Cher’s Photo Favs for 2021
01 January 2022
The World Class City in my Back Yard!
During most of 2021, travel outside of the United States was discouraged and often impossible due to the continued threats by COVID-19 and its variants. When I realized that I had two world-class cities and numerous world-class sites in my back yard – right here in Minnesota – I set out to explore the world and world-class cities just outside my back door. I began by looking at my home town through the eyes of traveler. I asked: what would I want to see if I were visiting here for the first time?
I embarked on Travel Dates with my favorite fellow traveler, my fabulous husband, Skip – as well as other family & friends.
Exploring the World Class Cities in my Back Yard!
Welcome to a 2021-22 version of Cher’s Top Ten Places – & more – to Visit in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, USA – including a section of Farther Afield!
Here are some of my favorite photos – of my favorite places – with links for your further enjoyment in the blogs I wrote about each one.
I love sculpture! Especially I love sculpture as displayed in the gallery of the great outdoors! Not surprisingly, much of my visits and favorites included sculpture!
Sculpture in Ice
Sculpture in Ice
Our year of Travel Dates began on a sunny, cold Minnesota winter afternoon with a drive around Minneapolis in the hunt for the Art In Ice Exhibition by the Mia (Minneapolis Institute of Art) around the Minneapolis parks and lakes.
P.C. Cher B. – 2/2021
P.C. Skip B – 2/2021
“Your Dog“
P.C. friendly fellow traveler. 2/2021
Sculpture Gardens
Sculpture Gardens
Sculpture in the Grand Outdoor Gallery of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum showcases world famous art by world famous artists.
“Blue Cock“
P.C. Mary L. – 7/2021
P.C. friendly fellow traveler. – 7/2021
“Harp“
P.C. Skip B – 7/ 2021
Sculpture in Public Spaces
Sculpture in Public Places
We embraced local history with iconic and revered sculpture in the streets and public buildings.
“Lucy” in Rice Park, St. Paul – by local “Peanuts” cartoonist, Charles Schultz
P.C. kind fellow traveler – 9/2021
“Father of Waters” – aka Mississippi River – in Minneapolis City Hall Rotunda.
P.C. Skip B. 9/2021
“Grain Miller” outside the Pillsbury “A” Mill, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis
P.C. Skip B – 9/2021
Sculpture Honoring Minnesota Greats
Sculpture honoring Minnesota Greats
Minnesota is home to many great people with international fame!
Here are just a couple whose lives and legacy we explored: Mary Tyler Moore, Herb Brooks, and Prince.
Actress Mary Tyler Moore, sculpture in downtown Minneapolis of favorite daughter who made us famous with the the Mary Tyler Moore Show!
P.C. Skip B – 8/2021
Coach Herb Brooks, Olympic “Miracle on Ice” Hockey legend
P.C. friendly cafe server – 8/2021
Prince, iconic Minnesota musician; sculpture outside Paisley Park, his Minnesota home/museum
P.C. Skip B – 9/2021
An Immersion in Famous Art
Immersion in Famous Art
Great art came to town with the Van Gogh Immersion Exhibit I enjoyed with my daughter, Amy, for her birthday.
It was almost like traveling to Amsterdam – but with a whole lot less time – and money!
“Starry Night” emerges
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Amy B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Nature in the City of Lakes
Nature in the City of Lakes
Minnesotans fully embrace our fabulous lakes, especially during the summer.
Our travel dates lead to exploration of the “City of Lakes” – Minneapolis – Chain of Lakes.
It was filled with diversity and surprises in the 5 major lakes: Bde Maka Ska/Calhoun, Cedar, Harriet, Brownie and Lake of The Isles.
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Nature in Islands, Rivers & Waterfalls
Nature in Islands, Rivers & Waterfalls
With the Mighty Mississippi River flowing through the heart of both Minneapolis and St. Paul, we discovered the treasures and secrets of its numerous islands – and the lore of the historic St. Anthony Falls.
P.C. Cher B 8/2021
P.C. Cher B 8/2021
St. Anthony Falls & Hennepin Island, Minneapolis
P.C. Cher B 8/2021
Nature in Gardens & Cemeteries
Nature in Gardens & Cemeteries
Minnesota is filled with beautiful landscapes and natural settings. We explored these settings not only in luscious Gardens but also enchanting Cemeteries
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Friendly Arb Gardener – 9/2021
P.C. Cher B – 9/2021
Scandinavian Roots
Scandinavian Roots
Minnesota is home to many Scandinavian immigrants, including all four sets of my Swedish grandparents.
Exploring my Scandinavian Roots began this year at the American Swedish Institute, the Norway House and Swede Hollow Park.
P.C. Karen B – 5/2021
P.C. Cher B – 5/2021
P.C. Michele H – 5/2021
Tall Places with Grand Views
Tall Places with Grand Views
Showcasing the mighty Mississippi River and magnificent architecture, we had the opportunity to enjoy scenic views from tall places!
Raspberry Island from the law library at the St. Paul Government Center
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Stone Arch Bridge from the Guthrie Theatre
P.C. kind fellow traveler – 9/2021
Foshay Tower Observation Deck
P.C. Skip B – 8/2021
Magnificent Places of Worship
Magnificent Places of Worship
Minneapolis & St. Paul have magnificent places of worship with art and architecture which I believe rival many places in Europe.
Pieta replica at St. Paul Cathedral
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. fellow traveler – 8/2021
Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis
P.C. Skip B – 8/2021
Grand Government Buildings
Grand Government Buildings
We often think of government buildings only for their function.
We were instilled with awe and pride as we discovered the grand architecture and sculpture we discovered!
St. Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Government Center
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Minneapolis City Hall & Hennepin Country Government Center
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
Farther Afield: St. John’s University & Abbey
St. John’s University & Abbey
A good Travel Book always includes a section of Farther Afield, stepping just outside the main cities.
For us, this included a day trip to St. John’s University & Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota – about 1 hour northwest of the Twin Cities. It is easily accessible by car via an interstate highway. Highlights were seeing some of the areas for which it is famous (besides being a great university!)
P.C. Skip B – 8/2021
St. John’s Abbey world famous Bell Tower
P.C. Cher B – 8/2021
St. John’s Potter, Richard Bresnahan
P.C. Skip B – 8/2021
Dining & Drinking
Dining & Drinking
Travel is incomplete without sampling the local culinary delights!
We enjoyed local breweries, quaint outdoor cafes and lots of ice cream shops!
P.C. our kind server. 9/2021
P.C. our kind server 8/2021
Ice Cream near St. John’s University
P.C. Our kind server 8/2021
As we move forward into 2022. . .
We plan to continue with our Travel Dates in the exciting places in our backyard. We’ve barely scratched the surface!
After two years of sticking close to home, we ventured out into the world in January 2022 with time at the sunny, white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach Florida and a southern Caribbean cruise.
Charamana Consulting 
WOW we did cover a lot last year. Looking forward to new adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!! Thanks!
LikeLike