Things To Do
Mall of America®
Most locals don't go to the mall, but it's one of our favorite places. We go every year at Christmas time and have an annual date where we dress up to go to IKEA and MOA. We love the people-watching and rides. There are always new things coming to the mall: mini golf, virtual reality, new rides, new stores, and new food vendors. https://www.mallofamerica.com/
North Loop, Minneapolis
Check out this thriving area of the city. Lisa's favorite coffee shop just opened a new location in North loop: Backstory Coffee Roasters. We love Wrecktangle pizza if you need something to grab and go. The Freehouse is a classic North loop restaurant. There are bags and yard games out front so you can grab a drink and hang out. Check out the Acme Comedy Company for free during your birthday month. Target field is nearby if you want to see a Twin's game. Fairgrounds coffee and tea is a fun carnival-style coffee shop nearby that we go to to get work done.
Stone Arch Bridge Minneapolis
Take a beautiful walk across the stone arch to St. Anthony main. For some good modern mexican food, eat at Jefe Urban Cocina or head to Aster Cafe for some apps, drinks, and live music. You can walk all the way to Boom Island park and see some of the historic sites of the old milling district. Or take scooters. We scootered here on our first date and it's a common date for us ever since. I actually passed Nicollet Island Pavilion and thought, "It'd be fun to get married there"
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
A beautiful nature spot in the city. This would be a great morning walk. You can visit the falls and walk to the river to see the classic Minnesota sandstone. One of the best parts of Minnesota is the green spaces everywhere, even in the city.
Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun)
One of Lisa's favorite lakes, right in the city. There are swimming beaches and volleyball nets as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. Paddle under the bridge to the connecting lake: Lake of the Isles. The sunsets are beautiful. We spent last summer sailing on this lake together. If you call up the sailing center, some Sundays they'll take you out sailing for free.
CHS Field (Saints Stadium)
James taught Lisa to love baseball. We went to our first Saints game together when we were 16. It's always a fun time. Venture over to St. Paul to check out a baseball game.
Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria
While you're in St. Paul venture over to Cosetta's. It's always busy but always worth it. Their meatballs are to die for as well as the mostaccioli. We've never made it to the fancy restaurant upstairs, but if you're looking for a formal Italian dining experience head to Louis Restaurant. Make sure to get some gelato or the mini opera cake (Lisa's favorite) on your way out.
Namaste India Grill & Brewhouse
Our all-time favorite restaurant right in the heart of our hometown on Lexington Ave. Indians come from all around the city to eat here. We love the Tikka Masala of course, but also the Chicken Kadai, Golgappe, Masala Dosa, and garlic naan.
Stillwater, MN
We went to Prom together in Stillwater. Now it's a common date spot for us. Stillwater has the cutest shops and restaurants for a day on the river. Go to LoLos American Kitchen and Craft Bar and order the Smoked Sea Salt Fries. (make sure to get reservations in the summer!) The Stillwater Boom site has a nice little beach to walk down to where they used to do the logging on the St. Croix. You can walk the lift bridge and see the fireworks by the bridge on fourth of July weekend.
Nelson's Ice Cream (Stillwater)
If you venture out to Stillwater and make it to Nelson's. Prepare for the biggest scoop of ice cream you'll ever eat. (Get the kid's size, trust us). We went here for Prom (yes in our full dresses and tuxes) and it's a favorite spot of ours. There is also a Nelson's in St. Paul if you can't make it out to Stillwater.
St. Croix River
Minnesota is not complete without boating. Lisa's family has their boat in Afton, MN on the St. Croix river so we've spent a lot of time zooming down this river. The St. Croix is Minnesota and Wisconsin's best-kept secret. You can pull your boat right up to the sand bar beaches. We definitely recommend renting a pontoon for the day to check out Hudson and Stillwater. There are some public beaches you can pull up to on the Wisconsin side in Hudson. Have dinner at Pier 500 right on the water and enjoy the beautiful bluffs of the St. Croix.