Collapsed 35W Bridge Rebuilt in Minneapolis, Other Projects Lagging

Last August, the collapse of the 35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis captured national attention. Though the loss of life was significantly less than it could have been, the idea that a collapse could and did happen had people cringing and gritting their teeth whenever their crossed any bridge.

A new bridge was being planned within hours of the demise of the old one. Local politicians pushed for and received federal funding to aid in both the clean-up and construction of a new span. The new structure was slated to open at the end of this year, but finished ahead a schedule. I drove across it for the first time this morning. It…well…looked like a bridge, but I guess that was what they were going for. Nothing spectacular, but seemingly sturdy.

Here’s the problem I have with the new 35W Bridge. It was completed quickly because politicians and the Department of Transportation’s had their necks on the line. Meanwhile, the Wakota Bridge, connecting the Twin Cities to the eastern suburbs and Wisconsin has been floundering in a state of half-completeness for as long as I can remember. On separate occasions, engineering mistakes and a budget crunch have halted work for months at a time. Sure, the new 35W bridge is awesome, but out of the spotlight, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is lacking. Readers: Is your state’s DoT as inept, or is it just me?

Three Things the Press Coverage of RNC Didn’t Show You about the Twin Cities

I’ll admit, I was a bit excited that the Republican National Convention was held in Saint Paul. Not for any political reasons, but because the Twin Cities (where I’ve lived on and off throughout my life) might get a bit of positive press while in the national spotlight.

But it was not to be. Downtown Saint Paul became a “Green Zone” with most residents and visitors forced to remain outside. Things were noticeably tense elsewhere around town as well. The news coverage of events outside the Excel Energy Center was focused on the widespread protests and the heavy handed response of the police. That’s not good press for the cities’ tourism industry.

Trust me, most autumn days in the Twin Cities are quite pleasant. There are no men in helmets spraying mace and tear gas indiscriminately. Usually, Saint Paul’s finest are busy enjoying the stereotypical pastry, accompanied by the appropriate hot beverage. As it should be. Here is what the coverage of the RNC didn’t show you about St. Paul and Minneapolis.

1. They didn’t show you a theater scene that goes well beyond Garrison Keillor’s snooze-inducing A Prairie Home Companion. In fact, Minneapolis has more theaters per capita than any other place in the US, except New York. On a given weekend, there is everything from a big budget Broadway-style show to several experimental works to performances of classic American plays.
2. Prince isn’t the only musician in town. The Purple One just started getting AARP Magazine, but the next generation of talent will continue to heat things up. Underground hip-hoppers Atmosphere have started a scene that has turned into something heavy on music and lyrics and light on thuggery (call it rap for people who don’t like rap).
3. Sure, there is the Mall of America. It’s what Minnesota is most famous for, besides the accents in the movie Fargo. But it’s the coffee shops, neighborhood restaurants and lakes of South Minneapolis that really feel like an urban vacation spot.

So there. The Twin Cities are a nice place to visit. Just give them a miss next time a political convention comes to town.

St. Paul to Party All Night for RNC

If you are looking for an all night party, head for the Twin Cities next weekend.

Seriously. It’s the RNC, but even if you are affiliated with another political party, be it of the mainstream or fringe variety, it might be worth the trip.

In a bid to bring more convention dollars into the area, St. Paul’s city council decided to allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. That’s two hours past the usual last call. The catch: the bars would have to pay a hefty fee to the city.

But, because there haven’t been many owners willing to pay, Saint Paul is consider lowering or even waving the fee.

Yes, you’re right. That means there will be plenty of places where you can play drinking games with Wolf Blitzer and hit on Mrs. McCain until 4 in the morning.

But the scene in MSP isn’t really about politics. It’s about more important things like patios, nice weather and beer.

The Twin Cities are full of beer lovers and therefore, a good brew is never far away. Sure, the hard bitten political journalists might stay with the usual low-ball of scotch, but there are plenty of spots with local microbrews and Belgian beers with easily mispronounced names on tap.

And, because it’s early fall, the weather is neither hot and mosquito-infested nor freezing. Drinking on the patio is a favored local pastime at places like The Happy Gnome (pictured). Hopefully, convention-goers won’t be taking over places like this. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll simply be joining in the fun.

Twin Cities Prepare for RNC

The roads have been repaved, the bars stocked and the popcorn swept out of the Excel Energy Center’s aisles. It’s only a few days until the Republicans storm the beachhead and impose their flag waving and slogan chanting on the good people of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

It might seem odd that a state that usually votes Democrat when it comes to president is playing host to John McCain. Sure, Minnesota has a Republican governor, but he’s more of a centrist than McCain, and his opponent in the last election had so much baggage that he laid down and gave up halfway through the race.

No, the RNC is not really about politics for the Twin Cities. It’s about a couple of underrated, mid-sized cities trying to get some respect. It’s about showing off the nightlife and restaurants (hey Andrew Zimmern chose St. Paul over New York, so there must be something good about the eating scene). It’s about showing the nation that Chicago isn’t the only game in the Midwest.

To be clear, the convention will be in Saint Paul, but, Minneapolis (pictured above) is a mere 10 minute drive down Highway 94. Logistically, at least, they can be considered different parts of one big city. I’ll be in the Twin Cities next week, letting you in on some of the cities’ highlights and, perhaps, bringing you a report on the crazy nightlife habits of young Republicans. Stay tuned.

Fall Into St. Paul

I’m going to follow after Erik, who left us a list of links, just hours ago today on some of the best spots to experience fall. Having taken a look at the two lists I must say I’m surprised St. Paul. MN didn’t make the cut. I just spent three days in the city for the first-time ever and nearly fainted from such delightful fall beauty along the Mississippi River. I could very well be deprived from my living in Florida, So. California and Hawaii the last nine years of my life, but I thought the scene in St. Paul was something right out of a fairytale book. What I’m offering is my first-hand account of the seasonal grandeur and if you so happen take my advice before things take a turn towards the cold take a walking tour of the Summit-Selby neighborhood. Long known as a meeting place for people and ideas since the 1850’s, there are rows of Victorian-style mansions as well as small cozy homes mixed together. Famous names associated with the area include F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, August Wilson and Garrison Keillor. Really, it’s an area beyond enchanting.

If you’ve got the chance to make a run from a nearby area or somewhere just teeny ways further off, I’d throw Minnesota on your list of autumn destinations, NOW! St. Paul is just one of many fab Minnesota spots to watch the leaves breeze down from their branches to the ground. Check the Minnesota tourism bureau online for more recommendations statewide.