10 Reasons Why Minnesota is the Best

This bracelet says it all. Minnesota girl. 212 West sent me this bracelet recently and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With a Vikings win and the Super Bowl right around the corner, I am rocking this bracelet all the time. 212 West has both bracelets and necklaces, and tons of words to choose from. I chose ‘Minnesota Girl’ because I am so darn proud of this state I live in.

Minnesota is just the best (yes I am a little biased). But because I have lived in other states and have traveled a lot, I feel like I can say that. Minnesota is pretty darn great. And we are hosting the Super Bowl next month! I can’t wait for everyone to see #theboldnorth in action. Warning – it will look very cold on TV and that’s because it’s really cold in real life too! But there is so much more to Minnesota than the temperatures and the snowfall. The U.S. News and World Report just ranked Minnesota the third best state in the country, and it always hovers near the top (read more about their rankings here). While their reasons are pretty great, I came up with 10 reasons of my own. 

10 reasons why Minnesota is the Best

1. I have to start with the Minnesota Vikings. After Sunday’s game there is no better way to kick off the list. I am still riding the high from that last play. Bring it Home Minnesota! 
2. We have 10,000 lakes (well actually over 11,000) and more coastline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined. The lakes provide a lot of fun during the summer (and winter!) months! and are a big part of our culture. #lakelife
3. There is a phenomenal music scene. First Avenue is one of the most historic music venues and was featured in Purple Rain. Speaking of the purple one, Minnesota is the birthplace of Prince! We also are proud to call Bob Dylan one of our own.
4. The Minnesota State Fair is the best 12 days of the year (in my opinion). If you follow me, you know my State Fair obsession is real. In Minnesota we love to deep fry. And eat love to eat anything that comes on a stick.
5. It’s not that expensive and there are lots of jobs! Sorry to drop a nerdier reason in here, but we have 19 Fortune 500 companies here. Lots of opportunity!
6. There is so much to do outdoors (even in the winter!) We have cross country skiing, ice fishing, hiking, boating, and the list goes on and on.
7. You know I love to shop and we have really great shopping. We are home to both the Mall of America (largest mall) and Southdale Mall (first indoor mall).
8. Our obsession with cabins and going “up north.” Lots of Minnesotans have cabins and go “up north” every weekend in the summer.
9. It’s a great place to eat and drink! We have dozens of breweries and we like our beer local. There are also many award winning chefs and restaurants. My personal favorite restaurant is Spoon and Stable.
10. We’re Minnesota nice. Like actually. We’re just super super nice. 

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*This post is in collaboration with 212 West.