The 10 Best Fall Day Trips to Take in Minnesota
Minnesota is a beautiful place year-round, but the fall is an especially gorgeous season here. The cooler air and the changing colors create a unique experience in some of Minnesota’s best towns. Read on for the 10 absolute best fall day trips to take in Minnesota right now! 1. Hastings, Minnesota Hastings is an adorable riverfront town just outside St. Paul. Hike the Vermillion Falls trail and enjoy the beautiful waterfall and the incredible ruins. After your hike, head down to the waterfront park and downtown area. Grab a bite to eat, and visit Spiral Brewery for a refreshing beer. Then stop into the cute antique shops before wrapping up…
8 Sunflower Fields Near the Twin Cities
Nearby Sunflower Fields Sunflower season is upon us. It’s a beautiful time of year, but it doesn’t last long. Sunflower fields can be a stunning location for family portraits or just a beautiful place for a quiet walk. Some locations, like the Afton Apple Orchard, let you cut the flowers to make a bouquet to bring home. Some places have an entrance fee, others allow you to enter for free and only charge if you buy something, like apples or pumpkins. Be sure to check each website or call ahead to find out the cost, and when the sunflowers will be at their peak. 1. Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings The Afton Apple…
A Summer Weekend Exploring Duluth’s Hidden Gems
I absolutely love spending time in Duluth, whether it’s a quick stop on our way to Grand Marais or a long three-day weekend, it’s always a great place to spend time. We’ve become familiar with Duluth’s popular spots, like Glensheen, OMC Smokehouse, and the Vista Fleet cruises. This time, we decided to check out all new-to-us spots! Read on for some incredible hidden gems in Duluth! 1. Vanilla Bean Vanilla Bean is a cute and quaint cafe with locations in Duluth and Two Harbors. Here you’ll find cinnamon doughnuts, crepes, pancakes, and omelets for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, Vanilla Bean serves salads, soups, and sandwiches. It’s a quiet and…
18 Free Things to Do in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis and St. Paul have so much to offer, and so many of the best things to do are totally free! From concerts and movies in the park to sculpture gardens, lakeside yoga, and museums, the Twin Cities have a lot to offer. Read on for 18 awesome and totally free things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul! 1. Lakeside Yoga There are a lot of free lakeside yoga classes happening all summer long around the Twin Cities. Typically, you don’t need to reserve a spot in advance. Just bring your mat and a water bottle and get your zen on. A few of my favorites are the Lake Harriet…
8 Reasons to Love Thrifty Traveler
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links below, at no cost to you. For more information, read my full disclaimer here. What is Thrifty Traveler? Thrifty Traveler was founded in 2015 by Minnesota native, Jared Kamrowski. Earlier in his career, Jared regularly traveled 100 nights a year, which allowed him to quickly learn about the many airline and hotel rewards programs. Thrifty Traveler’s mission is to “teach you how to find the cheapest flights and minimize travel costs using points and miles. And above all, show you that travel doesn’t have to be expensive.” …
5 Reasons to Visit Big Rock Creek
Did you know that nestled just a few miles north of Taylors Falls is one of the most historic pieces of property in Wisconsin? Big Rock Creek has nearly 1,000 acres of beautiful fields, hiking trails, trout ponds, a lake, and a creek that was once a frequent vacation spot for railroad tycoons such as James J. Hill. Eventually, this land turned into a cattle farm, and in 2018 it became a place for weddings, corporate events, and family vacations. As you walk around the property you’re likely to encounter deer, swans, cranes, mallards, and maybe even a black bear. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a weekend, and…
How to Plan a Trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (for Beginners)
Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota is an oasis of more than one million acres of untouched, beautifully preserved lakes and trees. It’s home to more than fifty species including black bears, otters, bald eagles, wolves, walleye, pike, loons, bobcats, and more. No motorized boats are allowed, making it a quiet place where adventure seekers travel by canoeing, and portaging. It’s certainly unlike any place I’ve ever been, and I already can’t wait to go back. Read on for how to plan an amazing trip, find an outfitter, determine the best entry point and get a permit, what to pack (and what to leave…
10 Top Things to Do in Chicago (72 Hours)
Chicago, the Windy City Chicago is an incredible city with a seriously impressive food scene, tons of breweries, a historic baseball stadium, comedy clubs graced by many entertainment icons, and many wonderful museums. The streets are bustling and in a lot of ways, this Midwest city reminds me of a smaller NYC. With a Great Lake running along the city’s east side, a meandering river, and a wide variety of architectural styles, Chicago is a truly unique and awesome city. Read on for the top 10 best things to do in Chicago! 1. Take a Food Tour Chicago has a fantastic food scene with hundreds of restaurants and several top-notch…
