Trip Ideas

A Fabulous Fall Getaway

Looking for an unbe-leaf-able getaway that’s close to it all, but far from ordinary? Grab your friends and get ready to check out the fun. From distillery tours to mountain biking and late night karaoke, you'll fall for Minnesota's Sweet Spot!

Food
Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Drinks

Friday

Afternoon

Start your getaway with lunch at Nong’s Thai Cuisine in Golden Valley. Chef Nong was born and raised in Thailand and still serves many of the recipes that were passed down to her from her grandmother and mother. Try the Pad Thai and drunken noodles. Feel free to dress them up by adding chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, calamari, tofu or mock dock.

Brookview Golf & Lawn Bowling

Spend your afternoon on the links at Broovkiew Golf and Lawn Bowling. Brookview’s regulation course is mature and moderately bunkered with beautifully maintained greens and fairways. The course is dotted with little bridges, as Bassett Creek flows through it, crossing six holes, so watch out for the water hazards! Not into golf? Brookview is also home to the largest lawn bowling green in the state. Rent a rink and throw some bowls, all while enjoying the sweeping views.

Evening

In the evening, it’s off to Hazelwood Food + Drink, a St. Louis Park eatery serving delicious and fresh modern comfort food in a refined, yet inviting, atmosphere. They’re known for their black angus steaks, rotisserie chicken, and wood-fired pizzas. Be sure to save room for a slice of Grandma Betty’s chocolate cake made with Callebaut chocolate and cocoa cream frosting. Yum!

End the day back at your hotel, soaking in a relaxing hot tub or cuddling beside a cozy fire pit.

Saturday

Morning

Westwood Hills Nature Center

Get back to nature at Westwood Hills Nature Center, home to over 160 acres of marsh, woods and restored prairie. Explore more than 3 miles of trails and walkways, rent a canoe and take in the fall foliage as you paddle across Westwood Lake or visit the live animals at the new, net zero-energy designed Interpretive Center.

For a fun brunch/lunch spot, stop by JJ’s Clubhouse, the neighborhood hangout for over 25 years. Enjoy fluffy Belgian waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream or an old-fashioned egg sandwich.  Order their signature big ole bloody mary and relax while watching the game on one of 23 screens!

Afternoon

Explore the Historic Walker Lake district and pick up some cool made-in-Minnesota swag from sota clothing company. You’ll love the clean design aesthetics of their soft t-shirts, comfy sweatshirts and classic state hat collection. For the ultimate Minnesota-selfie, stop by their mural station and snap a pic with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox and let everyone know that “you betcha we love it here.”

Just south of Historic Walker Lake, you’ll find our unofficial distillery district, where you can visit Dampfwerk Distillery for a tour and tasting. This family-owned distillery specializes in German-style fruit brandies and liqueurs, as well as gin and aquavit. Next, stroll across the parking lot to Copperwing Distillery, where you can sample Vodskey, their signature hybrid liquor that is crafted from bourbon mash but distilled like vodka, giving it more depth and character. Order a craft cocktail and kick back on the patio.

Or take part in one of our many fun events, such as Under Pressure Brewing’s OctoBeerMeatFeast, which offers a day of German fun with music, games, brisket and pulled pork from Big Daddy’s Rockin Q, and a meterwurst eating competition!

Evening

Punch Bowl Social is THE place for real-world funning and serious “foodertainment.” All their dishes are made from scratch, like their A La Bama chicken sandwich with house made pickles and rosemary fries. Try one of their signature punches, made with or without alcohol, then let the games begin. Punch Bowl has a little something for everyone – bowling, ping pong, billiards, bocce ball, a karaoke room, giant Scrabble, giant Jenga, and even a vintage arcade. Don’t want the fun to end? You’re in luck because Punch Bowl is open until 2 am on the weekend!

Sunday

Morning

After sleeping in, start your morning (or afternoon) at Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar. They make everything from scratch in small batches. Try a hot fresh donut, cookie or other pastry with a cup of Joe.

Afternoon

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Ready for some exercise? Grab some bikes and hit the trails at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Theodore Wirth is one of the premier mountain biking locations in the in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, boasting more than 12 miles of single-track trails. Beginner and intermediate riders should try out the Area 36 trail, which features a physically demanding but technically easy ride. For expert riders, the Brownie Lake Loop offers quite the adrenaline rush with its steep rock climbs, descents and drops. Pro tip: You can park at The Trailhead and use it as a launching point for your ride.

For those who prefer a more relaxing day, head to the south end of the park and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary where you’ll find more than 500 plant species and 130 bird species. Or visit the Quaking Bog, a 5-acre, 3,700-year-old acid bog tucked into the wooded hills of the park.

This is just a sampling of what you might do in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot. View our Experiences to help plan your trip!