Fall Style Adventures in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot

Explore by Day

Included in This Itinerary

• Food
• Shopping
• Spa

Saturday

Morning

Start your shopping day with a caffeine boost at Triple D Espresso in Golden Valley. This family-owned coffee shop roasts a fresh batch of beans every week, so each cup is high quality and full of flavor. Choose from an espresso macchiato, chai latte, or another favorite, and pair it with a homemade muffin or scone. Bags of beans are also available to take home for later.

Once you’re fueled up, visit Mainstream Boutique next door. Its distinctive, multigenerational assortment offers stylish and trendy options for everyone. Look for the exclusive Mac and Me denim line, along with tops, jackets, and jewelry. New arrivals come in frequently.

Continue to the Texa Tonka Shopping Center for more seasonal style. At Judith McGrann & Friends, browse an assortment of distinctive clothing, jewelry, bags, scarves, socks, gifts, cards, and trinkets. The collections shift with the seasons and include options for varied body types and all price ranges.

Another option is Covered, a charming boutique where the owners personally hand-select every item. The store’s offerings are chosen to suit different lifestyles and personalities. You can even sip and shop while your group watches TV in the bar and lounge.

Afternoon

When lunchtime arrives, head to the West End, where several restaurants offer patios perfect for enjoying a beautiful fall day. CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar serves colorful American cuisine alongside fresh sushi. Chi-Chi’s combines modern and traditional Mexican dishes with killer margaritas. Yard House prepares classic dishes from scratch, while Raku Sushi & Lounge presents Japanese cuisine blended with French, Italian, and other Asian influences. There are plenty of choices and plenty of delicious dishes to try.

Next, make your way to the center of Excelsior & Grand and stop at Max’s. This woman-owned contemporary boutique features an eclectic range of artisan jewelry, hand-blown glass pieces, chocolates, and gifts. Find a little new bling for yourself while getting an early start on holiday shopping for friends and family.

While you’re nearby, walk down the street to The Candy Shop, a tiny candy store located in a big pink building. Create your own mix-and-match selection from its Swedish candy offerings.

A two-block walk north brings you to two appealing discount clothing stores: Opitz Outlet and The Annex by Opitz. For over 20 years, Opitz has offered men’s and women’s designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories at 70% off retail. These stores have long been regarded as the Twin Cities’ best kept secret.

A short drive away, explore Thrift Haus, a curated selection of gently used women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and footwear. The shop works to bring affordability back to the community, sourcing finds from New York and L.A. without large corporate markups. Unsold inventory goes to local shelters and the local STEP program, which supports people with immediate clothing needs.

Evening

After a full day of shopping, make time for some pampering at Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa. Services range from facials to hot stone and Himalayan salt massages. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the care of a team you can trust.

Finish the day with dinner at Mill Valley Kitchen, a refined farm-to-table restaurant serving California-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Its fresh, feel-good menu changes seasonally and can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. The beverage list includes an excellent selection of wine from California and across the globe, local tap beers, and signature cocktails. For non-alcoholic choices, try house made ginger beer or kombucha on tap.

This itinerary offers only a sampling of the things to do in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot.