r/midwest

So me and a friend were talking recently about the most Midwest thing we could think of and this idea got brought up. So you know how Walmart's will have a Subway or McDonald at the front of the store. It would be like that. Think about it: you get to Menard's to pick up something, at the front of the store you stop by the Culver's, grab a concrete mixer and a thing of cheese curds to snake on while you walk around the store.

To be clear, this does not exist in real life as far as I know, but I really wish it did.

I live in rural Illinois. I am about 2 hours from Chicago. I don't like Chicago. Unless I'm going to the United Center or the airport, I get kinda nervous driving there.

I have been to St. Louis a handful of times to visit family and I've always had a good time. I personally never felt uneasy there. But you could also say that I've never experienced St. Louis outside of a tourist perspective.

Any time it comes up in conversation with friends, coworkers, or people online, everyone hates St. Louis but loves Chicago.

Is this a general consensus?

I can see why Chicago is appealing, but why do people hate St. Louis so much?
What am I missing?

Edited to add: I would like to thank everyone who shared their personal experience living there, esp those who lived in St. Louis and Chicago. That is the type of insight I was interested in.

I would also like to add that I wasn't comparing the two against each other, they have vastly different populations and therefore aren't on the same playing field in my mind. But I could see how my post was read that way.

I am turning off notifications for this post.

I went to high school in southeast Iowa and the cafeteria ladies were amazing. I am constantly thinking about a cold spaghetti salad they would make with leftover spaghetti from the day before. I live in a different state now and everyone I ask about this salad has no idea what I'm talking about. My husband who went to the same high school doesn't remember either.

It was sweet but not too sweet. Like a macaroni salad but with spaghetti. I think the dressing was a little watery?

If anyone can help or let me know a better sub to ask, it is much appreciated.

Hey everyone! My fiancée and I are flying in from Germany to Chicago in early October for a 2-week Midwest road trip. We're not the type to rush from sight to sight - we love exploring neighborhoods, hitting up local markets, finding cool spots to eat, and just soaking up the vibe of a place.

- Chicago (7 nights)

- Louisville (3 nights - not exactly Midwest, ik, but it's about the drive)

- Milwaukee (4 nights)

Specifically looking for advice on roadtrip-stop ideas: We're doing 2 larger drives (Chicago - Louisville & Louisville - Milwaukee) and would like some ideas on where to stop/take a break. I don't mind driving without stopping, since they aren't far, but we like to stretch it a bit on vacation, because from my experience, in America you make memories from what you see on the way, not just when you get there.

I know 90% of the duration of these trips will be through Indiana, and I heard it can be a bit bland, but that's exactly why I'm looking for local hints.

We moved to MN with a baby and things didn't work out. It's beautiful, calm and peaceful but it was extremely isolating. I couldn't make real deep genuine friendships because people stick to their childhood friends and family. Everyone wants to look good, sound non offensive and hardly anyone talks about deep topics.

Worst few months of my life unfortunately. We are going to try MI or Iowa next and hope it's different

45 N and 90 W is near Poniatowski, WI. The geographical center of the western hemisphere on the north side of our planet.

If you thought it was about the position of our region inside the country or the continent, you are wrong. this is not even about the map, just the made up navigational system that is arbitrarily overlaid on top of the map. But I can post again on Monday, no problem.