Minneapolis memories

July 12 will always be a special day to me, because on this day, 18 years ago, we became grandparents.  And what a joy it has been watching Toby and his sister and cousins grow and prosper.  Little did we know in 2003, that 18 years later we would be halfway across the country on our second cross-country move.

Sadly closed today...

Today we spent sight-seeing in Minneapolis, a city neither of us had spent any time in. Our plans were to go to see Minnehaha Falls in the park of the same name, and then check out the amazing Mall of America, but after doing some reading we thought a visit to the old Mill District would be interesting as well. Minneapolis is home to General Foods, General Mills, and Gold Medal Flour. Of course, the district was right on the Mississippi, where the mills had been, and there was a Mill City Museum, which, sadly, was not back to its pre-covid hours. The area has been gentrified, with expensive condos, restaurants, and Mississippi views. 

Then, it was off to Minnehaha Park and the Falls. An unexpected fun moment was listening to our GPS try to pronounce Minnehaha.  The park was lovely, and well maintained, and filled with lots of families and day-camp field-trippers. The path to the Falls was down 113 steps (yes, I counted), but it was well worth it, even though what goes down must come up, and that includes 113 steps.

The Falls

After the park, we-OK I- decided I had to see the house that was used as Mary Richards (MTM’s character)’s house in the series. Carl indulged me once  again, amd we were both so glad, because that house is in a spectacular, very upscale neighborhood surrounding a beautiful lake, with some views of downtown in the distance.

Mary Richards Lived Here

Downtown Minneapolis

And then, our last bit of sightseeing was to the Mall of America(R). Just your normal mall, if the normal mall has 4 stories, and an amusement park in the center. Surprisingly, even after the pandemic, most stores were open, and were oversized versions of the stores that are seen in most malls. The Lego Store took up all four levels.

We have changed our plans, and have a very long day of driving planned for tomorrow. Instead of going to St Louis for 3 nights, we are going to Lake of the Ozarks for 3 nights, and then just one night in St. Louis.

Thanks for taking time to read my blog. Feel free to write comments. I’d love feedback.