by G. Sax, @gsax
Sometimes, whether the weather is nice or not, the wife and I will go out on a date night in the middle of the week. One time last year, I took a camera along and snapped a bunch of photos on the way to Groveland Tap. It was a fun exercise. So I thought I'd try it again with a new destination for Date Night. I hope you enjoy what I captured on a beautiful Tuesday night in Saint Paul.
I don't quite live in Frogtown, but I wouldn't mind if I did. Frogtown is now the centerpiece of a rather large Hmong population. Old car dealerships and donut shops are now professional centers and delicious restaurants.
The art pieces can change on Marion across the way from the stand-alone Sears that refuses to die. The megaphone and rabbit work together well, and they always please when I drive by.
The Cathedral. It dominates our skyline from many angles, towering over the state Capitol down the way.
I don't often photograph it, because what could I possibly capture that someone else hasn't a thousand times.
But I like this drive-by shot as spring grows on the left and the sun sets on the right.
Watching over the Cathedral is Archbishop John Ireland. That building was his baby.
From one religion to another, the Xcel Energy Center is home to the Minnesota Wild, the NHL hockey team that Saint Paulites still can't believe they landed in their town.
How else can you explain an exceptional string of sellouts for a team that's missed the playoffs the last two years.
And then back to a church that doesn't have a sponsoring company as part of its name, Assumption Catholic Church has one of those enduring faces that you see in all historic photos of the city. It's really quite spectacular in its double-steepled glory. Marvel at it sometime from a seat inside of Mickey's Diner across the street.
Some big names in the business world: Wells Fargo and Travelers, which used to be the World Trade Center and St. Paul Companies. You know you've been around long enough when you still call buildings by their former name in casual conversation. In fact, I still call the Mall of America, Met Stadium. Kidding.
More buildings that have seen different names over the years. I forget what though. Drab buildings don't often capture my attention. I do know there used to be a Donaldson's at the foot of the Bremer Bank building. I used to shop there more than Dayton's for a little bit. It was a phase.
Galtier Plaza: The building that still feels slapped together after all these years. I watched this thing go up back in the 1980s. What promised to be a stately new skyscraper turned into a design disaster. It was as if they ran out of building material and then decided to finish with whatever was on hand.
I love all the activity that has been going on in Lowertown of late.
Downtown has needed growth and excitement like this for a long time.
It was great when West 7th started to develop after Xcel Energy Center was built.
It's just as nice to see the other side of downtown get new life.
Part of that pickup? Restaurants like The Bulldog and Barrio, the latter of which was the destination for Date Night.
The guacamole is so delicious and the array of tequilas is quite impressive.
Saint Paul no longer needs to rely on just one or two thoroughfares for eclectic, interesting food. Sure, Grand Avenue is terrific with options. Sure, Selby Ave
nue has grown in stature as a foodie paradise, now stretching from Fairview to Western. I love to drive and eat along both. But keep looking around. You're sure to find some good yummies. And, while you're at it, take photos on your way there.
