The651.com

As I looked forward to summer in Saint Paul this year, I thought back to last June around Mears Park during the summer solstice weekend. It was one of the most eclectic and entertaining weekends.

It began on a Thursday evening, with Martin Devaney and Little Man playing Music in Mears Park, a free Thursday night concert series. That morphed into Ravi Coltrane in Mears Park on Friday evening as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Then, a block away from the park on Saturday was the Pride Celebration Kick-Off Block Party. And, throughout the whole weekend ending that Sunday was the Solstice Film Festival at Galtier Plaza.

It was the kind of weekend people travel to other cities for, but all was here and most for free.

Summer in Saint Paul is a great season. While I play no favorites as I like skating and skiing, the City takes on a different persona, especially over the last three years as we have reclaimed the Mississippi River as the lifeblood of the city, opened new parks, and welcomed new music festivals.

Even everyday activities can take on a different life on the banks of the Upper Mississippi. A morning run through Harriet Island and Lilydale Park turns into a nature outing, with bald eagles flying overhead and the occasional sighting of a fox or coyote in the distance – all within view of Saint Paul’s skyline.

Finishing up the run at the Farmer’s Market in Lowertown provides a well-earned reward. Grabbing a coffee and grilled – yes, grilled – bagel makes the cool down a treat as you walk among the tables of locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Grab a baquette, some cheddar, tomatoes, basil, and some meat, and lunch in the shadows of the river bluffs at a newly redesigned Raspberry Island in the middle of the Mississippi.

There is so much to look forward to doing this summer in Saint Paul, it is hard to single any one thing out. From wine on the patios of one of the restaurants on West 7^th Street to welcoming the new Barrio (coming in mid-June) next to the Bulldog in Lowertown; going to the third Concrete and Grass Music Festival and enjoying one of our many neighborhood parades; seeing great theater productions; tailgating at a Saints baseball game; experiencing the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota; golfing on one of the city’s championship golf courses … this may require a vacation.

We don’t often take the time to appreciate what we have. I say, though, plan a long weekend, forget the chores, leave the yard, and live like a tourist in your city. The memories will be long lasting without having to take a long trip.

- Mayor Chris Coleman