❤️ scenic stays, romantic getaways and artful days





Explore Minnesota | Minnesota Explorer | keep calm and cozycation | couple sitting by an indoor fireplace at Poplar Haus on the Gunflint Trail [ [link removed] ]




vacations + art + snow

say yes to a romantic winter getaway

Minnesotans know winter romance is magical. Whether it’s a city escape with rooftop dining, a dog sledding excursion capped with a warm drink or a comfy cabin stay (spa access, anyone?), there’s something for everyone.

 

Picture yourself soaking in a lakeside hot tub, then sipping cocktails (or cocoa) by the fire. Find adventure, relaxation (or both) at these dreamy winter locations. 

 

*FIND YOUR PERFECT ESCAPE* [ [link removed] ]






Table of food at Diane's Place [ [link removed] ]




enjoy a night out at one of these romantic restaurants

These swoon-worthy spots serve up more than just incredible food. Intimate vibes, unforgettable flavors and warm, unintrusive service make these restaurants right for romance. We won't play matchmaker, but we think you'll fall head over heels for one (all?) of these dining spots. 

 

*DELIGHTFULLY DINE* [ [link removed] ]






Saunas at Silvae Spiritus [ [link removed] ]




in your sauna-era? treat yourself to the best of the north

In Minnesota, sauna is a way of life. From panoramic barges that float on Lake Superior to luxe rooftop retreats in Minneapolis, experience a little icy-hot therapy this winter. These steamy saunas and spas will warm your body and soul.

 

*GET SPA-TACULAR* [ [link removed] ]






couple walking into NorShor Theatre [ [link removed] ]




ten unique ways to celebrate valentine's day

Skip the clichés this Valentine’s Day! Cozy up in a twinkling igloo, craft a one-of-a-kind gift or take a candlelit winter stroll beneath the stars. These unexpected ideas are sure to spark some love (of the romantic or platonic kind).

 

*GET STRUCK BY CUPID* [ [link removed] ]











center stage in minnesota

WINTER IS PRIME TIME FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

 

In 2024, Minnesota spent $9.62 per capita on public funding for the arts, making us the #1 ranked state in public arts spending. That’s because Minnesotans have long valued the arts as a part of a vibrant, thriving community.

 

Winter is the perfect season to take an arts-themed getaway to Minnesota. January and February are cozy, candlelit, and perfect for a romantic night out at the theater or one of our storied music venues.

 

State Theatre in Minneapolis [ [link removed] ]
theater

Did you know that the regional theater movement was born in Minnesota? Over fifty years later,* The Guthrie [ [link removed] ] *is still seen as a crown jewel of American theater and its distinctive riverfront home (designed by Jean Nouvel) is a destination within itself!

 

Also in Minneapolis, the *Children’s Theater Company [ [link removed] ]* is the only children’s theater in the nation to win the TONY award for Best Regional Theater and is a national leader in developing new work for young audiences.

 

Minneapolis and St. Paul are both major destinations for Broadway National tours. To see a Broadway show without the flight to New York, you can go to *Hennepin Arts [ [link removed] ] *or the *Ordway [ [link removed] ]*. Looking for something a little more “out there”? Check out the *Walker Art Center’s [ [link removed] ]* offerings, which often include works by international companies like Ontoerend Goed.

 

*SEE OUR FULL GUIDE TO MINNESOTA THEATER >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis [ [link removed] ]
music

You may have heard *of a guy named Prince* [ [link removed] ]. His legacy lives on at *Paisley Park* [ [link removed] ], of course, but also at *First Avenue* [ [link removed] ] — Minnesota's most famous music venue. But our love for live music doesn’t stop there. We’ve got low-key jazz clubs like *the Dakota [ [link removed] ]*, vibey bar venues like *Berlin [ [link removed] ]* and the historic *Armory [ [link removed] ]* (which, yes, also has a Prince connection — the music video for “1999” was shot there).

 

Minnesota also has the distinction of being home to "two "world-class orchestras, the *Minnesota Orchestra* [ [link removed] ] and the *Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra* [ [link removed] ]. In addition to classical concerts, the Minnesota Orchestra offers performances of *beloved movie scores [ [link removed] ]*, acclaimed *jazz concerts* [ [link removed] ] and even collaborations with *legendary rock bands* [ [link removed] ]. Oh – and kids under 18 can see select concerts for free through the *Hall Pass program [ [link removed] ]*. 

 

*SEE OUR FULL GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES' MUSIC SCENE >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

All My Relations Gallery in Minneapolis [ [link removed] ]
museums & art galleries

You may have heard of Minnesota’s renowned art museums, like MIA, the Walker, and the Weisman. But did you know that Minneapolis-St. Paul is also a magnet for contemporary artists? Home to the largest annual open-studio tour in the nation (*Art-a-Whirl [ [link removed] ]*), the national hub for American Craft (*American Craft Council [ [link removed] ]**)* and the *American Pottery Festival*, [ [link removed] ] Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to one of the nation’s most diverse and vibrant visual arts scenes.  

Visit one of the state’s *top-notch museums [ [link removed] ]* (like Winona’s unique *Marine Art Museum [ [link removed] ]*) or go small at one of the many galleries representing hundreds of nationally-recognized, amazingly local artists.  

 

SEE OUR FULL GUIDE TO MPLS-STP GALLERIES >> [ [link removed] ]

 

*MAKE IT A DINNER AND A SHOW* [ [link removed] ]











stars of the north

A LOOK AT PROMINENT MINNESOTANS





Portrait of Joseph Haj [ [link removed] ]


“The food scene is fantastic now — just really exciting and inventive.”

— JOSEPH HAJ

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, GUTHRIE THEATER





*SEE MORE OF HIS MN FAVES* [ [link removed] ]
















video of winter wellness retreat in Nisswa, MN [ [link removed] ]




travel inspiration

YOUR WINTER WELLNESS ITINERARY

 


* Eat your heart out in Pequot Lakes with the best brunch


* Find retreat in Nisswa with saunas, yoga and cabins


* Bring the family to Minneapolis for amusement park fun

 

*PLAN NOW* [ [link removed] ]
















fun fact corner

FOR THE MINNESOTA TRIVIA FANATIC

 

all the candles in the ice luminaries at the minnesota state parks and trails' candlelight walks are recycled and donated by a long-time volunteer!

FIND A CANDLELIGHT TRAIL NEAR YOU >> [ [link removed] ]















"from top to bottom: Poplar Haus in Grand Marais, photo by Ryan Taylor  |  Diane's Place in Minneapolis, photo by Paul Vincent  |  Silvae Spiritus in Finlayson, photo by Paul Vincent  |  NorShor Theatre in Duluth, photo by Paul Vincent  |  State Theatre in Minneapolis, photo by Hennepin Theatre Trust Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis |  The Dunsmore Jazz Room at Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis  |  All My Relations Gallery, photo by All My Relations Art  |  Joseph Haj in front of Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, photo by Liam James Doyle  |  Grandview Lodge in Nisswa, photo by Paul Vincent"






WANT MORE MN INSPO? ORDER YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE >> [ [link removed] ]





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