The Best Minnesota Towns to Visit During Winter Just because the weather is getting cold and the days are getting short doesn’t mean our fun has to stop. One of the things I appreciate most about Minnesotans is their hardiness when it comes to the cold. With some warm boots and a great hat, Minnesotans will be outside all winter. Although I grew up on Long Island where winters are much milder, my family would go to Vermont every winter to downhill ski. With the right clothing and attitude, nothing is too cold! Read on for the top five places to visit during winter in Minnesota. 1. Northfield, Minnesota I…

Duluth is a Great Place for a Getaway I absolutely love spending time in Duluth, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer visit when possible. I’ve visited Duluth many times over the years for vacation, as a lunch stop on the way up to the North Shore and even a wedding. My brother-in-law lived there for three years as well, and that gave us a great excuse to drive up from the Twin Cities and visit him often. After a number of trips to Duluth, this is a roundup of my favorite things to do, see and eat in Duluth! Where We Stayed Duluth has a ton of options…

Burnsville is a Great Town With two breweries, many parks, tons of restaurants, a beautiful lake, a performance center, coffee shops, and a place for skiing and snow tubing, there’s so much to do in Burnsville! Located about 20 miles from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, Burnsville can be overlooked but there is much more to this unassuming town than initially meets the eye. 1. Burnsville Has Two Breweries Burnsville has two great breweries and each one offers a unique experience. Ineffable Brewery has a wide selection of beers. They also have a food menu with a smoker on-site and a large indoor space with an even larger outdoor patio.…

The Renaissance Festival is Super Unique In 2021, the Renaissance Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Renaissance Festival features a 16th-century European-style village with 16 stages of entertainment, more than 250 vendors with handcrafted items, a wide variety of food, local beer and cocktails, and so much more. After visiting the Renaissance Festival many times over the years, here are some key things I’ve learned: Go during off-peak days and hours. It’s always better to walk around the grounds with lighter crowds, wait in shorter lines for food and get a better seat for the entertainment. But the biggest difference is the long line of cars that forms…

Victoria is a Cute Town Rich in History Just 30 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis is the quaint town of Victoria, Minnesota. This town is filled with scenic views, boutiques, a bookstore, a brewery, and great restaurants. Named after the St. Victoria Church, which was built in the heart of town in 1857, this quaint little town has a lot to offer. 1. Enjoy the Lakefront Park Right in the center of downtown is the Charlson Thun Community Bandstand. You’ll find benches made from large flat rocks and a big grassy area to throw a frisbee or set up a picnic. This is a popular spot for summer concerts and weddings, and…

Apple Orchards are a Great Fall Activity Visiting an apple orchard and picking your own apples is a Minnesota tradition, and it’s a fun fall activity for adults and kids alike. Recently, we visited the Afton Apple Orchard, located about ten minutes north of downtown Hastings. Here you’ll find an expansive apple orchard, beautiful sunflower fields, a large playground for kids, and farm animals to feed and pet. For help locating an apple orchard near you, visit MinnesotaGrown.com. You’ll also be able to search for local farmers’ markets, CSAs, seasonal recipes, and upcoming local events. Our trip to the Afton Apple Orchard was sponsored by Minnesota Grown. All thoughts and opinions…

Hastings is a True Gem Hastings is a great town located just 25 minutes south of St. Paul. As you enter Hastings from the north side, you’ll drive across a bridge. The original bridge was a one-of-a-kind spiral design intended for wagons. It was completed in 1895, then demolished and rebuilt in 1951, which is what we see today. This town has so much history, a large riverfront park, and a bustling downtown with a brewery and a handful of shops and restaurants. I believe it’s a completely underrated and often forgotten destination that is slowly becoming more popular. Read on for the best things to do in Hastings, Minnesota! 1. Take…

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Many people refer to the Minnesota State Fair as the Great Minnesota Get-Together or the 12 best days of summer. Roughly two million people attend the state fair each year, and it’s certainly a unique experience! The Minnesota State Fair first began in 1859 and typically runs for the 12 days leading up to Labor Day. With hundreds of food options, great shopping from local vendors, live music, farm animals, and awesome rides, it’s no wonder this event is a big deal in Minnesota! I’ve learned a few things after attending the State Fair a handful of times over the years. Buy your tickets as soon…