Visit Minnesota: White Castle

My first visit to White Castle was in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

But silly me - I didn't even order The Original Slider!

I decided to get a Crispy Chicken Breast Slider (since I don't eat much beef), along with some Onion Chips.

I thought the chicken slider was okay, but next time I will order an original beef slider (or at least take a bite of it from someone in my family who ordered it).

I did like the Onion Chips, especially with the Zesty Zing Sauce.  I would definitely order that again!

White Castle
100 W LAKE ST
Minneapolis, MN 55408

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Visit Minneapolis: Mills Ruins Park

Mills Ruins Park was built amongst ruins of old mills of powerful businesses such as General Mills and Pillsbury.  It is adjacent to the Stone Arch Bridge, and exposed waterpower features give a glimpse of an historic era.

I thought it was really cool to see the old mill ruins, as I imagined what life was like in the area when the flour mills were in operation.  

The crumbling walls and vacant buildings alongside the river that once powered the mills were both fascinating and a bit eerie at the same time.

There is a museum for those who wish to learn more about the flour mills, but unfortunately we did not have time to make a visit.

Strolling through the park to take a peek into history was still a nice way to spend some time in Minneapolis!

Mills Ruins Park
102 Portland Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55401

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Visit Minneapolis: Mall of America

The Mall of America was the highlight of our recent trip to the Midwest.

We ate, played, and shopped there, and every morning, when the mall opened at 6am, I walked the entire mall for an hour to get my daily exercise (1 floor is 1.15 miles). 

The attractions we visited included FlyOver America, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course, and of course, Nickelodeon Universe (air-conditioned theme-park FTW!). 

We dined at Dick's Last Resort, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Wahlburgers, Twin City Grill, and Minnewaffolis.  

With over 520 stores, a theme park, and numerous dining options, there is just so much to do at Mall of America!

Which also means so many opportunities to get lost.  But thankfully, there are handy interactive maps found throughout the mall which make it easy for you to find your destination. 

You can easily spend multiple days at Mall of America (like we did) and not be able to do everything you want or eat at every restaurant you want to try.  It's just that huge!

Even if you only have one day to visit, it's worth it to see what the nation's largest entertainment and retail complex has to offer.

Mall of America
60 E Broadway

Bloomington, MN 55425

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Visit Minneapolis: Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis was built in 1883, and is recognized as a National Civic Engineering Landmark.

It is quite stunning to look at up close.  I just marveled at how the bridge was built centuries ago.

This historic area offers a bike and walking path. as well as a view of the St. Anthony Falls. 

At numerous points on the bridge railing were cards attached with notes to help in preventing suicide.

It was a really nice bridge to stroll (there's even a piano at the beginning of the bridge walk where anyone can go and play). 

Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401

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Visit Minnesota: Lake Nokomis Park

Minnesota is known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, so I knew we couldn't leave the state without visiting one!

We passed by many, but one that we did get a little closer look at was Lake Nokomis at Lake Nokomis Park.

The lake was just beautiful!

It was placid, blue, and everything I imagined.

At the park is a boat dock, numerous paths for biking and jogging, a beach (and a playground on the beach - the first I've ever seen!), and wide open fields.

You can spend an entire day at Lake Nokomis Park!

Lake Nokomis Park
4955 W Lake Nokomis Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55417

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Visit Minnesota: Minnehaha Falls Regional Park

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park in Minnesota is a huge park with a gushing waterfall, a playground, a cafe, and more.

Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall that leads into the Mississippi River.

There are trails that lead you down to a beach, but because we were short on time, we simply took the kids to the playground.

 We wished we could've stayed longer - it's a nice place to picnic or hike.

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
4801 S Minnehaha Drive

Minneapolis, MN 55417

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Visit Minnesota: Milkjam Ice Cream & Hot Dogs

We made multiple stops for ice cream in Minnesota.  One of my faves was Milkjam Ice Cream & Hot Dogs.

This little shop is a second location to the flagship Milkjam Creamery, and it's right on the corner of a residential street (I kept imagining how much restraint I would need to not visit every day if I lived nearby).

Ridin' Duuurty

Cereal Killers

PB vs Everybody

Cereal Killers consisted of orange coriander milk with candied pebbles.  It was reminiscent of a dreamsicle. 

PB vs Everybody was made up of peanut butter banana ice cream with OREO chunks.

I ordered Ridin' Duuurty - OREO milk with OREO chunks and salted peanut butter.  The combo was just as amazing as it sounded.  It was definitely one of my favorite ice cream flavors I've tried anywhere - and I've tried many!

Milk Jam Ice Cream & Hot Dogs
1848 E. 38TH ST.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55407

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Visit Minnesota: Red Cow

Red Cow is a family-friendly modern tavern that specializes in burgers.

Chips & Onion Dip

I wanted to try the Chips & Onion Dip since it was featured as one of Food Network's Top 50 Dips.  The French Onion Dip was really yummy, and the housemade chips was what really made it addicting.

60/40

Grilled Cheese

The 60/40 Burger consisted of 60% certified angus beef and 40% ground bacon. The patty was topped with cheddar, beer mustard, and candied bacon.

I went for something simple - Grilled Cheese. The sandwich was stuffed with cheddar, gruyere, smoked gouda, BBQ chips, and served with tomato soup. Perfect comfort food!

Kids are offered veggies and hummus to start, and the meals are presented in bright plates that were reminiscent of TV dinners! All meals come with a side and drink.

Mac N Cheese

Kid's Grilled Chicken

Corn Dog on a Stick

Service was great and we had a really nice family dinner at Red Cow!

Red Cow
3624 W 50th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410

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Visit Minneapolis: Dick's Last Resort

We passed by Dick's Last Resort while in Nashville, and I had no idea it was a kid-friendly spot.  We ended up going to the location in Mall of America.

They deliver "service with sarcasm," and they make sure to tell all guests not to take anything personally.

Fair-Style Cheese Curds

Dick's Juiciest Lucy

Macho Nachos

The cheese curds were addicting.  The Juicy Lucy was a must-try, since after all, it was invented in the state (a Juicy Lucy is a burger with cheese in the middle of the patty vs on top the patty).  I had the nachos, but subbed in tots (because I just can't resist tots!).

A kids meal is available with nothing over $5.99.

Fry'd Chicken Tenders

Big Fry'd Shrimpies

Ma N' Cheez

A funny aspect of the dining experience at Dick's Last Resort is how the server will make hats and write statements on them to describe the wearer.  Everyone in my family got a hat.  My hat said "I put the 'pro" in procreate."  Two of my sons' hats read:

We thought the hats were hilarious and witty.

The service was actually a lot nicer than I had expected (I guess they were easy on us because we had little kids), but it was still a fun experience over all.


Dick's Last Resort

Mall of America®
402 South Avenue

Bloomington, MN 55425

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