Clevelanders, allow me to welcome you to my new abode: the Twin Cities.
A pair of budget airlines started operating direct flights May 17 between Minneapolis and Cleveland. Frontier Airlines announced flights to Minneapolis four days a week. Sun Country Airlines also opened four routes a week, though the flights are seasonal through Labor Day. What’s better: You can get here for as cheap as $79, for a round trip.
As former Clevelanders, my wife and I were elated at the news. No more arduous connecting flights to get back and see friends and visit some of our favorite spots.
My newly adopted home is known for its hospitality and, with that in mind, I’m happy to serve as your travel guide and give you the details of what you should do, and what you might appreciate, once you arrive.
(Photo courtesy Jonathan Geiger, via Flickr)
The Great Outdoors
The Land of 10,000 Lakes isn’t just a slogan (a state survey actually found 11,842 lakes of 10-plus acres). You’ll have to go up north to get your Great Lakes fix, but there are plenty of options around the Twin Cities to choose.
It is difficult to beat the Chain of Lakes, which consists of Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake and Lake Harriet. The park includes a lovely walking path around the lakes, but you can also rent canoes, kayaks, bikes, boats and paddle boards through Wheel Fun Rentals to take in the full experience.
If you’re looking for a slightly different water feature, check out Minnehaha Falls for some gorgeous scenery.
RELATED: 3 Fresh Northeast Ohio Hikes We Love
(Photo courtesy Albert Leung, via Flickr)
Food
Who doesn’t love a good burger? While we don’t have Swensons, the Twin Cities does have its own twist on a burger known as the Juicy Lucy: a burger with the cheese on the inside.
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There is some dispute over the originator of the Juicy Lucy (sometimes spelled Jucy Lucy depending on the establishment) between Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club. The Nook’s #7 Burger is my personal favorite.
Here’s a fun fact for you: The Columbus metro area has the second-largest population of Somali Americans in the country. The largest? The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. With that large diaspora comes some of the finest African food you can find. For a personal favorite, check out Afro Deli, a fusion restaurant blending African, Mediterranean and American cuisine.
(Photo courtesy Little Visuals, via Flickr)
Beer
Like Cleveland, the Twin Cities are teeming with breweries. There are the big dogs, such as August Schell, Summit, Associated Brewing and Surly, with plenty of smaller breweries scattered throughout. If you plan a brew tour, be sure to check out Pryes, Fair State, Urban Growler, Dual Citizen or Lake Monster.
RELATED: Cleveland Beer Guide: Our List Of Cleveland's Best Brews
If you need to remain conscious about you or a fellow traveler with a gluten allergy (or even if you don’t), head over to Burning Brothers in St. Paul.
If craft beer isn’t your thing, be sure to get a Hamm’s while you’re here. The beer from the from the land of sky blue waters of sky blue waters is no longer brewed in St. Paul, but it is still a local (and personal) favorite.
(Photo courtesy Warren LeMay, via Flickr)
Exploring the City
Exploring the Twin Cities’ unique neighborhoods is a favorite pastime of mine.
Uptown (a trendy neighborhood akin to Ohio City) and Northeast (an arts district with vibes similar to Tremont or Gordon Square) should definitely be on the list. Take a walking tour of Cathedral Hill and Summit to get your fix of lavish and historic architecture.
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The corner of Snelling and Selby is a great spot to scratch that vintage clothing itch with a slew of vintage and antique stores like Everyday People, Succotash, Lula and Up Six Vintage. Stop in to the local chain Patina to peruse its artsy gifts, toys and décor.
A personal favorite is Cedar-Riverside on the West Bank, where you’ll find the aforementioned Afro Deli and Hard Times Café, a worker-owned restaurant with punk rock vibes that includes a large vegan and vegetarian selection. While you’re in the neighborhood, pop by Palmer’s Bar for some cheap, delicious drinks at the longstanding dive that Esquire Magazine previously named one of the best bars in America that features live music nearly every night.
No trip to Minneapolis would be complete without a trip to Spoonbridge and Cherry for the gram. If the art style looks familiar, it’s probably because it was sculpted by Claes Oldenburg, who also crafted the Free Stamp in Downtown Cleveland. Be sure to take a stroll through the rest of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and visit the Walker Art Center, peruse the collections and play skyline mini golf.
(Photo courtesy Paisley Park/Meet Minneapolis)
Music
Yes, Cleveland is the birthplace of rock and roll, but the Twin Cities have their own rich history of musical accomplishments. While legends like Bob Dylan, The Replacements and Hüsker Dü all hail from here, one name dominates: Prince.
Don’t miss out on Paisley Park, Prince’s lavish home and studio southwest of Minneapolis. Check out a show at First Avenue, the famous venue featured in Prince’s film Purple Rain. Or visit Prince’s favorite record store to find some gifts or rare grooves at Electric Fetus.
RELATED: 14 Record Stores to Check Out in Greater Cleveland
Speaking of records, for you vinyl enthusiasts, there’s a robust record store scene. Barely Brothers, Agharta Records, Hymie’s Records, Roadrunner Records, Know Name Records, Disco Death Records (which doubles as a coffee shop), Cheapo Discs (both the Minneapolis and St. Paul stores have a huge selection of local artists) and Mill City Sound all have banger selections to pick through.
Perhaps music – or sound in general – isn’t your thing, or you’re coming to escape the noise. Well, the Twin Cities have you covered. Schedule a tour of Orfield Laboratories’ anechoic chamber, the quietest room in the world.
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