Welcome to a slice of heaven courtesy of corn, cattle, and “ope” country.
With summer right around the corner - it’s only right we feature one of the best summer cities in the US - Minneapolis, Minnesota. Can we get a “Naz Reid” for Naz Reid?
Minneapolis will exceed every one of your expectations. It’s smart and hip like the Northeast, friendly like the South, and beautiful like the West Coast. So come visit, but don’t move here. I’d like to keep it affordable, thanks.
Activities:
Como Zoo and Conservatory. Sure, there’s the standard Minneapolis Zoo, but the Como Zoo is literally free. A free zoo that’s actually good. Unreal.
Centennial Lakes Park. Every other guide will tell you to do the rent-a-pedal boat at Bde Maka Ska, but this park is quieter, nicer, and also has boat rentals plus mini golf plus lawn games.
Fort Snelling State Park. Super close to the airport which is probably where you came from, and it’s just a huge nature reserve that really captures the beauty of Minnesota. You’ll see water, you’ll see wild turkeys, and if you time it right, you might see that weird bat festival that they have every year where everybody talks about the local bats.
Fox Den Board Game Cafe/GameZenter/Lodestone. Wherever you are, you can probably google “board games” and be within a mile of a place to play. Minnesota is home to some of the largest board game publishers in the country, and the local community is one of the best in the country to find people with this hobby.
And yeah, if you have loud-ass kids that like loud-ass places, go ahead and take them to the Mall of America. It is like Disneyworld for a fraction of the price.
Food:
Khaluna $$$ or Gai Noi $$ - Both owned by Laotian goddess Ann Ahmed. Fresh tropical food that’s full of flavor but light enough for date night to actually turn into something. ;)
George and the Dragon, $$ - Family-owned and beloved by all, this local favorite doesn’t miss whether it’s Asian-inspired twists on classics or traditional pub fare. There’s usually only one dessert, and it’s the creme brulee. And it will be the best one you ever have.
All Saints, $$ - At first glance, it looks like every other New American eatery in every major city, but this one has some real heart and is known for their expert treatment of vegetables.
Bar La Grassa, $$$ - Skip the steakhouses and have your big-ticket dinner here instead. The food is high-end Italian, but the vibe is anything but stuffy.
Hot Grainz, $ - It’s the best restaurant on University Avenue which happens to be the best street in the state for authentic Southeast Asian food. It’s just a tiny stall inside of an Asian grocery store, but it’s the best Thai food you will ever eat.
Juche, $$ - It’s a little bit of a hike to get here and the space is tiny, but everything that comes out of this Korean-American fusion restaurant is fantastic.
Tongue in Cheek, $$ - This place does a daily brunch and is a favorite of service industry people in the area. Super tasty and straightforward food, super cool staff, and super weird art to discuss with your friends while you’re waiting for your food.
Colita, $$$ - It’s not your normal Mexican food. It’s much better, much sexier Mexican food. And they do this thing with their churros where they pipe them into a tight spiral so you eat them like cookies. Don’t miss the churros.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
Author: Above average Jane Doe
Quote to consider:
"Our life is what our thoughts make of it." -Marcus Aurelius