Note from DC: Today my wife has a post that is geared towards Minnesotans. If you are interested in a more general article, check out her post How to Save Money on a Date. Finally, if you don’t want to read about dating, check out my post about 7 Home Upgrades I Want…Someday ;).
Maybe it’s just me, but I always struggle to think of great date ideas in certain seasons, especially towards the end when I have already done the typical dates for a season (think apple orchard in the Fall, beach in the summer, etc.). While many of you may not live in the Twin Cities, or even in Minnesota, you can still use these ideas and apply them to your city and have fun no matter what season it is.
Spring
1) Finally, you can be outdoors without being all bundled up! Enjoy the warmth of the sun and watch an outdoor baseball game
2) Take a tour and have a picnic at the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens
3) Go to the annual CARAG neighborhood garage sale in Uptown
4) Laugh your head off by seeing an improv show at the Brave New Workshop
5) Attend the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, especially since it is known as the “Best of the Midwest”
Summer
1) Go to happy hour at the Cafeteria in Uptown and enjoy the outdoors on the rooftop
2) On a Saturday morning, go to the Mill City Farmers Market to eat and shop
3) Enjoy the Lake of the Isles in a canoe
4) The Twin Cities has one of the most disc golf parks in a metropolitan area. Take advantage of it and play a game with family or friends
5) Get ice cream at one of the best ice cream parlors in the Twin Cities- Sebastian Joe’s
Fall
1) Attend free family day at the Walker Art Center or go anytime for free at the Minnesota Institute of Arts
2) Learn about the architecture at the Minneapolis Central Library
3) Celebrate fall at Gasthof’s Oktoberfest in Northeast Minneapolis
4) Stroll through the Japanese Garden at the Como Zoo and Conservatory
5) Run in the Mill City Suds Run
Winter
1) Watch the Holidazzle parade on Nicollet Mall
2) Check out the amazing holiday display at Macy’s 8th floor
3) Go to the Ice Bar at the Chambers Hotel
4) Catch up on reading at the Open Book in the Warehouse District
5) Celebrate Christmas at the Guthrie by seeing a Christmas Carol
Whether you live in the Twin Cities or not, what are some date ideas you recommend?
Photo by Mr. Moment
____________
GregatClubThrifty says
Ah…the Twin Cities! I miss that place. Don’t you love how you can go to an outdoor baseball game now. There was always the Saints, but the Twins…ah. Unfortunately, I haven’t been to the new stadium since I moved away.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
It’s unbelievable the difference between Target Field and the Dome!
FrugalRules says
These are some great ideas! We love going up to the Twin Cities and were just up there last year. We generally go in the summer and try to enjoy time on a lake. We’re going to have to keep some of these ideas in mind for the next time we’re up there.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
You can’t beat Minnesota lakes in the Summer.
CashCowCouple says
These are great ideas, although we aren’t in Minnesota. Parades, outdoor activities, festivals – all are universal regardless of location. Thanks for the ideas!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
It’s true that these ideas can be applied to many cities, thanks for commenting!
TheHeavyPurse says
I’ve been to Minneapolis countless times for work, but sadly it’s mostly going from the hotel to an office. I do enjoy experiencing the distinctive seasons, although winter is tough on this Cali girl! I’ve heard about the Macy’s Holiday Display and holidazzle parade but haven’t experienced either, but it is something the girls would enjoy. Someday … :)
DC @ Young Adult Money says
TheHeavyPurse The Macy’s Holiday Display is a big draw, but unfortunately they’ve done the same display three years in a row now : ( It used to always be new displays…dang economy.
Beachbudget says
Well here beach dates are pretty popular. Also there are a lot of free outdoor concerts!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
Beachbudget Outdoor concerts are great! I haven’t been to one in a few years now : (
OutlierModel says
I’ve never been to Minneapolis. Yet!
I like going to Granville Island in Vancouver for a free date. In the summer, pack a picnic and you can sit by the water and enjoy the sights and the buskers.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
OutlierModel You need to come here! On a side note…I’ve never been to Canda :0 Yes, I live ~5 to 8 hours from the border (or less?) and have never crossed.
That sounds like a great date idea. Just this weekend I promised my wife a picnic in the park at some point this summer. I need to follow through!