In Their Own Words: Wander the Map’s Weekend in Saint Paul

Planning a weekend in Saint Paul? Travel bloggers Jenna and Micah Kvidt of Wander the Map can help with that.

We could think of no one better to plan out a #MYSAINTPAUL weekend itinerary than Wander the Map’s Jenna and Micah Kvidt. Jenna and Micah are well-known travel filmmakers and photographers who share adventure stories from all over the globe. When they’re not exploring different corners of the world, the native Minnesotans settle in at their home in Saint Paul—which is why we asked the adventurous duo to create a fun-filled schedule for your vacation (or staycation) in the capital city. Trust us, you’re in good hands.

In Their Own Words: Wander the Map's Jenna and Micah Kvidt

Although we have traveled all over the world and our job as travel bloggers at Wander The Map requires us to be on the road for a large portion of the year, we love being able to call Saint Paul home. We decided to base ourselves in Saint Paul because it’s a city that we always enjoy coming home to time and time again. There is so much to see and do that we never seem to run out of places to visit and adventures to have. We created this itinerary of some of our favorite spots so that you can do the same.

Thursday

Evening

Start out Thursday night with a trip to the Wabasha Caves for the weekly Swing Night. Every week, the historic caves open their doors for live music and dancing. The evening starts off at 6 p.m. with a swing dance lesson from Arthur Murray Studios. Once you are primed and ready to go, get on the dance floor and swing to the beats of live bands like The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra. Music is played from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., so you will have plenty of time to put your new moves to the test and grab a drink from the bar to quench your thirst.

Friday

Morning

Make your way to Workhorse Coffee Bar on University Avenue for a morning pick-me-up of coffee and a pastry. While you’re there, be sure to pay a visit to the “Smallest Museum in St. Paul” located on site. The tiny museum showcases a variety of rotating exhibits that are sure to make your morning cup of joe a bit more exciting.

Next, head over to Grand Avenue and spend the rest of the morning browsing the shops that line the avenue. You will find everything from small boutiques and cafes to larger stores like North Face and Patagonia. Make a detour over to Summit Avenue, one block north from Grand Avenue, where you can ogle at the historic Victorian mansions that line both sides of the street.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants. A few of our favorites are French Meadow Café, Shish and Brasa Rotisserie.

Afternoon

A 3 p.m. tour of Summit Brewery is the perfect way to start your Friday afternoon. You will learn about the history of craft brewing in Minnesota, get a peek behind the scenes at how Summit beer is produced and, most importantly, the beer samples will be flowing. Be sure to make a reservation in advance as tours fill up quickly. After the tour, hang out in the beer hall or the patio to relax and get ready for the rest of your evening.

Evening

The Cathedral Hill neighborhood offers plenty of great options for dinner. Revival serves up fantastic fried chicken and southern-themed sides, while Red Cow is another favorite for gourmet burgers and poutine.

If you have energy for one more stop, drive over to Can Can Wonderland to close out the evening with a round of artist-designed mini-golf. The venue is 21-plus after 9 p.m. each evening and, in addition to mini golf, you will find vintage pinball machines, craft cocktails, adult milkshakes and slushies, a full bar, and a variety of delicious treats. Can Can also frequently hosts unique events like variety shows and interactive storytelling, so check their schedule before you plan.

Saturday

Morning

Wake up with a trip to Café Astoria for a fresh breakfast of smoothie bowls, crepes or oatmeal and a creative line up of coffee drinks.

You can’t explore Minnesota without getting on the water at some point, so a kayak tour along the Mississippi River with Minnesota Adventure Co. is great to get your blood pumping. Saturday tours start at 9 a.m. and you will kayak from Fort Snelling to downtown Saint Paul where you will be rewarded with views of the skyline.

Alternatively, if the weather isn’t cooperating for a kayak tour, the indoor rock climbing walls at Vertical Endeavors are a great substitute. Throw on a harness and try your hand at climbing the 30-foot walls with plenty of routes for varying skill levels.

Afternoon

Once you’ve worked up a sweat, have lunch in downtown Saint Paul at Cossetta’s Italian Market. Dine on salads, pizza or pasta, and be sure to stop in the market afterward to browse the bakery and aisles of authentic Italian foods.

Walking around Como Lake or visiting the Como Conservatory is a wonderful way to connect with nature for a relaxing afternoon. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere and get ready for another evening full of fun.

Evening

End your day with a trip to Lowertown in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. Head over to a St. Paul Saints baseball game for minor league baseball fun. Splurge on Club Level seats for a plush experience with an indoor lounge, outside seating, a catered meal and a full bar or opt for the budget section of $5 seats on the grass berm in the outfield. No matter which level of seating you pick, you are sure to have a great time—there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

If the Saints aren’t playing, there are plenty of other event options. A few ideas are a show at the Ordway or Fitzgerald Theater, the Saint Paul Art Crawl, or a Wild game or concert at Xcel Energy Center. There is always something fun going on in the area!

Sunday

Morning

Finish off your long weekend with brunch at Saint Dinette for generous hospitality, tasty dishes, and a charming atmosphere. After your meal, wander over to the Farmers' Market located directly across the street.

Afternoon

If you still have one more stop in you, drive over to Fort Snelling State Park. The park offers both hiking and biking trails, and fantastic views of several lakes and the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.

There is so much to do in Saint Paul, and this weekend covers only a fraction of our favorite adventures in the city. So whether you live in Saint Paul or are just visiting for the weekend, we hope you can get out and enjoy the place we love to call home!

In addition to their blog, you can keep up with Jenna and Micah's adventures by following them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And, as always, share with us how you're spending your weekend in the capital city on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!