Trip Ideas

A Fan-tastic Weekend

When the leaves change colors, it’s time to play ball – football that is! (Plus, baseball and hockey.) From college to pro sports, get the off-field advantage when you stay in Minnesota’s sweet spot.

Food
Outdoor Activities
Sporting Events
Drinks

Saturday

Morning

Start your morning where the locals go – Bunny’s Bar & Grill, a neighborhood institution since 1933. Order one of their signature skillet scrambles – scrambled eggs and American fries topped with melted Monterey jack-cheddar cheese, bacon and more. The biscuits and sausage gravy and cinnamon fritter French toast are also popular choices. Plus, enjoy a complimentary Bloody Mary, screwdriver or juice. Bunny’s also happens to have over 30 HDTV’s – even out on the patio – so if there’s a game on, you can watch it at Bunny’s!

Hit the trails at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Theodore Wirth is one of the premier mountain biking locations in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, boasting more than 12 miles of single-track trails. Beginner and intermediate riders should try out the Area 36 trail, which features a physically demanding but technically easy ride. For expert riders, the Brownie Lake Loop offers quite the adrenaline rush with its steep rock climbs, descents and drops.

📷: U of M Gophers Football

Or get a ride to Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to watch the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher’s take on their latest opponent. The stadium, which can hold over 50,000 fans, is one of the newest in the Big 10 and features one of the largest high-definition video displays in college sports, measuring 48’ high and 108’ wide. The Gopher football team, led by coach P.J. Fleck, had a strong 2019 season, winning 11 of 13 games, including the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day vs. Auborn. Home games often start at 11 am.

Afternoon

For a post-workout or post-game celebration, look no further than Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant. Known for its authentic cuisine and fun, inviting atmosphere, this Golden Valley establishment is popular with locals and visitors alike. They serve classic dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, arroz con pollo and more, along with baskets of chips and salsa to accompany your favorite margarita or beer. Plus, they have flat-screen TV’s all around the room, allowing for more game watching!

If playing sports is more your style, Brookview’s Regulation Golf Course is a challenging, mature course with tree-lined fairways, 28 moderate bunkers, fairly small greens, and an abundance of water hazards. Bassett Creek flows through the course, crossing six holes. Other water hazards come into play on 11 additional holes. A challenging, yet fun, way to spend a fall afternoon.

Evening

For dinner, the West End offers an array of choices. We suggest The Loop, a high-energy, full-service restaurant with a large variety of menu options, from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and main dishes. With a classy, yet comfortable décor, you can watch the game inside on one of 22 TV’s or outside by the outdoor fireplace. And you’re sure to get the best viewing angle when you cozy up to their 360⁰ bar. The big game being played on the West Coast or going into overtime? Don’t worry, The Loop has got you covered – they’re open until 2 a.m., seven days a week!

Or grab a hot dog, nachos and tub of popcorn at Target Field when you catch one of the last Twins baseball games of the season. In October, you can head over to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul for one of the first Minnesota Wild hockey games of the season.

For a nightcap, it’s off to our unofficial distillery district. Located across the parking lot from one another, you’ll find Copperwing Distillery, home to vodskey and fresas, a strawberry gin, and The Dampfwerk, a family-owned distillery serving up German-style brandies and herbal liqueurs. Both offer distinctive flavors and creative cocktails. Copperwing is open until 11 pm, while Dampfwerk is open until 12 am.

Sunday

Morning

For over 25 years, JJ’s Clubhouse has been the place to hang out with friends and family, have brunch and watch the game. With wall-to-wall TV” (23 screens!), you won’t miss a minute of the action as you sit back and sip a JJ’s Big Ole Bloody Mary served with a High Life pony of beer or a Screwmosa made with orange juice, pineapple vodka and champagne. Enjoy Belgian waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream, an old-fashioned egg sandwich, or a smash bowl filled with carnitas pork, eggs, hashbrowns, and Hollandaise sauce.

Afternoon

Don your favorite jersey (preferably purple and white) and listen for the call of the Gjallarhorn as you make your way to U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings game. You’re sure to be fired up by the skol chant, surrounded by 66,000 of your fellow fans! (Don’t worry – we’ll also let you root for the other team!)

After the game, visit Steel Toe Brewing, a local favorite for its craft beer and atmosphere. With indoor and outdoor seating options, you’ll enjoy a relaxing vibe. Try one of their year-round signature offerings, like a Size 7, or a featured seasonal selection. Either way your tastebuds will delight. Need a snack? The brewery hosts a different food truck every day!

All too soon, it’s time to pack up and head home. Hopefully you will have enjoyed making St. Louis Park and Golden Valley your sports HQ!

This is just a sampling of what you might do in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot. View our Experiences to help plan your trip!