Midwest Meetup!

[kevbo]

Another JUBber and I have been discussing plans to organize a meetup in Minneapolis, sometime next spring. Just wanting to see who would be interested...

A couple of the things we'd plan on doing:

-Mall of America outing
-Valley Fair?
-Sculpture Garden

Anyway, leave a reply or PM me if you're interested at all in joining up with us for a meetup!

[DaddyBadger]

What's a Valley Fair ? Nevermind, I'd be interested in a Twin City Meet-Up . . .

[GL]

i have never been to minneapolis. i'll keep my calendar open.

[Yooper]

Early to mid May is our revised, very preliminary time we're planning to transit from Colorado back to The Land of Endless Winter. It is just too late in the year for us to go back this year and clean out two houses before snow flies (which, based on the way the weather has been this year, could be next week...)

So it is certainly a possibility.

[omminc]

I am interested, wouldn't be too hard for me to get to any of those locations.

Just depends on whats going on at the time.

[Ellybelly909]

Good idea. I can get to Minneapolis in 3 hours. Count me in.

[BRIOHAZARD]

Sounds fun. Maybe I'll come. =]

[springboksfan]

Count me in. I have a buddy who lives in St Paul, and it would be awesome to see him again, too!

[GL]

Count me in. I have a buddy who lives in St Paul, and it would be awesome to see him again, too!

hmm... all of a sudden my "maybe" is turning to "okie-dokie!"

[TheTalkingAsshole]

I'd be up for it. I tried to get to the St Louis meetup when I lived there last year...but I couldn't make it. Now that I live in MN, I'm sure I could.

[springboksfan]

hmm... all of a sudden my "maybe" is turning to "okie-dokie!"

Aww! So sweet.

[Lube]

I think I could make the 3 blocks to Mpls without getting killed.

So, yeah, I'm in.

[Ram]

Just remember to take pictures, guys...

[swerve]

WOO HOO!!!

Minneapolis is one of my FAVORITE CITIES -- ESPECIALLY in MAY!!!

Now...

IF I were to come -- would that SCARE everyone else AWAY???

[Lube]

No, not at all: the more, the merrier.


Or, in our case, the gayer.

[Darkflower]

I'd certainly come to the brunch/sculpture garden part(s). And if there'll be any 420-friendly people attending, they will be welcome to come to my house for refreshments both herbal and culinary, followed by rambling conversation and general tomfoolery.

[Thad1527]

The last time I was in Minnesota was to see the North Stars. I am long overdue for a return visit.
If we can add a Twins game I'd love it. But, hey, I think I'd love just hanging out with you all almost anywhere.

[frankfrank]

I should make it. Not all weekends in May are necessarily equal, but I won't know until it's much closer.

Because it's not that far (less than 8 hours drive), scheduling may not be as touchy for me, as one much farther away.

[kevbo]

Glad to see there's interest! 'Spogue and I will talk about making more concrete plans!

[Yooper]

Weekend of May 7-9 works best for me, as we need to be back north by the 15th.

[frankfrank]

Earlier in May probably works better for me than later in May as well. Yooper's suggested timing would be great.

[Yooper]

We had a very long talk about this last night.

Weekend of May 7-9 should be the dates. We need to be back in the UP by the following weekend; the registration on my now-dead van expires on the 17th (my BD) and I need to have it emptied and hauled off and pushed into Lake Superior by then.

I am not spending $80 just to license a overbuilt doghouse, and it will cost too much to get it running again.

We even discussed the trip method. I believe we are going to pick up a used truck camper (slide in type) and a good used truck in the Spring...although I just found a really cool vintage camper on Craigslist for $800. We will be able to use the truck for the many trips to the dump before selling the monstrosity in Michigan.

So let's focus on the first full weekend in May.

[Lube]

At this point, any weekend works for me. However, I may be going to Europe for a week or two; not sure when, yet.

[Golliwog]

Sounds great.

I live in St. Paul. We tried to make the Republicans welcome last year. Wasted effort. But Minneapolis is a bit less provincial, and has more of a real urban vibe than we of the sainthood do. However, there are plenty of our family in both cities.

I would love to come, and will try to make it.

[Yooper]

Ok, we know Transpogue is bizzy tonight

And Kevbo is MIA.

Nevertheless, let's commit early to a weekend. #1 or #2.

[NineOfClubs]

In early May I might be up for this.

I love Minneapolis.

[kevbo]

And Kevbo is MIA.

MIA. Right. I wish I was getting action...

Anyway, I did talk to 'Spogue about this a few days ago, but then we ended up talking about something else...

We haven't agreed on a weekend, but it will probably be the second weekend. Still up for change, though.

An early itinerary:

Fri - Bowling/Bar
Sat - Mall of America, then Clubbing
Sun - Brunch, then maybe Valleyfair

Also optional - Thurs - Escape to Eau Claire (In case anyone wants to see MY town )

Any questions? ASK! Or PM me!

[kevbo]

DR-B, do you have any suggestions on what else we could do? Or does our plan sound good so far?

[Yooper]

A small activity MUST be when all go downtown Minneapolis and do the Mary Tyler Moore Hat Toss.

Perhaps someone can hit a thrift store a few days in advance to buy cheap hats so we have quite a photo to post on JUB.

[kevbo]

Photo Op!

Perfect, Yooper! Saturday would be good for that!

[Yooper]

OK, it is a bit of a cliche, and all would have to be 21+, but dinner and the show at the 90's Saturday Night? If we have a large enough group, I bet we could get a deal. Especially if we all have JUB shirts by then.

Like I said, yes, it is a bit of a cliche. And not everyone is a 90's fan. Just an idea.

[kevbo]

I'd only be OK with that if everyone is over 21. I like to be inclusive . I mean, clearly, they wont be able to go clubbing with us (Unless they have a fake ), so at least they'd be able to have dinner and do other stuff with us in the evening.

I don't know.

[Jerry]

Interesting, very interesting.

Not sayin' I'll be able to go, but it's interesting.

Of course, Eau Claire is a town I'm familiar with. Maybe if I'm passing through sometime...

[Yooper]

I'd only be OK with that if everyone is over 21. I like to be inclusive . I mean, clearly, they wont be able to go clubbing with us (Unless they have a fake ), so at least they'd be able to have dinner and do other stuff with us in the evening.

I don't know.

I agree with the 'inclusive' part. I don't know the Twin Cities well anymore. But I'm thinking that Sat. Evening should be something 'funky'--no chain places--and also with some options for Transpogue to eat with us.

I count 21 definite maybes so far, which as it comes closer, will probably be 10 or less, unless things go a bit nuts.

For the bowling thing, which place were you looking at? With advance notice most places come up with a group package, even though it is a Friday Night. We'd for sure need reservations.

And I just looked, the mini golf at MOA offers group rates. It is not too bad to begin with; but I'm cheap. It is also 100% accessible if Stacy shows up (she said she's all in).

[Jerry]

Well now I'm a little upset that I probably won't be able to go.

[omminc]

The list seems fine, but as others mention, the clubbing might prevent some that are under 21 from joining. Also, I might not join in the clubbing if it takes place, I am just not one for clubs.

I know of a Bowling ally right downtown. It's on the second level of Gameworks in Block-E. Short walking distances from many bars, restaurants, and clubs I might add.

Also, I am still free that weekend.

[Lube]

That sounds like fun, omminc. I'm not a clubbing guy either (well, not more than for an hour or so). We could have a non-clubbing option plan.

[Yooper]

I've had all afternoon and evening to add another ten cents. Maybe all stupid ideas, maybe not. But here goes:

1. For the convenience of folks flying in, how about keeping activity venues on or very near the light rail line? It is easy, cheap ($2) and runs practically all night. It would help many who are on a budget and would eliminate the need for a rental car. I realize this would leave St. Paul out of the loop but folks could carpool.

2. Consider setting up lodging near the MOA/Airport. All on the rail line. There are some weekend packages through the MOA that are pretty reasonable.

3. Saturday Afternoon at the MOA is good for all but we should have a (optional of course) Group Activity there. There are lots of choices, but keep the cost low. That's why I suggested mini golf--it is only $25/4 people, plus they offer Group Rates at a 'Substantial Discount.' The Aquarium is cool but very expensive.

4. Saturday Dinner should be at a cool, funky, and reasonably priced place somewhere Downtown. I'm sure there are some places with a variety of good food, neat atmosphere and a menu ALL can partake of...Omnivores, Herbivores, and Carnivores alike. No throwing animal parts at the Vegans.

(I am really opposed to Dinner at the MOA. It is expensive and Cheesy. Yuck.)

We can all do the MTM Hat Toss just before Dinner and I bet SOMEONE in the group can upload the picture before we see menus.

5. Saturday evening should have two options, one Clubbing group (the Drunks) and one Non-Clubbing group (you get to name yourselves). For the out of towners that go out drinking, the last train leaves downtown just after 1AM so there is no drinking and driving. No need to designate someone! Everyone gets loaded!

6. Sunday good-bye brunch--I'd be willing to bet the farm there's a venue in Bloomington, near the hotels, that offers a reasonably priced Sunday Brunch Buffet. It's Minnesota!

7. Sunday afternoon--I'm sure the group will be getting smaller--many will have to work Monday AM. So the final optional group activity should be low key. Is Valley Fair even open in early May?

Maybe that's more than ten cents, but maybe this is helpful?

[kevbo]

Yeah, since we've decide early May, Valleyfair is out of the question. Guess that's what I get for copying and pasting

[frankfrank]

That sounds like fun, omminc. I'm not a clubbing guy either (well, not more than for an hour or so). We could have a non-clubbing option plan.

I love the idea of a non-clubbing option!

The way-over-the-top-and-out-of-balance clubbing in St. Louis (about 14 hours of it, and my first JUB meet) came real close to swearing me off any future JUB meets. Out of all group social activities that exist, clubbing is probably my least favorite of all, totally and entirely useless (but OK in perhaps a small dose).

The earlier in May the better for me, because if this segues into a big trip afterward I'd rather be all-finished before June arrives.

I agree, the big Saturday night meal would probably better be done at some place other than MOA, but I also assume their selection of "mall food" is better than the typical.

[kevbo]

Eating at the mall is not an option. The mall is naught but a huge tourist trap (which I love, don't get me wrong), and none of the meals come with a reach around...

[swerve]

Just wanted to make a post saying I'm interested. Just wanted to put in a "maybe". Plus I've always wanted to check out the Mall of America

The Mall of America is PRETTY FUCKING AMAZING!!!

When I went -- there were a BUNCH of REALLY HOT soldiers doing some sort of sign up or something RIGHT WHERE I walked INTO the mall -- they had rock climbing walls/cockpits/etc...

It took me a LOOOOONG time watching them before I even got into the ACTUAL mall...

Can you imagine them having to deal with a WHOLE JUB GROUP???

[Lube]

You know, we have lots of bear events here, if anyone's interested. Depending on which weekend it is, there could be Bear Bar Night or Bears Uncorked (wine tasting) or MovieBears/ScareBears or Bear Game Night or the bear knitting group or....

Just some thoughts.

[frankfrank]

You know, we have lots of bear events here, if anyone's interested. Depending on which weekend it is, there could be Bear Bar Night or Bears Uncorked (wine tasting) or MovieBears/ScareBears or Bear Game Night or the bear knitting group or....

Just some thoughts.

Kevbo posted, in the ATTENTION!!! thread, that it's been fixed upon the FIRST weekend of May.

That works the best for me! (Weekends after early May quickly become progressively worse for me...until becoming viable again in September.)

[NineOfClubs]

The first weekend in May works best for me. Any later and it would be more difficult getting the time off..

[kevbo]

Just for clarity, the dates are May 7-9, 2010

[Lube]

^ Yes, that's the first weekend... only on Planet Kevbo.

Glad you clarified!

[kevbo]

Sorry, I consider Friday nights weekend

[StlKj]

Put me down as a very strong "maybe."

[frankfrank]

what is there to do in minneapolis? are there gay bars? What all would be on the suggested itinerary?

i am considering attending depending on who all is goin and how long it is cuz idk if i want to go that far for a couple nights.

i think we should start a list of ppl goin or considering goin

Somebody else can tell you about the gay nightlife, but I know it's pretty vibrant in that respect. I'm sure it would be "only" for a couple nights (and there might be a small # of people there early and/or staying into Monday) because, after all, it's on a weekend. But don't let that stop you from attending something that promises to be great fun.

Put me down as a very strong "maybe."

YESS!!!!! Cool - it will be great if we finally meet again.