Live Wandering

Sometimes, all it takes is a little city escape to refresh and recharge with your best friend. I took a quick trip to Minneapolis, and it was everything I needed—and more. From chic dining spots to dancing the night away, here’s how we made the most of our girls’ night out with a perfect balance of sophistication and fun.

Arriving at Canopy by Hilton

We arrived at the Canopy by Hilton around 3 PM, a sleek, stylish base for our evening plans. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere set the perfect tone for a getaway, with plenty of cozy corners to relax and catch up. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the historic lobby and my room’s soft, flattering lighting—perfect for a quick content session before my friend arrived. Pro tip: the rooms are made for chic selfies and cozy moments.

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Dinner at Khâluna

Our night began with dinner at Khâluna, an elevated Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant in South Minneapolis. Whether you find street parking or valet, it’s worth it to be in the heart of the city. The ambiance here is effortlessly chic, with a bohemian vibe that sets the stage for a stylish evening. Highlights included the crab fried rice, basil wings, and the rich, flavorful red curry—must-trys if you’re in the area. A little indulgence goes a long way, and the drinks and dessert made for the perfect conclusion to a delicious meal.

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Apres-dinner drinks at Ava

After dinner, we made our way to Ava, one of the hottest spots in the Twin Cities right now. Located downtown, it’s known for its high-energy vibe and trendy crowd. By 10 PM, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the basement disco-style room became our own little playground. While we couldn’t help but be amused at the Gen Z crowd glued to their phones, we didn’t let that stop us—we claimed a corner of the room and danced the night away. It wasn’t long before our energy had everyone else joining in. Sometimes, you just need to create your own fun, and we did just that.

Restful Retreat at Canopy

After dancing and soaking up the night, we headed back to Canopy for some well-deserved rest. The shower was the perfect reset to calm our adrenaline after dancing the night away in heels. A good night’s sleep never felt so good on the softest mattresses—waking up the next morning feeling recharged was the ultimate win.

Brunch at Thirty-Six Cafe

The next day, we checked out of the hotel and grabbed brunch at Thirty-Six Cafe, where the lazy morning fit perfectly with the soft aesthetic of the cafe. Floral garland decorated the walls and the smell of souffle pancakes mixed with coffee filled the air. While waiting for a our meals, we soaked in the Sunday energy with Vikings fans flooding the streets (spoiler alert: they won that day. Skol!). Once we received our food, it was time to dig in and the pancakes did not disappoint. They were the fluffiest pancakes I ever tasted! This cafe is exactly the kind of spot you want for an easy, indulgent start to a lazy Sunday—a charming cafe with melt-in-your-mouth pancakes and a bright atmosphere.

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Make Minneapolis Yours

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend or a quick overnight, Minneapolis has everything to make it memorable. From luxe hotels, tea houses, and museums, to delicious meals and unforgettable nightlife: there’s something for every moment.

Let me know your favorite experience in the Twin Cities or things you want to do when you visit in the comments below!