It’s summer in the Cities—ninety-two precious days when we experience life with our coats off. We may move a little slower and linger a little longer—but we still know how to pack it all in. Maybe it’s because we get up a little earlier and stay out a little later. It’s time to soak it up—Twin Cities–style.
1. Be an Urban Tourist
Hey, we love St. Paul—but in summer, downtown Minneapolis is (we have to say it) where it’s at. Check in for a night at any of the many hotels at the city’s core—including the newly opened Westin or the scene-and-be-seen Chambers—and explore downtown’s many hot spots. Once you’ve checked in, head to Solera’s rooftop patio for a dynamite view of the city, a sangria, and spot to sit and plan your attack for the rest of your day. 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-338-0062 [top]
2. Experience Bike Culture
Hard-core bike enthusiasts have a unique clubhouse in Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood. One on One Bicycle Studio is a gallery, coffeehouse, soup-and-sandwich counter, and bike shop and service center all in one. Besides a cappuccino, you can get yourself a top-shelf Bianchi bike. 117 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-371-9565 [top]
3. Tour the River Road
Start at West River Parkway in Minneapolis and end at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul—the 9.2 miles of dramatic vistas from both bluff tops and river flats are superb. The trails, which at various points can be walked, run, or biked, pass some of our most historic landmarks, including the Stone Arch Bridge, Mississippi River Gorge, Father Hennepin Bluffs, Mill Ruins, Minnehaha Park and its famed fifty-three-foot waterfall, and the Stevens and the Longfellow homes. [top]
4. Tour the Big Lake
See Lake Minnetonka from the eyes of a local on Captain Terry Jungers’s private or public three-hour tour a-round Big Island, with or without narration, onboard his Lady of the Lake historic sternwheeler. The tour takes off from Excelsior’s private docks and circles the plush, historic island, passing mansions and small lake towns along the way. 8 Water St., Excelsior, 952-929-1209 [top]
5. Play Hooky
Excelsior, Lake Minnetonka’s historic lake town, offers the quintessential any-day-of-the-week day at the beach. Spend time at either of the sandy shores (located on opposite sides of a point at Lake Street and Water Street), picnic in the Commons on the lake, or grab lunch at Bayside Grille, and later treat yourself to old-fashioned ice cream at Lick’s Unlimited. Excelsior beach, 952-474-5233; Bayside Grille, 952-474-1113; Lick’s Unlimited, 31 Water St., 952-474-4791 [top]
6. Summer Is: Weekend trips to Square Lake beach for relaxation, tanning, and swimming. —Abby Van Ness [top]
7. Show Some Skin
Summon the courage and don the itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny red polka dot bikini. You’ll be red hot once you slip into this darling little number by Betsey Johnson from Everything But Water. Top, $110. Bottom, $74. Mall of America, 952-858-9563 [top]
8. Look at the Sky
Located behind the Walker, James Turrell’s subterranean cube, Sky Pesher, is a romantic bunker that drowns out the city. The sixteen-foot-wide aperture frames the sky so as to present nature—clouds, birds, and whatever the wind picks up—as art. 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. [top]
9. Get a Pedicure
Mandatory. And with a salonspa in every neighborhood, there’s no excuse. And guys, you could use a good buffing of the hooves too. [top]
10. Corral a Ranger
This summer, national park rangers will be posted on the Stone Arch Bridge each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mississippi River National Park is officially one of our 390 national parks.) With their olive green slacks and broad-rimmed Yogi Bear hats, the rangers give off that kindly uncle vibe (well, the young rangers give off that nerdy nephew vibe). The point being, all of them are buffs of natural history able to point out how many thousands of years ago Minneapolis stole St. Anthony Falls from St. Paul, where Spirit Island lies, and who built the lock system. Mississippi River Visitors Center, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, 651-293-0200 [top]
11. Saddle a Segway
For sedentary river enthusiasts, the Human on a Stick touring company offers tours on those Jetsons-esque gliding pogos—known to savvy retirees as Segway Human Transporters. For $70, a guide will take you on a three-hour loop from St. Anthony Main to Boom Island and back. 125 SE Main St. Mpls., 952-888-9200 [top]
12. Summer Is: Iced coffee, estate sales, the farmers’ market, and the garden store—all before a mid-afternoon patio lunch. —Jayne Haugen Olson [top]
13. Smell the Flowers
On July 28, Tangletown Gardens hosts its annual self-guided Garden and Art Tour, featuring some of the TC’s best gardens and local artists. This year features lush landscapes around Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun, with Solo Vino providing winetastings at each stop. Proceeds help fund public art and garden projects in St. Paul and Minneapolis. 612-8224769 [top]
14. Taste the Season
Gazpacho, the cold Spanish–style soup is a summertime favorite. It makes a limited warm-weather run at Zelo, Lucia’s, and W.A. Frost, but it’s also easy to make at home. Try it blended or with thick chunks of vegetables and serve with a side of poached shrimp and crisp flatbread. [top]
Andrew Zimmern’s Gazpacho Recipe
15. Take the Kids to Como
A zoo. A carousel. A bicycle built for four—on water. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Como’s metallic green paddlers keep your family afloat. Pack a lunch to eat while you paddle around Como Lake or spread a blanket on the park grounds. Afterward, the historic Cafesjian's Carousel in Como Park—and an ice cream treat, of course—are the perfect happy ending. Paddle boats, $15/hour with a $10 deposit or driver’s license. Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1350 Lexington Ave. N., St. Paul, 651-487-8200 [top]
16. Summer Is: Getaways to my parents’ cabin—a mix of hot sun and cold lake water, fishing, the unmistakable northwoods smell, and soaking up rays on the dock with a cold drink and magazine in hand. —Katie Derdoski [top]
17. Double Dip
Up the banks of the St. Croix River is a tiny corner shop selling heaping scoops of ice cream—in forty-two flavors. Nelson’s Ice Cream has been cooling off customers with its scrumptious scoops for nearly a hundred years. Last year, the new owners added a handy drive-thru window for those looking to keep their ice cream consumption on the down low. 920 W. Olive St., Stillwater, 651-689-2100 [top]
18. Chill Out
With one year under its belt, the Minneapolis Central Library has become a downtown sanctuary where you can find a quiet reading spot and escape a hot summer day. Our favorite is in the back left corner on the fourth floor. Take a seat here and feel like you’re hovering above Hennepin Avenue. Be forewarned, the view includes the Grain Belt Beer sign and could distract from your page-turner and lure you to a local watering hole. 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-630-6000 [top]
19. Lift Your Spirit
Sunny weather, blue skies, and green grass seem to be instant mood-enhancers. For a relaxing outdoor retreat, experience the ancient practice of meditative walking at the outdoor grass labyrinth near the College of St. Catherine’s campus. Seventy-seven feet in diameter, this grassy maze is a replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. 1884 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, 651-696-2788 [top]
20. Soak Up The Vibe
The Loring Pasta Bar’s fantasmic and extravagantly eclectic space in Minneapolis’s Dinkytown is the perfect backdrop for local music and fare that varies from pastas to transglobal. The floor-to-ceiling windows are open on warmer days, projecting warm breezes into the dining room and sending sunbeams dancing across the exposed brick walls. 327 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-378-4849 [top]
21. Catch Your R eflection
Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but the TC is well on its way to becoming the land of 10,000 water gardens. Tour some of the best during the annual Ponds and Landscape Tour, which benefits the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. July 21–22 and 28–29. [top]
22. Pack A Picnic
Located on the north shore of Medicine Lake, French Regional Park offers one of the most tranquil beach and grilling spots within twenty minutes of downtown. A fishing pier, bike trails, and boat rental are all available, and trails to the beach pass the ever-popular rope-climbing structure—a must for any parent or babysitter looking to keep kids busy for hours, for free. 12605 Rockford Rd., Plymouth, 763-694-7750 [top]
23. Get Juiced
There’s nothing better than fresh-picked berries. With plenty of places to pick your own, you’ll be berry-full until apple season rolls around. Minnesota’s strawberry season begins in early to mid-June and usually lasts two to four weeks. Check out Berry Hill Farm, Anoka, 763-753-5891; Bauer Berry Farm, Champlin, 763-421-4384; and Pine Tree Apple Orchard, White Bear Lake, 651-429-7202 [top]
24. Summer Is: Sweat. Late nights. Freedom. —Steve Marsh [top]
25. Step Out in Style
Update your spring buys with hot accessories in a mix of organic textures and opulent metallic that scream summer. Carla bag in brushed metallic khaki cotton, wicker, and white leather trim, $248, by Savoy, from StyledLife. Gaviidae Common, 612-746-5400 Ray Ban Squared aviator sunglasses, $120, from Sole Mio. MOA, 952-858-8910 Sailor low-heel sandals in platinum leather with marina chain detail, $410, by Gucci, from Nordstrom. MOA, 952-883-2121 [top]
26. Climb Old Heights
The TC is home to several vintage water towers, but top-floor access is hard to come by, so mark your calendars. Climb the Witch’s Hat in Prospect Park on June 1 for the Pratt School Ice Cream Social—the only day of the year it’s open. If you miss that one, Highland Water Tower in St. Paul is open July 20–22 during Highland Fest. Tangletown’s Washburn Water Tower doesn’t have public access to its pinnacle, but it’s worth a trip to take in the beautifully carved base. Pratt School, 66 Malcolm Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-668-1122; Highland Fest, Cleveland Ave. at Ford Pkwy., St. Paul ; Washburn Tower, 409 Prospect Ave., Mpls. [top]
27. Discover Our Roots
There are waterway models where the kids can get their fingers wet and antique Wheaties boxes are on display and local storyteller Kevin Kling stars in his own amusingly breathless documentary, Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat. The Mill City Museum even has its own ride: the slow-but-fascinating Flour Tower, which tells the Washburn “A” Mill’s history from the bottom up. Hey, it’s our very own Epcot Center! 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-341-7555 [top]
28. Talk to Yourself
Northrop Mall at the U of M is pretty quiet this time of year, occupied only by scattered summer schoolers. So find the illusive Echo Points, right outside of Northrop Auditorium’s Church Street side doors by Morrill Hall, and catch your own voice by facing one of the two round bench areas. Before you head back to the car, grab a few rays. The Mall is a ghost town during summer, so no one will notice your Casperlike skin. 84 SE Church St., Mpls. [top]
29. Take A Path Less Traveled
Follow the gravel path off the backside of the Snyder Building at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to find Waterfall Lookout. The hidden deck, tucked behind spruce pines, overlooks a nearly thirty-foot waterfall and the walking paths below. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, 952-443-1400 [top]
30. Sip A Smoothie
Minnesota’s favorite coffee connoisseur has tapped another Brazilian export—the Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), a small purple berry that grows on palm trees in the Amazon rainforest. The new acai smoothie hits Caribou Coffee shops late this month. Extremely high in antioxidants, the blackberrylike fruit is becoming increasingly popular among health food fanatics. But if you need a java jolt, you can also cool off with a Northern Light cooler. [top]
31. Grab an Earful
The saying “Knee high by the Fourth of July” means sweet corn will hit the farmers’ markets in July. We especially like Minnesota-grown Waverly sold at Unteidt’s in the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market (312 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls. ) and at the Sweetcorn and More stand in the Knollwood Mall parking lot. 8332 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park [top]
32. Devour Some Jazz
Formerly known as the Hot Summer Jazz Festival, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, June 22–July 1, features outdoor concerts by local and national jazz acts at Mears Park and Peavey Plaza, plus at local jazz houses Dakota and the Artists’ Quarter. The ten-day event highlight is a June 28 tribute to Duke Ellington, featuring Delfeayo and Branford Marsalis at Orchestra Hall. The fest includes performances by saxophonists ages fifteen (Grace Kelly) to eighty-seven (Irv Williams), hip (Dan Kusz) to historical (Miles Davis’s bandmate Kenny Garrett). [top]
33. Look Good After Hours
Take advantage of the extended hours of sunlight with organic wooden shades and a snakeskin and stainless steel watch—perfect for both contemporary and sporty men. Ebony wood shade, $350, by iWood ecodesign, from StyledLife. Gaviidae Common, 612-746-5400 Cavallo Pazzo chronograph watch, $695, by Locman, from Neiman Marcus. Gaviidae Common, 612-339-2600 [top]
34. Summer Is: Open windows, sundresses, and the pineapple-vodka–Prosecco martini at Lurçat. —Melissa Colgan [top]
35. Look Hot. Enough Said. [top] 
36. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
This neighborhood bar is Manhattan chic with an unpretentious Midwestern vibe. Although Jet Set is technically a gay bar, the minimalist and monochromatic interior and the mix of Eurotrance and global lounge tunes are the perfect canvas for the diverse mix of beautiful people. 115 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-339-3933 [top]
37. Summer Is: Bare shoulders, flirty dresses. Feeling the early evening sun on my skin as I relax at a bar patio. And, surprise, surprise, outdoor music! —Megan Wiley [top]
38. Shop Late
Set along the river, the Mill City Farmers’ Market offers locally grown flowers and produce, baked goods, and organic meats and cheeses. It’s now open Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and, as always, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 20. 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-341-7580 [top]
39. Live Large
Psycho Suzi’s summer patio is the loudest, most obnoxious neighborhood patio in the Twin Cities. And that’s a good thing, depending on how you feel about tiki kitsch, PBR tall boys, and unnatural hair color. 2519 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-788-9069 [top]
40. Find An Oasis
Amid the hustle and bustle of Uptown, where the outdoor patios include mostly tiny sidewalk-bistro setups and a few overpopulated rooftops, Campiello’s little fenced-in corner of real estate is a serene find. Stop in for cocktails after a show at the Uptown Theater or for a heaping plate of pasta and a crisp chardonnay—the sounds of Uptown are merely a blurry background noise. 1320 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-825-2222 [top]
41. Get a Head Start
Tie a chic scarf to your bag so you’ll always be ready to be whisked from the beach or boat to dinner or dancing. Used as a shoulder wrap or to tie back your sun-kissed hair, a Hermès silk twill scarf in orange, gold, and white says summertime class. $325. Neiman Marcus, Gaviidae Common, 612-339-2600 [top]
42. Party on a Roof
With sweeping views of the Cathedral and some of the cutest bartenders in town, The Liffey’s highly underrated rooftop patio has all the makings for a hot summer evening, cold Guinness, warm whiskey, and little snugs for stolen kisses. 175 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-556-1420 [top]
43. Catch a Parade
What do Bob Barker, the Lone Ranger, Richard Nixon, and Jefferson Airplane have in common? (No, this isn’t a joke.) They’ve all been in the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade (July 18). Attend it yourself and you might see a very famous guest. Besides, the kids will love the marching bands, the Shriner cars, the clowns, the floats, and other delights that make this like a mini State Fair experience—curbside. Minneapolis Aquatennial, July 13–22. [top]
44. Oooh and Aaah
Forget the Fourth of July. If you and your munchkins really want to see sparks fly, the Aquatennial fireworks display is a can’t-miss (and underwritten by Target, which helps to make it one of the largest displays in the country). The fireworks are shot up into the heavens for all to see. Bonus: For those parked along the banks, the light show cascades down to the Mississippi near the 3rd Avenue Bridge. Stake out a spot real early. Pack a picnic dinner. July 21. [top]
45. Summer Is: The chance to relax and take off that heavy coat, dine outside, and enjoy the warm breeze. —Sarah Howard [top]
46. Watch the Stars
Take the forty-five-minute drive to Northfield for Carleton College’s historic Goodsell Observatory, which is open to the public June 1 and July 6, from 10 p.m. to midnight, depending on clear skies. Goodsell was built in 1877 and major midwestern railroads used its sidereal time to set their clocks. Today it boasts two powerful refractory ’scopes—an eight-inch and a sixteen-inch—as well as four modern telescopes mounted outside. An astrophysicist or two (or at least a faculty TA) will be on hand to answer questions and point out Jupiter (the coolest-looking planet will be visible this summer). [top]
47. Watch the Sun Set
Hidden among the bluffs near the Minnesota–Wisconsin border is The Nova Wine Bar, a perfect getaway for romantic summer evenings. The historic location began as Casanova Beverage Company in 1896, when the owners brewed beer in a hillside cave. By the 1970s, a full-service liquor store opened, and in 2004, the wine bar was added. With more than 200 bottles of wine, a light appetizer and dinner menu, and a secluded outdoor patio overlooking the cliffs, this wine bar is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the Cities. Plus, there’s live music Fridays and Saturdays. 236 Coulee Rd., Hudson, 715-386-5333 [top]
48. Party in Your Porch
If you’ve got a screened porch—use it! There’s no better way to experience your backyard in the evening—away from the mosquitoes. And share it with your friends. No need for stuffy dinner parties in the summer. Fire up the grill or just set out some snacks. Summer is all about being easy and breezy. Oh, and a great bottle of pinot grigio. [top]
49. Live on the Edge
All the world’s a stage from the Guthrie’s Endless Bridge. Jean Nouvel’s modern architectural allegory is already a classic spot to quaff a midsummer night’s gin cocktail. And you don’t even need Major Barbara tickets to enjoy the stunning Mississippi panorama. 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-377-2224 [top]
50. Howl Under the Moon
Nothing’s more quintessentially summer than an outdoor concert. The cream of the local crop is Music in the Zoo (now in its fifteenth season), featuring local and national artists in the state’s most picturesque (and intimate) venue—Weesner Amphitheatre. This year’s lineup includes Buddy Guy (above), John Hiatt/Shawn Colvin, Guster, Tower of Power, Los Lonely Boys, Indigo Girls, Chris Isaak, and more. Tickets go on sale May 21. Search Minnesota Zoo at ticketmaster.com. [top]
51. Experience The Fringe
The annual eleven-day Minnesota Fringe Festival began in 1994 and has become one of the top summer events in Minneapolis. With more than 800 performances in venues throughout the city, you’ll find no shortage of independent, nonjuried performers promoting their talents through theater, dance, puppetry, and film. August 2–12. [top]
52. Load-Up on M usic
The Twin Cities is loaded with great outdoor music venues. A few on our list include Mill City Museum's outdoor music series, Mill City Live, which hosts local musicians twice a month. This summer's lineup includes the Brass Kings and the New Congress. Want more? St. Paul's Music in the Parks series spans the summer and takes place in seven parks, including Mears, Rice, the Phalen Amphitheater, and Harriet Island. [top]
53. Set A Family Date Night
Take the kids to Marketfest in White Bear Lake—the rare suburb with an avowedly authentic (and cute!) “downtown.” Locals celebrate it by wandering hand-in-hand around the Washington Avenue block, which is closed off each Thursday night the whole summer long. There’s enough “local color” for everybody and anybody—sweet corn vendors, classic car displays, and artisans hawking tchotchkes. Downtown White Bear Lake, 651-429-8537 [top]
54. Mix Your Own
We asked Level Vodka to create a sexy, lemony summer drink, partly inspired by our own selfish desires to be a hit at summer parties. Here’s a recipe that will make you the hostess with the mostest. [top]
Herbal Level Limoncello Cooler, developed with chef Philip Dorwart
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