Road trip USA: the highlights of Minnesota
Minneapolis airport is a well-known hub in transit to another state in the States. But as far as we are concerned, it can go straight on the must-visit list for 2020. The city – and especially the rest of the state of Minnesota – has all the ingredients to be a great road trip goal: a restaurant scene that will make any foodie overjoyed. , beautiful lakes and the truly unspoilt nature that North America is known for. Undoubtedly beautiful in the spring, but a once in a lifetime experience in the colder months.
You can almost feel the power of the water as soon as you cruise through Minneapolis and St Paul, a little further south. The much-sung Mississippi River originates in northern Minnesota, which meanders through several states towards the Gulf of Mexico. The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis takes you over the swirling water and gives you a great look at the old flour mills and new apartments along the river. In Minneapolis you mainly come to catch a live gig somewhere and to taste local cuisine that bears little resemblance to the greasy supersize mess you are used to in good old America. Many restaurants only work with local suppliers and fresh products and any coffee fanatic can go to great places like Parallel. The city is buzzing and bubbling and the amount of aerial work platforms being used here proves that Minneapolis is doing well.
In the evening you can get rid of your jet lag in one of the clubs where the late Prince regularly visited. Salad First Avenue not about the place where Purple Rain was recorded and where literally every night someone makes the stage unsafe. The day after the night before is a great time to refuel in Sculpture Garden; a spacious park with more than forty pop-art style statues, including the iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry from the 80s.
About the eighties and about Prince: his studio complex Paisley Park was opened to the public after his death and even if you don't get beyond the hits 'Kiss' and 'Cream', you will be enchanted by the mysterious pop hero and his collection of eccentric outfits. Book well in advance.
Just step on the gas and you are in the twin city of Saint Paul, on the same water, but we have also ticked off the biggest similarity. Stately buildings, many stately buildings. And a cathedral, that too. Lots of pomp and circumstance, but what really lives in St Paul is ice hockey. Check the performance dates Minnesota Wild and enjoy an evening of power play.
If anything works mindfully, it is eating kilometers on almost completely deserted roads. Radio on, mind off and let's go. Minnesota is perfect for a road trip that can only really be done in America. The roads are excellent and there are endless nice places to stop along the route. Stay the night in Duluth, if only for the cocktails Vikre Distillery and the sunrise that you experience when you wake up at the lake. Treat yourself and order a stack of buttermilk pancakes in the morning Amazing Grace, by far the nicest coffee shop in the area.
An amazing way to admire the area and the largest lake in North America is from the air. John van Beaver Air takes you on its glider for $95 and is of the 'you throw in a quarter' kind, so for that money (not that quarter, but that 95 dollars) you not only get the most panoramic views of the industrial city, the lighthouse and the water, but also the most beautiful stories. Recommended.
Don't let them hear it, but the comparison with Canada is quickly made when traveling through Minnesota. Just like its neighboring country, the state is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. If you have a choice and can go at any time, we recommend a trip in the autumn. Then the trees turn all shades of red and orange and everyone falls under the spell of Indian summer. Lutsen is one of the towns that wraps itself in a nice autumn sun and unprecedentedly beautiful light this season.
In winter this is one of the winter sports areas of the region and the rest of the year the same mountains offer a unique view of the forests. You can also sleep practically next to the slopes Caribou Highlands and you get a hell of a view as a gift. With a little (a lot of) luck you will see it here northern Lights. Cook County is the best place in America to experience the phenomenon.
A person really needs two things: coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. In Lutsen you have to go for the ultimate slow coffee experience Fika Coffee knock. Bee North Shore Winery the friendly friends Kim and Chuck talk with so much enthusiasm about the wines they make that you keep tasting glasses. We won't stop you.
Near Lutsen and all the way in northern Minnesota you will find another cozy, photogenic town. Grand Marais is located directly on the rugged Lake Superior and close to the border with Canada. There is an arty vibe around Grand Marais thanks to the many galleries and anyone who gets inspired can take part in a creative workshop North House Folk School. In winter the ice floes float on the lake and in summer sun worshipers jump into the water from the quay. Nature in Minnesota still has real extremes and that produces unprecedentedly beautiful pictures.
Who says America, says donuts. You will find the very best, sweetest and stickiest finger-licking good at World's Best Donuts in Grand Marais. Thanks us later.
