BUYING LOCAL
Like Shia LeBeouf said, "Just do it!"
Over the past year I've become very passionate about supporting local businesses and companies that portray positive values. I try to think back on what sparked this change but I don't think it was any single instance. I honestly believe it developed from just living in Minneapolis. Minneapolis has so much character it blows my mind. Since moving here in the fall of 2013, I have lived in Uptown, Northeast, Southwest and now South (Tangletown) Minneapolis. Every area/neighborhood has it's own unique personality. A personality that is so different than others across town.
After having lived in these areas, you grow to love them and want them to always remain how they are. Take Northeast for example. Living in NE feels like a smaller city that's nestled right up against a large one. Once you cross the river into NE the atmosphere changes. Life slows down, things are less corporate and people are down to earth (there are exceptions). A mixture of young couples, working class, long-term residents and some 'weird' people is where NE generates its character. If you enjoy it, why change it? Why not support it? Keep the money in your community to help it progress and grow.
Northeast is great because there are local businesses everywhere, many of them being food and drink. Skip Chipotle next time and hit up El Taco Riendo on Central Ave. Authentic Mexican dishes that far surpass burrito bowls and has a friendly staff that is genuinely happy you are there. When you get thirsty, instead of grabbing a case of watered-down domestic beer pick up a growler from one the many (maybe too many?) breweries in Northeast. Drinking beer that is as fresh as being tapped yesterday is a delightful treat. Try the Peanut Butter Porter from Dangerous Man, it's one of the best beers I've ever had.
Not only are you exploring the great tastes of Minneapolis, you're also putting money into the pockets of your friends and neighbors. This isn't limited to just food and drink either. If you enjoy reading, head to Magers & Quinn in Uptown. Interact with a real-life person discussing books you enjoy and those you recommend. Get the opinion from somewhere other than a five-star rating system. Need a new a winter jacket or pair of boots? Instead of going to a big box store and getting pressured into signing up for a credit card while you're there, check out Midwest Mountaineering on Cedar Ave. An outdoors shop ran by legitimate outdoor enthusiasts; people who know what they're talking about. Added bonus: If you're a penny-pincher, head upstairs to Thrifty Outfitters where they have killer prices on name-brand closeouts, samples and used gear.
Need a new mug, dining set or table piece? Head to Northern Clay Center on Franklin Ave. While you're in that area, if you're in the need for some new muscles stop by Los Campeones Gym, literally one of my favorite places in all of Minneapolis (more to come on that soon). Vinyl is making a huge comeback, check out Extreme Noise Records and The Electric Fetus to pick up some tasty jamz. Need to find out which of Ramona Flowers' ex-boyfriends is trying to eliminate Scott Pilgrim next? Unfortunately Big Brain Comics recently closed, but Comic Book College in Uptown is pretty rad.
You better get your hair cut before the holidays. Let the ladies of Cryptid Hair Parlour do their magic and make you appear attractive. Aren't you supposed to provide something for your family's holiday meal? Clancy's Meats has killer pickled herring and smoked meats that'll up the ante on that pre-meal snacking. Don't forget about the beverages. Eastlake Brewery, Surly, Fulton, Bent Paddle, Castle Danger, Fitgers, etc etc etc... The list literally does not stop.
Right now is the perfect opportunity to shop local. Instead of driving to the mall, bundle up this weekend and explore the businesses around you. I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience more.
A few more of my favorite local businesses:
-Angry Catfish
-Taco Cat
-Hub Bike Co-op
-Surly Bikes
-All-City
-A Baker's Wife
-Maeve's Cafe
-Five Watt Coffee
-Glamdoll Doughnuts
-Ruff Love Dogs