This is a local favorite and a frequent date spot for us.
This is where we had our first real conversation and continue to return for dates in Shelly's neighborhood. It is important to note that this restaurant especially accommodates special dietary restrictions.
"I didn't know the twin cities had waterfalls!" Yes, new to the Twin Cities, I (Nathan) was completely blown away at the prospect of a waterfall within city limites. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a walk in nature while not getting too deep into the woods. You can also grab a casual beer or food at Sea Salt and enjoy patio seating.
A St. Paul classic bar. The patio is quintessential Minnesota summer. Happy hour is a treat with delicious Midwestern style tacos (managing expectations here...) and fries. Ask for extra mustard mayo.
Great food and an event better patio. Enjoy the old Hamm's brewery complex and grab a beer ranging from American lagers to something more experimental. Eat the tater tots to balance beer consumption. The "crowbar" cocktail popup shares the same parking lot and building complex.
A great little open-air place to get a drink or a bite right along the Mississippi River in St. Paul where Shelly has taken Nathan a few times in the summer. It was an old grain elevator turned summer restaurant spot. You will definitely see barges and boats go by.
When Nathan came to visit Shelly in Minnesota for the first time, this was their first stop--some great coffee in West St. Paul.
We can never pronounce it, but the croissants will leave you speechless. Shelly loves the raspberry danishes.
A St. Paul summer must have! They have dozens of flavors of soft serve ice cream. The line may be long, but it moves, and it's worth it. Having cash ready helps.
An idyllic city diner in St. Paul that we love, where we got breakfast right after we got engaged.
One of the gems of the Minnesota Historical Society, of which Shelly is a member. It's a great museum to learn the history and origin of Minneapolis as a milling hub in its early days. Nathan loves the "Flour Tower" elevator show.
Take a drive or walk down one of the oldest streets in St. Paul with historic mansions and beautiful green spaces.
We have a lovely downtown Farmer's Market that Shelly and Nathan like to peruse. Check it out on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Nathan and Shelly went here on Nathan's first trip to see Shelly after they met. It's heaps of fun with creative putt-putt golf holes and coordinating cocktails.
If you want some Mediterranean, this is your spot! Just ask Nathan!
A great venue with a lovely atmosphere and drinks. They even do distillery tours!
The best St. Paul Juicy Lucy. It's a stuffed burger with cheese on the inside, and quintessential Twin Cities fare. If you've not had one, you gotta get one!
This is part of the Minnesota Historical Society as well and a really fun opportunity to tour a Summit Ave. mansion!
Try your hand at a kayak or a paddleboard on one of the chain of lakes in Minneapolis. The rentals are fun and convenient. Channel a Minnesota summer Saturday and find one of our lovely lake beaches to bring a picnic or a book. Beaches at Bde Maka Ska can get really crowded on a Saturday, but Lake Josephine or Johanna on the St. Paul side can be nice. There are lots of options. Among them are Lake Harriet or the Lake Minnetonka Beach in Excelsior can be really nice.
This is our favorite Juicy Lucy on the Minneapolis side. Be prepared with cash only and a bit of a wait. It's not big, but it's the real Juicy Lucy experience.
The Twins are out of town the week of our wedding, but playing the St. Louis Cardinals in Minnesota the weekend before and the Dodgers the Monday after!
Minnesota United FC plays St. Louis City SC on Saturday, June 20th!
The Stone Arch Bridge is cool to see on its own, but Saturday, June 20th is the Stone Arch Bridge festival with heaps of art and food and drinks. There are usually free transit options to help you get there.
A great free zoo and conservatory that's great, especially for entertaining little ones!
Your kids will love it!
It's a bit further out, but a place we've enjoyed spending time is Rustic Roots Winery. It's been a little getaway type of spot, as well as near the St. Croix River where Shelly loves to paddle and Nathan has even got some kayaking time in there, too.
Enough said. :-)
A quirky spot with an artistic indoor putt-putt golf course, self-serve beer taps, and heaps of retro video games.
Grab pizza by the slice or some really great Italian desserts right near the Hampton Inn Downtown St. Paul.