Winter is a season of traveling all over Minnesota to shop for thoughtful gifts for my family and friends. For me at least. But in the cold of February, I am much more inclined to find my way indoors. It is hard to beat the Mall of America when it comes to indoor shopping malls. […]
If you’ve followed for long you know that on any road trip, I look for coffee, comfort food, and sunsets. The annual October trip down to the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener is no different. Since it’s always in late October, I look for coffee first to stay warm. Enter, Scooter’s Coffee in Worthington. The […]
Numero Uno choice in cupcakes, for me is Yum! Kitchen and Bakery. The name says it all, really it does. If I bring a Yum! cupcake anywhere – I get the same reaction, “Yum!”. !”. I fell head over heels for the chocolate raspberry yogurt cupcake. oh em gee. I’ve been lucky enough to try […]
When it comes to hospitality and graciousness, Olde Main Eatery in Elk River makes the top of my list. I have, on very good authority, heard it called the best place for breakfast in the northwest metro, and I couldn’t agree more. A casual, homey, small town place where you can feel right at home. […]
If you are a long time follower, you know I already know my love of all things Nevis, MN. Every time I’m in the area, I make it a point to stop at Chop-n-Pop’s Bakery, the Little Dorset Shop, and Zorbaz. Now, I have another place to add to the list. Enter, Two Loon Candy, […]
Are you into trinkets, baubles, and collectibles of all kinds? How about vintage and retro with a side of mid-century? If you answered yes, look no further than the Junquemonger Sales Outlet. “Junk-monger,” as it’s aptly pronounced, is located in Two Inlets, a tiny town outside of Park Rapids that my family knows quite well. […]
I am all about getting out and experiencing new things. That is why when I found out about the Gould Brothers Exhibition Shooting show, I had to attend. The Gould’s are two brothers who have been around for more than a decade, entertaining fans through playful banter, trick shooting, and live shows at outdoor events. […]
Of all the state parks in Minnesota, a handful always find a way to the top of my list when looking for a weekend away. Enter, Father Hennepin State Park in Isle. Located on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake, the hideaway park is gorgeous. Long, sandy beaches and rocky shoreline; a campground and […]
Up next on the Minnesota Bucket List is Hazelwood Food and Drink. With three locations, Bloomington (pictured), St. Louis Park (pictured), and Tonka Bay. Hazelwood is part of Nova Restaurant Group that also owns Tavern 4 & 5, Chesters Kitchen and Bar, Pescara, and Terza Ristorante – each of which are incredible. So it is […]
Route 61 Lounge and Bowling (formerly Gampers) has been a mainstay in Moose Lake for over 35 years. The restaurant slash bowling alley slash arcade recently went through a face life during the shutdown and is back better (and busier!) than ever. I originally came in for a family dinner while passing through town for […]
If you are looking for something unique to do, I encourage you to check out a Candlelight concert. Each concern is an intimate, sensory experience through dim-lit ambiance and classical music set in a backdrop of an iconic sanctuary. I attended the Halloween compositions in which the exceptionally talented Listeso String Quartet. They played familiar […]
If you are headed into or out of Duluth, make a point to stop at the Sweetly Kismet Candy Store in Carlton. Just off Interstate 35, alongside Kwik Trip, you will find an unassuming dirt road that leads to a big, beautiful white building. While the building isn’t visible from the highway, its 4-foot by […]
Brandon and I have been friends for over 20 years. One of the hallmarks of our relationship is that no matter where life has taken either of us, we pick up right where we left off and almost always over a plate of copious amounts of food, whether it be tin can nachos or a […]
This past weekend, I headed to The Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield. Part of an annual event held the weekend after Labor Day, this festival began in 1948 as the “Fall Festival” including “Jesse James Day” on that Saturday. History on the namesake: On September 7, 1876, eight men rode into downtown Northfield […]
If you haven’t been to Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge, I recommend adding it to your list. Seated on the Mississippi riverfront, Psycho Suzi’s has been a Northeast Minneapolis staple since 2003. The second-to-none institution is located in a 15,000-square-foot space that used to house Gabby’s. Head over to the riverside, dog-friendly patio where you’ll find […]
Bar La Grassa has been a mainstay in the North Loop off Washington Avenue since 2005. Lead by James Beard Award-winning chef Isaac Becker, BLG features a variety of classic and inventive Italian pasta dishes (fresh, filled, or dry) small plates with bold flavors, and wines. We made sure to try the ricotta with picked […]
My favorite state parks are those that are obscure, hard to get to, and have less foot traffic. You’d be hard-pressed to find another that fits the bill as well as Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale. The 118-acre park is located on the south banks of Rainy River (which demarks the Canada–United States border) […]
When it comes to go-to dinner spots, Dorset Chick’n Coop Restaurant and Bar always fits the bill. The Coop is located in Dorset, a tiny community with a population of 22 just six miles east-northeast of Park Rapids and six miles west of Nevis. It is also located along the Heartland State Trail making it […]
If you happen to find yourself on Main Street in Park Rapids, I highly recommend you stop at the MinneSoda Fountain, a few doors down from Revel Brewing. One part old-fashioned ice cream parlor and one part sub sandwich shop, once inside, the place will transport to the 1950s. Take a seat at one of […]
If you love the North Shore, there is no better way to see it than from above. Lake Superior Helicopters opened in 2009 and allow you to see one of the largest tourist destinations in the midwest. I loved the experience, from the office staff to the pilot. Worth snagging a tour this summer. They […]
