Whenever you have a visitor to your city, it is normal to feel compelled to show them the best the city has to offer. Minneapolis visitors will often see The Sculpture Garden, The Walker, and will hit one of the restaurants downtown or in Uptown. They might even make the trek out to Bloomington to see The Mall of America. As locals, we know Minneapolis has much more to offer than the usual. Here are 10 places in Minneapolis that are perfect to take an out-of-towner:
1. The Museum of Russian Art
The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) is the only of its kind in the entire United States, making it the perfect place to impress your visitor. The spot isn't as popular as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, but it is unique on its own. The museum mainly showcases art from the 20th Century, with a focus on Soviet Art. The piece pictured is entitled "Russian Bride's Attire," completed in 1889. The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
2. Mon Petit Cheri
Bakeries are some of the best places to take out-of-towners in Minneapolis. We have so many within the confines of our city, but perhaps one of the most underrated is Mon Petit Cheri in the Seward neighborhood. Even though it's placed along the ever busy Franklin Avenue, it can easily be missed, but doesn't deserve to be. The bakery has been open since 2015 and has been serving the best baked goods - from their chocolate chip brioche to cakes, to full on breakfasts. The interior is decorated with vintage kitchenware, making it the perfect place to charm your guests. Mon Petit Cheri, 2401 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
3. House of Balls
Okay, the name of this museum sounds silly and we recognize that. Your visitor might question your decisions, but we promise House of Balls is an incredible place. Owner and curator, Allen Christian has been transforming everything from bowling balls into neon carvings to household utensils and animal skulls into sculptures for more than 30 years. If you want to show an out-of-towner the best of the offbeat in Minneapolis, House of Balls is the place to be. House of Balls, 1504 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55454.
4. Firebox Deli
Firebox Deli is in a completely unassuming strip mall in North Minneapolis, but inside some of the best barbecue in all of The Twin Cities can be found. The owners of the deli are heavily involved in the city's Hmong community and serve their food at many celebrations. Small business owners who participate in their community is what makes Minneapolis great. Bring your visitor to Firebox Deli, load up on some delectable brisket, and support small businesses. Firebox Deli, 4707 Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55430.
5. Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is definitely a popular place for locals, but is definitely an underrated place to take guests. You could take an out-of-towner to the centralized Stone Arch Bridge and give them a stunning view of the Minneapolis skyline pretty easily. Minnehaha Falls requires a bit of walking and less instant gratification, but when they see the incredible view of the Falls and Minnehaha Creek, your visitor will be so happy you brought them there.
6. Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Lyndale Park Gardens is located in Southwest Minneapolis. Among our favorite gardens is the Rose Garden, which is beautiful and serene. It's ideal for an afternoon stroll to stop and smell the roses. Your guest will fall in love because a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
7. First Avenue
First Avenue is the essential rock and roll club in Minneapolis. It's world renowned and it is imperative that you take a guest there. Every local will sing its praises about First Ave and the best shows they've ever seen there. It was the background for Prince's "Purple Rain," and is an essential part of the city. First Avenue 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
8. The Sample Room
Want to take an out-of-towner to one of the best restaurants in the city, but don't want to break the bank or make a reservation weeks ahead of time? The Sample Room is the perfect place. Celebrity chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain has sang praises of this neighborhood joint, and we trust his judgment. The restaurant is known for its cheese and meat boards, its wine or whiskey flights, and its delectable Bottineau Burger, named after the community in Northeast Minneapolis. The Sample Room, 2124 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
9. Midtown Global Market
Minneapolis is a diverse city and is best exemplified within Midtown Global Market. Food from Africa, The Middle East, Central America, and various parts of Asia are shared within the building, as well as a variety of stalls with vendors selling goods from around the world, and a market of fresh produce. Any visitor to Minneapolis will find something to enjoy here. Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
10. Herbivorous Butcher
A vegan butcher shop serving meatless meats and cheeseless cheeses? Who would have dreamed of such a thing? Siblings Aubry and Kale Walch made this vegan paradise a reality in 2015. It's the first vegan butcher shop in the entire country, and a must-visit for an out-of-towner. They might be skeptical at first, until they try the delicious bites Herbivorous Butcher serves. The Herbivorous Butcher, 507 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
Minneapolis is an excellent travel destination. We welcome our out-of-towners with open arms and are delighted to show them our favorite spots in the city. Where do you like to bring guests when they come into town? Let us know in the comments below!
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