in the Twin Cities, but you can't beat the atmosphere and general weirdness of the original. Pay close attention to the hand-drawn signs- created by store employees, they're not to be missed!

Reason #8:Grand Avenue & Grand Old DaysFirst-rate shopping and food, character, and charm are all to be found in this beautiful, historic neighborhood of St. Paul. And once a year they pull out the stops at their annual Grand Old Day Celebration, where folks from all over the state gather, drink, listent to music, and shop in St. Paul's first rite of summer.

Reason #9:The St. Paul Winter CarnivalWhile much of the rest of Minnesota goes into hibernation for the winter, St. Paul folks have a party! A treasure hunt, ice palaces, cultural celebrations, ice sculptures, and agiant snow slide! Past carnivals even included rides on sleighs pulled by bears and moose, and a toboggan slide where riders would clock in at around 80 miles per hour.

Reason #10: The Ordway Center for the Performing ArtsHost to the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Shubert Club and presenter of major Broadway shows, this world-class opera house in the center of downtown St. Paul is a hotspot for arts and culture.

Reason #11:Swede HollowThis quiet little ravine on the east side practically drips in history. Massive oaks, the foundations of old chimneys, and an old train trestle are some of the only things left where many of Minnesota's very first settlers set up camp (literally) when they first arrived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Reason #12: