A Romantic Minnesota’s Sweet Spot Escape

Life can fill quickly with work and family, leaving little space for the two of you. A long weekend in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot offers a chance to reconnect, relax, and recharge with a thoughtfully planned romantic retreat.

Explore by Day

• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Included in this Itinerary

• Spa
• Food
• Attractions
• Drinks
• Outdoor Activities
• Shopping

Friday

Afternoon

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, make your way to St. Louis Park’s West End. Begin the weekend with a couple’s massage at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, where a dedicated couples’ room lets you relax side-by-side. Their signature Hot Stone Massage uses soothing heat to ease tension in the shoulders and back. Another option is the Himalayan Salt Massage, which uses warmed salt crystals to reduce stress and encourage a greater sense of well-being.

Evening

After your spa experience, wander the tree-lined boulevard and browse the storefronts at The Shops at West End. For dinner, visit Raku Sushi & Lounge, where classic Japanese fare is combined with French, Italian, and other Asian influences. Pair sake with sushi and sashimi, choose traditional tempura or teriyaki, or order a signature entrée such as grilled Chilean sea bass marinated in yuzu miso and served with udon noodles in bonito broth.

At the neighboring Marcus West End Cinema, settle into VIP seating for a movie. Luxurious recliners let you put your feet up while enjoying premium digital sight and sound.

The Dampfwerk Distillery

Complete the evening with a craft cocktail at The Dampfwerk Distillery. The distillery sources its ingredients locally, from the apples and grapes used in fruit brandies to the premium botanicals found in its gin and liqueurs. Traditional European-style craft spirits receive a contemporary treatment shaped by modern German-American influences and a playful attitude.

Saturday

Morning

Begin the day in the Historic Walker Lake District with a raspberry mimosa at The Block Food + Drink. The restaurant’s signature flaky buttermilk biscuits come with playful choices such as the “I’m Eggs Sausaged Biscuit Sandwich.” You can also try the pacos: three small pancakes filled with cheesy scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and green onions, then topped with spicy pepper jam and maple syrup. Vegan selections are available, as is a dog-friendly “pawtio” with its own dog menu. Photograph the Minnesota-themed mural bearing the words “With love from SLP” and share it with loved ones.

As you explore the neighborhood, keep an eye on the pavement. A sidewalk between Lake Street and The Block features sandblasted poems written by local residents and students. These works consider local identity, cultural expression, and the ideas of place and time. More sidewalk poetry appears on nearby Lake Street between Dakota Avenue and Walker Street.

Visit sota clothing for Minnesota-inspired merchandise presented in an elegant, understated style. Minnesota native Spencer Johnson created the store, which carries hoodies, hats, drinkware, artwork, and more. Many items display the brand’s signature image of two crossed oars alongside the state outline. Minnesota also has no sales tax on clothing and shoes. At sota’s Minnesota-themed selfie station, the building’s exterior provides another photo opportunity, with a state outline and the phrase “You betcha,” along with Minnesota’s unofficial mascots, giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

Continue exploring local murals at the Historic Walker Lake Mural (3550 Dakota Ave. S). The artwork recounts the history of the surrounding business district and St. Louis Park. It includes several prominent local figures, among them Phyllis McQuaid, the first woman elected mayor of St. Louis Park, and Dr. B. Robert Lewis, the first Black person elected to a Twin Cities school board and the Minnesota Senate.

Afternoon

Rest your feet over lunch at México City Café, a family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic and modern Mexican food. Chef Julio Margalli grew up in Mexico City and learned traditional cooking from his grandmother. After relocating to the U.S., he saved to attend culinary school before opening his own restaurant. The menu includes Mexico City street tacos, familiar favorites such as burritos and enchiladas, and dishes including chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers).

Kayak the Creek

Spend the afternoon on the water at Minnehaha Creek Preserve, one of the highlights of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway. The restored 1.5-mile section runs through St. Louis Park and belongs to a broader 22-mile long system. Restoration work improved wildlife habitat, renewed wetlands, and introduced additional trails, including over a mile of ADA accessible boardwalk.

Creekside Park provides a canoe and kayak launch, picnic space, and plenty of free parking. Paddling the creek may reveal wood ducks, herons, turtles, deer, and other wildlife. Check the Minnehaha Creek flow before putting in. The Paddlesports Department at Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park rents canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards on a seasonal basis.

Evening

Have dinner at Lat14 Asian Eatery, a Golden Valley restaurant created by owner and executive chef Ann Ahmed from her real-life experiences. The space is designed for gathering, while the menu draws on her Asian culture and the cuisines of countries along the 14th parallel north: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Dine on the pergola-covered patio and consider favorites such as Thai basil duck, snow crab wontons, or smoked salmon fried rice.

If your schedule allows, browse Patina, a specialty purveyor offering a curated selection of affordable gifts, home décor, scents, paper goods, jewelry, and toys. It’s a good place to look for a memento of the trip.

REVEAL Rooftop Bar

Close out the day at REVEAL Rooftop Bar& Lounge atop the AC Hotel by Marriott. Settle onto a comfortable couch, order a craft cocktail prepared by the master mixologists, and take in broad views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Its open-air setting and retractable roof make the space comfortable in rain or shine.

Sunday

Morning

Start with coffee and a baked treat from Triple D Espresso. This family-owned coffee shop is recognized for freshly roasted beans and appealing pastries. Pick up a muffin or scone to accompany a morning latte, and bring home some of their coffee beans as well.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley together offer more than 1,800 acres of green space and miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking. For a peaceful outdoor experience, visit Theodore Wirth Regional Park. The 740-acre park in Golden Valley has more than 5 miles of walking trails.

Within the park, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary offers a way to discover the area’s flora and fauna. The Garden contains over 500 plant species and 130 bird species.

Afternoon

At the Trailhead in Theodore Wirth, Mill Valley Market prepares locally sourced, organic cuisine. Picnic selections are available, along with Belgian waffles topped with strawberries, chocolate, or even fried chicken and honey.

For additional adventure, follow the park’s Quaking Bog Loop trail around the 5-acre, 3,700-year-old acid bog hidden among the wooded hills. The route crosses boardwalks suspended over islands of sphagnum moss. Golfers can instead choose between Theodore Wirth’s two golf courses; the front nine of the 18-hole course includes striking views of Minneapolis.

Those seeking a slower afternoon can relax beside Wirth Lake. Its sandy beach is suited to sunbathing, while the swimming area offers a way to cool down. A floating swim dock and fishing pier are also available.

Evening

Finish the getaway with dinner at Doolittles Woodfire Grill, a restaurant known for rotisserie cooking. Menu possibilities include woodfired smokehouse spareribs and woodfired spit-roasted chicken. With over 60 wines from around the world on the expansive wine list, you can raise a glass to a memorable weekend together.