By Claire Noack

Make the journey to Stillwater for the scenic landscapes, charming downtown on the St. Croix River and the growing community of wine enthusiasts. On your trek east of Minneapolis and St. Paul, stop by the small city of Dellwood located on White Bear Lake to visit their newest attraction, 7 Vines Vineyard. The newly opened vineyard has been years in the making, debuting their first vintages, a 2015 Marquette and 2015 Frontenac, alongside a list of staples made from Napa Valley grapes. Sip on a glass of vino, walk the beautiful grounds or unwind at one of their morning yoga classes.

Next, make your way to Saint Croix Vineyards for a tasting of their award-winning wines in a restored century-old barn. Embrace the fall season with apple picking located on the same property at Aamodt’s Apple Farm. With all the quintessential fall activities from wagon rides, apple baked goods, a goat farm and more, this orchard-winery combo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For afternoon nibbles, head into historic downtown Stillwater for artisanal cheeses and a laundry list of drinks to pair at The Wedge & Wheel. Bring the kiddos to play at Teddy Bear Park or take in views of the Stillwater Lift Bridge while browsing local boutiques. Visit one of the oldest wineries in Minnesota located right in downtown. Choose from more than fifteen cold weather grape varieties at Northern Vineyards Winery, using only locally grown grapes from the Minnesota Winegrowers Cooperative. Indulge after a long day with diner fare at Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop or dig into delicious barbecue dishes at Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque before heading back to the Twin Cities.

7 Vines Vineyard: open Tue.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Mon. and Sat.)
Saint Croix Vineyards: open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Northern Vineyards Winery: open daily, check website for seasonal hours

By Claire Noack

If you have never experienced autumn in the Midwest, prepare to be amazed. Bright reds, oranges and yellows dazzle in our many parks and green spaces. Fall in Minneapolis and St. Paul blends the best of our outdoor beauty and indoor amusements. There’s no better way to be a tourist than taking advantage of the amazing free and seasonal activities in the Twin Cities. Follow our itinerary for a week packed with unique experiences and sight-seeing opportunities.

Monday

After a four-year renovation project, the Minnesota State Capitol Building has been reopened to the public. Take a free guided tour of the building and see it restored to its former glory. Some of the highlights on the tour include hearing stories about the Capitol’s history and seeing the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, the golden horses (called the quadriga) on the roof and art from 1905. Tours run every 45 minutes on Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sun. from 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday

For a kid friendly day, stop by the Mall of America for Toddler Tuesdays. The mall hosts free, fun activities for youngsters every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-noon. Events may include arts and crafts, games and activities themed around your child’s favorite TV shows, story time, and character appearances. Kids also eat free at many of the restaurants in the mall on Tuesdays. And while you’re visiting the largest shopping and entertainment attraction in North America, stop into the mall’s more than 520 stores.

If you don’t have a toddler or if you want another fun option for your family, take a trolley ride at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. Hop onto a historic streetcar and take in the beautiful scenery as you ride between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis on the Como-Harriet Line, or take a spin through the suburbs on the Excelsior Line. While there is a small fee, $2 per ride or $5 for a day pass, free street parking is available in both areas, as well as beautiful parks to explore after your ride.

Wednesday

Take a stroll around the world renowned Weisman Art Museum (WAM) on the University of Minnesota campus. Gaze at contemporary works alongside traditional Korean furniture and Native American ceramics. The stunning museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is a work of art all its own with an intricate stainless steel exterior, and it houses a massive collection of more than 17,000 works. Admission to WAM is always free.

Thursday

Take a midweek break to breathe in the crisp fall air with a walk or a drive around one of our numerous parks that are free and open all year round. Some of our favorite hotspots to view the beautiful fall foliage include Theodore Wirth Park, Minnehaha Falls and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Friday

Visit the cultural hub of the Twin Cities, Midtown Global Market, to experience cultures from around the world. Listen to free, live music every Friday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. While you’re there, take a look at the work of local artisans, such as Hmong jewelry, African accessories and Tibetan art. Don’t miss your chance to taste authentic eats from a variety of countries including Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, Moroccan and many more.

Saturday

Step into local artists’ personal studios and view artwork in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis arts district. Every Saturday, painters, photographers, glassblowers, sculptors and more open the doors to their galleries and studios for free self-guided tours at the Northrup King Building from noon-4 p.m. Be inspired by the talent of dozens of well-known artists and even get a chance to talk to them about their work.

Sunday

End the week in true fall fashion with a trip to a apple orchard and pumpkin patch. If you want to visit a larger farm with all the bells and whistles, there will usually be a fee for extras like corn mazes and face painting, but most orchards will allow you to walk their grounds for free, apple and pumpkin picking not included. While you may want to spend a couple bucks on a bag of apples or an irresistible baked apple tart, a visit to an apple orchard is still a cheap activity that will provide fun for a whole day. Some of our favorites include Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Afton Apple and Minnesota Harvest Orchard.

By Lianna Matt

It’s hard to pick out the sound of the city—especially when our metro is really two cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and both are bursting with sound. Even with concerts covering every genre, we go deep into each one. If jazz is your thing, get that laid back feel at five of our favorite jazz venues. We stack the lineups high with local talent, rising stars and big names that bring the house down with their chops.

Dakota Jazz Club and Kitchen

The Dakota has been part of the Twin Cities scene for 37 years after beginning in St. Paul and moving over to Minneapolis to become a mainstay on Nicollet Mall. With consistent accolades in local and national media outlets, including USA Today, the Dakota has become a benchmark for musicians in the jazz world with performances from the likes of Prince, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Ramsey Lewis, and more. Expect great performances every night in the venue’s two-level seating as well as a delicious, chef-driven meal every time you go.

Hell’s Kitchen

Besides being one of Minneapolis’ most iconic breakfast spots, Hell’s Kitchen doubles as a jazz joint on weekend evenings and brunches. Yes, that does mean you have the opportunity to take part in the restaurant’s 35-foot bloody mary bar while hearing soft shoe jazz. While the lineup is mostly jazz, it also dips into genres including soul, Americana and Reggae. As you listen to the tunes, you won’t regret descending into this red and black cavern of housemade food, locally crafted beers and, just for yet another quirk, internationally distributed peanut butter.

Icehouse

Take in two stories of jazz, good food, a huge whiskey collection and $5 sipping shots at the place that made the stage as prominent as possible: the Icehouse. While this Uptown venue might be set in an industrial setting, its eclectic menu has more than a touch of fine dining in dishes like swordfish, veal carpaccio and a 10 course tasting menu option. Both touring and local artists play here, and on the weekends, the music can go all day.

Jazz Central Studios

For some serious local jazz, go to the intimate 50-seat setting of Jazz Central Studios where performers flourish and astound nearly every day of the week. This studio is pretty no frills, but the pure love for jazz is more than enough to fill the space and the atmosphere. Besides performances, Jazz Central also hosts educational clinics and open rehearsals, so if you’re around for a while, you can find your community in this venue.

Vieux Carré

Wrap yourself in jazz, soul, blues and the magic that happens when you mix them at this cocktail bar and lounge inspired by New Orleans food and speakeasy atmospheres. Vieux Carré is run by the same people as the Dakota, and the owners are bringing low cover charges ($5-15) and a mix of jazz and acoustics to the basement of the historic Hamm Building. Make sure to bring cash, though—like a true speakeasy, Vieux Carré doesn’t accept credit cards for the cover charge.

By Claire Noack

Taking a day trip to our closest neighboring state won’t take hours of driving; in fact, nearby Hudson, Wisconsin, is only half an hour from the Twin Cities. Hudson’s charming downtown and location on the St. Croix River are ideal for a fall getaway, and the three wineries in the surrounding area serve a variety of wines that meet everyone’s tastes.

Start out the trip with apple picking (and eating) at Afton Apple Orchard. With over a dozen apple varieties, baked goods, petting farm, playground and 15-acre corn maze, this pit stop will provide a fun morning for the entire family. For a nature-centered alternative, get in a mid-morning hike at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and immerse yourself in the beautiful fall colors.

Make your way to Belle Vinez Winery in River Falls for a flight of wines named after important moments in the owners’ lives like Mischief and Head Over Heels. Sip on a glass of wine on their outdoor patio or munch on appetizers and brick oven pizzas for lunch. Next, head to 65 Vines Winery in Roberts for a glass of their delicious white and red wines, live music and other events in their red barn tasting room.

Venture into Hudson to taste Cracked Barrel Winery‘s cold-weather grape varietals, and make your own wine in their Vintners Venture labs. Finish off the day by shopping at the many boutiques in downtown Hudson and grabbing a bite to eat at one of local favorites in town. We recommend LoLo American Kitchen for burgers and tacos or San Pedro Cafe for Caribbean fare. The short drive back to Minneapolis and St. Paul will be a breeze after a full day of wine tasting and exploring the beautiful St. Croix River Valley.

Belle Vinez Winery: open year-round, visit website for seasonal hours.
65 Vines Winery: open (July-November) Fri.-Sun. noon-6 p.m., (December) Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Cracked Barrel Winery & Vineyard: open Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.

By Claire Noack

Famous for its shoes and pottery, Red Wing is also home to an impressive winery scene that is a must-visit this fall. Break up the hour drive southeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul with the first tasting of the day at Minnesota’s first vineyard, Alexis Bailly Vineyard, in Hastings. Start off the morning easy with a round of bocce ball, a walk through the winery’s sculpture park and a glass of the first commercially produced wine made entirely from Minnesota grapes. Need another rest stop? Don’t miss the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings for hiking trails, an apple orchard and up-close views of live falcons in the visitor center.

Forge on to Falconer Vineyards & Winery to sample wine grown on the family-owned vineyard and take in views of the brightly colored valley. Pack a picnic to share on the vineyard grounds or munch on wood-fired pizzas available on the winery’s bistro menu. Then head into downtown Red Wing for an afternoon shopping spree at local antique stores, or stretch your legs with a hike up Barn Bluff overlooking the  Mississippi River. Tour the Pottery Museum of Red Wing to learn about the area’s historic clay industry and take a look at local artisans’ work in town.

Pay a visit to Flower Valley Vineyard & Winery and sip on their versions of classic favorites like Cabernet and Pinot Noir, along with unique Midwest varietals. Stroll through the vines with a glass in hand or play yard games at this rustic, farmhouse winery. Before driving back to the Twin Cities, don’t forget to take a picture with the 20-foot-tall Red Wing boot at the Red Wing Shoes Museum and enjoy tapas and live music at Oliver’s Wine Bar in downtown Red Wing.

Alexis Bailly Vineyard: open April-December, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Thursday (Memorial Day through Labor Day) 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Falconer Vineyards & Winery: open Wednesday-Sunday, check website for seasonal hours.
Flower Valley Vineyard & Winery: open Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday noon-5 p.m.

By Lianna Matt

If you visit Minneapolis and St. Paul, we have a lot of pretty and shiny things to look at. We have James Beard award-winning chefs, nationally known art museums and a night life that Prince was proud of. We even have a bar with its own Ferris wheel. But sometimes it’s nice to not have to try for a night, you know?

Enter the dive bar. Local, potentially clean, and much loved, dive bars are all over the Twin Cities. A nice handful even toughing it out through those Prohibition years. While they are all a little different, they all promise the same no judgment, no frills service with cheap drinks and a place to hang for the night.

We have way more than 13 dive bars, but here are our top picks if you want a taste of Minneapolis and St. Paul nightlife past the clubs and cocktail rooms.

The 19 Bar: The oldest gay bar in the Twin Cities is, naturally, a classic dive. Think pool tables, pinball, darts and a stiff drink in a windowless room that locals would probably harken as cozy. The juke box fits the old school vibe of this cash only bar, and the service is some of the best. The 19 Bar has been serving the cities since 1952, but if you’re looking for other LGBTQ bars and clubs, check out our list here.

CC Club: After opening in 1934 as the CC Tap, the bar became known around the Midwest for its laissez faire attitude and regulars like Tommy Stinson of The Replacements, Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum, The Suburbs drummer Hugo Klaers, actor Tom Arnold and New York Times columnist David Carr. The CC Club is even open early—11 a.m. on the weekdays, 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. Sunday—so you can grab some grub and drinks without judgment whenever you need. If you ask really nicely, you might even get to see a picture of the bricked-over tunnel they have in the basement where people smuggled alcohol during the Prohibition.

Cuzzy’s: We’re happy for Cuzzy’s success—we really are. We’re sure that Cuzzy’s Brick House and Victoria House are excellent places. But we want a dive bar. And for that, we go to the original, located conveniently near Target Field Stadium for all of your pre- and post-game needs. A full day menu makes sure you can pair any American classic, grease or breakfast food with your drink, and no one will bat an eye if you contribute to their omnipresent $1 wallpaper.

The Half Time Rec: Best dive bar, best Irish bar, best burgers and a claim to fame as the bar in “Grumpy Old Men” make up The Half Time Rec Twin Cities’ award wall. Twenty beers on tap and a well known St. Paddy’s celebration boost the bar up in our esteem, but what really makes us able to pull up a chair and stay a while is bocce ball in the basement and the Paddy Shack menu put on by Jack Riebel of The Lexington and formerly of Butcher & the Boar. Charitable gambling is a thing with pull-tabs every day, a meat raffle on Fridays and whispers of Bingo and The Wheel in the air.

The Hat Trick Lounge: You might think the name is an homage to our own Minnesota Wild—and who knows, maybe it is—but this bar definitely isn’t only for sports fans. Amenities include a front bar, side music room, eclectic concert calendar and open mic nights; Minnesota Nice from its staff and its customers is complimentary.

Kelly’s Depot Bar & Grill: Having to pay for parking downtown can be an inconvenience, but Kelly’s knows how to make you feel better: a drink ticket, full kitchen menu and a straightforward bar. Even though the trade off is already solid, you can make it even sweeter by not parking down there at all—it’s right by the Light Rail Depot stop.

Neumann’s Bar: It’s hard to know where to start with this bar. Founded in 1887, they’re one of the oldest continuously open bars in Minnesota; Prohibition merely brought “near beer” and an upstairs speakeasy. Biker runs are on Thursdays, there’s a tank of frogs in the main room, and they claim their back bar “is one of the purtiest you’ll ever see.” Weekdays bring suspiciously good food deals—$1 for a burger? Three for $6 Coneys?—and the weekends crowd local bands into the place.

Palmer’s Bar: Listed as one of the “Best Bars in America” by Esquire in 2014, longstanding Palmer’s doesn’t claim to have been selling alcohol during Prohibition. They don’t deny it, though. This early 1900s bar nonetheless has an air of the Big Band days with its art deco ceilings. It also has an air of its questionable design days with its unchanged red, white and blue floor tiles. Comedy open night mics, local musicians and a weekly musical jam keep the calendar full, and the legacy of its first owner, Minneapolis Brewing Company (predecessor to Grain Belt Brewery), promises good things behind the bar.

The Red Dragon: This bar is a little enigmatic except for the testimonies its patrons tell—no website, no owner-run Facebook page, nothing. That said, expect tropical cocktails with a punch, Asian cuisine, dated décor and an easy going atmosphere.

The Spot: This dive bar started serving drinks back in 1885, and the wood exterior definitely summons up the good ol’ days when everything was simple. Potlucks, cribbage tournaments and a roving tie dye vendor make the place seem homey.

Tony Jaros’ River Garden: While the drink and food menu hits all of the classic dive bar requirements (with a few homey surprises), the only real order you need to know is the Greenie. Word on the street is the signature drink could be as simple as vodka and lime-flavored Jello powder, but word also has it that after a few in, you’ll stop wondering and start partying. Wood-paneled walls, baseball and softball trophies, and memorabilia from the late local celebrity and Minneapolis Lakers basketball player—yes, we had them before Los Angeles did—Tony Jaros.

The Vegas Lounge: Any place that pairs the name of Sin City with Michelob lamp shades and teal seats probably qualifies as a dive bar. A patio locals use year round and bar food that hits that caloric spot complete the deal. Come for the karaoke that’s seven days a week.

The Viking Bar: With the big Grain Belt logo painted on the outside and the glowing orange neon of the bar sign, Viking Bar has been serving West Bank crowds since 1905. Grab a seat for a Sidecar cocktail (J&B Brandy, triple sec, lemon sour) or the Monday-Friday 3-to-6 happy hours, and check the calendar for political debates, live music, beer tastings and more. They also show every sports game under the sun on their six big TVs, but we figure you can look up those schedules on your own.