20 Dog-Friendly Patios + 10 Reasons I Love Minneapolis + Bad Jokes

Hiya,

How's your week going? You're halfway through punkin'! Me? I'm feeling squirrelly today, which you'll see in Exhibit A: this week's newsletter. I'm not even going to tee it up. Let's roooolll!

Once upon a time, last Saturday morning, Bea and I were taking an old person's drive around Lake Minnetonka with our Folgers and ginger snaps (jk it was Starbucks but my Grandpa drank Folgers so it seemed better for the story). N-E-WAYZ, we were dawdling around town and I thought out loud, "Would I want to live in one of these mansions, or one of those quaint 2-bedroom homes tucked back in the neighborhood?" Then I answered myself out loud (which I do frequently, because what's better than a conversation with yourself): "Nope. I love Minneapolis."

That got my wheels turning. So I'm sharing a few reasons I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE WITH MINNEAPOLIS, AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT — with my hands covering my face like when I watch scary movies, because I know I'll probably take heat for some of it.

Before you go gettin' your panties in a bunch, I know they're generalizations. I also couldn't possibly name every amazing thing about this city. I want to hear yours toooooo! What do YOU love about Minneapolis?

1. The people aren't pretentious. IMO, it's the best of the Midwest at all socio-economic levels. People are kind, non-judgmental, curious about you, and incredibly down to earth.

2. I love all the walkable pockets within each corner of MPLS. They're like hot pockets. But bigger, and they're not full of pepperoni and cheese, and they won't burn the roof of your mouth. Every pocket feels like its own little ecosystem. You can walk to coffee, dinner, a bookstore, brewery, park, or bike shop.

3. We have lakes, and lush green in the middle of the city. I can canoe and picnic and frolic like Julie Andrews in the morning, and drive 15 minutes to a super hot spot for cocktails in the afternoon.

4. Speaking of cocktails, the food and drink scene is robust like your mom.

5. We're diverse and inclusive. Unless you're an a-hole. Then you can take your tight little tush to some other town.

6. It's cozy to me that the houses are closer together. People sit on front porches and stoops and say hi. We have real blocks, with free little libraries, and the one neighbor with a chicken coop, and the other with free dog treats.

7. We've got a legit music and arts scene and personally I love the smaller venues. Where I can see the white of the musician's eyeballs when they connect and riff off one another.

8. I love how hearty we are in the winter. It's a total brag.

9. I love that neighbor is a verb in Minneapolis.

10. I will forever be proud of what I witnessed during the ICE surge last winter. Neighbors showing up for neighbors with their hands and feet, and whistles.

That last one is the version of Minneapolis I want to be part of. It's the energy I try to bring to my work, too. A recent client wrote something about working with me through a major life transition that left me undone. She put words to what I aspire to bring to every relationship in this city.

I've heard people outside this city ask if it's safe here, or make assumptions about what Minneapolis is like. That question is always interesting to me ("interesting" is such a Minnesotan thing to say, I know).

I dunno about you, but I feel more than safe here. I feel connected and grounded and at home in Minneapolis.

Honestly, there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Especially on a sunny patio with a cocktail and a dog at my feet.

Speaking of which…

20 of the best dog-friendly patios and restaurants across Minneapolis and St. Paul

I spent last few week sniffing out (couldn't help it) every Twin Cities patio where your dog isn't just tolerated but genuinely welcomed. We're talking yoga mats. Three-course dog menus. A peanut butter cookie that arrives the second your pup does. One spot has heated floors. FOR PAWS. I cannot make this up.

Some of these I expected. Some of them made my jaw hit the patio table (a few James Beard-level fancy spots quietly let your dog tag along, and no, I will not spoil which ones here).

I put all 20 in one guide, with hours, addresses, and what to order. Enjoy! xox - Jen

🐶 Why did the dog sit in the shade? He didn't want to be a hot dog.

🌭 What do you call a dog that can do magic? A labracadabrador.

🐾 Why are dogs bad dancers? They have two left feet. (And two more left feet.)

If you didn’t know, Perfect Match Properties is the real-estate arm behind The Minneapolis Edit—and one of the Twin Cities’ most trusted boutique teams.

Whether you’re dreaming about your next neighborhood, wondering what your current home might be worth, or just exploring what’s possible, I’d love to help you.

Let’s start a conversation 💃

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