Explore Minnesota

On Thursday evening, I ventured to downtown Minneapolis to meet up once again with Michael (moon_over_michael) to do some recon for the Minnesota August MeetUp.  This time we met up at Brit's Pub in downtown Minneapolis.    I parked in a ramp near Orchestra Hall and wandered through Peavey Plaza to Brit's Pub.  I walked inside and headed upstairs to see if I could find the Michael and the gang outside on the roof and also get myself a Guiness.  After some looking, I called Michael and found they had gotten a table outside on the sidewalk.  I worked my way back down, stopping to switch my perfect pint from a lovely Guiness glass to a lousy plastic cup.  Not the way Guiness was meant to be enjoyed, but those are the rules.   A few new to me TravBuddies, Alyssa (alyssa_ob) and Walter, had already arrived.  An avid baseball fan, Walter, had made his way from the Philadelphia area to see a game Minnesota Twins game at the Metrodome.  Walter was also waiting for his water.  After introductions, we each began conversing and looking over the menu.  Walter was still waiting for his water.  A short while later, the waitress returned to take our orders.  Walter (still waiting for his water) ordered soup.  Alyssa had a salad, while Michael and I chose more hearty meals.  Michael ordered the pot roast and I had the Shepherd's Pie.  Walter was still waiting for his water.  Conversation soon focused on the matter at hand, the August TravBuddy MeetUp.  Walter finally got his water and the food soon arrived.  Michael's friend, Wayne, also joined us later in the meal.   A noteable appearance was observed by Michael at the end of dinner as the sports anchor for WCCO television, Mark Rosen, headed back to WCCO's building and to work just in time for the 10 O'clock news.  A bit of celebrity fame for us simple folk.  ;)  We adjourned dinner to go check out lawn bowling in action and Brit's famous rooftop patio.  A few mini group photos were also taken.  Next, we headed down Nicollet Mall towards Block "E" and Wayne said his goodbye.  Soon we were at Block "E" and our first  stop was Gameworks.  Gameworks is made up of a restaurant, arcade, bowling alley, pool hall and bar.  We also checked out the Hard Rock Cafe and The Shout House! Dueling Piano Bar.  The Shout House! reminded me of the stories I heard about Howl at the Moon in Kansas City.  That was it for Block "E", so we headed back out to First Ave and strolled up and down the warehouse district before returning to our cars confindent that Brit's Pub would be an excellent pre-MeetUp location on August 8.  Block "E" seemed to be another possibility for Saturday's post-dinner activities.  Hope to see you all in August!  :)