Minneapolis is a city for all seasons. Fall is visually striking. The air is crisp and the trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange, making the miles of trails along the Mississippi River, area lakes, and Minnesota River Valley a picturesque playground. Winter brings ice skating, cross country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, and more.

The city’s 7 miles of enclosed above-ground walkways, called the skyway system, link theaters, hotels, nightlife, and restaurants that stay vibrant and alive all winter long. Spring returns with a vengeance and the city bursts into green, warm life. During this beautiful time of year residents return to sidewalk cafes, lakeshores, and outdoor trails, and golfers flock to urban courses. The many lakes and parks provide summer activity options including boating, running, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Festivals and neighborhood events pack the summer months.

The city boasts a vibrant art scene with fabulous museums, award-winning theaters, world-renowned orchestras and choirs, and one of the nation’s best jazz scenes. Hundreds of parks create outdoor recreation options beyond compare, and Minneapolis enjoys a stable economy with an ongoing low unemployment rate.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.