1) I love the old original houses, farms and buildings and even those that have been restored. I would love to see the farm on Marystown Road and 78 made into a family recreational place for bonfires, hay rides, skating, sliding, pumpkin patch, good 'ol apple cider, smores and family fun.

2) I love too that there is still farmland with views of the skyline that you can enjoy driving by while watching the sun set.

walking trail by the river; murphy's landing; the renaissance festival; taco loco or the coffee bean cafe; and the shakopee valley news, of course.

OK. That was a smart aleck answer from a Chaska resident.

Three things I really like about Shakopee:

1. It has a diverse downtown retail district.

Most cities would really love to have the variety of shops, restaurants, etc. found in downtown Shakopee.

2. A growing number of immigrants.

The recent influx of Russian, Mexican and other immigrant groups have brought a renewed vitality to Shakopee.

3. It's investing in a waterfront park.

Most cities along the Minnesota River have turned their back on the river, or built levees which block the river from view. Shakopee's new Huber Park will showcase the reason any our river cities exist -- the Minnesota River.