Top 10 Twin Cities Experiences

4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417 (map)

In the summer months, there’s no better place to be than at the Minnehaha Falls Park pavilion, where every day is a fish-fry party. Folks line up out the door for this little sea-side shack’s fish baskets, po’ boys, fish tacos with homemade salsa, calamari, oysters and other salty, fried, grilled, crispy and delicious sea creatures. We might be landlocked, but Sea Salt turns Minnehaha Creek into a Southern port filled with happy fish lovers and sun-kissed kids all summer long.

3440 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (map)

This little coffee shop—and we mean little, there are only about 20 or so seats—also does double duty as one of the best bakeries in town. The master bakers here create magic. The frosted espresso cakes, peach cobblers, basil-cheese scones, hummus focaccia, almond croissants and more appear so frequently and abundantly--and from the hands of only two busy bakers--it’s as if they’re made with wishes. Everything is so delicate and perfectly done it feels you stepped into a patisserie right in the heart of South Minneapolis.

2401 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (map)

Hands down, there is no better chicken in the Twin Cities than at the Himalayan, where the Choyola dish is marinated and rubbed with cumin, tumeric, ginger and other perfectly palate-pleasing spices and then slow cooked to juicy perfection in a fiery Tandoori oven. Pair with one of Himalayan’s spicy vegan dishes and you have what could be one of the best--and most affordable--meals in all of the Twin Cities.

3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (map)

People actually stop into this theater to pick up popcorn, which is made with fresh local corn and butter from Hope Creamery, another local outfit. But there are two more reasons to stop into this awesome, uber-cool theater: The interior, which is perfectly preserved in its mid-century modern splendor, and the cheap movies on offer, which include art-house films and blockbusters shown in the Riverview’s comfy auditorium-style theater for either two or three bucks.

520 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (map)

It’s no secret that Minnesota can feel like the moons of Saturn in winter. A thick enamel of permafrost quickly sets in across our lakes and our bones every December. One way to escape it—and celebrate it—is at Medicine Lake, where mid-January through the end of February the Soap Factory hosts the annual Art Shanty Projects. Local artists, musicians, performers, activists and more create the art shanties with the intent of inspiring an interactive ice-based community. And out on the ice, kids, dogs, families, artists, couples and people from all over the tri-state area become a part of it all, moving from shanty to shanty as if it’s the perfect utopian neighborhood, which just happens to be on a frozen lake in minus-20-degree weather.

Chicago Ave and Second St S, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (map)

Every Saturday from May 9 through October 16, the Mill City Farmers Market is one of the best places in the Twin Cities to find local, organic food. But not only can you find fresh meats and produce here, the Mill City Market is also home to local honey, breads, cheeses, candies and more. Mill City also offers tons of cooking demonstrations, musical events, and entertainment for kids. As an added bonus, it’s right across from the Stone Arch Bridge, which offers lovely views and city.