As a Minnesota native who now lives in Tennessee, there a great many things I miss about home.

Number 1 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: On a bitter cold night, with temperatures of -40F, it is the brave few who step out of doors to be rewarded with the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is pure magic, and often found bewildering the night sky.

Number 2 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: The 4th of July Celebration in Big Falls. This little town of about 200 people puts on a spectacular fireworks display after a day filled with hilarious competitions like log-sawing and axe throwing.

Number 3 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Taking a kayak or canoe out on any of the amazing rivers and lakes. At times you will find complete silence, save for the sound of the paddle dipping into the water. Other times might find you surrounded by motorboats, riding their wakes.

Number 4 Awesomee Thing about Minnesota: The caramel rolls at Toby's in Hinckley. If you travel up 1-35N, make sure to stop in. The donuts are good, too, but oh, man those rolls are exquisite (and sticky!)

Number 5 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Walleye. Good fish. Seriously. Yum.

Number 6 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Wild Rice. Wild Blueberries. Is that 2 things? Oh well.

Number 7 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Theo Wirth Parkway in Minneapolis. It's a beautiful urban scenic drive.

Number 8 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Peace Coffee. Check it out: www.peacecoffee.com

Number 9 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Find a place to rent some gear, pick up a few maps, learn how to paddle, then off you go into the chain of lakes and islands that make up this bit of heaven. Don't you love portaging your gear?

And the Number 10 Awesome Thing about Minnesota: I can't narrow it down to 1 final thing so let me say: Ole and Lena jokes, chokecherry syrup, the Farmer's market in Minneapolis, lefse, pow-wow's, carved bears, the fact that they made Grumpy Old Men there, the salads at Key's Cafe, and the Kamikaze Cakes at The Egg and I.

It's a partial list but each one is worth a trip. And next time you're there, be sure to pick up an Ole and Lena joke book. Or talk to an old timer- they'll be sure to have one on hand.