Watched this protected bikeway being extended towards our home, still a few blocks away. I appreciate being physically separated from traffic. About 200 miles of on- and off-street bikeways make Minneapolis one of the most bikeable cities in the country.
Category: Minneapolis
Retro Building, Retro Recording Format
Spotted this unusual industrial building on my random cycle ride. The curved brick corners suggest that it was built in the 1930s. The name of a company founded in 1931 was displayed above the entrance. Today’s occupant, Noiseland Industries, supplies millions of vinyl records every year, custom-manufactured by a partner in France.
The Power of Soul
Bettye Lavette sold out the Dakota tonight. We’ve been following her for 20 years. Even at 77, she keeps developing her art.
Finding the Buddha
While cycling along a North Minneapolis residential street, I came across a stupa (the bulbous white structure) and the sitting Buddha in the yard of a house. Elsewhere there were dozens of lotus sculptures and prayer flags. Via Google I learned this is a monastery.
Mill Ruins Park
My friend and I walked on elevated boardwalks through Mill Ruins Park, which tells the story of the early days of Minneapolis when wood and flour mills lined the Mississippi River. The bent remains of an iron railroad trestle once supported steam locomotives.
A Cardboard Kingdom
On my cycle ride, came upon a cardboard village and castle. A camp counselor explained this was part of a summer camp, and the kids were on the other side of a hill practicing sword fighting. Later, one team will storm the castle while another team defends it.
The Mystery of Traxs Studios
I’ve cycled past Traxs Studios in a residential neighborhood many times. Today, I stopped and Googled it. It has no Internet presence and just a handful of mentions with no further explanation. Click through to see what I saw when I peered through a door.
Contrasting Frame
I prefer not to cycle through puddles so I went for a walk. Here, Hennepin County Government Center frames Minneapolis City Hall, a juxtaposition of 19th century form and 20th century efficiency.
A Favorite Spot for Breakfast
Paused for cooked-to-order breakfast sandwiches beside Lake Harriet. Nearby, mothers relaxed with their young kids, and a four-person book club sometimes discussed the book.
Milwaukee Avenue Historical District
On my way to Coastal Seafoods for my 20% senior discount, paused to admire the lovely car-free Milwaukee Avenue Historical District. In the 1970s, the federal government planned to replace this neighborhood with apartment buildings, but clever local resistance forced the feds to back down.