Minneapolis-St. Paul: Linked to the Future (Urban Tapestry Series)

"Why marvel at the cleverness of the bundled-up natives who have learned to live--or rather, endure--a possible three months of below-zero days? Because long winters have given Twin Citians time to think. And thinking has brought results."

So writes Barbara Flanagan in Minneapolis-St. Paul: Linked to the Future, as she answers the widespread notion that Twin Citians "live in a deep freeze." But that "freezin' season" has had a twofold impact on these Minnesota cities: It has spawned creativity and innovation, which in turn has fostered a certain serenity and mystique.

Creativity and innovation? Because Minneapolis and St. Paul have introduced many new ideas to the world--snowmobiles, Nordictracks, and rollerblades, among others. The area is home to many large corporations--including 3M, General Mills, and Dayton's. And it has consistently nurtured top-notch performing arts organizations. In fact, the Twin Cities are second only to New York City in presenting professional live theater on dozens of stages.

Serenity and mystique? Because residents of the Twin Cities take advantage of their surroundings in many ways. Strolling along Summit Avenue. Sledding on a frozen Lake Calhoun. Paddle wheeling on the Mississippi River. Congregating in Loring Park. These magical places have provided inspiration to the likes of Fitzgerald, Twain, Thoreau, and Longfellow.

As Flanagan leads us on a grand walking tour of the Twin Cities, she is aided by Mary Ludington's comprehensive collection of images from many of the area's finest photographers. The end result is that we come to appeciate the Twin Cities--a "lovely hunk of breathing space" where invention and inspiration abound.