It’s so nice to meet other bloggers from other places and do some awesome collaborations. When I decided to start my Eat, Shop, Do series I thought what better way than to collaborate with some of my blogger friends, make new ones, and in the process learn more about them, where they live, and share with all of you their go-to’s in their city. For the next post in this series we’re headed to Minneapolis!

Meet Rachel of Rachel’s Lookbook: I’ve been living in the Minneapolis area for over four years now, and during that time I have been able to explore and find new places to eat, shop and spend my time with my boyfriend, friends and family when they come to visit! There is something so special about the Minneapolis area, and TONS to do. Even though part of the year is cold, if you are into winter sports, there is still plenty to do and enjoy!

EAT

1. Loring Kitchen & Bar: I’ve been to Loring Kitchen & Bar for brunch, dinner, happy hour and most recently for Thanksgiving! Every time I leave loving it even more. It is the perfect place for brunch as they offer bottomless mimosas and have a wide variety of brunch options. I have enjoyed their eggs benedict and omelets. It is located right next to Loring Park and just across the way is the Walker Art Center.

2. Ginger Hop: Ginger Hop is a quaint little restaurant tucked away in Northeast Minneapolis. If you are a fan of thai food, this is the place to go. The menu isn’t overwhelming, so choosing an entrée is easy. There are plenty of other food options aside from thai food, including burgers, sandwiches, soup and salad, and the drink choices are just as amazing. Local taps from Summit to Surly make this quaint place the perfect way to experience Minneapolis!

3. Patisserie 46: I was introduced to Patisserie 46 when my boss brought in chocolate-filled croissants. That’s right – CHCOLATE-FILLED CROISSANTS. The pastries here are amazing! I’m usually a salty food person, but I felt like I needed to recommend a great bakery with delicious sweets! Definitely a place where everyone can find something delicious – and coffee, coffee is always needed.

SHOP

1. Parc Boutique: Parc Boutique is over in Northeast Minneapolis near St. Anthony Main. It has a gorgeous and chic selection of clothing and accessories, and may I say, a beautiful Instagram account. The owner has been featured on the Every Girl. It’s clear why, she has a great eye for style and I want to own everything she carries in her boutique. This is a must when you are in the Cities!

2. Mall of America: Okay, I couldn’t talk about places to shop and not mention the Mall of America (or as we often refer to it, the MOA). I don’t love going here all the time just because of the crazy parking and it is usually really crowded (except early on Sundays!) But if you are looking for something certain, you are sure to find it at the Mall of America. I love the new Forever 21 store, and lots of great brands I can’t find anywhere else reside in the mall. Plus, the amusement park in the middle is always fun, no matter what your age is!

3. Via’s Vintage: I love to thrift, especially for vintage pieces, so I had to throw in a vintage store! Via’s Vintage is full of beautiful clothing and accessories, all that tell a story about the past. I love that about vintage pieces. You can also shop their items online at their Etsy store!

DO

1. Brewery Tours and Hopping: There are so many local breweries in Minneapolis and St. Paul, some more well known, like Summit, Fulton and Surly, and some newer ones like Bauhaus, Town Hall and Insight brewing. I have taken the Summit tour four times and they just moved to a new building, and Surly is currently moving to a new building. It is fun to get a behind the scenes tour, or just enjoy some local craft beer with family and friends. You could make a whole day or weekend of brewery hopping! In fact, thanks to one of my close friends, it is now a goal to make it to all the breweries across the Twin Cities.

2. The Walker Art Center: The Walker Art Center is a gorgeous place and has a beautiful sculpture garden area with Minneapolis’s famous cherry on a spoon. The museum is located across the way from the Basillica and is a great activity during the winter (because all winter activities are more fun indoors) or summertime to relax and have gorgeous scenery in the garden.

3. Lake Calhoun: I live in Minnesota, so there is no way to avoid talking about lakes! Lake Calhoun may not be the cleanest lake, but it certainly has a lot of fun activities and is a great place to go for a run, walk or hang out at the Tin Fish for food and drinks. It is the biggest lake in Minneapolis, and has a beautiful view of downtown from the shore line. It isn’t as busy during the winter months, but still has gorgeous views. During the summer, there are a few beaches to go hang out and lay out, and is the perfect place to have a picnic or just people watch.

And there you have it. There are so many AMAZING things to see, do and experience in Minneapolis, but these are just a few ideas to get you started.