Minnesota, what a place to live!

About three months ago I had the pleasure of chatting on the phone for about 1/2 an hour with a prospective relocating buyer. Now this buyer was potentially moving from Chicago but was concerned about our climate. She was very unaware of the similarities in the climate of our two communities so much so that I think she was trying to get me to answer whether we had grass or if she would need cleats for her ice boots year round! Where did she say she was moving from?!

She continued to ask me about local activities and if there was anything to do up here. If you know me well, you know I passionately talk about a lot of things but when it comes to knowing this great state that I grew up in, I get a little juiced up when I get to share my knowledge.

I have to tell you, after some recent events in my life, I wish I had the chance to talk with her for the first time all over again. If I had that chance, I would share these three experiences with her:

Experience #1: The Minnesota State High School League Boys Basketball Tournament.

The B-Ball Tourney is nothing new for me, in fact, my dad and I were talking and we have only missed one year since I was a freshman in high school. We were on a family vacation out of state the year we missed. That means dad and I have shared our annual tradition for 18 years. Wow, how time flies. This year was one of the best sets of games we have seen in recent years. Every year it seems we talk about the Red Lake vs. Wabasso game that we witnessed during the late 90's. It was a multiple overtime game with both teams scoring in the 100's. I don't think any game will ever top that one! Minnesota puts on quite a tournament every year featuring some very good teams.

Experience #2: My daughter in the great outdoors in March.

We have been having a very early spring complete with some temps in the 70's but the day I witnessed my daughter on her scooter on our driveway, the temps were more February like than June like. She decided she should put on her snow boots and helmet and ride around the driveway a bit. Now this normally would have been a great March activity if her main article of clothing wasn't a leotard. I think the neighbors were pretty close to calling someone. Note for my new Chicago friend: In Minnesota you can get by with hopping on your scooter in March in snow boots and a leotard.

Experience #3: Target Field (And the Twins too!)

Wow! Did I say wow? After painfully sitting for years in the blue plastic seats of the Metrodome which are more appropriately positioned for a monster truck rally, the fans of the Minnesota Twins are in for a treat that may just bring a tear to the eye. My brother-in-law Brad and I witnessed this past Saturday's Twins exhibition game at Target Field against the Cardinals. The weather could not have been more perfect. The food was great, the seats were pointed at home plate, and we got to see multiple jet airliners pass between us and the occasional white fluffy cloud in the mostly bright blue sky. There are so many perfectly planned little details around the stadium.  One of my favorites was seeing the photos of all of the fans and small town ball fields throughout Minnesota at the Town Ball Tavern. If you haven't made plans yet to see the stadium, make sure you make it a priority this year. You can still get tickets at the Twins official website or you can visit stubhub.com to buy tickets from a season ticket holder.

Don't forget, you don't have to be a relocating buyer to take advantage of and appreciate all our state has to offer. I have already been having a blast in 2010 and we haven't even gotten the boat out yet!

Leave a comment and share with me some of your favorite Minnesota experiences!