We had an overwhelming response to our Family Favorites poll — clear proof, I think, of how much Minnesota parents care about — and appreciate — the good stuff we’ve got going on around here.
(And, maybe, proof that plenty of people want to get Minnesota Parent in their mailboxes: If you were one of the first 100 people to turn in your ballot, your free six-month subscription starts with the August issue!)
But, even with mountain of ballots, we still had more squeakers than runaway winners — a testament to all the great choices we have for families here, and to the ferocity of our loyalties. (I’m going to come right out and say that, as a Minneapolis resident, I was pulling hard for the very close runner-up in the Best Ice Cream category, Sebastian Joe’s, but St. Paulites carried the day for their own Grand Ole Creamery.)
This month we also asked readers of our free e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week, to send in their own hidden gems — those restaurants, venues, events, and trips that more people should know about. And I learned one clear lesson from that: My, but you folks are an outdoorsy bunch! Sure, sure, we picked up a few great tips for family eateries, but far and away more readers named their favorite park, trail, or swimming spot. It could be that the weather was just starting to warm up as you sent in your answers, or it could be that Minnesotans really have found an important key to family happiness.
By the way, we love to hear from readers and ask a different question every week in our e-newsletter (sign up at MNParent.com) so that we can share those answers with everyone.
