Places that rock where we can roll

All you gypsies, nomads, hitch hikers, and cross country backpackers out there... rate those places.

The places you've been been, stayed, lived or just passed through, tell us about them. list resources, attractions, fun places, tell us about the culture and post pics. let us know places to ovoid and talk about youre experiences.

This can be a fun way to help others on the road.

Here is one

Winona MN USA


Rating 7.5/10
Population 27,069
Type college town

I lived here a couple hears and my family still lives here. Although its not my absolute favorite place in the US its still one I really enjoy staying at, with a few festivals every year and resources within walking distance. you dont need a lot of money to enjoy this place.

Culture
The culture is laid back, slightly out doorsy and very friendly and social. this is a place where strangers will wave and greet each other as they pass by. They are accepting of silliness. Like this old guy that lives there that often dresses like a purple pirate.

Resources
The place is kinda compact so resources are close together.

Internet
The library (which has wifi) is 3 stories high and allows anyone to use their computers, just ask for a pass and they will give you one that lasts an hour. Also the college library will give you a pass for 2 hours of computer use. There is free wifi at the Lutheran campus ministry which is a coffee house attached to a lounge with a shelf of Christan books, couches, chairs and tables. you can just plug your laptop right in, you dont have to buy anything.

Daily Care
There is also a place for free showers and laundry at the Bethany house. This is a house that you can hang out, whatch tv. They serve diner there on week days but they are not equipped to serve a large number of people so its nice if you brig something too once in a while. This house has a couple rooms for men to stay.

They have a house next door for housing women and families but they dont have enough volunteers right now to help so its not available for use. Volunteers get room and board. http://www.winonacatholicworker.org/

Food
the cheapest place to eat that I found is China King Buffet. at lunch time its only $6 per person but they have a huge selection of food, all the usual Chinese food plus more. crab ragoons, sweet&sour chicken, shishcabob pork, fish, egg roles, many stir fries, soups salad sea food, pizza, doughnuts, ice cream, pudding, cupcakes, fruit, cookies. thing I don't know what they are lol... I cant list it all. Its all you can eat

Also if Chartwells is still in biz, thats at the college, its the same price as china for lunch but its american food

Attractions, Festivals, Fun places to go that are cheap or free

Well, the first thing I think of is the hiking trail and rock Sugar Loaf. Its hard to miss, you can see the rock sticking out like a thumb out of Sugar Loaf bluff. People camp up sometimes, I use to all the time. its not a camp ground, so its free and cops dont hike up there so people go up there to goof off, drink, rock climb (its sand stone and crumbles in some places so be very careful), have bone fires and camp on the weekends.
pssst I camped/lived up there once, for a couple months I camped in the woods.



One time, at this lake, a friend and I made skirts, crowns, necklaces and bracelets out of weeping willow and walked around the lake. we looked like fairies lol and every one laughed and waved at us and said we were awesome!

The Dakota Homecoming pow wow is held at this lake. I missed it every year so I cant say much about it. I've heard it was fun and had a ton of free food and activities last time I was in Winona around that time.

Earth day in Winona is a celebration full of art and music. locals sell their handmade jewelry, organic and fair trade baked goods, speak about ways to solve environmental issues in the community, groops talking about thing they accomplished with environmental issues. There were bands playing tribal drums, free food and kids dressed in costumes of animals last time I was there.

Big Muddy River Rendezvous at Prairie Island Campground. $5 to get in.
it a reenactment and educational thing. its kinda like ren fest but of the 1800s with natives, fur trappers, blacksmiths, and sled dog mushers. There are many free things to do like throw atl atls and learn about flint knapping and how to start a fire with flint and steel or a bow drill. its fun to dress up too. There are a lot of yummy things you can buy as was as things from local crafts men like native flutes, carved walking sticks, also other things.

there are boat races on that lake on Steam Boat Days. You can also ride a steam boat on the Mississippi.

There is a nice beach in Goodview which is next to or part of Winona. The thing about this beach is the fish are really friendly. you can almost reach out and touch them! if you are still a few seconds they will nibble on you or try to swim into your swimming suit.

Many of the buildings have caricature, so just walking around can be fun.

And if you walk down by campus on Halloween you will probly see girls in their lacy underwear with angel or fairy wings. It seem the costume trend is the less costume the better.

las year they had Paddle for Life where they set up canoes, paddles and live vests for people to use free on the Winona lake.

There are a few art fests.

There seems to be a lot of nights they have fireworks and I'm not even sure what all the celabrations are.

There is a Co-op, this is not free or cheap though, but I still love it. I also love the cafes

There are just too many things to list.

Cons
I dont know of any community garden or free dances.

 

great post Nomad. Thanks.....