A love letter to Minneapolis (Issue #79)
And why I never plan to leave ❤️
Hi friends!
For many teens and young adults, dreaming about leaving their hometown feels almost inevitable—a rite of passage tied to setting bold intentions for their future. But for me? The idea of uprooting my life and starting over somewhere new has never held much appeal. Listen, I moved every year until 7th grade, finding “home” in various cities across four states. I was in 4th grade when my family finally landed in Minnesota. Now, as I approach 30, I can confidently say: I’m not planning on leaving.
Minnesota has been pedestaled in the news lately (thanks, Tim Walz), and it’s had me reflecting on why I keep choosing this place as my home. Beyond the obvious anchor of having my friends and family here, Minnesota (and Minneapolis specifically) has some unique perks I can’t imagine living without.
A few highlights:
You get the perks of city living with easy access to some of the best parks in the country. And with all of the state's lakes, rivers, and streams, Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.
We still have room for improvement, but the progressive politics here aren’t something to take for granted.
The diversity here has really increased in recent decades, and while income disparities still exist, many communities are strong and connected. There is lots of rich culture, including our Somali-American population which is the largest of any state in the country!
Climate change might still be coming for us (hello, wildfire smoke, floods, and hot summers), but at the very least, we don’t have to worry about hurricanes.
Compared to other major cities, homeownership is at least a hope. This past spring, Zillow ranked Minneapolis as the 3rd best market for first-time homebuyers.
See the vision? Now, let me turn you on to a few of my favorite things to do in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
For Foodies
The food scene here is shockingly good. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve eaten my way through the best of the best, and these trendy spots live up to the hype:
Porzana - “Upscale Argentinian steakhouse offering wood-grilled meats plus wine and cocktails.”
Diane’s Place - “A Hmong American full-service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, with dinner soon to come.”
Colita - “Modernized Mexican eatery specializing in housemade moles, BBQ from around the world & cocktails.”
Tongue in Cheek - “Inventive, sustainable New American dishes & craft cocktails in cool quarters with a retro vibe.”
Dario - “A new Italian restaurant with global influences.”
For Something Low-Key
Okay, so you’re in Minneapolis, but something too expensive or trendy just won’t do. You need a Michigan Star Restaurant! I first heard the term on an episode of A Thing or Two with Claire and Erica. A “Michigan Star” is a neighborhood gem—unlikely to win a national award but beloved for being reliable, affordable, and stress-free.
Blue Door Pub - Home of the Blucy, a blue cheese stuffed burger I’ve loved for a decade.
Lago Tacos - Affordable prices and a fried avocado taco you can’t miss.
Quang - From Pho to bánh mì, I’ve never ordered something that wasn’t amazing.
The Lowry - I used to live within walking distance, and for a while, it was my go-to takeout spot. :)
For Seasonal Fun
Minnesota’s four distinct seasons mean there’s always something new to do:
For Fall – Fall Harvest Orchard (I wrote about them in my October edition of P.S.).
For Winter – Check out the European Christmas Market at Union Depot.
For Spring (if it’s warm) – Stroll through the Lyndale Rose Garden.
For Spring (if it’s colder) – Step up your cinema game with Minnesota Orchestra’s Movies + Music series.
For Summer - Go Blueberry picking at Little Hill Berry Farm.
There’s so much more to love here, but I’ll leave you with these lists for now. If you ever plan to visit, shoot me a message and I just might curate a special list of recommendations for you. 👀
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
Netflix: Starting 5
This new documentary follows several NBA All-Stars (including Minnesota’s own, Anthony Edwards) throughout the 2023 season. Last year was my first full season as a certified Basketball Fan™, so I’m excited to check it out!
Movie: We Live in Time
I saw this with a friend a few weeks ago, and I credit it for making me an Andrew Garfield fan. The film has a slow, slice-of-life feel that I really enjoyed. Be forewarned, the story is high-key Sad™️, but the acting is phenomenal and well worth the watch!
Podcast: Unread
This podcast was created by fellow Twin Cities podcaster
and it’s unlike anything I’ve listened to before. In December of 2019, Chris received an email from his friend Alex, which began: “i am writing to let you know that when you receive this scheduled email, i will no longer be alive.” At the bottom of his message, Alex included a link to a private SoundCloud account. The podcast follows Chris’ journey through the digital breadcrumbs Alex left behind.
Add some adventure to your week, and check off as many as you can!
Here are a few suggestions on how to reacquaint yourself with where you live, no matter how well you know it:
Visit a restaurant you know very well, and order something on the menu you never get. If there are multiple menu items you have yet to try, bring a friend and share a few things between the two of you!
Create a photo journal of your neighborhood at different times of day. First, pick a small area to focus on—maybe a few streets, a park, or a local market. Next, make a plan to capture how this area changes throughout the day. Try to document things like the morning light and the start of daily routines, the midday hustle or quiet moments, and the evening ambiance as lights come on or people gather for events. To take this bucket list item to the next level, complete this project over the course of a year and see how the spot changes with the seasons.
Host a 'locals-only' potluck or gathering to celebrate the hidden treasures of your area. Ask everyone to bring a dish or something that represents their personal connection to the place. It could be takeout from a local restaurant, a recipe that reminds you of where you live, or anything unique to your area. In addition to the food, encourage guests to share stories, photos, or even small souvenirs from their favorite local spots—like an undiscovered park, a quirky business, or an overlooked historical fact. It’s a fun way to discover the cultural richness around you, while fostering a deeper sense of community. Plus, you might end up with a list of new places to explore!
Things to try + share in the group chat.
Chocolate-Covered Banana Bread Blondies from @mersgoodeats - Honestly, the recipe title sold me on its own. I’m in love!
I’ve been following the musical adaptation of The Notebook for a while, mostly because Ingrid Michaelson wrote all the music 👀. This video of Joy Woods performing My Days came across my feed, and something in me shifted. I’d love to make it my new karaoke go-to, but it seems sooo difficult to sing, so no promises on that. 😂
To help me find hope through my grief, anger, fear, and frustration following Trump’s presidential win, I’m looking outward for guidance. When have things felt this frightening before? And what happened in those moments? Read more about this journey (and how I found comfort in Brazil’s political history) here.
Have a great weekend!
Want to stay connected between now and next Friday? Don’t be a stranger!! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Know someone who you think would like Sincerely, Celisia? It would mean the world if you could help spread the word by sharing this newsletter through the button below!! <3