Planning a trip to Minneapolis & St. Paul
My first trip to MSP
Back in the Spring of 2004, I had to opportunity to visit a friend that had recently left US Airways to pursue a job at Northwest Airlines. If the years alone didn't date me, the use of two now defunct (merged) airlines sure will! While my friend did an incredible job of showing us around the area, I have basically zero photos to show for it (see a similar problem here!) We ate a juicy lucy burger at the 5-8 Club (we all have our alliances and we pick the 5-8 Club over Matt's Bar!), screamed on the roller coast at the Mall of America, and hiked to waterfalls in the state of 10,000 lakes. My friend took us to the hip bars at night and even cooked for us in his small apartment kitchen. It was all I could ask for in a visit with an old friend in a new city.
Fast forward 17 years (OMG) and I think it's time to see the city of Minneapolis again. Here is what I would do if I ventured north for a long weekend. The Juicy Lucy and Minnehaha Falls would still be on my list, but I'd also love to check out these MSP attractions.
My Second Trip to MSP itinerary
Day 1: We'd stay at The Ivy since it's a Marriott property and Matt is addicted to Bonvoy! The Ivy is located in walking distance to most downtown activities so that's an added bonus (plus think of all the points!).
Brunch would be at Hen House Eatery where I'd devour omelets, breakfast potatoes and a giant cinnamon roll. After breakfast I'd pose for a photo with the Mary Tyler Moore statue and then the Bob Dylan mural as well as the wall of stars.
From there I'd head to Loring Park, the Sculpture Garden and the Walker Arts Center, stopping at Lakes and Legends Brewing Company somewhere in there for drinks and grub.
Later, dinner would be near the hotel at the Italian classic, Monello.
Day 2: The day starts with breakfast at Hell's Kitchen and then we head towards the Mississippi River for a photo in front of the Gold Metal Flour sign. We would explore Gold Metal Park, including Mill Ruins Park and then check out the Mill City Museum.
Midday, we'll head up the river to the Warehouse district where we shop the upscale mom & pop shops and then start a beer crawl through the neighborhood. Stops include The Freehouse, Modest Brewing Co, Graze Provisions + Libations, Inbound Brew Co, Number 12 Cider, and Fulton Brew Tap Room.
Dinner and evening cocktails will be at Borough and Parlour, respectively.
Day 3: Start the day with breakfast at Keys at the Foshay and then visit Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden for an hour.
From there we'd drive south to Minnehaha Falls and the Long Fellow Garden where we would spend the majority of our day.
If we were lucky enough to get a reservation, we'd end the evening with dinner at Bar La Grassa.
There are so many coffee shops recommended on the visitor's center website, I'll have to do more research on the best coffee and atmosphere. Coffee shops and bakeries are my favorite spot to visit in a city. I'll have to squeeze a Jucy Lucy in there somewhere as well since I'd love to do a taste off between Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club. Oh and we really should have a tater tot hot dish too sine we can never pass up tasting the local favorites.
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