Visit downtown Excelsior, a picturesque lakeside town on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. With boutiques, cafés, ice cream shops, and waterfront restaurants, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Excelsior is where we both grew up and where we now call home. We hope you'll enjoy exploring one of our favorite places! There are three staple ice cream shops- Adele's, Lick's, and Tommy's Trolley - Raspberry Chocolate Chip from Tommy's Trolley is Ted's guilty pleasure! Lagos Tacos is a casual spot in town where we went on our first date! The Maynard's Wharf is a Lake Minnetonka staple. Miyabi is our favorite sushi spot!
Set along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Downtown Wayzata is a charming lakeside village known for its scenic views, walkable streets, and relaxed, upscale feel. Browse the shops, enjoy a nice dinner by the water, walk the waterfront boardwalk, and take in the boats coming and going. Our favorite dinner spots are 6Smith, COV, and Grocer's Table!
Known as the "Great Minnesota Get-Together," the Minnesota State fair is one of the largest and most beloved state fairs in the country. Be prepared for plenty of walking—and come hungry! Our favorite spots are the fresh sweet corn, all you can drink milk with fresh Sweet Martha's cookies, and Mouth Trap Cheese Curds- a midwest staple!
Believe it or not, Prince's iconic Paisley Park studio is just 3 miles down the road from Maya's childhood home in Chanhassen. Now a museum, Paisley Park offers guided tours through the studios, performance spaces, and exhibits where Prince wrote, recorded, and created many of his most famous works. It's a fascinating glimpse into the Minnesota icon's legacy!
Discover the history that helped build Minneapolis at the Mill City Museum. Built within the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, the museum brings the city's rich milling history to life. Be sure to visit the observation deck for beautiful views of the Mississippi River, the Stone Arch Bridge, and St. Anthony Falls.
Spend some time exploring Minneapolis' beautiful Chain of Lakes, a collection of scenic lakes connected by miles of walking and biking trails. Including Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake, each offers something a little different. Rent a bike, paddleboard, or kayak, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy a walk with waterfront and skyline views. A bit further south, Lake Harriet and the nearby Linden Hills neighborhood is a great place to grab coffee, dinner, or ice cream.
One of Minneapolis’ most beloved natural landmarks, Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall nestled within a beautiful city park along the Mississippi River. We visited the falls on our second date!
Just outside the Twin Cities, Minnesota’s countryside offers some beautiful vineyard and orchard spots. Schram Vineyards and Sovereign Estate are two nearby favorites, both set on rolling hills with vineyard views and peaceful outdoor spaces. Don’t miss Deardorff Orchards, where apple season is in full swing in September. Pick your own apples and enjoy a classic Minnesota autumn experience!
If the weather isn't cooperating, check out the Mall of America - one of the largest indoor shopping and entertainment complexes in the United States. It features hundreds of stores, restaurants, an aquarium, and even an indoor amusement park. For a rush of adrenaline, don’t miss the iconic Log Chute ride at Nickelodeon Universe, a nostalgic indoor water-style coaster that ends in a splash-worthy drop - Maya's favorite rollercoaster growing up. This would be an easy stop on the way to/from the airport- it's right across the way!