Things Only Minnesotans Would Understand About Winter

I am sitting in my dorm room, packing to go back home to Minnesota, thinking about all the things I miss from home that all my Penn State friends just do not get. I decided that I would blog about those things today, specifically the winter ones, in case you would ever be crazy enough to want to come to Minnesota in the winter, then you would know a thing or two.

To start, winter jackets. Yes, I have five different winter jackets that are all used for different reasons. You have your fall winter jacket that you use when it is just starting to get cold outside and you do not need a big coat but something a little lighter. This jacket would be used in the 40ºF-55º F range. The second jacket being my light winter jacket. This jacket is what you would were when there is snow on the ground and it is cold but still not cold enough for a heavier jacket. This jacket is for the 39ºF-15ºF range. Then you have your winter winter jacket, this is your heaviest jacket that you would wear if you are going to do a winter activity ie; sledding, snowman building, etc. This jacket is used when it gets any colder than 15ºF, so this is definitely your most used jacket. You have a nice winter jacket, like a parka, that you wear to fancy events. You can wear this in any temperature. Lastly you have your spring winter jacket that is a little lighter than your fall winter jacket, you wear this one in like March and April, when there is still snow but it is melting so it is all slush. When I told my Penn State friends about this jacket phenomenon they all said I was crazy.

Next, Caribou coffee. Similar to PA’s debate between Wawa and Sheetz, Minnesota argues between caribou and Starbucks. My opinion is that caribou is better for winter drinks and Starbucks has more summer options. If you do not go to Caribou n the winter, you just are not a true Minnesotan.

Finally, holiday Mall of America. This mall is what we are kind of known for and the holiday version just hits a little different. The lights that hang from the ceiling, the giant Christmas trees, all the holiday gift shoppers, and of course the carolers. This is a must experience at some point in your life.

Now that you know a little bit about what I am going home to, would you ever be crazy enough to come to Minnesota in the winter?

3 thoughts on “Things Only Minnesotans Would Understand About Winter

  1. I just got home to Colorado and I feel your jacket struggle, I have way too many and not even close to enough room for all of them. I think winter in Minnesota sounds fun but I can only imagine how cold it gets. I hope you have a great winter break back home!

  2. Wow! Five winter jackets! I do not know how you guys do it! When I say below 15 degrees my mouth did drop a little! I can handle the cold, but wow is that freezing. Also, just the sound of Caribou coffee makes me want to try it! I will definitely have to visit Minnesota at some point in time to see the famous Mall of America! I can’t say I would definitely go in the Winter, maybe, but definitely in the Summer!!

  3. I can’t imagine having five winter coats, that’s insane, I have two and I thought that was a lot. I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but maybe I’ll visit Minnesota just to try Caribou and go to Mall of America, I’ve actually always wanted to go because I like shopping too much lol.

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