I live in North Branch, Minnesota. It's about population 8,000. It is changing however. It is a wonderful community to live in, but it's getting bigger, which means more construction of new buildings and working on the bridge over Freeway 35. Speaking for myself, I think it's great that they are adding to the city with more restaurants, and little malls. As for the construction of the bridge, it needs to be done, but it's going to be a pain. Many people in our community definitely agree with that factor. As for the little malls and restaurants, some like it. They just recently built a County Market, Fantastic Sam's, Verizon Wireless, Papa Murphy's and a nail salon. That's great news for some, but bad for others. Like the small grocery store Nelsons. It's survived for decades and is family owned. But, with County Market open and taking customers, will Nelsons be able to survive?
The community has some great places for people to get together and talk. Some popular spots for that are two of the coffee shops we have in town. One called the North Country, which seems to be the more popular one. The other is Cool Beanz, where people can tan there as well. Those are more of the laid back places where it's quiet and peaceful. The most common place to get together in North Branch would be Pizza Pub. It is always packed on the weekends. Especially when they have bands come play there, which is every so often. Most people go to Pizza Pub, to relax with a beer and some friends, and play a little pool.
Information about the Bridge:
http://www.ci.north-branch.mn.us/th95-i35.html
Pizza Pub Events:
http://www.mypizzapub.com/play_PizzaPub.html
This is a great post. Please, please go to Nelson's and interview the people who own it and get there take on the "wonderful" development taking place in North Branch.
ReplyDeleteNice report on where and what is going on in North Branch. I agree the bridge is a pain but should be worth it. Nelsons is a great store, I hope it continues. When our stores (Cambridge)moved out where the big box's went, we lost all our grocery stores in the downtown except our coop which moved back into town. We are very thankful. The change is hard on the locals
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with North Branch that much I live in a little town called silver lake. The i formation is good to here about, will the bridge only affect Nelson's or other places?
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