Minneapolis is a city I visited many years ago and swiftly fell in love with it. My previous visit was during the summer months, though, so this visit during the first week of March was a stark difference. This Texas girl was not prepared for the negative temperatures, but it did not stop Anna and me from exploring.

The purpose of the visit was to teach a couple of calligraphy classes at the Mae Mae & Co., which was a lovely experience. Megan of Mae Mae is a talent I have admired for many years, and it was a pleasure to meet her in person and see she was quite dear! I asked Anna, my best friend and photographer extraordinaire to come along with me, and below is a small glimpse of our favorite things. If ever you have the opportunity to visit Minneapolis, you must! So much to see, do, and eat.

I taught two classes while in Minneapolis, and three creative ladies helped make this pretty table scape happen. A Day in Provence provided beautiful, springlike arrangements for the table. They smelled so delightful! The Faux Martha, aka Melissa, made the cutest cookies I’ve ever seen with the pink hearts, along with yummy vanilla bean mini donuts.

Megan, owner and creative genius behind Mae Mae & Co., opened up the doors to her downtown studio. I loved getting to know her better.

When Anna and I weren’t at Mae Mae & Co., we were shopping, eating or sipping on wine. I think without question our favorite dining experience was our first night at The Bachelor Farmer.

Food, atmosphere and service were so on point at this cozy spot with its own micro farm on the roof. Highly recommend.

Just across the street from The Bachelor Farmer was a beautifully present store called The Foundry. Pristine whites, neutral colors, and special home pieces can be found here. I bought a tiny white scoop for my kitchen – just because I felt I needed it. Oh, also some of those towels hanging on the door. I love them.

Three other shops to note are Wind & Willow Home, Mille, and Lunalux Letterpress. We spend a good time speaking to the owner at Wind & Willow and we truly loved her simple aesthetic with bold colors. Mille has an eclectic mix of things for your home, things for your body, and things to wear. The ladies at Lunalux took time to speak with us about their craft, and we especially enjoyed the black cat tucked amongst the merchandise.

Right next door to Lunalux is The Third Bird, a restaurant by which you enter through the alley and dine next to a giant pink bird on the wall. We loved it.

Other stops/eats of note were our particularly and carefully crafted lattes at Spyhouse Coffee, our late night Italian fare at Bar La Grassa, our afternoon at The Walker Art Center, and late night cocktails at Psycho Suzi’s.

All photos by Anna Routh Photography.