Minneapolis, MN

I have 3 sisters. From oldest to youngest, there are 18 years between us. Needless to say, with all of our schedules and different life obligations, it is so hard to try to find time to go away together.

This spring, our youngest sister graduated from graduate school and we took it as an opportunity to PLAN THAT TRIP! Life is way too short not to and I am hoping we continue to take a trip because it was an absolute blast!

This time we needed a quick trip, so we decided to head 5 hours north to Minneapolis. Our youngest sister, Courtney, planned the whole thing and it had the perfect combination of things to do!

So, here is what I would recommend:

If you are driving and come near Mankato, MN, you must stop for a quick bite to eat. We stopped at Nolabelle Kitchen and Bar (https://www.nolabellekitchen.com/) and I am still dreaming of the Peach and Bacon Grilled cheese— Thick cut bacon, peach preserves, goat cheese, and jalapeno?!?!?!?! YUM!! Plus the town was absolutely adorable. If you have a few hours, I am sure you could find some cute shops or things to do as well.

We checked into our hotel and went exploring. We walked around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which had sculptures everywhere from various artists. We loved the wind chimes in the trees and taking pictures with the Minneapolis skyline in the background. They were also setting up an art festival for the next day, but we weren’t able to come the next day. I am sure this area has something going on all the time. Then we headed to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. It was great to walk around in the city and see nature and learn about the different in-bloom flowers. The weather was beautiful, so having the opportunity to stay outside was wonderful!

We ate dinner at Motoi in the Lyn-Lake area (https://moto-i.com/). It is the first sake brewpub outside of Japan and has some amazing cocktails with different saki. We had the Moto mule and the Okinawa Brass, and both were tasty! One of the things I love about going to eat with my sisters….we order so much and share! We ordered the shishito burrata, Okonomiyaki (which is a bacon and cabbage pancake, katsu, qp mayo, and bonito), brussel sprouts, classic ramen, many different steamed buns, bibimbap, and mushroom ramen. All absolutely delicious!

Then we headed over to Milkjam Creamery- Such a unique place that not only has delicious ice cream, but vegan options as well! We tried milkjam, riding dirty, and two other flavors in their flight of four option.

Day 2 started with one of my favorite things to do in any city— A farmer’s market!! We ate breakfast burritos, got delicious coffee, and walked the many aisles of the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market. Located at 312 East Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405, it was a quick walk from our hotel. Beautiful flower vendors, produce vendors, chocolate confections, delicious-smelling bakeries, soaps, salsa, cheese, award winning foods, and you HAVE to get the crepes. It’s always the perfect way to check out local foods and goods.

Next, it was time to try and see the city…as best you can in a short time. So we hopped on Lime e-bikes and biked around West River Parkway by the Stone Arch Bridge. Minneapolis is truly a beautiful city and has a beautiful trail along the river.

Along the river sits a very historic site open to the public (Open Thurs-Sunday- tickets available at the door ), and it really helps to learn more about Minneapolis’s history. Mill City Museum was built within the ruins of an old flour mill. The museum tells the story of the flour industry and how it helped Minneapolis become a powerful city along the Mississippi River. It has a wonderful observation deck and interactive exhibits that are totally worth it.

Next up was a night on the town! We started at Foshay Tower- one of the most distinctive and historic skyscrapers in Minneapolis, known for its unique design and long-standing presence on the skyline. Today it’s a hotel, small museum, and observation deck, and what we came for….a Prohibition-style cocktail lounge/speakeasy on the 28th floor. Great cocktails and DELICIOUS truffle fries.

Dinner was Young Joni—which we loved, but unfortunately, has closed. The owners do have other restaurants in the area — Pizzeria Lola, Hello Pizza, and Sooki and Mimi—all places that are on my list for next time we’re in the area.

We finished the night with a close-by bar crawl at Nye’s Piano Bar and Otter’s Karaoke Bar- I’ll spare you the amazing talents of our Karaoke videos…but it was a very fun bar!

Our last day was spent touring the many wineries in the area—YES, wineries! We were skeptical too, but honestly, the places were gorgeous, and the wine wasn’t terrible! But…I’m getting ahead of myself. First, we needed to fuel ourselves for our day-drinking excursions. Brunch at The Breakfast Club was just what we needed! Located at 1300 Lagoon Ave #100, Minneapolis, MN 55408, this adorable, vibrant, and fun brunch spot is a favorite in the Minneapolis area, and we could see why! When you walk in, there is the most adorable oversized couch to complete all your Instagram-worthy pictures, then you should start with the Mimosa flight—of course! Then the breakfast tacos, s’mores pancakes, banana foster french toast, tochos…all equally delicious and filling!

And off to the wineries we go! There are many wineries in the area, but we only had time (and tolerance) for three wineries. Saint Croix Vineyards has award-winning wines and a cider and apple farm as well! The wines were delicious, and it would definitely be a great place to go as a family as well!

Next winery was Seven Wines Vineyard- this one was our favorite and was an absolutely beautiful location! The wine was delicious, the food was even better, and we could have spent the entire afternoon relaxing here.

The last winery was Two Silos Winery and Vineyard, a small winery, but it has the most beautiful back deck overlooking the vineyard.

The perfect day at beautiful wineries, but we had an even more perfect meal at Broders Pasta Bar. Homemade pasta in the most amazing sauces in a cozy neighborhood-style restaurant. The menu changes based on the season and they offer daily specials. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but the wait was well worth it! Make sure to finish with a delicious piece of tiramisu!

Minneapolis- who knew it was such a vibrant, surprisingly diverse destination full of things to do. It defies any tired Midwest stereotypes and offers a slice of anything you want to do! Sculpture Gardens, Wineries, historical sites, and award-winning restaurants. It is a dynamic, welcoming city that deserves a spot at the top of your travel list…especially if you’re looking for a quick weekend trip that doesn’t require an expensive plane trip to get to! Pack your bags…and I hope this got you started on your Minnesota trip ideas!