This week marks the 25th anniversary of my move to Minnesota. I moved here to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. For four years, it was the home where I made art and memories with people who continue to be a part of my life to this day. Some have moved away, but they made my time here worth it.
I stayed in Minneapolis after college because I liked it here. It may be cold in the winter, but spring, summer, and autumn make up for it. Early on, the novelty of being near the Mall of America had yet to wear off. I visited often during those yearly years of my twenties to ride the rides and shop. Now, I avoid it for the most part unless I need something I can only find there, which I guess makes me more of a local.
I went to my first Twins game in 2002 when they were still sharing the Metrodome with the Vikings. I became a huge fan and miss the days when I could get a $2 dome dog, but nothing compares to Target Field. Built in 2009 and opened in 2010. You can’t get a better view of downtown Minneapolis anywhere.
Many memories have been made at that stadium. I had season tickets for a couple years, and though I have given up my seats, I still visit a couple times every summer.
Some other local places I love are the Como Zoo and Conservatory, Minnehaha Falls, and Vali-Hi Drive In (though it did not survive the pandemic). Local restaurants like Pizzeria Lola, Pizza Luce, Soho Cafe, Glam Doll Donuts, Dunn Bros. Coffee, Sebastian Joes, and Nico’s Taco Bar are mainstays in my foodie adventures. Above all, I love the Minnesota State Fair. From the food to the animals to the midway, the fair never disappoints.
Can you remember where you were when Prince died? I was at work and I went downtown with everyone else in the Twin Cities to hang out in front of First Avenue, the local music venue that hosted Prince and the Revolution throughout the eighties, to celebrate his life in music. If you aren’t aware of that bit of local history, Prince shot part of Purple Rain at First Avenue.
Minneapolis has a great music scene. Turf Club, Lee’s Liquor Lounge, and First Ave are just a few of the venues that I love seeing live tunes. The State Theater is the place where I saw my favorite band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Turf Club is where I was introduced to the local music scene in 2001. First Avenue is where I watched Soul Asylum and The Suburbs, among so many others.
Though most of my birthday festivities during my 30s were spent on the road while I traveled, many a friend have showed up on the occasion when I decide to stay in town. Fun memories made at Red Dragon restaurant and Mystic Lake casino are cherished to this day.
25 years of ups and downs. Of friends made during baseball games and parties, art museum tours and brewery taps, and concerts and hikes around various lakes. It has been a wild, crazy ride. I have no idea what the future holds, but I’m looking forward to it.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
This week marks the 25th anniversary of my move to Minnesota. I moved here to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. For four years, it was the home where I made art and memories with people who continue to be a part of my life to this day. Some have moved away, but they made my time here worth it.
I stayed in Minneapolis after college because I liked it here. It may be cold in the winter, but spring, summer, and autumn make up for it. Early on, the novelty of being near the Mall of America had yet to wear off. I visited often during those yearly years of my twenties to ride the rides and shop. Now, I avoid it for the most part unless I need something I can only find there, which I guess makes me more of a local.
I went to my first Twins game in 2002 when they were still sharing the Metrodome with the Vikings. I became a huge fan and miss the days when I could get a $2 dome dog, but nothing compares to Target Field. Built in 2009 and opened in 2010. You can’t get a better view of downtown Minneapolis anywhere.
Many memories have been made at that stadium. I had season tickets for a couple years, and though I have given up my seats, I still visit a couple times every summer.
Some other local places I love are the Como Zoo and Conservatory, Minnehaha Falls, and Vali-Hi Drive In (though it did not survive the pandemic). Local restaurants like Pizzeria Lola, Pizza Luce, Soho Cafe, Glam Doll Donuts, Dunn Bros. Coffee, Sebastian Joes, and Nico’s Taco Bar are mainstays in my foodie adventures. Above all, I love the Minnesota State Fair. From the food to the animals to the midway, the fair never disappoints.
Can you remember where you were when Prince died? I was at work and I went downtown with everyone else in the Twin Cities to hang out in front of First Avenue, the local music venue that hosted Prince and the Revolution throughout the eighties, to celebrate his life in music. If you aren’t aware of that bit of local history, Prince shot part of Purple Rain at First Avenue.
Minneapolis has a great music scene. Turf Club, Lee’s Liquor Lounge, and First Ave are just a few of the venues that I love seeing live tunes. The State Theater is the place where I saw my favorite band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Turf Club is where I was introduced to the local music scene in 2001. First Avenue is where I watched Soul Asylum and The Suburbs, among so many others.
Though most of my birthday festivities during my 30s were spent on the road while I traveled, many a friend have showed up on the occasion when I decide to stay in town. Fun memories made at Red Dragon restaurant and Mystic Lake casino are cherished to this day.
25 years of ups and downs. Of friends made during baseball games and parties, art museum tours and brewery taps, and concerts and hikes around various lakes. It has been a wild, crazy ride. I have no idea what the future holds, but I’m looking forward to it.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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