I have decided since my last neighborhood tour that I would like to make this some sort of installment on my blog. I don’t know if it will be every week or every other week, it all kind of depends on when I get to spend time with my boyfriend, San, because he has the wheels. I really like touring neighborhoods though and I think people like reading about them, so whenever I can I will be sure to blog about them!

On our way to Minnehaha Park we drove along the Mississippi River which divides a large part of St. Paul and Minneapolis and saw the beautiful houses in St. Paul’s Highland Neighborhood. We went back this weekend to scope the place out more. We didn’t see it all, but we drove down a few streets and took some pictures. I must say, as much as I want to move somewhere smaller after I graduate, I find myself in awe of all the unique types of architecture grouped in many areas of the Twin Cities. I haven’t seen that in many other places in Minnesota. It’s a really cool place to live, if you like the whole city thing. The neighborhood was actually fairly quiet with lots of children wandering around, which felt more like home to me.

I must say that I am still getting used to taking pictures in public. I feel a little creepy taking pictures of people’s homes, but I have searched and found that it is legal. I just don’t want people to think I am a burglar or something. I try to keep in mind that if I lived in a big city and people were taking pictures of my home (and other homes in the neighborhood) and they looked like decent people (which I hope I do!) that I would feel flattered my home was nice enough to have a picture taken of it. What are your thoughts on that?

We ended up taking so many pictures that I had to split them into two posts. I will post the second half tomorrow. I couldn’t leave any out, so hopefully you are up for lots of house gazing!

It’s nice to see that there is still some patriotism in this country!

I reached across the car to take this one because those bay windows are drool-worthy! It’s amazing enough to have one in a house, but to have one on each side is fantastic! I need to add that to my list of things I want in my dream home.

I loved the symmetry of this home and the cottage feel it had. I’m not quite sure what is up with the yellow and green trim, however.

And of course, more tudors! I tryed to narrow them down, but they are all so beautiful. I’m just attracted to them, I guess.

Will you look at that stone and the shapes of the windows and doors! So much drama and little remnants of history in this one house!

Again with the ivy. I must bore everyone with my love of ivy! Warning: There is more coming your way in this post! Like, right after you read this. Turn around now if you can’t stand it any longer. If it makes you feel any better, there is a really pretty door on that house, too!

Good, you’re still with me! I could not get a decent picture of this house, but the most beautiful part of it was the colorful green and burgundy ivy growing up the chimney. It just feels like an ancient cottage surrounded by gardens in the middle of the city (in my twisted head, anyway).

Here’s another view. It is just me, or does it seem like whoever lives in this house really likes their privacy? I would love to see those upper windows from the inside. It looks kind of funky on the outside, but very interesting.

To end this half of the tour, I would like to let you in on things from my perspective. In the car, this is what I see.

Yep, that’s right. My boyfriend has a Spongebob stuffed animal sitting on his dashboard protecting him from harm. Ladies, be jealous! Nah, I think it’s cute. Makes me feel safe. :)

Stay tuned tomorrow for the second half of this tour. I saved the best for last and think I may have found a house that might fit all criteria for my perfect dream home! Which house did you like most from the first half?

Tags: Highland, home, house, Mississippi, neighborhood, St. Paul, tour, Twin Cities