MINOT | NORTH DAKOTA LIFESTYLE
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As a military spouse, I’ve spent my entire adult life being “not from around here.” By nature, I resist change at all costs–I long for roots, familiarity, and a lasting place to call home. My life has led me down a path that makes those ideals far-fetched.
Instead, I’ve become a specialist at integrating myself into a community. Minot, ND–a place I didn’t know existed before we were ordered to move there–has become my muse. Minot, AFB is often called one of the Air Force’s “worst” assignmets, but I find it utterly charming in the best, and quirkiest ways.
The following articles contain practical information on living in Minot, or have appeared in my popular opinion column, “She’s Not From Around Here,” which chronicles the nuances of small-town life, marveling at the goodness of humanity, and weaving the kind of stories worth telling.
There’s Nothing in North Dakota | Canola
On a Quest for Canola “I just know by the time we find a good place, the boys are going to be cranky and it’s going to be a disaster.” This was my lament last Sunday, as I wove our car up and down country roads, scanning the horizon for highlighter-yellow fields. I...
The Lake
What is "The Lake?" Can we talk about “the lake” for a minute? During my years in North Dakota, I’ve become a student of Hot Dish language, culture, and traditions. I celebrate Syttende Mai, enthusiastically watch Lawrence Welk reruns, participate in Trash Christmas,...
Scandimonium | Return of the Norsk Høstfest
It’s time to dust off those sweaters. The Norsk Høstfest is nearly here. What's the Deal with the Høstfest? It happened while my family was at Logger Fest over the weekend. I was standing to the side of the bouncy-house obstacle course, waiting for my son to come down...
Summer Season | I Wasn’t Prepared
Just me taking in the Scandinavian Heritage Park Why not Minot? When my husband and I found out we would be moving to North Dakota, we got lots of unsolicited comments and advice. “Hope you like the cold.” “Have fun in the great white north — it’s just ice and wind up...
Visit Minot | What to Do When Visitors Come to Hot Dish Land
Snapping a photo in front of the Dala horse is pretty much a must when visiting the Scandinavian Heritage Park What to Do in Minot This month our house feels a bit like a bed and breakfast — and my heart couldn’t be happier. In a perfect storm of circumstances and...
The Carousel
Merry-Go-Round “I’m about to put a quarter in!” I called to a couple walking their daughter in a stroller at the zoo. “Does she want to ride?” They parked their stroller and helped their little girl climb onto one of the miniature horses on the merry-go-round at the...
Spring Snow | What do April Snowstorms Bring?
Return to start You know how some board games can force your pawn to return to start? Or at least make you to move back several spaces? That’s spring snowstorms in Minot. You can play the game. You can execute strategy — but in classic board games like Life, Sorry or...
Daryl’s Racing Pigs | IYKYK
I’m rarely in town for the State Fair, and this year have thoroughly enjoyed soaking up this much-part of North Dakota’s summer IYKYK IYKYK. Have you seen this cluster of letters floating through the expanse of social media feeds and stories? Total transparency: The...
Not A Vacation Destination | She’s Not From Around Here
A Wonderful Hometown Last weekend we visited Rapid City. During the days we crammed in tourist activities. We hit Bear Country, Reptile Gardens, and Old McDonald’s Farm. We ate ice cream at Mount Rushmore and browsed Who’s Toy House downtown. In the evening we visited...
Creative Kindness | Good Ideas
Bubbles and Books The van’s bright yellow exterior, accented by pastel, candy-colored sun rays immediately grabbed my attention. My children were more focused on the massive bubbles being blown in front of the Oak Park amphitheater. I followed, but kept side-eyeing...
Trash Christmas | Spring Cleanup Week
Hauling items for Trash Christmas out of my creepy basement [Photo: Amy Allender] One Man's Trash... Something magical week is nearly upon us in the Magic City. It’s that special time of year that yields surprises, laughter, and neighborly cheer. It’s an emotional...
Prom in Hot Dish Land | She’s Not From Around Here
Hot Dish Prom On Saturday, Minot’s teenagers will dress to the nines and scoot off to prom. Which means, this the perfect time to chat about an outsiders take on Hot Dish prom. Before going further, let me be candid. I love prom. Though my prom years are long passed,...
