Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today I’m sharing the five Minot basics for newcomers I share with all the newbies I meet. For more tips, lists and information on living like a local be sure to follow BeLOCAL.
Five Minot Basics I Tell Everyone
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! I’ve had this conversation loads of times. Over coffee, cookies, or a walk in the park, I talk to someone new in town. In my best effort to help them settle in (without overwhelming them with my love of Minot) I rattle off these five basics. These are the five starting points I give everyone who asks me how to start settling in to life in Minot.
Get a Library Card
The Minot Public Library is a gem. It’s not just about borrowing books, it’s about community. Sure, go borrow books—but also take part in book clubs, children’s story time, and board game get togethers. Borrow tools if you’re new and need to work on your house. Borrow games and play them with your neighbors. Use the giant printer to create art for your walls.
I’ve met friends in town simply through attending library programs. I cannot say enough good things. If you’re new in town—get a library card.
Eat at Elevation
There are lots of great places to eat in Minot. However, I always tell new-in-towners to eat at Elevation. It’s just far enough out of town to feel away, just fancy enough to feel special and the scenery is pretty enough to take your mind off being in Minot. (Because, sometimes you need to feel like you are someplace besides a small town in northern North Dakota.)
Utilize the Parks Department
I always tell newcomers to go outside when they can. There will be chunks of time in the year that being outside is not safe. Our parks department works so hard and comes up with great ideas year round.
During nice weather, tap into the parks (especially the lesser known places) or hit up my favorite places to walk. Go to the zoo. And the pool.
In cool weather, watch for events like the pumpkin walk, movies at Maysa Arena or use the Fun Zone (which is a complete jewel and free!) Follow the Parks Dept for updates and fun ideas.
Watch the Events Calendar
I cannot stress this enough: Minot has a lot going on. Like, way more than most other places we’ve called home. Also, activities are inexpensive, when compared to bigger cities or other places we’ve lived. I recommend scanning the Minot events calendar once a week to keep a pulse on what’s coming up. Also follow BeLocal and Visit Minot for announcements. This will help you dive into fun downtown and around town.
Find a Cause
Minot is a unique place where you have the capacity to do a lot of good. If you see something that can be improved, the community is very receptive to new ideas for making this a more enjoyable place to live. Find a cause to get behind. Once you are invested, you’ll start to really feel ownership—like this is your town…which, of course, it is.
One More Thing…I Need a Favor
Recently, I started penning sample chapters for a memoir
detailing my experience with mental health crisis as a Christian and military spouse. YOUR help will get the book published. The easiest way is click “FOLLOW” on Instagram or sign up for my monthly newsletter via email (below). Your support demonstrates interest in this story and these words of hope.
Above all, thank you for being here and for your support. It’s an honor to share my testimony with you and I’m excited to see the great things God does through your journey.
For more on Minot basics, positive living and encouragement be sure to join me on Instagram and Facebook. And for more about living like a local, follow BeLOCAL and read their publication.
