Our theme for the month of October is “states.”

As curated by me, based on my personal experiences, so it’s mostly places in the twin cities area, which is where I live. It’s also a testament to how much I like Minnesota that it was much harder to come up with places I didn’t like than places I liked.

First, the worst places:

Allianz Soccer Field. My biggest issue with this thing is that it’s just too big. It takes up a massive amount of space and visually dominates the area. I like soccer well enough, but this eyesore is making me start to doubt that. Also, every time there’s a game, the parking fills up all the way into my neighborhood. I hate that.

The place on the highway where 35W meets 94. It’s already a tough area to merge over, and I got rear-ended there one time. Everyone was fine, but it did ruin my day. Not a big help for my driving anxiety, either.

The [REDACTED] on 300 Snelling. For a while, I resented this place because I worked there, so it felt like I was there too often. Now, since Starbucks decided to suddenly shut it down, it’s a different flavor of resentment. Despite everything, it was a pretty nice location, and shutting it down is a completely nonsense decision. With these factors combined, it makes me mad to drive past it.

Literally any golf course. It feels like there are so many of these, and while I can appreciate a little ride in a golf cart, I think the course itself is a waste of space and a desecration of the land. I know this is a problem all over the country, but maybe we can start by getting rid of the ones in Minnesota? Pretty please?

Next, the best places:

Ayd Mill road. Love driving on here. If you know, you know. Saw someone once with a bumper sticker that said “I’d rather be driving on Ayd Mill.” I gotta get myself one of those.

The Minnesota Zoo. My spouse has really brought out in me a love for zoos, and this one is among the best I’ve been to. It’s a very reasonable distance away, and my only complaint is that I haven’t been there enough times.

Como Park. This whole area is so pleasant—the park, the lake, and especially the free conservatory, which includes an incredible collection of bonsai trees.

Gooseberry Falls. It seems like everyone in Minnesota says you have to visit the north shore at some point, and when I finally did, this was the main natural attraction I visited. It was gorgeous, and it also has a hilarious name.

Luminary Coffeehouse. My local coffee shop of choice, and a third place in a very real way for me. Starbucks wishes it could compare to her.

My apartment. I’m not telling you where this is, but suffice it to say I like it here a lot. I’m nothing if not comfortable at home. Sometimes I wish there were fewer centipedes, but other than that it’s got everything I need.

Philip Rienstra

Phil Rienstra (they/he) (‘21) studied writing and music, and since graduating has developed a deep interest in labor rights. They currently work at a unionized Starbucks and volunteer with Starbucks Workers United. They’re an amateur chef, a perennial bandana wearer, and an Enneagram 4. He lives in St. Paul with his spouse, Heidi.