ASR Staff Engagement Survey

With the pause in newsletters for the next two months, we don’t have a new survey this week, but we wanted to share the results from the last survey.

Most of us are feeling pretty good with spring semester wrapping up! When asked for one of your coping strategies for dealing with stress, many folks mentioned going for a walk or a run as well as planning vacations, gardening, and snuggling with pets. Finally, most are planning to travel out of state this summer (68%). Thanks all for your continued participation!

ASR Staff Engagement May 14 Survey

With the end of the semester upon us, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about how we're managing our stress. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, folks are evenly split when it comes to sports! 37.5% of you are interested in sports, while 37.5% are not interested in sports. When asked about music, many of you are listening to classic rock artists, such as Fleetwood Mac and the Smashing Pumpkins, as well as classical artists like Beethoven.

Finally, we asked if you have a special interest, hobby, or niche that your colleagues may not know about. Many interesting hobbies were mentioned from gardening to cross stitching to painting miniatures for tabletop games. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

April 30 survey results

In general, are you interested in sports?

• Yes (37.5%)
• No (37.5%)
• Yes, but only for a specific sport or event (25%)

What music (song and/or artist, soundtrack, etc.) have you been listening to lately?

• Fleetwood Mac. It's time for summer!
• Bad Bunny and Karol G
• Six the musical
• Early 2000s girly pop
• 1960s Psychedelic Rock
• Living Room lofi playlist (acoustic background music perfect for working)
• Bongo Cat (because that's what my daughter insists we listen to 😆)
• Coheed and Cambria
• Noah Kahan

Do you have a special interest, hobby, niche, etc. that your colleagues may not know about? If so, what is it?

• Participating in community theatre.
• Love watching Motocross!
• Coloring by numbers, making stickers and iron-on decals on my cricut, and designing announcement posters/social media posts for my church.
• I collect and sell trading cards.
• Mesh wireless networking (Meshtastic). If HAM radio and texting had a baby, this would be it. Great for being in low/no signal areas such as hiking and camping.
• Pop music trivia.
• I've been really into learning everything about pourover coffee lately.

ASR Staff Engagement April 30 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our hobbies and interests. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most do not enjoy going camping (57.1%). When asked about your preferred outdoor temperature, there was an even split in preferring 66-70 degrees and 71-75 degrees (34.5% each).

Finally, many state parks, such as Minneopa State Park, and national parks, such as Grand Teton National Park, were mentioned as favorite natural areas. Lakes, beaches, and our own backyards received shout-outs as well. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

April 14 survey results

Do you enjoy camping?

• Yes (42.9%)
• No (57.1%)

If you had to spend a day outside, what would be your preferred temperature?

• 60-65 degrees (27.6%)
• 66-70 degrees (34.5%)
• 71-75 degrees (34.5%)
• 76 degrees or higher (3.4%)

What is one of your favorite natural areas (ex. parks, lakes, etc) that you have visited?

• Pacific Northwest
• Door County, WI and the various state parks and nature areas there
• Any beach on the south shores of Long Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• The Icefields Parkway located in the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper
• Joshua Tree!
• Lands End Park, San Francisco, CA
• Devil's Lake (WI)
• Lake Elmo Regional Park
• Niagara Falls
• Lake Josephine

ASR Staff Engagement April 16 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our experiences outdoors. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most do not use a physical calendar (66.7%). Most also prefer to organize by color when given the option (59.3%). Finally, we asked for your most challenging things to organize. Responses were varied, but organizing the basement, kitchen/fridge, and digital files were mentioned most frequently.

Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

April 2 survey results

Do you currently use a physical calendar?

• Yes (33.3%)
• No (66.7%)

When given the option, do you prefer to organize by color (i.e. color coding)?

• Yes (59.3%)
• No (7.4%)
• Sometimes, it depends (33.3%)

What's one of the most challenging things (work or non-work related) for you to organize?

• Extended family gatherings near holidays
• My digital files! Both work and non-work. It's so easy to forget about them when they're not physically staring me down.
• Prepping weekly meals for the week/month
• Incoming snail mail is the bane of my existence
• Kitchen pantry
• Thoughts
• Life!

ASR Staff Engagement April 2 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our topic of staying organized. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most tend to make to-do lists on paper (54.3%) rather than their phone (34.3%) or computer (11.4%). In addition, most say they declutter their workspace on an as-needed basis (37.1%) followed by those who declutter weekly (25.7%).

Finally, we asked about your biggest roadblocks to staying organized. The vast majority of comments mentioned not having enough time or energy to stay organized. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

March 19 survey results

Where do you typically make a to-do list?

• On my phone (34.3%)
• On my computer (11.4%)
• On paper (54.3%)

How often do you declutter your physical workspace?

• Daily (14.3%)
• Weekly (25.7%)
• Monthly (11.4%)
• 1-5 times a year (11.4%)
• On an as-needed basis (37.1%)

What is one of your biggest roadblocks to staying organized?

• Too much at one time.
• Time and energy
• Husband!
• Pacing myself
• Too many things on my plate (metaphorically and physically)
• Project work overload
• Myself

ASR Staff Engagement March 19 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about how we stay organized. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most are planning to do some ‘spring cleaning’ this year (76.7%). When asked if you would rather go to a picnic or a barbeque, the majority would rather attend a barbeque (70%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite ways to spend a warm, sunny spring day. Lots of folks mentioned going for a hike or a walk. Gardening, outdoor activities with friends, and hanging out on the deck were also mentioned frequently. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

March 5 survey results

Are you planning to do any 'spring cleaning' this year?

• Yes (76.7%)
• No (6.7%)
• I’m not sure (16.7%)

Would you rather go to a picnic or barbeque?

• Picnic (23.3%)
• Barbeque (70%)
• I’m not sure (6.7%)

What's one of your favorite ways to spend a warm, sunny spring day?

• Throw open all the windows in the house and sit out on the patio and read and relax. Take the dog for a few walks, then go enjoy a meal on a patio.
• Watching my kid play sports
• Walking around Lake Harriet with my kids!
• Go on a hike with my pup
• Finding a bench or chair along the Centennial Lakes area and reading a book!
• Going for a walk around a lake and sipping bubbly on a nice patio
• On a patio!
• Yard cleanup and gardening

ASR Staff Engagement March 5 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey is spring themed. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey asked about your preferences and experiences with pets. Most consider themselves to be a “dog person” (50%) rather than a “cat person,” while 28.1% report that they are both. Just over half of respondents (62.5%) say that they or their family have owned a goldfish before.

Finally, we asked if money, space, or time weren’t an issue, which type of dog or other animal you would love to have as a pet. Several dog breeds were mentioned, such as Great Pyrenees, Greyhound, and German Shepherd. Many other animals were also mentioned: red pandas, Komodo dragons, ocelots, tigers, and otters—just to name a few. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

February 19 survey results

Do you consider yourself a "dog person" or "cat person"?

• Dog person (50%)
• Cat person (21.9%)
• I’m both! (28.1%)

Have you or your family ever owned a goldfish?

• Yes (62.5%)
• No (37.5%)

If money, space, and time weren't an issue, which type of dog or other animal would you love to have as a pet?

• A maine coon
• Goat
• Calico cat
• Chahoua Gecko
• Dinosaur
• A Kooikerhondje (A small spaniel originating from the Netherlands. They were bred to lure ducks with their long tails. Some also have black ear tips, which are referred to as "earrings")!
• We had a rescue pitbull named Hippo, and I miss her so much! We're not in a position to get another dog right now, but I hope to have another pitbull again some day.
• I would love to have a wildlife refuge... and a big cat sanctuary!

ASR Staff Engagement February 19 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about pets. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Most respondents aced our Valentine’s Day themed quiz. Many were right that it takes about 400 cocoa beans to make a pound of chocolate (47.8%). In addition, 60.9% of respondents were correct that the heart beats around 100,000 times per day. Finally, California and Pennsylvania are home to the most chocolate makers in the US (82.6%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

February 5 survey results

According to the National Confectioners Association, how many cocoa beans does it take to make a pound of chocolate?

• 50 (4.3%)
• 200 (4.3%)
• 400 (47.8%)—Correct answer
• 1,000 (43.5%)

On average, how many times does the heart beat per day?

• 25,000 (13%)
• 100,000 (60.9%)—Correct answer
• 500,000 (13%)
• 1,000,000 (13%)

According to the U.S. Census, which two states are home to the most chocolate makers?

• California and Minnesota (4.3%)
• California and Pennsylvania (82.6%)—Correct answer
• California and Colorado (8.7%)
• Pennsylvania and Colorado (4.3%)

ASR Staff Engagement February 5 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey is a Valentine’s Day-themed quiz. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most respondents have a vacation planned for this year (73.1%). When asked which new language you would choose to learn this year, most said Spanish (42.3%), followed by Italian (11.5%) and French, Mandarin Chinese, and German (7.7% each).

Finally, we asked what you are looking forward to in 2026. We received many varied responses, including trips both within and outside the country, weddings, time spent with family, and more. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

January 22 survey results

Do you have a vacation planned for this year?

• Yes (73.1%)
• No (26.9%)

You are tasked with learning a new language this year. Which language would you choose?

• Spanish (42.3%)
• Italian (11.5%)
• French (7.7%)
• Mandarin Chinese (7.7%)
• German (7.7%)
• Japanese (3.8%)
• Norwegian (3.8%)
• Vietnamese (3.8%)

What's one thing you are looking forward to in 2026?

• Visiting MN State Parks and historical sites with our kids
• A lot of new book releases!
• Peace
• Trip to Iceland!
• Becoming an aunt!
• Trip to Chicago
• My best friend's wedding!
• Seeing Lady Gaga in concert!

ASR Staff Engagement January 22 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our New Year’s theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, just over half of folks made it to midnight on New Year’s Eve (51.5%). When asked about your favorite kinds of dip, spinach artichoke received the most votes (27.3%) with guacamole and french onion dip tying for second (21.2%).

Finally, we asked for one of your favorite books, shows, games, or movies that you experienced in 2025. We received lots of great responses in each type of media, such as The Gales of November (book), Andor (show), Vampire Survivors (game), and Weapons (movie). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

January 8 survey results

Did you stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve?

• Yes (51.5%)
• No (48.5%)

What's one of your favorite kinds of dip?

• Spinach Artichoke dip (27.3%)
• Guacamole (21.2%)
• French Onion dip (21.2%)
• Taco dip (12.1%)
• Ranch dip (3%)
• Smore’s dip (3%)
• 7-Layer dip (3%)

What is one of your favorite books, shows, games, or movies that you experienced in 2025?

• Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger
• Avatar: fire and ash, Sinners, Jurassic World: Rebirth, All Her Fault (TV Series)
• I watched The Birdcage (1996) for the first time! Incredible! Iconic! I can't believe they made Agador wear shoes!
• Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob The Drag Queen
• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
• Heated Rivalry!
• I finally saw the Christmas movie Klaus and it is so cute! Highly recommend. I also started the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher in 2025 and they are great.
• The Haunting of Leigh Harker
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• The Traitors, both the UK and US versions

ASR Staff Engagement January 8 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey is New Year’s themed. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most folks did not travel out of state in December (58.1%). In addition, most say that they did not plan to make any New Year’s resolutions (64.5%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite winter desserts. Sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies were mentioned the most frequently. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

December 11 survey results

Are you traveling out of state in December?

• Yes (41.9%)
• No (58.1%)

Are you planning to make any New Year's resolutions for the upcoming year?

• Yes (19.4%)
• No (64.5%)
• I’m not sure (16.1%)

What is one of your favorite desserts during this time of year?

• Cookies. Any and all!
• Tiffin—a fudge-like firm set chocolate ganache filled with bits of biscuit (cookies) and cherries and nuts (or really you can make it with anything you want). I like cherry and almond and walnut with a buttery almond biscuit.
• Gingerbread cookies!
• Seven Layer Bars
• Spritz cookies with a half cherry in the center
• Peppermint Espresso Martini

ASR Staff Engagement December 11 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about your plans for the rest of the month. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most folks prefer their thermostat set between 66 and 69 degrees (62.5%), followed by those who prefer 70-73 degrees (20%). Most expect that the Twin Cities will get more snow than average in December this year (45%), and as of writing this, we’ve already almost hit the average snowfall for the month. So this is looking to be true!

Finally, we asked if you own a heated blanket. Most say they do not own a heated blanket (72.5%), while 15% own one but rarely use it. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

November 13 survey results

What is your ideal temperature setting for the thermostat during the winter?

• 65 degrees or lower (15%)
• 66-69 degrees (62.5%)
• 70-73 degrees (20%)
• 74 degrees or higher (2.5%)

The Twin Cities averages about 11.5 inches of snowfall in December. Do you think the metro will get more or less than average snowfall in December this year?

• More snow than average (45%)
• About average snowfall (22.5%)
• Less snow than average (32.5%)

Do you own a heated blanket?

• Yes but I rarely or never use it (15%)
• Yes and I use it on occasion (12.5%)
• No (72.5%)

ASR Staff Engagement November 13 Survey

As we move into colder temperatures, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about staying warm. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, it was a tie between participating in a bakeoff or chili cookoff (36.7% each) as well as a tie between folks that would do both or neither (13.3% each). A slight majority of respondents have gone ‘bobbing for apples’ before (56.7%).

Finally, there was a strong preference for pumpkin in a sweet dish (46.7%) vs a savory one (6.7%). However, 40% of respondents say they like both. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 30 survey results

Would you rather participate in a bakeoff or a chili cookoff?

• Bakeoff (36.7%)
• Chili cookoff (36.7%)
• Neither! (13.3%)
• Why not both? (13.3%)

Have you ever participated in 'bobbing for apples'?

• Yes (56.7%)
• No (43.3%)

Do you prefer pumpkin in a savory or sweet dish?

• Savory (6.7%)
• Sweet (46.7%)
• I like both! (40%)
• I dislike both! (6.7%)

ASR Staff Engagement October 2 Survey

As we move into October, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our seasonal theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to last week’s survey, most would prefer to put on a sweater (55.2%) instead of a jacket (20.7%) when it’s chilly outside. Chicken wild rice soup received the most votes for your favorite soup (27.6%), followed by broccoli cheddar (17.2%), and tomato soup (13.8%).

Finally, we asked whether you’ve successfully completed a corn maze. Over half of respondents have made it out of one (55.2%), while 10.3% have tried but never completed it, which begs the question: are you still trapped in the corn maze today? Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

September 18 survey results

You go outside and there is a slight chill in the air. Do you put on a sweater or jacket?

• Sweater (55.2%)
• Jacket (20.7%)
• No, I brave the cold with whatever I am wearing (17.2%)
• Why not both! (6.9%)

What is your favorite soup?

• Chicken Wild Rice (27.6%)
• Tomato (13.8%)
• Broccoli Cheddar (17.2%)
• French Onion (10.3%)
• Chicken Noodle (6.9%)
• Minestrone (3.4%)
• Chowder (3.4%)
• I don’t like soup (3.4%)

Have you ever completed a corn maze?

• Yes (55.2%)
• No (34.5%)
• I’ve been in a corn maze, but never completed it (10.3%)

ASR Staff Engagement September 4 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our seasonal preferences theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to last week’s survey, an equal number of respondents are ready for summer to end, sad about summer ending, or have mixed feelings about the change of seasons (33.3% each). Most say that fall is their favorite season (65.6%).

When asked about what you are looking forward to in the fall, the return of “sweater weather” was mentioned most frequently, followed by the fall foliage, and going to an apple orchard. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

August 21 survey results

The Autumnal Equinox is just over a month away. What statement below best fits your feelings about summer coming to an end?

• I’m ready for Summer to end. Bring on Fall! (33.3%)
• I’m sad Summer is about to end. It went by too quickly (33.3%)
• I have mixed feelings about the change of seasons. (33.3%)

What is your favorite season?

• Spring (15.6%)
• Summer (15.6%)
• Fall (65.6%)
• Winter (0%)
• I’m not sure or don’t have a preference (3.1%)

What are you looking forward to this fall?

• Sweatshirts with shorts. Love the combo, still warm but with a small chill!
• The cool air, the beautiful leaves and berries, and HALLOWEEN!
• Having my windows open, and hopefully less smokey air.
• Apple picking! Apple cider! Apple cider donuts! Fall colors! Comfy sweaters!
• Sweaters, hot drinks, bon fires, fall color hikes, pumpkin spice, Halloween, apple orchards, pumpkin patches... so many things!

ASR Staff Engagement August 21 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about your seasonal preferences. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey asked about your state fair plans and favorites. There was an even split between those who are going to the state fair and those who are not (40.7% each). When asked about their favorite state fair foods, pronto pups received the most votes (23.1%), followed by cheese curds (19.2%), and Australian battered potatoes (7.7%).

Finally, we asked if you have a favorite show, concert, or event that you’ve attended at the state fair. Many folks mentioned live music, including Boyz II Men, Weird Al, and The Chicks. Other events such as tractor pulls and horse shows were also mentioned. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

August 7 survey results

Are you planning to go to the state fair this year?

• Yes (40.7%)
• No (40.7%)
• I’m not sure (18.5%)

What is one of your favorite state fair (or any fair) foods?

• Pronto pup (23.1%)
• Cheese curds (19.2%)
• Australian battered potatoes (7.7%)
• Sweet Martha’s Cookies (3.8%)
• Cheese on a stick (3.8%)
• Fried pickles (3.8%)
• Pickle dog (3.8%)

Do you have a favorite show, concert, or event that you've attended at the state fair (or any fair)? If so, what was it?

• Los Lobos at the bandshell!!!
• Sonny Landreth and Buddy Guy @ Leinie Lodge Bandshell
• Boyz II Men and Chaka Khan
• Demo derbys!
• The Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum horse shows
• Vanilla Ice, Belinda Carlisle, and Depeche Mode :)

ASR Staff Engagement August 7 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about the upcoming Minnesota State Fair. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey assessed your road trip preferences. Most say they enjoy going on a road trip (64%). Chex mix/trail mix and donuts were mentioned most frequently as favorite snacks to purchase at a gas station.

Finally, we asked where you would take a road trip to in the US if all expenses were covered. Many folks mentioned national parks such as Glacier National Park and Denali National Park. Driving along the East or West Coast was also a popular answer. Thanks all for your continued participation!

July 24 survey results

Do you enjoy taking road trips?

• Yes (64%)
• No (4%)
• It depends (32%)

What's one of your favorite snacks to purchase at a gas station?

• Donettes mini donuts—a road trip staple. They’re not great but on a road trip they are perfect.
• Doughnut & Coffee
• Milky Way Dark chocolate bar
• Nerd gummy clusters
• Chex mix!

If you could take a road trip to anywhere in the US with expenses covered, where would you go?

• Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah
• The Grand Canyon or Yellowstone!
• North Carolina coastline
• All along the West Coast.
• Anywhere with mountains!
• Cedar Point Ohio Amusement Park

ASR Staff Engagement July 24 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about your road trip preferences. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey tested your knowledge on staying hydrated. About one third of respondents (28%) were correct that it is technically false that you “should” drink at least eight glasses of water per day. There is no evidence to back up the specific “eight glasses a day” claim. Most were correct that alcohol is more dehydrating than coffee or sugar-sweetened soda (76%).

Finally, 36% of you were correct that approximately 55% to 75% of your body weight is water (up to 60% on average). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

June 26 survey results

True or False: You should drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

• True (72%)
• False (28%)

Which of the following drinks is the most dehydrating?

• Alcohol (76%)
• Coffee (16%)
• Sugar-sweetened soda (8%)

What percentage of your body weight is water?

• 15% to 35% (4%)
• 35% to 55% (12%)
• 55% to 75% (36%)
• 75% to 90% (48%)

ASR Staff Engagement July 10 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey tests your knowledge on staying hydrated. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

Last week’s survey tested your knowledge on heat safety. Most were correct that water is the best thirst quencher (80.8%). Sports drinks and juices are okay, but you would have to drink more of them to get a comparable amount of water in your system. Most were also correct that children do not withstand heat better than adults (76.9%). Children lose water at the same rate as adults.

Finally, 80% of you were correct that a heat rash is more likely to occur in a humid environment. This happens because high humidity doesn’t allow sweat to evaporate. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

June 26 survey results

True or False: Water is the best thirst quencher.

• True (80.8%)
• False (19.2%)

True or False: Children can withstand the heat better than adults.

• True (23.1%)
• False (76.9%)

A heat rash is most likely to occur:

• In a dry environment (16%)
• In a humid environment (80%)
• When swimming
• At high altitudes (4%)

ASR Staff Engagement June 26 Survey

In light of the recent hot weather, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey tests your knowledge on heat safety. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, cardinals received the most votes for favorite local bird (33.3%), followed by chickadees (12.5%), and red-winged blackbirds (12.5%). When asked about your favorite natural areas in Minnesota, the North Shore and Lake Superior were frequently mentioned as well as many state parks, such as White Water State Park and Temperance River State Park.

Finally, we asked to shout out a local business or event in your area that you would recommend to others. We received many great responses, which are all included in the N&N blog. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

June 12 survey results

What's your favorite local bird?

• Cardinal (33.3%) It’s too hard to choose one! (20.8%)
• Red-winged blackbird (12.5%)
• Chickadee (12.5%)
• Crow (4.2%)
• Loon (4.2%)
• Cooper’s Hawk (4.2%)

What's one of your favorite natural areas in Minnesota? (example: state park, lakes, etc.)

• Lake Superior and Itasca State Park
• White Water State Park
• Pokegama Lake Grand Rapids, MN
• Lake Bemidji State Park
• Gooseberry Falls State Park
• Lakes, great for long walks or for kayaking across.
• North Shore

Shout out a local business, event, farmer's market, etc. in your area that you would recommend to others.

• Little Thistle Brewing - Rochester, MN
• Edina Farmer's Market! It's every Thursday in the summer and there are food trucks and tons of stalls and lots of people and good vibes.
• Bluenose Coffee in Farmington has the best chai lattes!
• Level Up Games in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Hastings
• Marketfest in White Bear Lake Thursdays during the summer
• Bogarts Donuts! Try the brown butter ice cream!
• Foxden Boardgame cafe - nice atmosphere, good snacks, and a wide array of games to sample if there's been any you want to try before you buy!
• Alebrijes exhibition in St Paul's Raspberry Island.
• VN Express in Lake Elmo - Vietnamese - great for take out. Had fabulous Bahn Mi last night!
• NE Minneapolis Farmer's Market
• Mac's Diner - North Saint Paul, MN
• Kingfield Farmers Market is so fun, with great vendors and an amazing breakfast sandwich.
• Waldoch Farm
• Heather's in Minneapolis
• St Paul Farmers Market - Satellite locations
• Abogados Cafe