name another city where there are so many theaters. We support college and professional athletics. You can get in your car and within 2 1/2 hours view the largest body of fresh water in the world. Camp, hike, eat, shop, run races, veg out, it all can be done without much cost not far from your home. Feel like you have escaped, when you have just turned the corner.
A few years ago we went to visit friends in Chicago. Every time they took us for an "outing" we faced traffic, toll booths, and crowds. We went down to see their Lake Michigan and said "so." We went shopping on their "gold coast" and said, "We have the Mall of American. They took us to eat at Wild Fire. We hated to say it but we did, "We have one of these too." They did beat us when they showed us the White Sox ball park, but next year we will have one of those too.
Compare and contrast and you will see we have a lot you can do over the weekend here in the Twin Cities. If anything we have an image problem to over-come.
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