A tale of two cities

MINNEAPOLIS -- In the best of times, Atlanta loves to be the best! Bigger than Charlotte, more important than Miami, better integrated than just about anywhere.

But in the not so best times, it’s tough on the annual comparison-contest called the LINK trip.

I linked up with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s merry band of 100 mayors, commissioners and business leaders. This year the group flew to the twin cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and the comparisons are entertaining, and telling.

First stop for me, the most popular park in the region. Minnehaha Park with a famous waterfall, miles of hiking and biking paths and connections to parkland north and south along the Mississippi River.

It’s not Piedmont Park. It’s different.

Second stop. Minnesota Historical Society. Three ways to tell you’re not in Atlanta?

- Multiple coat rooms, because they wear so many coats up here.

- The replica of one of Charles Lindbergh’s airplanes fills the atrium.

- Two different kinds of Bundt cake pans for sale in the gift shop. They take their baking seriously.