Hannah & Alex
Things To Do
The Dubliner Pub
The Dubliner is the classic Irish pub where we first met. They have a unique tap list and great bar food. If you visit, order a Harp on tap and send us a photo!
Loring Park
The Loring Park neighborhood is known for its large namesake green space, which has a pond and walking paths. We lived in Loring Park for several years and love the area. This neighborhood is home to the early-1900s Basilica of St. Mary and the park is walking distance from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden & Walker Art Museum
This sculpture garden is home to the famous Cherry-In-The-Spoon sculpture. It has great views of the Minneapolis skyline and is walking distance from Loring Park, our old neighborhood. We shared our first official date here, and it was a frequent stop on our morning running route!
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is comprised of the shorelines of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet, including the trails connecting them and Lyndale Park. There are walking/running/biking trails around and connecting the lakes. We especially love walking around Lake of the Isles with a cup of coffee or a picnic. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent.
Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and part of the city's Chain of Lakes. Surrounded by city park land and circled by bike and walking trails, it is popular for outdoor activities. A walking trail surrounds the lake and takes roughly one hour to complete. Our first apartment together was located two blocks away from Bde Maka Ska! We love the nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops found in 'Uptown' on West Lakes St., Hennepin Ave. S, and Lyndale Ave. S.
Lakes & Legends Brewing Company
Lakes & Legends is our favorite brewery in Minneapolis. We hope you'll be able to join us there at our pre-wedding event on Thursday, June 23rd. Hannah's favorite Lakes & Legends beer: The St. Gail Raspberry Honey Ale, abv. 7.2% (be careful!) A quarter pound of honey and over half a pound of raspberry go into this tart, sweet, ruby-red ale. Alex's favorite Lakes & Legends beer: The 5-Weight, abv 5% Minnesota-grown pale malt, flaked corn, and Willamette hops from Michigan come together to create a delicate, all-too-crushable cream ale.
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Park is home to Minnehaha Falls and the lower reaches of Minnehaha Creek. The park has great walking trails and a small cafe.
The Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River, and has a beautiful view of the city. If you haven't been to Minneapolis before, the Stone Arch Bridge is a great place to get a feel for the city.
The Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo, is an AZA-accredited zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota, ran by Executive Director, John Frawley aka Hannah's dad.
Mall of America®
The Mall of America is an interesting attraction for those visiting from out of town. It's a large mall with a theme park in the center. We recommend the log chute ride and LEGO Store. You will absolutely get wet on the log chute ride.
Spiral Brewery
Spiral Brewery is located in Hastings, Minnesota, and is a great stop on the drive from Minneapolis to Red Wing. We love the Brewery's namesake, as it was named after the Historic U.S. 61 Spiral Bridge previously located over the Mississippi River in Hastings. The Spiral Bridge was constructed in 1895 and demolished 56 years later in 1951. The brewery sits just below the original location in Downtown Hastings. Hannah's favorite Spiral beer: The Mississippi Fog Hazy New England IPA, abv. 6.7% The haze is characteristic of this unfiltered style, but it certainly doesn’t mask the juiciness and varying notes of citrus. Upfront you taste the passionfruit and mango but the hints of pineapple is what lingers for a while. Alex's favorite Spiral beer: Samesies.
Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop
Hanisch Bakery is a casual small town coffee bar & cafe, known for inventive donuts and cookies. Hannah's great grandma Ethel used to work at the bakery, previously known as Braschler's. Hannah's favorite donut: A "maple bar." Alex's favorite donut: A custard-filled "long john" with chocolate frosting. Similar, but so different...
Cannon Valley Trail
The Cannon Valley Trail is a paved rail trail that follows the Cannon River in southeast Minnesota. The trail follows an abandoned Chicago Great Western Railway corridor for 20 miles between Cannon Falls, Minnesota and Red Wing, Minnesota, stopping in Welch, MN half way (Yes! Welch, MN, where we're getting married!).
The Great River Road Scenic Driving Loop
This is one of our top recommendations for friends and family visiting from out of state, or for friends from the Cities who have not visited this side of the State. We recommend: drive from Red Wing, MN, north across the river to Hager City, WI (drive through, nothing to see here!), make your way along the river and alongside Lake Pepin, stopping at overlooks and towns along the way (Bay City, Maiden Rock, Stockholm). Make sure to stop in Stockholm for shops and snacks. Our favorite lunch recommendation is Nelson Creamery in Nelson, WI (check hours in advance!). On your drive back, cross the river to return on the south side of Lake Pepin and pass through Lake City. There are tons of great overlooks and historical markers along this drive! The full loop without stops takes roughly an hour and forty minutes. We recommend budgeting at least 3-5 hours! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Hannah or Anita (Hannah's mom). This really is a great day trip!
Red Wing Shoe Store
Visit the Red Wing shoe store, in Red Wing, MN. Offering traditional collection of handcrafted leather boots for work & recreation. Home of the world's largest boot.