It’s easy to forget how great a place is until you come back to visit. Despite how much flack it gets, Minnesota is beyond beautiful in the summer and the first snow fall in the winter. Fall and spring are equally beautiful. In fact, if it wasn’t for the intense winter months where your car tends to slide into a snowy ditch on a weekly occurrence, the bird-sized mosquitos that attack you with military precision in the summer, or the never ending road construction, Minnesota has a ton to offer and is a really great place to live.

OUT & ABOUT 

Minneapolis Farmer’s Market

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I have a huge adoration for farmer’s markets. The process of waking up before the sun to wander through the fresh produce and handmade goods; surrounding myself with all of the brilliant sights, the sounds of the city and people from every culture; it’s completely energizing to me. 

The Minneapolis Farmer’s Market is one of my family’s traditions on a Saturday. We stock up on fresh produce and then finish with fully-loaded brats. One of my obsessions at the markets is Evla Pottery. They’ve been displaying their wares for as long as I can remember. We own a few of their pieces and I’m completely attached to them.

• 312 East Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Mill City Farmer’s Market 

If we have extra time on a Saturday we head over to this sustainable- focused, farm to table market. It’s located in between the historic Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater – the one with the large deck that cantilevers over the Mississippi river, another must see. From there we like to walk across the Stone Arch Bridge to the other side of the river. It’s one of my favorite views in the city.

• Mill City Farmer’s Market – 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Wright County Flea Market 

My mother and father in law introduced us to what’s basically a mammoth garage sale, for your antique and random-finds junkie. During this trip I was able score Adam some vintage Ray Ban sunglasses for $35! Best wife ever!!  For all of you Gluten-Free friends out there, I’ve probably discovered one of the best chocolate chip cookies EVER! Melinda has been improving on her recipe for over 30 years and I’m pretty sure she’s found perfection.  Soft and fluff, loaded with chocolate chips and strangely better than the regular cookies she makes.  I’ve begged her to start selling online, so the world can discover just how great these things are, but until then, she can be found selling them at the market and hand-shipping them to those of us who don’t live locally.  Cookies Soft Like Muffins – (320) 262-1057, ask for Melinda.

Time Bomb Vintage

I’m more of an antique-lover than a retro enthusiast, but this thrift store is pretty awesome – packed full of awesome retro items straight from the 50s and 60s. I’m still kicking myself for passing up these beautiful, gold-etched, low ball glasses that would look perfect in my future bar cart (still working on that one).

• 4008 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Junket: Tossed & Found

This store is overflowing with some of the most interesting and unusual finds. I love a place that has bins full of the most random things you could ever imagine. A huge selection of vintage clothing and dishware, which always gets me excited! I picked up an old whisk that will be the perfect addition for my food photography. 

• 4049 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

The Minnehaha Mile

Along with the two stores above, the Minnehaha Mile is home to a handful of vintage and resale shops, we never had the opportunity to check out all of them, but I’m told it’s a lot of fun!

EAT & DRINK

Minnesota doesn’t suck when it comes to some great places to eat. Whether its lakefront dining or getting dressed up to bar hop in downtown Minneapolis, there’s something for everyone.

6Smith

If the rooftop view overlooking Wayzata Bay doesn’t captivate you and keep you coming back again and again, then their food definitely will. Stop in for happy hour Mon- Fri, 3pm to 6pm and Sat & Sun, open to 6pm. I’m a huge fan of their Calamari with a Thai Dipping Sauce. It’s crazy good!

• 294 East Grove Lane, Wayzata MN 55391

Cov 

This is a new lakefront spot in the Wayzata area. They took over the iconic Sunsets restaurant and completely revamped the entire space to create a bright, Nantucket styled interior and coastal-inspired cuisine. Sit on the patio to enjoy the view and then order some House Smoked Salmon and the Caprese Flatbread for a lovely summertime lunch. Oh, to drink, I always order their Terra D’ Oro Rose. Its light and refreshing to combat the summer heat.

• 700 East Lake Street Wayzata, Minnesota 55391

Union Rooftop

If you are looking for a fun night out and a rooftop dining spot, in downtown, then head over to Union.  Must eats are the Tuna Poke, Crispy Calamari, Margherita Flatbread and Beef Carpaccio.

• 731 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Marvel Bar

If you’ve never been to a Speakeasy, then it’s about time you head to one. Located behind the typical unmarked door, in the basement of an old building of the North Loop neighborhood lays this intimate and beautiful bar. Every drink is fantastic, and if raw eggs don’t freak you out, try the Oliveto – made with olive oil, raw egg whites, Lemon, Licor 43 & Gordon’s.

• 50 North 2nd Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55401

Prohibition Bar

There’s a lot of history in this stunning, intimate bar overlooking the downtown skyline. It was once the personal office of the legendary Mr. Foshay, owner of the Foshay building and now the modern W Hotel. This building has seen some interesting times throughout history and the walls seem to speak of the past and the controversies that took place there. Take a moment to head to the roof, where you can step outside and gaze over the entire city – one great way to get past your fear of heights.

• 821 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55402

Dakota Jazz Club

The jazz club is one of the best places to check out the great Jazz scene in downtown Minneapolis. The atmosphere is energizing and elegant; the food is always on point.

• 1010 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Thank you to everyone that made our trip to Minnesota an unforgettable one! It was a crazy adventure and one we will never forget. I miss all of you and look forward to seeing you again, soon.

Cheers! Mel