After 21 years in northern Minnesota, I reluctantly relocated to the Twin Cities in 2009. Yes, there were better employment opportunities, but there was also rush hour traffic, hotter summers, and I couldn’t figure out how to get anywhere. Since then, my sense of direction has improved, although I still don’t like extremely hot weather or rush hour. But I have fallen in love with everything that the Twin Cities metro has to offer (especially the ice cream).
Dining Recommendations:
- Best Ice Cream in the Twin Cities
- Best places for a coffee date in the Twin Cities
- Where to find coffee flights in the Twin Cities
- Best places for patio dining in the Twin Cities
- Favorite Restaurants in the Twin Cities
- Best Distilleries in the Twin Cities
- Best Speakeasies in the Twin Cities
Fun Places in Minneapolis:
- Alma Hotel: A soothing staycation in Minneapolis
- A grocery store date at United Noodles
- Cocktails & Flights at Minneapolis Cider Co.

Fun Places in St. Paul:
Fun Places in the Suburbs:
- Mall of America Date Night Guide
- 6 best places to eat and drink in Anoka, Minnesota
- The Mad Hatter: Tea in Anoka, Minnesota
- Socially distanced evenings in Elk River, Minnesota
- Flamingos Ice Cream & Treats: A sweet treat in Fridley, Minnesota
- Roseville, MN: Perfectly Positioned for a Twin Cities Vacation
- Adventures in bargain hunting at Mike's Discount Foods

Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from the Twin Cities:
- Getaway guide: Stillwater, Minnesota (30 minute drive)
- Gingersnaps, Bourbon, and the World's Largest Boot: An Afternoon in Red Wing, Minnesota (1 hour drive)
- The St. Croix Valley: An overnight getaway (1 hour drive)
- Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery: Wine, Spirits, and Pizza (1.5 hour drive)
- Hummus, Bagels, Tea, and Beer: A delicious stay in Mankato, Minnesota (1.5 hour drive)
- A lazy summer afternoon in St. Cloud, Minnesota (1.5 hour drive)
- Hermann the German and Shrimp Kebabs: Exploring and Eating in New Ulm, Minnesota (2 hour drive)
- Fall getaway: Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota (2.5 hour drive)
- La Crosse, Wisconsin: Exploring and eating along the river (3 hour drive)
