Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities?

edsg25 · September 7th, 2005, 12:12 AM

Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities?

The destruction of New Orleans got me thinking. Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities?

By special, I'm suggesting one whose atmosphere transends that of the typical US city, giving it a rather unique, special atmosphere. Often it is the ability to retain a special kind of history or a unique look all its own.

This quality is difficult to define, but if a city fits, you know it.

New Orleans is an obvious one in the South, with places like Savannah and Charleston along with it. San Antonio's unique TexMex makes it fit (think River Walk). Miami's link to Latin America makes it unique, a mix of US and the lands to the south.

Out west, the native feel of Albequerque would qualify although no place in this region would qualify the way San Francisco does.

On the east coast, Boston fits the image more than any other, the place on the northeast corridor most attached to its English roots.

****

Do we have any such cities in the Midwest? Personally I think less so than other parts of the US (we tend to be the most "American" of regions. If I chose one city though, it would be St. Louis. This city's unique blend of east and east, of north and south, gives this city a special feel that transcends all midwestern cities.

great prairie · September 7th, 2005, 12:16 AM

Milwakuee(sp?), Minneapolis/St. Paul, several others I can't think of

I would also include Fort Worth and Galveston in the south...

Sa Town Tx Gringo · September 7th, 2005, 12:25 AM

Id say St Louis as well been there many times. But your right Midwest is the Heartland and the most traditional part of America. I really think it defines the country and its values for the most part.

Somnifor · September 7th, 2005, 12:57 AM

The Twin Cities have a strong countercultural bend to their culture that makes them very unlike the rest of the midwest. Minneapolis has always seemed to me like a part of the west coast that got lost.

I would also list as "special" cities: St Louis, Cincinnati and Madison.

NWside · September 7th, 2005, 01:15 AM

Can't get anymore special then Wisconsin Dells...

Lmichigan · September 7th, 2005, 01:22 AM

Minneapolis? It seems so typically American and Midwest. I'm sure it has it's unique aspects, but it seems to be, in fact, one of the much more 'average' cities in terms of feel.

If you're talking something unique, places like Chicago (unlike anything else in the Midwest), Detroit (one of the most interesting layouts (French) in the Midwest), Cincinnati (uniquely dense), and the like come to mind, along with a plethora of smaller cities.

Somnifor · September 7th, 2005, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lmichigan

Minneapolis? It seems so typically American and Midwest. I'm sure it has it's unique aspects, but it seems to be, in fact, one of the much more 'average' cities in terms of feel.

Have you been to Minneapolis proper? Many of it's neighborhoods are full of freaks. The Green party wins elections there. It has one of the most vibrant underground music scenes in the English speaking world. That is why I moved to the area.

edsg25 · September 7th, 2005, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWside

Can't get anymore special then Wisconsin Dells...

point well taken. It is the only part of the Middle West that once was part of the MIddle East.....and the bible. Can't be more different from that.

Seems like after the flood (biblical; not Katrina), Noah and the Ark somehow ended up in Wisconsin, where he teamed up with Tommy Bartlett to create a whole new world.

Steely Dan · September 7th, 2005, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somnifor

The Twin Cities have a strong countercultural bend to their culture that makes them very unlike the rest of the midwest. Minneapolis has always seemed to me like a part of the west coast that got lost.

say what? i lived up there for several years and there was not one single aspect of the twin cities that ever gave me the feeling that they were "like a part of the west coast that got lost".

take it from a fellow midwesterner, MSP is midwest to the bone, with some special minnesota seasonings thrown in for good measure. it's a fucking great place to live, i loved my time spent up there in st. paul when i attended macalester college, but to claim that MSP is somehow "west coast" or "non-midwest" is asinine.

NWside · September 7th, 2005, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edsg25

Seems like after the flood (biblical; not Katrina), Noah and the Ark somehow ended up in Wisconsin, where he teamed up with Tommy Bartlett to create a whole new world.

Lol that was greatly executed...

oshkeoto · September 7th, 2005, 02:54 AM

"I really think it defines the country and its values for the most part."

How does the Midwest define the country? I have never understood that.

louisville playa · September 7th, 2005, 03:00 AM

I think Saint Louis has it's own little thang in the Midwest like no other.

WesternGulf · September 7th, 2005, 03:05 AM

I'm guessing edsg25 is trying to ask does the midwest have any cities with a certain architectural vernacular that is unique.

Lmichigan · September 7th, 2005, 03:24 AM

No, I think it was much more comprehensive then that, including everything from culture and architecture, to "feel."

skokster123 · September 7th, 2005, 04:04 AM

Minneapolis= middle America

tombantdesfoetus · September 7th, 2005, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skokster123

Minneapolis= middle America

Are you talking geographical Middle America, or cultural Middle America?

Cardpooch · September 7th, 2005, 05:31 AM

Judging cities equally regardless of size, I've always considered Columbus to be my favorite Midwestern city. It serves as a blueprint for how great Midwestern cities can be.

BTW, the one in Ohio isn't too bad either.

ReddAlert · September 7th, 2005, 05:32 AM

I always thought Milwaukee was quite special and different. With Chicago right down the road, we have kept our own cultural identity...the German heritage is most evident. While we arent as flashy as New Orleans and Mardi Gras, the city is known for its festive culture, especially in summer where we host some of the worlds largest ethnic festivals. Of course there is the beer, the bars and taverns on every corner,bowling, Jeffrey Dahmer, polka, bratwurst, racing sausages, former socialist government, old t.v. shows we always seem to be known for, Packer maniacs, tailgating, blue collar, and Harley/biker culture which makes us one quirky place in my opinion. The booming Hispanic population makes the city even better.

Sadly, most people dont realize what a cool place this is.

I think most cities are like this in the Midwest, outside Chicago.

JivecitySTL · September 7th, 2005, 05:42 AM

I think it has less to do with region and more to do with age. Any city that boomed before the automobile age is going to have its own distinctive culture and atmosphere. Fortunately, the Midwest has a number of these cities.

Architorture · September 7th, 2005, 05:51 AM

george bush sucks.... oh wait, i'm sorry i thought that was the default topic of discussion here in 'united states urban issues' threads by edsg25...

anyway i'll suggest somewhere like sturgis... there is an entire sub culture that virtually revolves around the place... yeah its not very big but its aura or atmosphere i think rivals NO to a particular sub cultural group

September 7th, 2005, 12:12 AM	#1
edsg25 BANNED Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 9,399 Likes (Received): 0	Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities? Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities? The destruction of New Orleans got me thinking. Does the Midwest have any of those "special" cities? By special, I'm suggesting one whose atmosphere transends that of the typical US city, giving it a rather unique, special atmosphere. Often it is the ability to retain a special kind of history or a unique look all its own. This quality is difficult to define, but if a city fits, you know it. New Orleans is an obvious one in the South, with places like Savannah and Charleston along with it. San Antonio's unique TexMex makes it fit (think River Walk). Miami's link to Latin America makes it unique, a mix of US and the lands to the south. Out west, the native feel of Albequerque would qualify although no place in this region would qualify the way San Francisco does. On the east coast, Boston fits the image more than any other, the place on the northeast corridor most attached to its English roots. **** Do we have any such cities in the Midwest? Personally I think less so than other parts of the US (we tend to be the most "American" of regions. If I chose one city though, it would be St. Louis. This city's unique blend of east and east, of north and south, gives this city a special feel that transcends all midwestern cities.

September 7th, 2005, 05:42 AM	#19
JivecitySTL The Jive is Alive. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Louis Posts: 1,559 Likes (Received): 0	I think it has less to do with region and more to do with age. Any city that boomed before the automobile age is going to have its own distinctive culture and atmosphere. Fortunately, the Midwest has a number of these cities. __________________ You can't spell STYLE without STL. www.stl-style.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

September 7th, 2005, 12:16 AM	#2
great prairie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 792 Likes (Received): 0	Milwakuee(sp?), Minneapolis/St. Paul, several others I can't think of I would also include Fort Worth and Galveston in the south...

September 7th, 2005, 12:25 AM	#3
Sa Town Tx Gringo Texan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Antonio Posts: 263 Likes (Received): 0	Id say St Louis as well been there many times. But your right Midwest is the Heartland and the most traditional part of America. I really think it defines the country and its values for the most part.

September 7th, 2005, 12:57 AM	#4
Somnifor Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 2,596 Likes (Received): 111	The Twin Cities have a strong countercultural bend to their culture that makes them very unlike the rest of the midwest. Minneapolis has always seemed to me like a part of the west coast that got lost. I would also list as "special" cities: St Louis, Cincinnati and Madison.

September 7th, 2005, 01:15 AM	#5
NWside Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 463 Likes (Received): 0	Can't get anymore special then Wisconsin Dells...

September 7th, 2005, 01:22 AM	#6
Lmichigan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 2,726 Likes (Received): 6	Minneapolis? It seems so typically American and Midwest. I'm sure it has it's unique aspects, but it seems to be, in fact, one of the much more 'average' cities in terms of feel. If you're talking something unique, places like Chicago (unlike anything else in the Midwest), Detroit (one of the most interesting layouts (French) in the Midwest), Cincinnati (uniquely dense), and the like come to mind, along with a plethora of smaller cities.

September 7th, 2005, 02:54 AM	#11
oshkeoto Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 565 Likes (Received): 0	"I really think it defines the country and its values for the most part." How does the Midwest define the country? I have never understood that.

September 7th, 2005, 03:00 AM	#12
louisville playa Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Louisville Posts: 547 Likes (Received): 0	I think Saint Louis has it's own little thang in the Midwest like no other.

September 7th, 2005, 03:05 AM	#13
WesternGulf Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 423 Likes (Received): 0	I'm guessing edsg25 is trying to ask does the midwest have any cities with a certain architectural vernacular that is unique.

September 7th, 2005, 03:24 AM	#14
Lmichigan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 2,726 Likes (Received): 6	No, I think it was much more comprehensive then that, including everything from culture and architecture, to "feel."

September 7th, 2005, 04:04 AM	#15
skokster123 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 126 Likes (Received): 0	Minneapolis= middle America

September 7th, 2005, 05:31 AM	#17
Cardpooch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 218 Likes (Received): 0	Judging cities equally regardless of size, I've always considered Columbus to be my favorite Midwestern city. It serves as a blueprint for how great Midwestern cities can be. BTW, the one in Ohio isn't too bad either.

September 7th, 2005, 05:32 AM	#18
ReddAlert BANNED Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 4,853 Likes (Received): 0	I always thought Milwaukee was quite special and different. With Chicago right down the road, we have kept our own cultural identity...the German heritage is most evident. While we arent as flashy as New Orleans and Mardi Gras, the city is known for its festive culture, especially in summer where we host some of the worlds largest ethnic festivals. Of course there is the beer, the bars and taverns on every corner,bowling, Jeffrey Dahmer, polka, bratwurst, racing sausages, former socialist government, old t.v. shows we always seem to be known for, Packer maniacs, tailgating, blue collar, and Harley/biker culture which makes us one quirky place in my opinion. The booming Hispanic population makes the city even better. Sadly, most people dont realize what a cool place this is. I think most cities are like this in the Midwest, outside Chicago.

September 7th, 2005, 05:51 AM	#20
Architorture Professional Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: on the hill Posts: 768 Likes (Received): 0	george bush sucks.... oh wait, i'm sorry i thought that was the default topic of discussion here in 'united states urban issues' threads by edsg25... anyway i'll suggest somewhere like sturgis... there is an entire sub culture that virtually revolves around the place... yeah its not very big but its aura or atmosphere i think rivals NO to a particular sub cultural group