For many people, summer is the best time of the year to travel and take a break from their daily lives. However, that also means that whichever place you choose as your vacation destination, it will be packed with other tourists. That’s not necessarily bad, but if you don’t like crowds, it can make your experience less enjoyable.
Fortunately, there are always some less-known places, hidden gems, that you can visit and enjoy your peace. You don’t even have to search for such places somewhere far away – as a matter of fact, they might be closer than you think. For instance, why don’t you visit the Twin Cities and explore what they can offer to you?
Twin Cities – A Pleasant Surprise
For those who don’t know, Twin Cities refers to Minneapolis and St. Paul, two neighboring cities in the heart of Minnesota. While they aren’t among the most popular tourist destinations in the USA, they have a lot to offer, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular over the past few years. That makes them a perfect pick for everyone who wants a peaceful yet traditional vacation with stunning nature and interesting landmarks to see.
1. The Chain of Lakes
This is a group of five lakes that you can visit to enjoy beautiful scenery, or you can try some water sports, such as paddling, swimming, and fishing. In either case, The Chain of Lakes will satisfy your needs. Enjoy clean water, neat beaches, and stunning views. These lakes also span across 7 parks, which is great if you want to take a break from the water activities.
2. Lake Minnetonka
If you want to explore more lakes around the Twin Cities, we suggest you visit Lake Minnetonka. Apart from various sports activities, this lake has a few amazing restaurants in the area. It is also the home of various local festivals, which is a great opportunity to meet new people and make some friendships. Back to sports activities: if you want to enjoy sailing, boating, or fishing on this beautiful lake, make sure to check out boat rental Minneapolis.
3. Webber Natural Swimming Pool
Are you tired of swimming in pools that rely on chlorine and other harmful chemicals to stay clean? Well, you can visit Webber Natural Swimming Pool, the first US swimming pool that cleans itself with the help of plants and other natural cleaning agents. Since there are some relatively strict rules (no pets allowed, bringing food, drinks, and tobacco products is forbidden, etc.), this place isn’t as crowded as other pools. Yet, it offers a refreshment from the summer’s scorching heat, as well as a beautiful walking area.
4. The Mill City Farmers Market
Do you like visiting farmers’ markets? If yes, you probably noticed that many of those markets are a bit fake – instead of selling home-grown and home-made goods, they resell industrial-made products, which defeats the whole purpose of a farmers market. That’s why you should visit The Mill City Farmers Market, a place where you can buy genuine and fresh produce, as well as some arts and crafts. Places like this are probably the best way to get to know local culture and some interesting people.
5. Wine/Brewery Tours and Restaurants
If you like wine and/or beer, there is something for you as well. You can choose from several wine and brewery tours that might help you discover your next favorite drink! However, these tours aren’t just about drinking. They are also a glimpse into the history and a unique way to explore and enjoy the Twin Cities. Those who are more interested in food can explore numerous restaurants and different cuisines, from South Asian to Jamaican, and much, much more.
6. Midtown Greenway
Would you like to ride a bike without interruptions from heavy traffic and bad infrastructure? Then you should visit the Midtown Greenway. Many describe it as a highway for bikes, but that doesn’t mean you need to break your personal speed records while there! As a matter of fact, this road is perfect for relaxed bike rides. Additionally, it connects the Chain of Lakes with the Mississippi River, which is another reason to try it out.
7. Unusual Artworks and Landmarks
If you are into arts, we have some cool recommendations for you! For example, you can visit North Loop and the Midtown Global Market. These places are full of murals, graffiti, and other forms of street art. There is also the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a place where you can see interesting sculptures and take some cool pics.
8. Mingling With Locals
Finally, don’t forget to interact with locals and even befriend them – whether you like to gamble with casino bonuses or love a spot of shopping, locals are great for providing recommendations. Apart from starting some cool friendships, this has another benefit. Who can know more about the hidden gems of the Twin Cities than the people who live there? While tourists often gravitate towards more popular yet less authentic spots, locals will show you the coolest places to visit, the best restaurants to eat in, and the most interesting landmarks to see.
Bonus Tip: Avoiding Tourist Traps
Speaking of tourists, every tourist place has so-called tourist traps. These places are usually very appealing at first glance. However, when you observe them more closely, you will see that they have nothing special to offer, yet they are designed to extract the last dollar from you. For instance, if you see a street packed with souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants and bars, stay away from it. Alternatively, you buy a souvenir or two, but don’t let the chaos and fake shine trap and fool you.
These tourist traps are basically the opposite of the hidden gems that you are looking for. Everyone is flocking to these places, and if you want to escape crowds, avoid tourist traps. Additionally, tourist traps also attract beggars, pickpockets, and other shady people. Such people are looking for clueless tourists they can rob or scam, and you don’t want to be that clueless tourist.
Conclusion
Despite not being as popular as some other US travel destinations, the Twin Cities could become your favorite holiday destination. This is especially true if you prefer to visit places that aren’t overcrowded and overrated. You see, the Twin Cities are full of hidden gems, places you can visit, enjoy, and get your much-needed rest. So, why don’t you spend your next vacation exploring these two cities and their surroundings?
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