Outsiders may assume that Minnesota’s extreme winters shut down the Twin Cities from November to March, but locals know better—that social and cultural life in the Twin Cities thrives in the winter. When the going gets cold, the cold get creative, and the Twin Cities have no end of ways to enjoy even the chilliest weekend afternoon or night on the town. Here are some of our favorite reasons to get out of the house during the winter.
Shopping at Galleria – We love spending Saturday afternoons wandering around the Galleria in Edina. It has a great selection of our favorite stores without the overwhelming bustle of Mall of America, and the dining options take a step up from the standard food court fare for when we get hungry. From Pottery Barn to Crate & Barrel to Williams and Sonoma, we never seem to be able to leave without some beautiful new home furnishings.
Trying new restaurants – With all the buzz surrounding Spoon and Stable’s James Beard nominations earlier this year, outsiders are catching on to what Minnesotans have known all along: that the Twin Cities are a foodie’s paradise. So many new restaurants open in the cities each year it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest dining spots. Winter is the perfect opportunity to catch up.
Seeing a show – Minneapolis famously has more theaters per capita than any other U.S. city outside New York. That gives you a lot of options, and there’s no better time of year to take advantage of our rich theater scene. From Broadway musicals to fringe theater, you never have to worry about finding a show that suits your mood and taste.
Surly Brewing Co. – The new Surly Brewing Co. space is a sight to behold, and we hope you made it out to visit their gigantic patio this summer for an evening of good beer and good company. But it’s worth a return trip to take the brewery tour, sample seasonal brews in the taproom, and be wowed by the gourmet fare served up in the spacious (and stunning) beer hall.
Spa Day – When you’re feeling chapped, chilled, and generally bedraggled by the weather, nothing warms you up and relaxes you like a day at the spa. Grab a girlfriend or fly solo and treat yourself to a day of pampering—just in time to polish your glow for the holidays.
