Aug 08, 2014

 

Thumbnail is a night shot of some of the skyline visible from near our hotel. The Foshey Tower on the left was once the tallest building in Minneapolis .... a long time ago I'm thinking.

 

Heading out this morning feeling fresh and enthusiastic. A shot with an interesting mix of buildings on our way to breakfast at the 'HenHouse Eatery' which was delicious after a big sleep in. We ultimately nearly walked our legs off today, so much for having a quiet day but we decided we like Minneapolis. It sort of has a Chicago feel about it in that there are lots of different architectural styles in buildings without really detracting from their neighbours. There were many low rise Art Deco examples again around 3 - 4 storey only but also much higher with beautiful brickwork and lots of much newer interesting shapes and styles which works well together.

 

And a street sculpture after we turned into the walking Mall with foot traffic only except for buses and emergency service vehicles. Lots of eating options here as well as the majority of retail options and also connected overhead by walkways to many shopping malls in the 1st storey of office buildings.

 

Great efforts have been made to incorporate lovely leafy areas around hotels and residential apartment areas. Loved it. This is one near the Hyatt Hotel and many apartments on our trek to the Loring Park and Sculpture Park.

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And I found this squirrel which was so still I thought it was a cute sculpture in the park until I saw the fluffy tail and it managed to stay still long enough for me to fish out the camera. Yay.

 

There were many areas for sports activities on our way to the Sculpture Park as well as some pretty gardens and this is a shot across some gardens to the bridge across some water.

 

And the apparently world famous Spoon and Cherry Sculpture which we hadn't heard of until last night.

 

Heading back to the city area we came across this lovely fountain where we sat to cool off and enjoyed seeing the local children cooling off in the water.

 

A nifty address (1221) and a quirky view of the building and it's neighbours.

 

Another interesting street scape.The building with the big veranda looking extension is the new Public Library.

 

The ancient Stone Arch Bridge.

 

And a shot of St Anthony Falls, dam and lock to the left hand side. Quite a level drop in the lock.

 

And a shot of the Guthrie Theatre from the rear but I just didn't have it in me to find the front.

 

This area was known as the Mills Area where flour was milled for many years and these ruins at the front are pretty much all that is left and the buildings behind are now apartments. Looks good.

 

And last but not least, figured you wouldn't believe us if we told you there was a power station next door to our hotel in the middle of Minneapolis so here is a shot to prove it. Hotel left hand side, power station on the right.

Bits and Bobs:

We were having a coffee in a Caribou Coffee shop today and amongst a lot , of other guff we read we came across some words which pretty much describe Norm and I and how we seem to have the capacity to egg each other on and have come up with what we think describes us ...... " When What if runs away hand in hand with Why not". Ha ha, be interested to see if our kids agree with that statement!

 

All but one we saw were on the leash.

 

A cute idea in the middle of a predominantly residential apartment area.

 

And a temporary fix ... I hope.