Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota: Top Picks!

Izzy’s Ice Cream

With locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, this ice cream place is famous for it’s mini “Izzy” scoop on top. They are also famous for their eco-friendly solar panels on the store rooftops. The ingredients are fresh and the tastes are memorable. The flavors change throughout the day and you can now even sign up on their the website to be alerted when your favorite is available.

Pictured: (left) salted caramel with Mexican chocolate fiesta Izzy (right) coconut with mango django Izzy

Cossetta’s Italian

Downtown St. Paul features my favorite place for lunch. Cossetta is what I crave when I want to enjoy a perfect Italian meal. The place runs like a cafeteria, where you pick up a tray and go through the sections choosing what you want. After an expansion last year, there is now more seating, parking, and menu choices than before. The Eatery features amazing pizza slices, pastas, salads, and endless other Italian treats. A stop at the Pasticceria is a must, where fresh pastries and gelato are served. The shop is s also conveniently located in short walking distance from the Xcel Energy Center, where many events and concerts are held.

Pictured: (left) Pepperoni pizza slice, Caesar salad, chocolate cannoli (right) Sausage pizza slice, Cossetta salad, breadstick

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Located southwest of downtown Minneapolis, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday or have a fun weekend away. The theatre offers top-notch performances and a great dinner before the show. A popular pick is the Chanhassen Chicken, which is a chicken breast stuffed with wild rice dressing and topped with Hollandaise sauce. Desert and coffee is offered at intermission. The Guthrie theater and Orpheum theater also offer great shows in a delightful setting.

Fun fact: One of the theatre’s alumni is Amy Adams!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 

Located near the Walker Art Center, one of Minneapolis’ most recognizable pieces is the Spoonbridge and Cherry. There is nothing else quite like it, and walking through the Sculpture Garden is perfect on a sunny day. With over 40 installations and a floral garden, this is a must-see!

Minnehaha Falls

Nestled within Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls is a little bit of magic. Overlooking the Mississippi River, the park is a great place for wonderful views and photo opportunities. The falls are also a short drive to Fort Snelling, which the military used for more than 120 years, spanning from the Civil War to World War II.