What’s Minnesota About?
*MN Meditations Original Photo
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
Though I feature and link to numerous Minnesota charities and businesses on my homepage and in posts, it’s not enough. I wanted to offer you, possibly a non-Minnesotan, a better, more in-depth glimpse into my MN. And here it is. A guide to all things Minnesota – from outdoor recreation and exploration, to dining and entertainment, to local celebrities and sports stars – this page has it all! *Disclaimer – I use a lot of exclamation marks on this page and I think I ramble… Deal with it, people! It’s MN – I have a lot of enthusiasm!
* Don’t get your pants in a bundle. Be patient while I update this page! I may be off to a slow start. But hey, at least it’s a start!
- Explore Minnesota is a wonderful travel-planning tool to this Land O’ Lakes!
- Brainerd Lakes Bound provides great information on the Brainerd Lakes area and all that it has to offer. For food in this area, check out Black Bear Lodge, Grizzyly’s Grill ‘N Saloon, and El Tequila (wonderful Mexican food). Shopping wise – there’s your basic Target, Fleet Farm, Herberger’s, Gander Mountain, Best Buy, and Walmart. But for books head over to Bethany Book and Gift and be sure to stop over at Christmas Point! Have no fear, all you Starbuck-Caribou-caffeine-obsessed-loving folks will fit right in — both are in this wonderful town. For lodging, you are in the right place – TONS of options for resorts and cabins ranging from the low end to the high end. Favorites among friends – Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake, Madden’s on Gull Lake, Cragun’s Resort, Kavanaugh’s on Sylvan Lake, Causeway on Gull, and Samara Point. You will not be at a loss for activities, either! Even if you’re not into golf, water sports, or fishing, every season offers many other local and native Minnesota past times to keep you occupied, active, and happy! Pirates Cove is a super fun mini-golf hot-spot! The BIR (Brainerd International Raceway) has been known to offer a fun time. Fireworks on the 4th are also quite impressive in this town. And if you arrive here in January – be sure to join in the fun at the Jaycee’s Ice Fishing Extravaganza! Hop on the Paul Bunyan trail near the Arboretum and skate, walk, run, bike, or cross country ski yourself to a healthier you! Along the way, you’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery and enjoy all that MN nature has to offer!
- Nisswa, MN. A hop-ski-and-a-jump away from Brainerd/Baxter and you’re in Nisswa! You could even run, skate, walk, bike, or cross country ski yourself from Brainerd to Nisswa — the trail from Nisswa to Pequot Lakes is also amazing — on the Paul Bunyan Trail! Get me to Nisswa and I’m a happy camper! The town is adorable. It’s crazy-busy in the summer. Lots of local fun. After a day on the lake, it’s a great place to land for some shopping and food! Favorite places in (and around) Nisswa – to eat: Rafferty’s Pizza, Zorbaz on Gull, Adirondack Coffee of Nisswa, Jake’s Gull Lake (go for breakfast and every order comes with a complimentary massively delicious caramel roll), Matty’s, Mickey’s of Nisswa, Ernie’s on Gull (in nearby East Gull Lake), Bar Harbor, Rachel’s Bakery, and Chocolate Ox. For shopping, hit up Lundrigan’s Clothing and Martin’s Sport Shop. House and home stuff – head to Buffalo Plaid, Zaiser’s, Carriage House Gallery and Gift, Massie Creek, and Simpler Thymes of Nisswa.
- Minneapolis+St. Paul Magazine a colorful collection of our cities’ finest foods, entertainment, shopping, and sports all with a fresh local spin.
- Minnesota Hockey Hub is the ultimate hockey news site for MN high school hockey. The layout, editing, and overall aesthetics of the site will grab your attention and make you think you’re on the ESPN or NHL websites.
- 365 Things To Do In The Twin Cities There’s something for everyone to do here everyday of the year! Choose from food things, free things, outdoor things, etc.
- Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) @ Open Book on Washington Avenue South – Minneapolis
- The Loft @ Open Book on Washington Avenue South – Minneapolis
- All things Grand Avenue (St. Paul). Can’t go wrong with Cafe Latte, Bread and Chocolate, Grand Ole Creamery, Salut, D’Amico and Sons, Punch Neapolitan Pizza, Italian Pie Shoppe, The Tea Garden, Shish, Juut Salonspa, J.Crew, The North Face, Creative Kidstuff, Cooks of Crocus Hill, and Bibelot. If you’re ever in the area, check it out!
- Dodge Nature Center/Dodge Nature Center Preschool offers an amazing outdoor experience for the whole family. Their preschool program is incredible – kids play! and run! and jump! and use their imaginations! outside! and inside! did i mention, OUTSIDE?!
- Mill City Museum Fun family-oriented trip with history and views of the river.
- Downtown Stillwater, MN Love this area! I always check out Autumn Cottage, 45 Degrees, Stella, Red Rover Kids, Rose Mille, and The Chef’s Gallery. And I enjoy the food at Dock Cafe, Freight House, and Dairy Queen! I know the last one sounds odd. It’s not about the food – it’s the atmosphere and the views! Takes a regular old chicken basket and turns it into a masterpiece. But if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world ice cream adventure — move away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and hit up Nelson’s! The kids’ size ice cream is bigger than your faceX12! (my math skills, folks).
- Gordy’s Hi-Hat It’s worth a drive up north (to Cloquet, MN) just for a tasty burger, hot fries, and a thick milkshake! The place is hopping in the summer and is only open during the summer months! Food Network fan, eh? You might’ve seen this place featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! Read the menu, and you’ll salivate! Yes, it’s that good!
- DULUTH. A place you must visit! Though I have not spent as much time as I should in this town, it is one of my faves. Shopping and dining at the Fitger’s building is a must. Boardwalk walks are required. Fireworks in Duluth are sweet on the 4th. A meal at Grandma’s is delicious! Check out the food at Black Woods – yummy. Take in a Bulldog game at the still-smells-new Amsoil Arena. And drive around for some awesome views.
- Edina, MN. The Galleria is home to Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Restoration Hardware, Williams Sonoma, lucy, Crave, Papyrus, and Oh Baby! AKA – the only reasons I go to The Galleria. A stone’s throw away, you’ll find West Elm and Five Guys Burgers! Nearby you’ll find Centennial Lakes – a fun place for the whole family (mini-golf, walking paths, bumper boat thingys).
- Roseville, MN. I almost didn’t put this on the list, but it deserves a nod. Roseville is home to the busiest mall in the Twin Cities (I’m pretty sure I read that somewhere…). Centrally located with easy access, Roseville is home to Rosedale Shopping Center. You’ll find the basics – Macy’s, Herberger’s, JCPenney’s, and an empty Borders store. Many memories from middle school and high school spent shopping in this mall. Since an upgrade in the year 2006-2007 – they’ve expanded and made this mall even better. If that’s even possible. Now, you can eat, shop, and catch a film. Choices (my favorites) include, Macaroni Grill, Big Bowl, Granite City, Potbelly, and Panera. Shop at DSW, lucy, Hot Mama, Williams Sonoma, Banana Republic, and J.Crew. And know that you’re in good hands.
- Maple Grove, MN. Ok, it’s starting to look like all I do is shop – that’s not true. I’m just giving you the skinny on the best places to get the best eats and best deals. Maple Grove is on the list. Food wise, there’s plenty of choices. Don’t limit yourself to just The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes – make sure you hit up Main Street and older parts of Maple Grove! Back in the day, I remember when Maple Grove was a destination because of Old Navy and Gander Mountain. Now, it is home to P.F. Chang’s, Granite City, Hot Mama, Talbots, Banana Republic, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Trader Joe’s, J.Crew, White House/Black Market, Anthropologie, Francesca’s, Nordstrom Rack, Goodthings, and Color Me Mine (all in Shoppes of Arbor Lakes). Of course, there are also the other parts of Maple Grove with Schuler Shoes, Five Guys, Panera, Chico’s, REI, DSW, and much more.
- White Bear Lake, MN. Again with the shopping! Downtown White Bear is like something from a movie, complete with a gazebo! On a sunny day, it is the perfect place to bum around! Goodthings, Grandma’s Bakery, Key’s Cafe, Cup-n-Cone, The Bead Gallery, Enchanted Tree House, Truly, and this new little French bakery are all part of the charm!
- Downtown St. Paul – Eat: Cosetta’s. Go to: Minnesota Children’s Museum, Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota History Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, River Centre for Let’s Play Hockey Expo in March (during Boys’ high school hockey tournament)
- In and around St. Paul – Colossal Cafe – Flapper Sandwich is a must! Muffuletta Cafe - nice lunch items.
If you’re looking for awesome MN photographers, this is your one-stop-shop!
- Johanna Price Photography
- Spencer Combs Photography I’ve seen this man work weddings and he’s incredible!
- Joy Orcutt Photography
- A.C. Eagen Photography
- Collin Hughes Photographs
- Dan Oksnevad Photography
- Katie Welsh Photography
- Alison Lea Photography
- photography by kelly klatt
- Kimberly Williams Photography
- Keely Joy Photography
________________________________________________________________
If you have suggestions for great MN links, please feel free to share!
megannybergmeditations@gmail.com
You can also find my thoughts on hockey (covering Minnesota WILD) over at The Hockey Writers (thehockeywriters.com).
