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Elia recommends: relaxing in Minneapolis

3 Min. ReadEvents

With Twin Cities DrupalCamp happening this week I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the beautiful Midwestern city that my heart still calls home even a full decade after moving to Austin. If you’re going to be in the Cities for DrupalCamp make sure you attend the Advanced Sass and Compass for RWD training facilitated by Ian Carrico and Joe Tower, plus take some time to enjoy the relaxing pleasures the city has to offer.

Coffee and breakfast at Parka

Website: parkampls.com

Parka coffee

One of the only spots in town to get craft-roasted Dogwood coffee served fresh, this cute cafe offers up locally sourced foods, solid WiFi and a beautiful modern interior. Open air attached to Forage Modern Workshop, an uber hip home goods shop with a urban woodsman flair. Spring for the Ethiopia Chemex if you plan on sharing. Get the Salmon Gravlax for a delightful flavorful breakfast or brunch.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Website: artsmia.org

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The MIA has long been one of my favorite art museums to visit in the country. Perhaps it’s because of the eternally free admission or my fond memories of high school field trips and lazy Saturdays spent roaming the halls. It could also be the excellent and varied collection that MIA has on display. Make sure to stop and visit Rembrandt’s Lucretia, a choice piece in the permanent collection.

Happy hour at French Meadow Bakery and Cafe

Website: frenchmeadowcafe.com

French Meadow Bakery and Cafe

You’d be hard pressed to find a time of day that I’m not willing to eat at French Meadow, but the day I discovered their happy hour was, well, a happy one. ½ off bottles of wine? Yes. $6 bowl of mussels in white wine sauce? Yes. The French Meadow menu honestly never disappoints if you’re looking for fresh, quality ingredients. I love meeting friends there for breakfast or a solo lunch followed by a walk around the Lynlake area. Two favorites are the Miel for a sweet pick me up drink and the Salad Nicoise for lunch. Everything is served with their house made breads which are all delicious.

Minnehaha Park and Falls

Website: minneapolisparks.org

Minnehaha Park

Minneapolis is home to one of the most extensive bike trail systems in the country. One of my favorite trips is to take the Grand Rounds from Lake of the Isles in Uptown all the way to Minnehaha Falls, a beautiful park along the edge of the Mississippi River, and then loop back through the city on the Midtown Greenway. While you’re at the Falls, take a walk around the creek and enjoy the fresh Midwestern air.

Fancy cocktails at Parlour

Website: boroughmpls.com/parlour

Parlour cocktails

I’ve had a lot of cocktails in my life, but the ones I enjoyed at Parlour were hands down the best. Yelp post inspiring, I imagine that anything you order at the Parlour will be a great experience, but I encourage you to order a gin fizz if you’re not afraid of egg whites in your booze. Ask for Scott and get him to add some orange blossom drops – it will make your life complete.


Photo credits: Elia Albarran, Walker Art Center, French Meadow Bakery and Cafe, Eater Minneapolis