Amazing museums. Modern architecture. Historic architecture. Sprawling, beautiful parks. Conservatories. Lakes: lots of them! University campuses. Renowned orchestras, theatre, and modern music scene. The Twin Cities are clean, exciting, cultural, and very friendly cities to explore. Long since having shed their sleepy Midwest reputation, Minneapolis and St. Paul are urban destinations and home to many of the country's and world's largest businesses. There's so much to see, but some highlights can't be ignored. To help you plan your stay, here are some that make many "must-see" lists:

• Minneapolis Institute of Arts
• Cathedral of St. Paul
• Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
• Stone Arch Bridge
• Guthrie Theatre
• Minnehaha Falls Park
• Fitzgerald Theater
• Grand Avenue
• Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
• Mill City Museum
• Nicollet Mall
• Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
• Lake of the Isles
• Foshay Tower Observation Deck (c. 1929, first skyscraper in Minnesota)
• Hidden Minneapolis (unusual attractions and other things)

This article from Visit Twin Cities gives a good summary of cultural opportunities in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

"St. Paul and Minneapolis 'are boiling over with new restaurants and award-winning chefs,' and bested the likes of Nashville and New Orleans to be named Best Local Food Scene in the U.S. by the readers of USA Today and travel website 10Best." Nick Woltman (Aug. 22, 2015). "Twin Cities Snag Top Food Scene Ranking." St. Paul Pioneer Press. Its true! We can attest! As many of you know, Jacqueline & Thaddeus love to eat, be it a massive, messy burger with a local brew, or haute cuisine by a James Beard chef ... and the Twin Cities and surrounding towns have it all. Beer lovers: there are tons of Minnesota craft brews to quaff, too. Here are a few links that will help you satisfy your gastronomical curiosity.

• 38 Essential Twin Cities Restaurants, April 2016 (with Maps!)
• Guide to Breweries, Brewpubs, and Other Beer Stuff in the Twin Cities
• Foodie 40: The Ultimate Checklist of Minnesota’s Best Food
• Twin Cities Taproom Guide
• Minnesota's 10 Best Restaurants Outside the Twin Cities 
• Local Food Truck Guide

And, here are some specific restaurants that we, or people whose taste buds we trust, love.

• Cook (for breakfast: wow!)
• Stella's Fish Cafe
• Bar La Grassa (make reservations!)
• Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar (farm to table, headed by James Beard nominee and Hobokenite, Lenny Russo) 
• Happy Gnome (our reception venue)
• Tavern on Grand (for Walleye lovers! Do it!)
• Surly Brewing Company
• Salty Tart Bakery
• Sea Salt (don't go by it's website ... we are told this place is AMAZING, and its near Minnehaha Falls)
• 112 Eatery (rumor has it it is the favorite restaurant of the chef at The Happy Gnome)

Lots to do. Unfortunately, ball fans, both the Minnesota Twins and the St. Paul Saints have away games on our wedding weekend. That said, there's tons to do. Take a look here, or research your own. Here's a bunch you may consider enjoying. (That said, see the Schedule of Events for 411 about the St. Paul Saints night game on Monday, August 22.)

• Minneapolis Skyway System
• Riverview Theatre 
• Segway Tours
• Minnesota Twins Stadium Tour (no game, though: the Royals are hosting the Twins this weekend) 
• 8th Annual Summer Beer Dabbler (at the St. Paul Saints' CHS Field)
• Valley Fair Amusement Park
• Fit Tours (combine sight-seeing with exercise)
• Mississippi River Kayaking
• St. Paul Farmers' Market
• Minneapolis Farmers' Market
• Dakota Jazz Club
• Hidden Minneapolis (unusual attractions and things)