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Let soul-pop musician, Lady Lark, guide you on a tour through the best stops of the Twin Cities.
Soul-pop singer and musician, Lady Lark, loves that her city is like this “quiet surprise”. “Minneapolis has always been cool,” she says, “we simply don’t need to boast about it here.” For a city that’s good enough for Prince and Bob Dylan, Lady Lark could be on to something. To experience some of the best parts of this Midwestern city, follow along as the singer introduces you to her favorite spots:
Where to stay
Deposit your belongings at the Hewing Hotel, or the W in Foshay Tower--”rumored to be haunted!”, she claims. Foshay Tower--modeled after the Washington Monument--is a skyscraper fittingly located in the heart of downtown where plenty of hip restaurants and shops reside.
Where to start your day
For great food, coffee drinks and a cool atmosphere just west of the Bohemian Flats in Downtown East, kick-off your morning at Northern Coffeeworks. “The lattes are as pretty as the egg saturated bacon on warm bread.” Northern offers a sustainably sourced menu and an open, light-filled space reflective of the natural elements of its home city.
Early morning views from a Minneapolis park
Where to grab Instagrammable shots
“Garner loads of Instagram envy at the Bob Dylan Mural downtown, or at the Walker Sculpture Garden in the centrally located Lowry Hill area.” Who doesn’t love rock gods and steely sculptures in rose gardens? Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra erected the colorful 60 ft tall, 150 ft wide mural in the Icon’s hometown.
For homemade snacks and local culture
Check out the Mill City Farmers’ Market in Downtown East along the Mississippi River for local produce and homemade snacks. Tangy kohlrabi and pain aux grain? Yes, please.
Where to stop for happy hour
As the day winds down, mingle over happy hour cocktails along St. Anthony Main for stunning city views surrounded by a vibrant natural setting. With a plethora of theaters, restaurants and outdoor spaces, there’s an abundance of things to see, taste, and do just off the iconic Stone Arch Bridge.
Where to meet new people
“You will meet people everywhere you wander,” Lady Lark insists, especially in any one of the breweries in northeast Minneapolis. From Clockwerk’s Brewing in the Gateway District and across the Mississippi River to Bauhaus Brew Labs in the Beltrami area, this city has no shortage of original beer and cider destinations.
Brewery hopping in northeast Minneapolis
Where to make a dinner reservation
Save room for wood-fired pizzas and Korean inspired dishes at Young Joni in the Northeast Arts District (pssst--check out their speakeasy while you’re here, at Back Bar). This stylish spot is also great for people watching over craft cocktails.
Where to hear live music
Catch a late live show at First Avenue, “A Minneapolis musical institution,” the singer explains, “and famous setting where Purple Rain was filmed.” First Ave is a small art deco building painted all black and covered in white stars that sits at the heels of downtown skyscrapers, so consider it rather easy to find.
Checking out the star-covered wall outside First Avenue
Wrap it up
End the night with a twelve-block evening stroll around Nicollet Mall in central Minneapolis and Downtown West, and relish in a day’s worth of Minneapolis surprises.
Taking in views of the Minneapolis skyline
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