Below are some of the things that I saw in and around our neighborhood while on my morning stroll. It really made me appreciate where we live.
Bonus Question: It’s pumpkin spice season! Starbucks first introduced the pumpkin spice latte (or PSL, to insiders) in 2003, beginning the popular trend of these nostalgic product offerings each autumn. Fun fact: There was no pumpkin in the original recipe—only cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
Which of the following is NOT a pumpkin-spiced item for sale in the U.S.? (answer at end of post)
A. Oreos
B. Hummus
C. Pop Tarts
D. Cough drops
E. All of these are real
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Cochran Park and The Commodore (our home)
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The Germanic American Institute. I’m taking
German language classes here! |
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James J. Hill House. Completed in 1891, its 44,000 sq ft
is still the largest home in Minnesota. |
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Louis “Louie” Hill house next door. He was
James J.’s eldest son and successor |
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| Downtown St. Paul |
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| Minnesota State Capitol, Soldiers and Sailors Monument |
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| Cathedral of Saint Paul |
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| Minnesota History Center |
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| St. Paul College |
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W.A. Frost patio. Consistently voted one of the
best outdoor dining areas in the Twin Cities |
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| The Gnome—our favorite outdoor dining patio |
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| The YWCA, where we work out |
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| The Blair Arcade and Nina’s coffee shop |
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| A good place to watch a game, also with a great patio |
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St. Paul Curling Club, founded in 1885–
the oldest curling club in Minnesota
and the largest in the U.S. |
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| Mississippi Market Co-op |
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| The University Club |
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| Architect Cass Gilbert residence, 1 Heather Place |
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| Part of the neighborhood turkey flock |
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| Our favorite ice cream shop |
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| Cafe Latte, a Grand Avenue institution since 1984 |
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| Mitchell Hamline School of Law |
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Minnesota Governor’s Mansion. The ribbons around the
tree are the colors of Annunciation School in Minneapolis |
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| Kathleen’s childhood home, 1009 Portland Ave. |
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| Fire Station No. 5, 860 Ashland Ave. |
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| Vertical Church, previously SteppingStone Theater |
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| Obama School, 707 Holly Ave. |
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Mrs. Porterfield’s Boardinghouse, 513 Summit Ave.
My favorite house on this historic street. |
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| Holly Tot Lot, 519 Holly Ave. |
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| Lamplighter statue, 461 Holly Ave |
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| Leaves are starting to turn |
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| On Wisconsin! |
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| Pickleball at McQuillan Park |
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| F. Scott Fitzgerald birthplace, 481 Laurel Ave |
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| Sweeney’s, our favorite watering hole |
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| Former St. Paul Academy, 25 N. Dale St. |
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Overlook Park. The eagle sculpture came from atop the
New York Life building and is the oldest in St. Paul. The Smith
Ave High Bridge over the Mississippi River is on the left |
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| Boyd Park Playground, Selby Avenue |
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| Get it? |
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Nathan Hale Park. Fun fact: Hale had no connection
to Minnesota. His famous final words before being
hanged at age 21 by the British for spying became a
rallying cry for the American Revolution: “I only
regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” |
Bonus Question Answer: E—All of the above. Other pumpkin spiced products include: Beard oil, SPAM, toothpaste, lip balm, toilet paper, deodorant, marshmallows, cat litter, salsa, Goldfish, Twinkies, cream cheese, gum and dog treats.
