Channeling Spring Break: Twin Cities Style

Jump to:

• 6 Spots to Chase the Sun
• 5 Ways to Submerge
• It's Booming in Bloomington
• Taste the Tropics (Our Favorites!)
• 5 Spaces to Go Off the Grid
• Pampered Picks
• 4 Places to Seek a Thrill
• No Passport Necessary

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6 Spots to Chase the Sun

Every now and then at this time of year, there’s a stretch of days so gray you start bargaining with Mother Nature. I’d take 15 degrees again if we could just see the sun for a day or two, you think—and then your stock-photo screen saver of a tropical rainforest starts taunting you, and you realize it’s time to get out of here—if only for a few hours. Luckily, wherever you are in our oft-gray Cities, an actual (albeit indoor) rainforest, jungle, or desert awaits—sun and warmth and all. By Madison Bloomquist

Meyer-Deats Conservatory

If it’s been a long time since you were immersed in nature’s greenery, vibrant colors, and natural perfumes, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, popular for its warm-weather gardens, is well worth a visit long before the tulips bloom. Duck inside its expansive greenhouse in the main building, which features a variety of orchids, lush palm fronds, enviable cacti and bromeliads, and much more. Bonus: The team swaps out species from time to time, ensuring you’ll always get a fresh peek at spring. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, 612-624-2200

Tropics Trail

Pose this question to your friends, your kids, your would-be travel companions: What do ring-tailed lemurs, tropical reefs, tiny kangaroos, and delicate orchids have in common? If they somehow answered, “They all live in Apple Valley,” they are correct! The Minnesota Zoo’s indoor tropical epicenter is a literal hot spot for jungle and rainforest life. Take a peek at flora and fauna that are becoming increasingly hard to find—and learn more about the efforts to preserve and protect their fleeting natural habitats. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, 952-431-9200

Mother Co., Plants

Dreaming of desert days? Believe it or not, you can channel Arizona’s Sonoran Desert or Palm Springs right on the fringes of the North Loop. Mother Co. stocks everything from easy-care snake plants to rare and unique forms of cacti, most in cool terra-cotta pots that already look sun-worn and loved. Don’t miss the collection of artisan goods, like handmade blankets from Mexico, sculptural stone watering cans, and locally poured citrus-agave candles. 2400 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-293-9287

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

We know it, we love it, we escape to it every time we need a hit of humid 80-degree air. It’s moss-and-leaves-scented heaven on earth to weary winterers, a balm to the long, cold, dragging days of early spring. Yes, the plant-filled side of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of our best local bets to transport to another hemisphere for an hour or two. Stroll through the Sunken Garden’s Technicolor flower shows, search out more than 100 varieties of ferns in the Fern Room, and say hi to Chloe the sloth on your way out of plant-and-animal-laced rainforest Tropical Encounters. 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul, 651-487-8200

Eastman Nature Center

We may be enticing you, dear readers, to pretend you’ve traveled to a far-flung rainforest or desert, but there are still plenty of nature-immersion opportunities nearby. Supplement an early-spring hike (or snowshoe) around Elm Creek Park Reserve with a trip into the park’s striking Eastman Nature Center. The glass-walled building, complete with solar arrays and geothermal heating, is the perfect place to amble through nature-inspired exhibits, grab a rocking chair and watch for wildlife, or even take a class taught by professional naturalists. 13351 Elm Creek Rd., Dayton, 763-694-7700

Tonkadale Greenhouse

Perhaps the worst part of sunning yourself in lush conservatories and engineered rainforests, like those aforementioned? Leaving. At Tonkadale, at least, you can take a talisman for warmth, life, and energy home with you. The expansive Minnetonka greenhouse has been decking out the homes and gardens of Minnesotans with lush plants for more than 75 years, and its team of experts is happy to kindly determine if you’re better suited for a tough, just-try-to-kill-it ZZ plant or if you’re ready to work with something that requires a little more care. 3739 Tonkawood Rd., Minnetonka, 952-938-6480

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5 Ways to Submerge

If a week on the beaches of Mexico isn’t in the cards this year, you can still reap the benefits of what experts call “blue spaces” (those close to water) right at home. Get your vitamin D with a walk around the lakes or along the Mississippi (we’ve got blue spaces here, too!), or shed a few layers and take the plunge in a warm indoor pool. And while we’ve got plenty of options if the whole fam wants to go for a swim, these are primarily for the grown-ups—one even has its own swim-up bar. It’s just like being at one of those all-inclusive resorts, right? By Madison Bloomquist

Watershed Spa

The Twin Cities’ only communal bathhouse and spa can still be tough to book on a moment’s notice, more than two years after its opening, because it really is that good. Once you manage to get a reservation for you and your peeps, spend a couple hours exploring the Northeast space’s soaking pool, steam room, sauna, and cold-plunge pool in a choose-your-own-adventure hydrotherapy circuit. Round out the experience with a full-body salt scrub or massage if you’re feeling fancy. 514 SE 2nd St., Mpls., 612-331-4182

The Lagoon at Treasure Island Resort

If you can’t make it to a single spot listed in The Beach Boys’ song “Kokomo,” don’t despair. You could be sipping a piña colada at a swim-up bar in no time. Treasure Island Resort’s Lagoon sports waterslides and a lazy river, yes, but it also includes an entire adults-only area with a swim-up bar, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a lounge pool if your weekend escape is sans kids. 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd., Welch, 800-222-7077

Thermaculture Thursdays at Hewing Hotel

One of the best weeknight escapes in town is the Hewing’s sauna night—and it’s one of the only ways to gain access to the North Loop spot’s coveted rooftop pool without a room reservation. Buy a round of tickets with friends (or go solo!) and dive into a guided experience including meditation and breath work exercises, essential oil–laced aromatherapy, sauna sessions, dips in the pool, and cold showers when it’s time to hit refresh. 300 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 651-468-0400

Four Seasons Minneapolis

Here’s a hot tip: If you’ve been dying to dip into what may be the most lusted-after pool in town, all you need is a spa reservation. Your Hungarian Mud ritual, City Life facial, or guided Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna experience all come with access to the Four Seasons’ indoor pool and spa tub. Soak in floor-to-ceiling skyline views of your very own city while floating around, pretending you just jetted in from far, far away. 245 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-895-5707

Just For Me Spa

Take a day trip to Stillwater (a worthy spring break excursion in itself) and tack on a visit to Just For Me. Yes, you can get a classic massage, facial, and mani-pedi, but don’t miss the spa’s hot tub, sauna, and indoor pool. The heated mineral pool is full of 83 trace minerals said to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, promote relaxation, and more. Want to take hydrotherapy a step further? The River Sôk service lets you luxuriate in a Himalayan salt–enriched bubbly bath as chromotherapy lights wash over you. 110 S. Greeley St., Stillwater, 651-439-4662

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It's Booming in Bloomington

This burb is the ultimate backdrop for one action-packed family trip—whether you’re soaring over stunning landmarks, eating your way through a jungle oasis, looping through a sunlit theme park, or making waves in an 84-degree indoor water playground. By Jamie Korf

Nickelodeon Universe

Bask in the glow of natural light as it percolates through the park, making every loop, drop, and spin feel like it’s happening under an endless summer sky—rain or shine. With 27 rides and attractions staggered out across seven acres, there’s something for every thrill level, from gentle spins to gravity-defying plunges (hello, TMNT Shell Shock). A few insider family tips to pocket: Start with the toddler-friendly rides, like Blue’s Skidoo or Backyardigans Swing-Along, before the crowds swell; check in with the character meet-and-greet schedule to plan for a photo op with Dora, SpongeBob, or a PAW Patrol-er; stick around for the nine-minute Technicolor spectacle at park close; and take refuge in the designated quiet space when everything feels a little too big (located behind Guest Services). Mall of America, 952-883-8800

Great Wolf Lodge

Part water park, part adventure zone, and part fireside charm, Great Wolf Lodge is a place where kids go full speed and ’rents can pause. From cruising down waterslides to floating down the lazy river, the park alone is worth the trip—for daytime or an overnight stay. But there’s more: Hit up Ten Paw Alley, plan your main-character side quest at MagiQuest, or try out Howlers Peak Ropes Course. (Grown-ups can opt for poolside cocktails.) 1700 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, 844-561-9653

FlyOver America

Trade those 10,000 steps you racked up at Mall of America for a 10,000-mile cross-country journey—coast to coast, sea to shining sea—all without leaving the grounds. At FlyOver America, a flight-simulation ride located just outside of Nickelodeon Universe, you’re suspended in midair with your feet dangling in front of a ginormous spherical screen. You’ll careen down forest-lined valleys, follow rushing rivers, and skim across tranquil, milky blue lakes—all while experiencing the rush of the wind, the mist of waterfalls, and even the scents of the landscapes below. It’s the next best thing to teleporting yourself to a tropical spring break. (Pro tip: Tickets are 10 percent cheaper online.) Mall of America, 952-853-6000

Rainforest Cafe

For the elder millennials and Gen Xers among us, bringing the littles to this “wild place to shop and eat!” is a full-circle moment. While the trademark water features of yesteryear are no longer, thanks to its third-level location at the MOA—pour one out for the pumped-in mist machines, waterfall, wishing pond, and wraparound fish tanks—the animatronic wildlife, thundering soundtrack, and forest foliage remain. Relive the nostalgia through your wide-eyed kiddos: Make a wish and clink spoons over the Sparkling Volcano dessert, keep an ear out for the rainless thunderstorms, or grab a keepsake from the attached gift shop. Mall of America, 952-854-7500

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Taste the Tropics (Our Favorites!)

Are you struck with awe and wonder every time you visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory? Tropical plants, sunshine, and sweet moist air. Bliss! All that’s missing is something to eat. Where can you find this bliss and your favorite treats? Wonder no longer! By Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl

Which of the many little-conservatory spots is right for you? If your favorite treat is a beer, head to Wandering Leaf Brewing, a St. Paul plant-themed, pup-friendly taproom full of hazy IPAs and Mexican pilsners and positively bursting with ferns and dripping with curtains of trailing pothos. If your favorite pick-me-up is coffee or a mimosa and a plant to take home, head to lush Curiouser Coffee and Conservatory in Apple Valley, land of Alice in Wonderland and avocado toast. If you’re wondering now if there is a place with sangria, empanadas, wall-sized windows to let the sunshine in, and a general feeling of Panamanian Caribbean fiesta to be found in the North Loop—duck into Guacaya Bistreaux, where the answer is: Si!

There’s more. Earl Giles, in Northeast Minneapolis, has full-on mature trees inside and hundreds of plants in its cocktail room—raise a glass to that, specifically an Evergreen Collins, made with an elixir of two other trees, black spruce and Douglas fir. Star chef Daniel del Prado’s Colita, in south Minneapolis, is 100 percent gluten-free and has a living wall of lush green plants, and when you add an aguachile, a few tacos, and a cocktail made from Mexican Charanda, it feels a little like you’re in the chef’s native Buenos Aires, living that chic, creative tango lifestyle. With plenty of peppy potted palms, a color palette of straw and sand, and a caramelized pineapple mimosa—there’s more than one reason everyone’s going to recent James Beard nominee Ann Ahmed’s Khâluna, also in south Minneapolis. It’s like taking an indulgent vacation to a Thai beach resort. If you’re in more of a budget, buzzy mood, head to Ahmed’s Loring Park hot spot Gai Noi, where you can pair the Cities’ best chicken satay with the Papaya Piña Colada Whip everyone has been making their instant tropical staycation.

Of course, some prefer vacations of adventure over those of indulgence, and for adventurous souls, the tropical climbing plants of Hai Hai, in Northeast Minneapolis, signal a cocktail list that’s full of the never-seen-this-anywhere-else, like house-made Haitreuse instead of Chartreuse in the drink with lemongrass-infused cognac or a Boulevardier made new with Buddha’s hand bitters and Thai tea bourbon.

For the full greenhouse effect, report to the rooftop restaurant at RH in Edina. Sure, the big trees and indoor box hedges are faux. How else can you get maple trees with summer-green leaves in March? Grab your seat and notice all the different sorts of people that a bright, warm greenhouse attracts. Over by the fountain: clinking Bellinis, perhaps a dapper gentleman with a walker and his bride? With an elevator and accessible parking lot, RH is among the Cities’ easiest glamour spots to navigate on wheels. Over in the corner, is that more wheels? A giant pink bow on a new empty baby stroller: a telltale sign of a posh baby shower. Or maybe you see a lot of professional-looking blowouts, with a photographer taking advantage of the natural light—you have found an engagement shower or bridesmaid brunch. Don’t miss the Swedish pancakes in the morning, small as coasters, tangy with buttermilk, spread with butter so thick it must be your special day. (It is.) When the sun dips toward California, it’s time for a rosé spritz and a Roadside Lobster Roll, tender and simple, served in a classic, butter-seared hot dog roll. As you peer down from your rooftop aerie at the brake lights and left-turn arrows of real life, remember—awe and wonder are what keep human souls happy during the musts of responsibility and toil. Isn’t it wonderful to know just where to go to fill up your supply?

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5 Spaces to Go Off the Grid

Feeling like it’s time for a break in the routine to indulge in a little rest, self-care, and rejuvenation? No need for the pricey resort stay spa add-on. Ditch the laptop, family, and to-do list and shake things up with a service or class that brings the heat—and the chill (the relaxation kind, that is!) right here in our Cities. By Madeline Nachbar

Salt

Salt room therapy, also known as halotherapy, can have many benefits, including removing toxins, improving breathing, boosting the immune system, reducing stress, and improving the appearance of the skin. Just what a Minnesotan needs after dry months filled with cold and viruses? Book an appointment at this St. Louis Park salt “cave”— a room with an illuminated wall of Himalayan salt blocks and a floor covered in salt rocks. Opt for a 45-minute-long vacay from everyday stressors (which costs $45), where you can lounge, sleep, or meditate, or sign up for guided meditation and yoga classes or massage and exfoliation treatments. Each massage starts with a saltwater foot soak, obviously. 3947 Excelsior Blvd., Mpls., 952-300-2153

Woodhouse Spa 

Desperate to de-stress? The pros here have your back—literally—with the signature Tranquil Stone massage. It's like a full-body Swedish massage, but with heated stones for increased circulation. You’ll feel the warmth of the sun—without the worry of a burn. Don’t rush back to reality­—stay and take advantage of its pre- and post-treatment relaxation room. Maple Grove, Roseville, and Woodbury, woodhousespas.com

Face Foundrié

Many depend on their yearly getaways to the sun and humidity to curb dry and dull skin. Hit one of Face Foundrié’s eight Twin Cities locations for some complexion care. Like a vacation for your face, its facials will leave your peers wondering where on earth you got your newfound glow. Opt for the H2Glow facial, which uses hydradermabrasion via aqua technology that infuses super serums and extracts debris. Bonus: Each facial comes with a weighted blanket, aromatherapy, and head massage. Multiple metro locations, facefoundrie.com

Möv Hot Yoga and Barre

Sometimes a sweet escape is as simple as a heated yoga class. Möv Hot Yoga and Barre, a locally owned studio near Bde Maka Ska, cranks the temps, with classes at 100–103 degrees and about 40 percent humidity. A welcome escape from the chill, while improving flexibility and feeling a sense of rejuvenation? Maybe this year, it’s as close as you’ll get to downward dogging it on the beach. Just close your eyes, say “ohm,” and soak up your mini holiday—even though you’re just a few miles from home. 3252 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-920-3004

Sauna Strong

If you thought hot yoga couldn’t get any sweatier, head to Sauna Strong to HIIT an entirely new level. The Linden Hills wellness center’s multiple infrared saunas, which are said to decrease inflammation, improve sleep and circulation, and promote relaxation, are decked out with TVs loaded with yoga and fitness classes on demand for an (optional!) extra-sweaty sesh. Hit the outdoor courtyard or cold showers for a refresh, then dive back in for round two in either the infrared pods or community dry sauna, followed by a workout in Sauna Strong’s fully stocked gym. 4420 Drew Ave. S., Mpls., 414-254-5928

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Pampered Picks

High Shine

Chances are your neutral winter wardrobe is still in heavy rotation, but it’s never too early to channel spring on the fings. Head to The Ten Spot’s bright and sunny locations in North Loop or Edina for an uninterrupted hour of zen—and a pastel pop that’s guaranteed to add pep to your step. 4502 France Ave. S., Edina, and 103 N. 2nd St., Mpls., thetenspot.com

Glow Up

Say goodbye to drab winter skin with a faux sun-kissed glow—sans the harmful UV rays. goGlow techs are masters at misting custom airbrush tans tailored to a unique complexion. Tip: Try out its in-house line of products for extending the life of your new tan, like the hydrating body butter infused with argan oil. Airbrush tan ($50), by goGlow, Eagan, Edina, and North Loop, goglow.co

Stay Hydrated

Elevate your next sauna sesh with local brand Saint Lucie’s sauna serum. Made up of rosemary extract, grapefruit peel, and clary sage essential oils, a few drops will safeguard your hair and skin from the drying effects of sauna heat. Sauna serum ($29), by Saint Lucie, shopsaintlucie.com

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4 Places to Seek a Thrill

For some, spring break is the ticket to thrill-seeking, adrenaline-pumping fun. But what if hiking the mountains, zipping through lush rainforests, and plunging into open waters aren’t on the horizon? Luckily, there are plenty of local spots primed for embracing adventure—and getting your heart racing. Just call it a “play-cation.” By Madeline Nachbar

iFly Indoor Skydiving

Want to scratch skydiving off the bucket list but not break the bank? Take flight at iFly, an indoor skydiving facility in Minnetonka. A $94 fee secures you two admissions for the simulator’s wind tunnel for 60 seconds of levity, where you’ll experience the sensation of a free fall—no parachute or plane required. 12415 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 612-444-4359

Nickelodeon Universe’s Dutchman’s Deck

Did you know that one of the tallest indoor ropes courses in the world perches above our very own mega-mall’s amusement park? Reach new heights while traversing balance beams, rickety bridges, and tension ropes at Nickelodeon Universe’s Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course, home to the Ghostly Gangplank ropes course, a giant spiral slide, and Barnacle Blast, a zip line that will take you soaring 55 feet above the ground. Mall of America, 952-883-8800

Vertical Endeavors’ Twin Cities Bouldering

Maybe ropes, harnesses, and extreme heights aren’t your thing. Test your endurance at Vertical Endeavors’ Twin Cities Bouldering, a gym putting a twist on rock climbing by stripping away the ropes. Featuring 18,000 square feet of bouldering walls topping out at about 17 feet and ranging in difficulty, the Prospect Park gym has something to offer for every type of climber. Bonus? It occasionally partners with breweries for a refreshing post-climb reward. 2550 Wabash Ave., St. Paul, 612-330-8661

ProKART Indoor Racing

Have a need for speed? Put your driving skills to the test at ProKART, an indoor go-kart park where you can drive up to 40 miles an hour. Feel the wind in your hair (or helmet!) as you zoom down the straightaways and pretend you’re open-top Jeeping around an island or sailing the open waters. Burnsville and Maple Grove, prokartindoor.com

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No Passport Necessary

Let these vacation treats take you to another world without even having to leave the city. By Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl

Channel: Maui

Where: CōV, 700 E. Lake St., Wayzata (also in Galleria)

Why: If you’ve only got a night, why not sit with your back to frozen Lake Minnetonka and enjoy smart updates on tiki drinks? 

Try: Sweet and sour–sauced lobster fried rice.

Sip: Tiki Circus, a modern tiki drink with rum, banana, and orange.

Channel: Venice

Where: Forepaugh’s, 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul

Why: Nothing says vacation like a table beneath an umbrella with something light as air, fried, and plucked straight from the sea to enjoy.

Try: Venice’s classic airy fried calamari.

Sip: Poggio Costa Prosecco. You’ve tried the big brands; now try the heritage, carefully vinified one.

Channel: A Mediterranean Cruise

Where: Mediterranean Cruise Cafe,12500 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville

Why: Grab your best cruise pals and your cruise stretchy pants and head to the closest thing we’ve ever had to a luxe cruise ship on land.

Try: Lunch or Sunday brunch buffet.

Sip: Pomegranate margarita or a Turkish coffee Old Fashioned.

Channel: Yucatan

Where: Chilango, 2730 W. Lake St., Mpls.

Why: Beard-nominated chef Jorge Guzmán’s Chilango is his bid to translate the flavors of his family’s native Yucatán to chic local restaurant culture.

Try: Pollo Pollo char-roasted, Yucatecan-spiced chicken.

Sip: Let Your Man-Go Margarita with fresh mango and spice.

Channel: The Costa del Sol

Where: Estelle,1806 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul

Why: Can’t get your yacht to Málaga this spring? A close second is a night at Estelle, the Twin Cities’ leading Spanish spot.

Try: Spanish pintxos (bar nibbles) like boquerones, and rich pasteis de nata.

Sip: A big balloon glass of one of its gorgeous Spanish G&Ts—maybe yours will have cardamom?

Channel: Trinidad

Where: West Indies Soul Food, 839 University Ave. W., St. Paul

Why: Sharon Richards-Noel, a local treasure, makes takeout curries and jerk chicken just like she did at home in Trinidad.

Try: Jerk chicken absolutely sweet-fragrant with fresh island spice.

Sip: Fresh-grated ginger lemonade—buy extra for your fridge; it’s incredible.

Channel: Athens

Where: Christos, 2632 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.

Why: Christos has been serving perfect Greek cuisine on Eat Street since ’88—go, close your eyes, and see if you can tell you’re not in Athens.

Try: The Iliad platter for two, with several Greek favorites, like spanakopita and moussaka.

Sip: Native Assyrtico grape white wine from Santorini.

Channel: Crete

Where: Gardens of Salonica, 19 NE 5th St., Mpls.

Why: Named for the port on the Aegean Sea, Salonica pulls off the unbelievable trick of being close to the land on two continents.

Try: Local-pastured beef pastitsio and Cretan carrot cardamom mousse pudding.

Sip: Greek iced coffee frappé, or one of the picks from the best Greek wine list in town.