Home sweet home

View of downtown Minneapolis from a zeppelin.

When you're busy jetsetting around the world, it's easy to forget that there are things worth staying home for. As a little girl, going to "The Cities" (what we northern Wisconsin folk called Minneapolis-St. Paul) was a big deal. The lights, the skyscrapers, the traffic - it was all magical (well, my dad never thought the traffic was so magical, but my sister and I did...) Years later, when I moved here to go to college, it was hard to focus on going to class when there was so much to see and do.

I've lived here for 13 years now and admittedly, some of the luster has worn off (I no longer find the traffic magical whatsoever). But I've developed a deeper appreciation for the Twin Cities as the years have gone by and I've had a chance to really explore.

Now, if you asked me where to go or what to do, I most certainly would not send you to a chain restaurant or shopping at the Mall of America. (The horrors!) So where would I send you? Here are just a few of my favorite places - or at least the ones I'm willing to divulge...

Lake of the Isles - There are three main lakes people talk about in the heart of Minneapolis - Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles. The last is my favorite. Not only is it the smallest (by far) but it's the most picturesque. It makes for an easy walk-and-gawk experience. The homes surrounding the lake are a-mah-zing and you'll be close enough to see all the enviable details- like baby grand pianos- right from the path. You might even catch a glimpse of one of the celebs that live on the lake. I haven't seen Josh Hartnett yet, but I keep looking...

Stone Arch Bridge

Stone Arch Bridge - In my opinion, the Stone Arch Bridge has, hands down, the best view of downtown Minneapolis. The picturesque old railroad bridge is now a pedestrian walkway that spans the Mississippi River. On one side is the Saint Anthony Main area with a handful of restaurants, condos and a theater. On the other is old mill ruins, the fancy new Guthrie Theatre and the gateway to the downtown. The bridge is popular with walkers, joggers, bikers and even Segway tours, but you'll be so entranced by the scenery, you probably won't even notice.

Pantages - If you're lucky enough to score tickets to a concert at this downtown Minneapolis venue, you're in for a real treat. The Pantages is small and intimate - there are literally no bad seats. But the big draw here is the acoustics - they will blow you away.

Rose Garden at the Arboretum

Landscape Arboretum - OK, so 1,100 acres of gardens may not sound exciting to everyone, but the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is beautiful. If it can grow in Minnesota, you'll find it here and in spectacular form - from groves of trees to fields of flowers, the sheer volume is a sight to behold. There are miles and miles of trails to walk and explore or you enjoy Three-Mile Drive from the comfort of your car. Each season brings something new to see here.

Murray's - Everyone has their favorite Minneapolis steak house, but this one is a family favorite. My grandparents started dining at Murray's in the 1950s and spent decades raving about it. I knew I'd make the trip eventually and when I did, I understood immediately what the fuss was all about. The prices are not for the faint of heart, but I think the cost fits the pleasure you experience when that famous Silver Butter Knife Steak hits your tongue. It's pure heaven.

Pizzeria Lola

Pizzeria Lola - People will wait as long as it takes to snag a table at Pizzeria Lola and for good reason - this pizza is just that delicious. Wood fired in a gigantic copper oven in South Minneapolis, you'll have your choice of traditional pizzas or more exotic/experimental fare. I've never tasted a more perfect pepperoni and sausage pizza than the Ma Sha-Roni, but the Korean options (the Korean BBQ and the Lady ZaZa) are the most popular here. I'm not sure there is a dud to be found on this menu.

Acqua - White Bear Lake couldn't be any farther from where we live in the Twin Cities metro, but as long as Acqua is in business, we'll make the long trek. This intimate restaurant boasts a great view of the lake and Italian food so good, even the butter is noteworthy. For my money, it doesn't get any better than the Ragu alla Bolognese here.

Apple pie from Terra Waconia

Terra Waconia - Among the pioneers in the Twin Cities farm-to-table movement is Terra Waconia. This tiny restaurant in Waconia on the western outskirts of the metro is dedicated to cooking up the most delicious food the season has to offer. Each night's menu is unique and limited, but oh-so-good. If you can save room for dessert, you won't regret it. Their apple pie is one of the best things I've ever devoured.

Victor's 1959 Cafe - I've never been to Cuba, but I have to imagine that on a hot summer's evening, Victor's 1959 Cafe is as close as it gets. This hole-in-the-wall joint in South Minneapolis has a menu you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the Twin Cities. From empanadas to Ropa Vieja to Xango Chango (fried cheesecake bites), Victor's is the real deal.

*If you'd like to see more of my local restaurant recommendations, you can follow me on Yelp - user name: MolleeF.