The MN state fair is one of the largest state fairs in the US. Emily and her sister Natalie worked for years at The Mouth Trap, which is owned and operated by their dad's cousin. This year, the fair begins on August 22 and runs through Labor day. If you are visiting and looking for something very Minnesotan to do, we highly encourage you to head to the fairgrounds and don't miss out on The Mouth Trap cheese curds, and on Sweet Martha's tub of cookies! Want more recommendations, or to learn where to take the FREE shuttle busses to the grounds? email us: depalma.mance@gmail.com
Check out Cossetta's for some delicious Italian food and some real Italian helpings. From their website: "In the late 1800’s a young man named Michael Cossetta came to St. Paul from Calabria, Italy, and settled in a little Italian neighborhood in St. Paul called the Upper Levee. By 1911, he opened a tiny food market called Cossetta’s, which drew customers from everywhere who appreciated his quality foods and genuine hospitality. Since 1984, Cossetta’s has been known for its award-winning pizza, homemade sauces, handmade Italian sausages and welcoming staff. After recently celebrating Cossetta’s 100-year anniversary, the fourth-generation family decided to expand the tradition to include all the Old World sensations and offerings a customer might experience in Italy without actually traveling there."
Mickey’s Diner was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and was one of the first diners to be a registered historic place. The designation helped preserve the diner during urban re-development with in the city of St. Paul. Mickey’s Dining car has been operating 24 hours a day 365 days a year for nearly 70 years. Spanning three generations the diner has remained family owned and operated. (A great late-night choice for all of our super partiers)
One of Emily's favorite spots in downtown St. Paul! If you have a sweet-tooth, this is a spot you cannot pass up.
This is a beautiful church for any guests who care to attend mass while they are in town. Emily's family attends services here and her Grandma Joan is an usher.
No sales tax on clothing, Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life, an IMAX theater...the MOA has it all.
Donation-based public zoo + conservatory, outdoor exhibits plus a small carnival area. A great spot for kids of all ages.
Minnehaha falls is located in one of the oldest and most popular parks in the Twin Cities, It is a beautiful, family-friendly park. If you have extra time, you should definitely visit! See the park's website for more information, for park hours and directions: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/minnehaha_regional_park/
Stephan's sister Claire worked at Isles when she was in college at the University of Minnesota, just two years ahead of Stephan. Stephan took Emily here one of the first times they ever hung out. Emily ate a whole cinnamon roll, and that is when Stephan knew he loved her. .... Just kidding, but he was impressed...those suckers are BIG! If you have a chance to explore Minneapolis, this bakery is near the beautiful Lake Bde Maka Ska. Grab a coffee, a puppy dog tail, and enjoy a walk around the lake!
You've seen photos of the cherry on a spoon - now go visit it!
One of our favorite brewery stops in the Twin Cities.