Things To DoThings To Do
Minnesota State FairMinnesota State Fair
If you are sticking around the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (Twin Cities) metro area for a couple of days or more prior to or after our wedding ceremony and reception, then you may be interested in attending the 2025 Minnesota State Fair! This annual event begins on August 21, 2025 prior to our wedding weekend and the full week following (the last day is Labor Day September 1, 2025). This will be a crowded event so is not for those who want to stay away from large quantities of people. If you choose to go, then you will have the opportunity to purchase and sample a wide- array of food, particularly on a stick. The fair is also a chance to tour the large fair grounds that boast many different exhibits, many of which are a homage to Minnesota's agricultural roots.
Mall of America®Mall of America®
Minnesota is famous for boasting the largest mall in the nation! It really is a nice one and the main floor in particular has been updated in many sections and includes many of the top big box retailers, particularly clothing. This is a popular destination and will also be crowded, but perhaps somewhat less so due to the Minnesota State Fair occurring at this time.
Lake of the IslesLake of the Isles
If you want to see where it all began, then consider an excursion to Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. This is where Vishal and Andy first met in October 2020 on a masked walk during the pandemic. For the full experience, consider stopping by Isle Bun and Coffee (1424 West 28th St. Minneapolis) for a warm beverage and one of their famous massive cinnamon rolls!
Lyndale Park Rose GardenLyndale Park Rose Garden
This is a beautiful rose garden next to picturesque Lake Harriet. The rose garden is one of several in the same area, which includes a Peace Garden (Japanese Garden) and two water fountains. Lake Harriet, like Lake of the Isles, has a designated walking path along the nearly 3-mile circumference and a separate bike path. There is even a place to rent kayaks and paddle boats for the full Minnesota lake experience!
Como Park Zoo & ConservatoryComo Park Zoo & Conservatory
This is a wonderful free zoo and conservatory. Some of the most memorable wildlife species include polar bears and a snow leopard. The highlight for Vishal and Andy, who have visited together several times, is the indoor conservatory that is in a 100 year old historic glass building and houses several stunning gardens including the famous Sunken Gardens.
Cafe LatteCafe Latte
We highly recommend a stop by Cafe Latte for brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert. This counter-service cafe is only a 10-minute drive from our wedding venue, The Essence Event Center, and they are known for their decadent cakes. This restaurant also has ample tempting savory options including salads, soups, and several breads and spreads. It can be busy at peak times such at 11:30am-1:00pm. Grand Avenue in Saint Paul is also a great street for shopping with many unique shops including a great kitchen store, children's bookshop, and local art gallery.
EstelleEstelle
This is one of our favorite restaurants and this is only about 10 minutes away from our wedding venue- The Essence Event Center. Estelle is known for fresh, innovative, scratch cuisine that is beautifully presented, with particularly delightful pasta dishes. This is a popular restaurant so advanced reservations are required and Estelle is only open for supper. A five-minute drive away from Estelle is the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, centered at the intersection of Ford Parkway and Cleveland Ave S, where Vishal and Andy rented a house for a year in 2022. There is some great shopping in this area, including a local gift store called Patina, and Half-Priced Books.
Mandarin KitchenMandarin Kitchen
Dim Sum anyone? Mandarin Kitchen is our favorite Chinese restaurant in Minnesota and it serves amazing dim sum, Chinese brunch of a wide array of finger foods served on carts, on Saturdays and Sundays only. If you decide to go for Dim Sum, we recommend getting there early at 9:15am and waiting in line (there will already be a line) prior to the doors opening at 9:30am. Mandarin Kitchen also has a large and amazing menu for lunch and dinner (closed on Tuesdays) and one of our favorite dishes is the garlic lobster- they boast a fresh lobster tank! Mandarin Kitchen is located about 25 minutes southwest of our wedding venue, The Essence Event Center. A meal at Mandarin Kitchen also combines well with a stop at the Mall of America, which is only about a 10-minute drive away.
Lat14Lat14
This restaurant is the furthest from our wedding venue, The Essence Event Center, at about a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic), but for the adventurous it is worth the trip. Lat14 is a unique restaurant that has an innovative menu inspired by the cuisine of several different Asian countries that fall along the 14 degree latitude line including: Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Our favorite dishes are their appetizers, particularly the pork belly Lechon, which is lightly fried, but not the least bit greasy ,and coated in the most delicious dry rub spice mix, which is a tightly guarded secret by the chef. The interior of this restaurant is also beautiful and the patio is intimate and comfortable. This is another popular spot, so reservations, whether for lunch or dinner are required. If you go, there is also some nearby shopping within the suburb of Golden Valley, where Lat14 is located, and we recommend Patina, which is a fun place to browse for gifts.