Things To Do

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Just up the street from our wedding venue and suggested hotel, The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden and research center in Chaska, Minnesota, featuring display gardens, tree collections, prairies, woods, and trails for year-round exploration via paved paths like the Three-Mile Walk and Three-Mile Drive. Tickets are needed and are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.

Paisley Park

Paisley Park is the former home, creative sanctuary, and production complex of the musician Prince, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, now operating as a museum, recording studio, and event venue. Just around the corner from our venue and preferred hotel, it’s a must visit for any Prince fans.

Hope Breakfast Bar

Our favorite breakfast place! Visit any of their now 8 locations! We can highly recommend the chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwich, and any of their specialty coffees. Reservations highly recommended, especially on the weekend!

Maynards

An upscale American casual dining experience with quintessential Minnesota lakeside dining. Reservations highly recommend.

Lake Minnetonka

Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co

Visit the brewery we play trivia at every Wednesday!

Substance Church - Southside Campus

Our church! We typically attend Southside campus, however there is also a historic downtown campus if you are in Minneapolis for the weekend.

Electric Fetus

A Minneapolis icon since 1968, Electric Fetus is a beloved independent record store filled with vinyl, music memorabilia, and local flair. We often stopped here after church while attending the downtown campus, browsing the aisles and picking out records together — a simple tradition we loved.

Five Watt Coffee, Lyndale

One of Abby’s favorite coffee shops and our first date location! All 3 locations are fantastic!

Historic Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis is a historic, 2,100-foot-long former railroad bridge built in 1883, notable as the only stone-arched bridge on the Mississippi River. It connects downtown Minneapolis to the University of Minnesota campus and is now a popular pedestrian and bicycle path, offering iconic views of the city skyline and St. Anthony Falls. Explore at sunset for a magical experience. Pro tip: Rent lime or spin bikes or scooters and explore the area including St. Anthony Main Street and stop for drinks or a bite to eat at Aster Cafe.

Volstead's Emporium Uptown

Our favorite speakeasy; Volstead's Emporium is a popular, 1920s-themed speakeasy in Uptown, Minneapolis, known for its hidden entrance in a back alley, dim lighting, and Prohibition-era atmosphere with velvet curtains and antique decor. It offers handcrafted cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, and a food menu with items like burgers, meatballs, and vegan gnocchi, served in a secretive setting with hidden rooms and passages. Head to Up Down after for a night of fun! Reservations recommended.

Up-Down Minneapolis

Up-Down Minneapolis features classic arcade games, pinball, and skee-ball alleys, all only a quarter to play. A local tap list with over 60 beers and ciders alongside a full bar and pizza by the slice makes this a must visit spot!

North Loop Neighborhood

The North Loop, also known as the Warehouse District, is a trendy, revitalized neighborhood in Minneapolis located northwest of downtown, characterized by converted 19th-century warehouses now housing restaurants, boutiques, and condos. It's a walkable area with numerous restaurants, bars, breweries, and cider houses all close to Target Field and Target Center. Some of our favorite restaurants include: The Freehouse, Parlor (get a burger and fries with the swiss aioli), Bricksworth Pizza, and Nola. Some of our favorite breweries and cider houses include: Fulton, Modist, Inbound, and Number 12 cider. Don’t miss Backstory Coffee for incredible coffee in an enchanting atmosphere!l Suggested stay: Hewing Hotel

The Freehouse

Abby worked here as a hostess when she first moved to Minneapolis. Our favorites are the cheese curds and steak and pirogies. Try Abby’s favorite drink; the Dynamic Duo! We highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

Backstory Coffee Roasters - North Loop

Another favorite coffee shop with delicious coffee and outstanding vibes.

Target Field

Catch a baseball game! The Twins are playing the Colorado Rockies! Come for the experience, just don’t expect them to win… Be sure to check out the North Loop area beforehand for walking distance breweries and cider houses as well as The Freehouse, Parlor, or Bricksworth pizza!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a large, free, urban park in Minneapolis, Minnesota, featuring over 40 permanent sculptures from the Walker Art Center's collection, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, located in Minnehaha Regional Park where Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi River. Famous for its beauty in all seasons, it's a popular urban escape with hiking trails, picnic spots, and a seasonal restaurant. Rent surry bikes for extra fun!

Mall of America®

Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the U.S., featuring over 520 stores, 50 restaurants, and major attractions like Nickelodeon Universe theme park, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, and the Crayola Experience.