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, […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
As I was looking for places to stop in Fergus Falls, I stumbled on Outstate Brewing Company. The entrance is unassuming as it is tucked away in an industrial area. Once inside the beautiful taproom, it’s hard to miss the giant, glass garage door to the patio that overlooks Otter Tail River Reservoir. After perusing […]
While I was in Ottertail County, I drove through Battle Lake just after a rain shower. As I rounded a corner through town, I caught a glimpse of a vibrant rainbow and had to stop to take a picture. After a few shutter clicks, I turned to find myself in the Shoreline Restaurant, Bar & […]
The next stop during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was ABC Brewing Co. (Ashby Brewing Company) in Battle Lake. Starting in Ashby and proclaiming themselves to be the smallest brewery in Minnesota, they offer rotating brews, indoor and outdoor seating, delicious, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, and live music. I picked through ABC’s staple beers include Triple-A, […]
The Ottertail Bakery just off Hwy 78 is a must-stop if you are in the Ottertail area. Boasting “the best buns in town” as their tagline, locals also rave about the bakery’s turnovers, molasses cookies, maple frosted donuts, cinnamon rolls, caramel croissants, ding dongs, sourdough bread, Bismarcks – you name it, it likely has a […]
Home to one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore in western Minnesota, Glendalough State Park is just off the Otter Trail Scenic Byway in Battle Lake, Minnesota’s Otter Tail County. The park is filled with observation decks, picnic areas, a swimming beach, fishing piers, a trail center, a beautiful historic lodge, a paved […]
During my stay on the Oregon Trail in Vergas, I took the two-minute walk over to Josh’s other establishment; Spanky’s Stone Hearth. Don’t let the name fool you, this is an upscale, fine-dining, foodie paradise. Adding to my glamping experience, they offer hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and even an option to just let the chef […]
There is something about a small-town ice cream parlor; the smell of warm saccharine wafting in the air, cheery staff that make servicing swaths of people look like a breeze, and an invitingly dim-lit patio ushering you in as a summer day comes to a cool. Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour in picturesque downtown Afton fits […]
