Minneapolis
Credit: Lane Pelovsky, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
SUMMER IN THE CITY OF LAKES
BY TERRI PETERSON SMITH
“THE BOLD NORTH,” AS MINNESOTANS CALL THEIR HOME, EARNS ITS REPUTATION AS A STATE
OF HEARTY OUTDOOR LOVERS, AND IT’S ON FULL DISPLAY IN ITS LARGEST CITY, MINNEAPOLIS,
PARTICULARLY WHEN WARM WEATHER ARRIVES AND PRISTINE PARKS, PATIOS, AND BIKE PATHS
OPEN FOR BUSINESS. INDEED, THIS CITY OF LAKES HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO FLOAT ANY BOAT.
DO
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MINNEAPOLIS CHAIN OF LAKES REGIONAL PARK TRAVAIL KITCHEN AND AMUSEMENTS
Tour roughly 15 miles of paved bike paths at arguably the city’s
most popular destination, thanks to a chain of lovely lakes. Enjoy
the impressive architecture of homes around Lake of the Isles,
paddle a canoe or stand up paddle board at Lake Bde Maka Ska
(Dakota for “White Earth Lake”), or take in nightly concerts at the
Lake Harriet band shell. This high-energy tour de force of molecular gastronomy brings one of
the most unique dining experiences in the Twin Cities. The tasting-only
menu features 20 or more rapid-fire courses, and the presentation is
part of the fun, arriving on plates, spoons, and sticks; suspended at
mouth level; and even dolloped on the back of one’s hand.
MINNEAPOLIS SCULPTURE GARDEN AND
WALKER ART CENTER Few Minneapolis restaurants have more zip than this strip club-
turned-Southeast-Asian-eatery. Even waiting for a table is a pleasure,
thanks to the colorful tropical cocktails and lively outdoor patio.
Awards — James Beard included — have arrived by the bucketful
since opening in late 2017.
Completely refurbished in 2017, the Sculpture Garden offers the city’s
most Instagram-worthy spot, combining giant sculptures — such as a
blue rooster constructed from fiberglass, polyester resin, and stainless
steel by German artist Katharina Fritsch — with the shimmering glass
backdrop of the skyline.
MINNESOTA UNITED
In 2017, Minneapolis added one more professional sports team to its
already impressive roster, Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.
With the team comes a new stadium, Allianz Field, which at night looks
like a glowing space ship touched down in the city.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 40 SUMMER 2019
HAI HAI
SURLY BREWING
Find friendly communal seating in Surly’s cavernous beer hall or its
spacious beer garden with toasty fire pits. In addition to a rotating
tap list of over 25 beers daily, this brewery offers terrific ribs, burgers,
and charcuterie plates.