Explore Minneapolis & St. Paul!
Food scene
Minneapolis LOVES to cook and eat. We celebrate foods of all kinds, from all different cultures. Food is definitely a Minneapolis love language. <3
*Walking Distance! 8 blocks*
This is our go-to family place. It's close to our house, the people are amazingly friendly and great with kids, and the food is delish. Excellent fish 'n' chips, burgers, and braised meats, great beer and wine selection.
It's what I would call "elevated pub fare" — savory and satisfying, really fresh, not greasy, local/organic/sustainable ingredients. The featured curry is also often a winner.
They accommodate for food sensitivities if you just let them know.
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George and the Dragon
813 W 50th St*Walking Distance! 8 blocks*
This is our go-to family place. It's close to our house, the people are amazingly friendly and great with kids, and the food is delish. Excellent fish 'n' chips, burgers, and braised meats, great beer and wine selection.
It's what I would call "elevated pub fare" — savory and satisfying, really fresh, not greasy, local/organic/sustainable ingredients. The featured curry is also often a winner.
They accommodate for food sensitivities if you just let them know.
*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Ooh-la-la!
If you're into mouth-watering, high-quality breads and pastries created by a James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, then this is the spot. Everything is gorgeous. The coffee is tasty. The other food items — soups, quiche, sandwiches — are also wonderful.
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Patisserie 46
4552 Grand Ave S*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Ooh-la-la!
If you're into mouth-watering, high-quality breads and pastries created by a James Beard Award-winning pastry chef, then this is the spot. Everything is gorgeous. The coffee is tasty. The other food items — soups, quiche, sandwiches — are also wonderful.
Inventive, fresh, lovely American fare with surprising and delicious flavor combinations. Rotating seasonal menu. HUGE on tap beer selection from around the world. Cozy location in Linden Hills. Great date place!
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Tilia
2726 W 43rd StInventive, fresh, lovely American fare with surprising and delicious flavor combinations. Rotating seasonal menu. HUGE on tap beer selection from around the world. Cozy location in Linden Hills. Great date place!
THE place to go in Minneapolis for sustainably-sourced sushi and authentic Japanese hot dogs. The menu is varied and interesting, with all kinds of soups, noodles, and super fresh sashimi.
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Kyatchi
3758 Nicollet AveTHE place to go in Minneapolis for sustainably-sourced sushi and authentic Japanese hot dogs. The menu is varied and interesting, with all kinds of soups, noodles, and super fresh sashimi.
One of my favorite spots to work and sip coffee in town!
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Five Watt Coffee Lyndale
3350 Lyndale Ave SOne of my favorite spots to work and sip coffee in town!
Arguably the finest food and wine in Minneapolis, in a most wonderful cozy little spot not far from the University and the river. There's a restaurant side and a cafe side, so you get to pick your vibe and budget. Perfect for a romantic dinner!
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Alma
528 University Ave SEArguably the finest food and wine in Minneapolis, in a most wonderful cozy little spot not far from the University and the river. There's a restaurant side and a cafe side, so you get to pick your vibe and budget. Perfect for a romantic dinner!
Craving burgers? This is your place! They have all the traditional burgers, plus a wide array of inventive takes.
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Red Cow Uptown
2626 Hennepin AveCraving burgers? This is your place! They have all the traditional burgers, plus a wide array of inventive takes.
*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
If you're craving a good old-fashioned shake or malt, you cannot go wrong with the Malt Shop, which has been in the neighborhood for decades. 30+ flavors, all made to order. Perfect on hot summer days after a long walk or bike ride. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!
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The Malt Shop
809 W 50th St*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
If you're craving a good old-fashioned shake or malt, you cannot go wrong with the Malt Shop, which has been in the neighborhood for decades. 30+ flavors, all made to order. Perfect on hot summer days after a long walk or bike ride. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!
Authentic Indian, Nepali (Kathmandu region), and Tibetan food. Fresh, local, organic ingredients, vibrant flavors, great veg/vegan options.
https://www.gorkhapalace.com/
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Gorkha Palace
23 4th St NEAuthentic Indian, Nepali (Kathmandu region), and Tibetan food. Fresh, local, organic ingredients, vibrant flavors, great veg/vegan options.
https://www.gorkhapalace.com/
Located inside the American Swedish Institute, this cafe offers some of the best Scandi-inspired cuisine and treats, along with an excellent selection of wines and house-made Aquavit. The outdoor courtyard is perfect for warm-weather dinine, and kids love the Swedish meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes!
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Fika
2600 Park AveLocated inside the American Swedish Institute, this cafe offers some of the best Scandi-inspired cuisine and treats, along with an excellent selection of wines and house-made Aquavit. The outdoor courtyard is perfect for warm-weather dinine, and kids love the Swedish meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes!
*Walking distance! 4 blocks*
We were lucky enough to get Brasa right in our neighborhood! Mouthwatering slow-cooked meats traditional ingredients and flavors of the Southern U.S., Caribbean and Mexico. Amazing cornbread, and you must try the fried yucca. Plenty of GF options, too! Totally recommend the fried catfish. YUM.
Brasa Premium Rotisserie- Southwest Minneapolis
812 West 46th Street*Walking distance! 4 blocks*
We were lucky enough to get Brasa right in our neighborhood! Mouthwatering slow-cooked meats traditional ingredients and flavors of the Southern U.S., Caribbean and Mexico. Amazing cornbread, and you must try the fried yucca. Plenty of GF options, too! Totally recommend the fried catfish. YUM.
Minneapolis is home to the largest population of Somalis outside of Somalia, and they bring much to our city. Learn about the culture and enjoy the sumptuous cuisine of Somalia at a local favorite, Safari.
https://www.safarirestaurant.net/
Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis
3010 4th Avenue SouthMinneapolis is home to the largest population of Somalis outside of Somalia, and they bring much to our city. Learn about the culture and enjoy the sumptuous cuisine of Somalia at a local favorite, Safari.
https://www.safarirestaurant.net/
#1 outdoor patio dining in the Twin Cities! This place is SO BEAUTIFUL. The food is fantastic, the drinks list is a mile long, and the building itself is a historic treasure. Highly recommend!
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W. A. Frost and Company
374 Selby Ave#1 outdoor patio dining in the Twin Cities! This place is SO BEAUTIFUL. The food is fantastic, the drinks list is a mile long, and the building itself is a historic treasure. Highly recommend!
THE best fried chicken in the Cities, including a mouthwatering GF option. All your favorite Soul Food & Southern faves, just six blocks away.
https://www.revivalrestaurants.com/minneapolis
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Revival
4537 Nicollet AveTHE best fried chicken in the Cities, including a mouthwatering GF option. All your favorite Soul Food & Southern faves, just six blocks away.
https://www.revivalrestaurants.com/minneapolis
Great brunch spot! Delicious golden pancakes! Beer 'n' burgers! This is a favorite hangout for hipsters and families alike.
https://thelowbrowmpls.com/
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The Lowbrow
4244 Nicollet AveGreat brunch spot! Delicious golden pancakes! Beer 'n' burgers! This is a favorite hangout for hipsters and families alike.
https://thelowbrowmpls.com/
Delicious, fresh, clean Thai food with wonderful flavors and easy-peasy takeout.
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Naviya's Thai Brasserie
2812 W 43rd StDelicious, fresh, clean Thai food with wonderful flavors and easy-peasy takeout.
Wonderful, warm breakfast/brunch hangout. Great coffee and pastries. FABULOUS buttery flaky fresh biscuits.
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Sun Street Breads
4600 Nicollet AveWonderful, warm breakfast/brunch hangout. Great coffee and pastries. FABULOUS buttery flaky fresh biscuits.
*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Modeled after a cafe in France that is beloved by the owner, St. Genevieve is a place that transports you. The food is sublime, the ambience is warm and romantic, and the drink selections are fabulous. It's just charming as all get out, and only 8 blocks from the Small House.
Highly recommend sitting at the bar, as the bartenders are always friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The menu is set up in courses, but you can order a la carte, as well, so it's perfect if you just want a small bite and a drink, or if you want to go all out and do a full French meal.
If you're an oyster lover, this is the place to get the freshest. The fries are always great, too, and the dessert menu never disappoints.
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Saint Genevieve
5003 Bryant Ave S*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Modeled after a cafe in France that is beloved by the owner, St. Genevieve is a place that transports you. The food is sublime, the ambience is warm and romantic, and the drink selections are fabulous. It's just charming as all get out, and only 8 blocks from the Small House.
Highly recommend sitting at the bar, as the bartenders are always friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. The menu is set up in courses, but you can order a la carte, as well, so it's perfect if you just want a small bite and a drink, or if you want to go all out and do a full French meal.
If you're an oyster lover, this is the place to get the freshest. The fries are always great, too, and the dessert menu never disappoints.
This restaurant has been making waves across the country, and for good reason. Owami is co-owned by Dana Thompson and Sean Sherman, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe who is also the head chef.
If you're interested in experiencing how the first Americans in this region prepared and ate their food, Owamni gives a glimpse. The menu features indigenous ingredients such as game meats, corn, and wild plants. The restaurant does not serve ingredients that were introduced to the region by Europeans, including butter, dairy, sugar, wheat, chicken, beef, and pork.
You'll definitely need reservations here — it is difficult to get a table.
Owamni by The Sioux Chef
This restaurant has been making waves across the country, and for good reason. Owami is co-owned by Dana Thompson and Sean Sherman, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe who is also the head chef.
If you're interested in experiencing how the first Americans in this region prepared and ate their food, Owamni gives a glimpse. The menu features indigenous ingredients such as game meats, corn, and wild plants. The restaurant does not serve ingredients that were introduced to the region by Europeans, including butter, dairy, sugar, wheat, chicken, beef, and pork.
You'll definitely need reservations here — it is difficult to get a table.
*Walking distance! 1/2 a block away*
A cozy little gem right down the block from us. This is a six-course tasting menu, rotating seasonally. $70/pp with $30/pp optional pairings.
*just a note that they don't have vegan or DF options*
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Tenant Restaurant
4300 Bryant Ave S*Walking distance! 1/2 a block away*
A cozy little gem right down the block from us. This is a six-course tasting menu, rotating seasonally. $70/pp with $30/pp optional pairings.
*just a note that they don't have vegan or DF options*
*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Latin fusion in an elegant, warm interior. Carefully-curated menu offers a wonderful range of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options.
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Cafe Ena
4601 Grand Ave S*Walking distance! 8 blocks*
Latin fusion in an elegant, warm interior. Carefully-curated menu offers a wonderful range of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Sightseeing
If you love grand old houses and stately architecture, this long beautiful street in St. Paul will enchant you. Very walkable/bike-able, close to tons of restaurants on Grand Ave. A real visual treat.
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Summit Avenue
Summit AvenueIf you love grand old houses and stately architecture, this long beautiful street in St. Paul will enchant you. Very walkable/bike-able, close to tons of restaurants on Grand Ave. A real visual treat.
If you're curious about the Swedish heritage that is such a big part of Minnesota culture, ASI is the place to go. Beautiful design everywhere, a gorgeous mansion, interesting rotating exhibits, and a marvelous restaurant to boot.
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American Swedish Institute
2600 Park AveIf you're curious about the Swedish heritage that is such a big part of Minnesota culture, ASI is the place to go. Beautiful design everywhere, a gorgeous mansion, interesting rotating exhibits, and a marvelous restaurant to boot.
A beautiful part of Minneapolis's rich history. Easy walking/biking, a go-to spot for viewing fireworks.
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Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland AveA beautiful part of Minneapolis's rich history. Easy walking/biking, a go-to spot for viewing fireworks.
If you're curious about what made Minneapolis, this is a family-friendly, interactive museum that has a ton to offer.
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Washburn A Mill
704 S 2nd StIf you're curious about what made Minneapolis, this is a family-friendly, interactive museum that has a ton to offer.
A relaxing and beautiful way to see historic downtown Minneapolis.
thehitchingcompany.com
The Hitching Company station
925 N 5th StA relaxing and beautiful way to see historic downtown Minneapolis.
thehitchingcompany.com
Nearby Grocery Stores
Perfect stop for groceries on the way in from the airport, just about a mile from us. Great hot bar, wing bar, olive bar, and salad bar, too, along with a killer cheese selection.
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Kowalski's Market
2440 Hennepin AvePerfect stop for groceries on the way in from the airport, just about a mile from us. Great hot bar, wing bar, olive bar, and salad bar, too, along with a killer cheese selection.
Pizza joints
Our family favorite pizza joint. Great pies, but also a fab selection of appetizers, pastas, and wings. Plenty of tasty GF options, as well.
https://pizzaluce.com/locations/uptown-minneapolis/
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Pizza Lucé Uptown
3200 Lyndale Ave SOur family favorite pizza joint. Great pies, but also a fab selection of appetizers, pastas, and wings. Plenty of tasty GF options, as well.
https://pizzaluce.com/locations/uptown-minneapolis/
The flagship pizza place by James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim! Internationally-inspired flavors, and you can order to-go or take-n-bake, as well.
https://www.pizzerialola.com/
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Pizzeria Lola
5557 Xerxes Ave SThe flagship pizza place by James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim! Internationally-inspired flavors, and you can order to-go or take-n-bake, as well.
https://www.pizzerialola.com/
This is the place that put Ann Kim on the culinary map! Try her imaginative pizza takes (plus old faves, too), and you'll see why.
https://www.youngjoni.com/team-member/ann-kim/
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Young Joni back bar
165 13th Avenue NortheastThis is the place that put Ann Kim on the culinary map! Try her imaginative pizza takes (plus old faves, too), and you'll see why.
https://www.youngjoni.com/team-member/ann-kim/
Green spaces / outdoor activities
Just a few short blocks from the small house is Lake Harriet. Over 50 miles of connected walking/biking trails, parks, a bird sanctuary, beautiful cultivated gardens, picnic areas, a bandshell and large playground area, a small but lovely Japanese garden, plus recreational activities in all seasons. It's a beautiful natural gem in the heart of the city.
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Lake Harriet
4135 W Lake Harriet PkwyJust a few short blocks from the small house is Lake Harriet. Over 50 miles of connected walking/biking trails, parks, a bird sanctuary, beautiful cultivated gardens, picnic areas, a bandshell and large playground area, a small but lovely Japanese garden, plus recreational activities in all seasons. It's a beautiful natural gem in the heart of the city.
Miles and miles of trails, a variety of different spaces to explore, and beauty all around. Highly recommend the Quaking Bog.
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Theodore Wirth Regional Park
1301 Theodore Wirth PkwyMiles and miles of trails, a variety of different spaces to explore, and beauty all around. Highly recommend the Quaking Bog.
One of Minneapolis's loveliest spots! Connected to miles of trails along Minnehaha Creek, plenty of picnic spots, pedal carriages, and more.
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Minnehaha Falls
4801 S Minnehaha DrOne of Minneapolis's loveliest spots! Connected to miles of trails along Minnehaha Creek, plenty of picnic spots, pedal carriages, and more.
Minneapolis is considered by many to be the nation's most bike-friendly city. And if you love to bike, this is a system of 50+ miles of interconnected trails that take you all through the city, by many lakes, parks, and attractions.
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Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Grand Rounds Scenic BywayMinneapolis is considered by many to be the nation's most bike-friendly city. And if you love to bike, this is a system of 50+ miles of interconnected trails that take you all through the city, by many lakes, parks, and attractions.
Local attractions
If you have the time and want to catch a show, the Guthrie has deep roots and national acclaim. Founded in 1963, the Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists.
https://www.guthrietheater.org/
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Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd StIf you have the time and want to catch a show, the Guthrie has deep roots and national acclaim. Founded in 1963, the Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists.
https://www.guthrietheater.org/
It's the Big One that many people come to see! A mind-boggling amount of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
https://www.mallofamerica.com/
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Mall of America station
Ikea WayIt's the Big One that many people come to see! A mind-boggling amount of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
https://www.mallofamerica.com/
While this is a little bit of a drive from Minneapolis, many people come to visit Valleyfair. It's a wonderful place to spend the day with kids!
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Valleyfair
1 Valley Fair DrWhile this is a little bit of a drive from Minneapolis, many people come to visit Valleyfair. It's a wonderful place to spend the day with kids!
This is a sweet, tucked-away little spot that has become a family favorite. Cobblestone streets, wooded paths, lovely parks, and quaint Victorian houses make this place feel like you've stepped back in time.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at the historic Nicollet Island Inn.
https://www.nicolletislandinn.com/dine/
See the city in a horse-drawn carriage (It's a really fun way to take in the sights, and kids love it!), right in front of the Nicollet Island Inn.
thehitchingcompany.com
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Nicollet Island Inn
95 Merriam StThis is a sweet, tucked-away little spot that has become a family favorite. Cobblestone streets, wooded paths, lovely parks, and quaint Victorian houses make this place feel like you've stepped back in time.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at the historic Nicollet Island Inn.
https://www.nicolletislandinn.com/dine/
See the city in a horse-drawn carriage (It's a really fun way to take in the sights, and kids love it!), right in front of the Nicollet Island Inn.
thehitchingcompany.com
One of the largest and most celebrated sculpture gardens in the country, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free and open to the public.
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
725 Vineland PlOne of the largest and most celebrated sculpture gardens in the country, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free and open to the public.
MIA is a world-renowned museum, free to the public, and full of beauty from 5,000 BC to present day. Their Asian art collection is especially impressive.
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave SMIA is a world-renowned museum, free to the public, and full of beauty from 5,000 BC to present day. Their Asian art collection is especially impressive.
This is an immense space filled with TONS of family-friendly spots. There's the zoo and gorgeous conservatory (both free!). The conservatory includes a huge tropical room (with many critters to see), a vast indoor garden (perfect for getting your green fix during the winter), and a beautiful outdoor Japanese garden. There's an amusement park, as well, and acres and acres of outdoor park space.
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Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook DrThis is an immense space filled with TONS of family-friendly spots. There's the zoo and gorgeous conservatory (both free!). The conservatory includes a huge tropical room (with many critters to see), a vast indoor garden (perfect for getting your green fix during the winter), and a beautiful outdoor Japanese garden. There's an amusement park, as well, and acres and acres of outdoor park space.
Your kids will go bananas over this enormous, interactive, exciting place to learn!
https://new.smm.org/
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Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg BlvdYour kids will go bananas over this enormous, interactive, exciting place to learn!
https://new.smm.org/
An amazing, beautiful, fragrant, and delicious place to experience the many cultures that meet in Minneapolis! Daily music, lots of artisan shops, and flavors from all over the globe, all in one spot.
https://midtownglobalmarket.org/
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Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake StAn amazing, beautiful, fragrant, and delicious place to experience the many cultures that meet in Minneapolis! Daily music, lots of artisan shops, and flavors from all over the globe, all in one spot.
https://midtownglobalmarket.org/
Right next to the Sculpture Gardens, this is the place to see the best of modern art.
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Walker Art Center
725 Vineland PlRight next to the Sculpture Gardens, this is the place to see the best of modern art.
Day Trip Recommendations
Duluth is about a 2.5 hour drive from Minneapolis, but if you have a day to spend, it is well worth the drive! Duluth itself is a beautiful little city — the wharf area is bustling and interesting, with lots of shops and restaurants, and you're likely to see humongous ships coming into the harbor. Lake Superior is breathtaking in its size and beauty. This is our favorite go-to on muggy summer days when the city is kind of miserable — it's almost always mild and lovely by the Big Lake.
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Duluth
Duluth is about a 2.5 hour drive from Minneapolis, but if you have a day to spend, it is well worth the drive! Duluth itself is a beautiful little city — the wharf area is bustling and interesting, with lots of shops and restaurants, and you're likely to see humongous ships coming into the harbor. Lake Superior is breathtaking in its size and beauty. This is our favorite go-to on muggy summer days when the city is kind of miserable — it's almost always mild and lovely by the Big Lake.