Unfortunately, on the Minnesota Bucket List sometimes instead of introducing you to a new place I end up telling you that one is bidding farewell. Soon to be replaced by a new Pourhouse, Uptown’s Coup d’ e’tat is a stunning, upscale restaurant that includes both upper and lower levels, spanning over an incredible 9000 square […]
If you love breakfast as much as I do, you may already know about Countryside Restaurant of Motley. If not, let me tell you about it. Big, fluffy, plate-sized pancakes, hashbrowns servings fit for a hungry trucker, hot coffee that keeps on coming, and that’s just the tip of the morning meal figurative iceberg. Breakfast […]
The fall air is just starting to set in and all of the spookiness that comes with Halloween has just begun. If you’re like me and can’t wait to get started on all things Halloween, I have the perfect thing for you! ValleySCARE at Valleyfair opened this past weekend and doesn’t disappoint! I have to […]
When I go home, especially when I bring friends, I make it a point to head into Park Rapids. I always have one, very specific place in mind, The Royal. It has been around for as long as I can remember. No trip up from college with my best friends was complete without a stop. […]
When people ask what my grad work is in, it often comes as a surprise when I say Paul Bunyan. So when I found out about the Rapid River Logging Camp in Park Rapids, a nod to all things lumberjack, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Logging Camp was featured in a movie […]
Earlier this week, I stopped by Herbie’s on the Park to check out their Toast to Summer festivities! Located inside the old Minnesota Club, one of St. Paul’s original buildings, the hockey-themed restaurant is next to the Xcel Energy Center. If you have trouble finding it, just look for the Herb Brooks statue outside – […]
Winehaven Winery and Vineyard is Chisago County’s first estate winery, and is the perfect too-hot-for-comfort, August stop. Around since 1995, Winehaven is four generations deep in the Peterson family. Prior to establishing a vineyard and winery, the Peterson family cultivated bees in the St. Croix River Valley. The honeybee on the label is a homage […]
The next stop on the #mnbucketlist is a savory little place tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Stillwater. Off Churchill Street is the Chilkoot Café & Cyclery, an eatery and full-service bike shop. Yep, both. Come for the house roasted coffee and Biker Burrito (or Brioche Benedict, if you’re like me), after shopping for […]
If you spend much time traveling through central Minnesota, you may have passed by the next #mnbucketlist stop. With two convenient locations, off Highway 10 in Motley and Staples, the Spot Cafe is the quintessential roadside eatery. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel right at home, as a small town diner ought to […]
Up next on the #mnbucketlist is Gull Dam Brewing off Smiley Road in Nisswa. It is important to mention that the taproom is in back because you may miss it on the way in. Whether you stop in to grab a growler on your way to the cabin or stay a while and take in the […]
Established in 1903, Rush City Bakery has been a regional staple for more than a hundred years. You name it, they have it. Biscuits, dinner rolls, breadsticks, donuts, pastries, cakes, cookies, bars, and so, so much more! When it comes to sweets, they have nearly any flavor you could think of. For cupcakes and cakes, imagine […]
If you’ve ever spent much time in Walker, I’m fairly certain that you’ve passed by (or even been a patron of) the Outdoorsman Cafe. A landmark most known for their hashbrowns, the cafe is exactly what you would expect from an old-fashioned, small-town albeit greasy spoon diner. I have the utmost respect and love for […]
Up next is one of the most mom-and-pop places that I’ve ever been to, the Lake Cafe in Big Lake. Owned by Tim and Tammy Cox, Tim’s family purchased the restaurant in 1968. Unfortunately, six months after, his father, Ronald passed away. For the next 34 years, it was run by his mom, Ethel. Tim […]
Cake donuts are my thing. Sprinkles, even better. These delightful little saccharins are from the Isle Bakery. Made fresh every single day, Isle has a good assortment of pastries including cupcakes, cookies, donuts, Bismarks, eclairs, and caramel apple fritters. They also offer cake decorating for any occasion. They don’t stop at the sweets either. You […]
Just off Hwy 169, few dozen feet from Lake Mille Lacs, sits the Garrison Creek Coffee Cabin. A highway coffee shop with a small town feel. Warm and welcoming and open every day, the food and drink options are great, and offer a ton of variety. With the recommendation from the very friendly, knowledgable owner, […]
Up next on the #mnbucketlist is Summerhill Farm, about 7 miles outside Park Rapids on Highway 71. It’s a collection of little shops, village of country cottages, if you will, each with a different theme. Charming and quaint, the different specialty shops with railed walkways that connect each is part of a converted farm. Previously […]
CHS Field.
All-day breakfast, giant portions and friendly service are the name of the game over at Redstone Cafe in Ramsey. Right of Hwy 10 and Sunfish, serving up comfort food favorites like burgers, skillets, tacos, and of course, all the breakfast go-to’s. I am forever a fan of the sampler platter, mostly because I can guiltlessly eat […]
I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better. -Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016)
Begin in 1964, add in your Grandma’s take on wild rice bread, Reuben soup and Swedish meatballs, a heaping fork-full of pickled herring, throw in a few Jello salads and that, ladies and gentlemen, is Cassidy’s in Hinckley. The kind of place you spend your whole life going to. Whether it be on the way […]
