We just got back (about two weeks ago) from visiting Minnesota for a little over a week and although I didn’t capture everything – I’ve been doing something like trying to stay in the moment and not feel the need to photo document every moment, and while that is great, I sometimes look back and think – why don’t I have a picture of that?! We ate breakfast at the same place three times and I still didn’t get any pictures.

Oh well, I suppose? But here is a brief summary of our time and how we spent it:

Brewery hopping in Minneapolis and visiting friends from undergrad and grad school… although again – why do I not have picture of people? I think Sociable Cider Werks (top left) was my favorite.

Next on the road trip of Minnesota we headed up to Duluth and Gooseberry Falls (above) to meet up with one of my best friends from college -Dana! We hadn’t seen each other in three years!

Being on the North Shore meant a stop at Betty’s Pies for their Great Lakes Fruit Pie.

Lots on the menu!

A walk out on to the pier.

The view from our hotel – morning and evening – I could get used to that. Or at least in the summer time.

We finally headed back to my home town of Battle Lake. And there are some new features in town! The Boathouse (we went back to three times… not ashamed at all because they had good drinks and pizza hit the spot too), the Rusty Nail (remodel of an old dive), and even a cupcake/coffee shop – Smackin’ Cakes!

While there I got to spend time with my adorable niece and nephew (who were up for the wedding).

It’s she a doll!

C and I rented some bikes from the Galloping Goose and rode through Glendalough State Park.

It’s gorgeous any time of year, but I loved riding down those paths.

We celebrated Jessica and Derek at their grooms lunch.

And Carlos Creek Winery with my sis.

And finally time for the big day! This gorgeous lady is probably one of my favorite people I’ve known all my life and I was incredibly honored to officiate!

And of course I got to spend time with my younger sis as well. 🙂

These two have known each other since they were a few days old. Don’t be fooled… Anna has heels. 😉

After the wedding C and I stayed at Spirit Cove Lodge which was only 10 minutes from the winery. It was such a sanctuary and the breakfast was fantastic! Look at that French Toast Crown!

The view from our room over looking the lake.

We finally made our way back to Minneapolis for a sleep before heading to the airport. And I will say that we got an excellent breakfast – look at those steel cut oats with berry compote! And of course Earl Grey tea with milk and honey.

I haven’t been back to my hometown in the summer for almost 4 years and I’m so glad we spent a long week exploring and acting like a tourist.

What are some things you do to act like a tourist in your hometown?