Being a wedding planner means I get the privilege of traveling to so many amazing locations. Not only do I get the chance to work with one of a kind florists, photographers, videographers, caterers, and event spaces, but I also get a chance to experience the vibe of the cities that make up these great locations. Since taking Olive Branch to new heights, we’ve expanded from being your Madison, WI wedding planner, to your Eau Claire, WI and Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesotra wedding planner and coordinator! 

While there are many locations in Wisconsin that have my heart, there’s just something different about the Twin Cities located in Minnesota, and I want to share it all with you! Whether you’re thinking about getting married in the Twin Cities, are looking to spend a long weekend, or are already local and are simply looking for a recommendation for things to do, you’ve come to the right place. 

A Day In The Life of A Twin Cities Wedding Planner

One of the best things about exploring the Twin Cities? The food. Let’s be real, this is my top priority in life. There is truly something for everyone and every taste palette, and if I could eat my way through the city with friends, my family, or just solo – I totally would.  

Some of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities include:

• Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant The menu for both their brunch/lunch and dinner are one of a kind. The options and uniqueness of each dish is simply one of a kind. From the views, service, and aesthetic – it’s a *chef kiss* in my book!
• Martina Restaurant Their specialty menu features amazing dishes, but also their own dedicated brunch cocktails. Be sure to check out the Casamari cocktail and the Potato Gnocchi (two of my favorites!). 
• Cobble Social House Cobble Social House has an element of magic to it with its beautiful candlelight atmosphere. The whole ambience there is an experience within itself! Their menu also features gluten-free options. 
• Hai Hai – I absolutely LOVE Vietnamese food and there are too many great restaurants to count in the Twin Cities, but this James Beard nominated restaurant is a fave. Other honorable mentions for amazing Vietnamese restaurants go to: My Huong Kitchen and Pho 79.
• Midtown Global Market: We love having options and indoor markets are probably are favorite places to eat and hang out!

Some of my other favorite things to do in the Twin Cities include, you guessed it, shopping. When visiting the Twin Cities you have to stop by:

• IKEA – I can’t not mention this massive warehouse that has just about everything you could ever need or want for nearly any room in your house. Terrible for my bank account, but it’s fine because everything is affordable so it doesn’t feel so painful, right? HAHA! 🙂
• The Mall of America – Need I say more? Checking out every store within this massive mall could be a trip within itself. My favorites include one, two, and three. What I love about The Mall of America is that it’s also a great family destination as there is an amusement park in it as well. 
• We also love browsing thrift stores and getting lost in book stores like this one!

Sightseeing:

• According to Wikipedia “The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River.”
• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: Who wouldn’t love taking a stroll through Como Park? We love a good family-friendly (and free!) option!
• Nature itself cannot be beat and a stop by Minnehaha Falls is always worth the awe and amazement of Mother Nature at her finest!

More of a fan of the arts? Be sure to check out:

• Shows at First Ave – From music to comedy, I promise you’ll have a great time here no matter who is taking the stage. Fun fact, I also lost my cell phone at a Leon Bridges show here. Worth it?
• Minneapolis Institute of Art – If  you think you aren’t an art person, you’re about to be. Every time I’ve visited the Minneapolis Institute of Art I’ve been so impressed and intrigued by everything they host. 

Fellow coffee drinkers unite on this next one. I can’t get enough of:

• Spyhouse Coffee – Their website says it best; “a place for all who seek to gather and connect,” Spyhouse aims to provide a welcoming gathering point for the bustling business community and all the diverse travelers passing through.
• Five Watt Coffee – “Keeping Coffee Magical” is totally acute. Please please please try the BIG EASY that’s made of Cold Press, Chicory + Nutmeg Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters, Cream. YUM!

Making The Most Of Your Twin Cities Visit 

No matter where I assist with event and wedding planning, I’m always learning something new or seeing something worth remembering in each of the cities I visit. The Twin Cities has this character to it that’s filled with art, business, music, and a hustle and bustle that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Make no mistake though – there is a ton to do and see in the Cities!

You can kind of just take it all in at your own pace, and who doesn’t love that? If you’ve been to the Twin Cities before, drop a comment down below on some of your favorite places so we can get this list growing! Be sure to explore the blog to see more wedding and event planning love and more of my favorites from all sorts of things.