My Twin Cities Summer Guide

What’s your favorite part of summer? It’s so hard to choose, right? With all the travel, activities and great food, there is so much to enjoy about our too-short Minnesota summers. If there’s one thing we know as Minnesotans, it’s how to make the most out of the warm months. So here is my Twin Cities summer guide, which includes some of my favorite picks, travel and recipes.

Summer Picks

Festivals, festivals everywhere. Summer is when you can find a festival, fair or event just about every weekend within driving distance. One of my favorites is the Stone Arch Bridge Festival. As a side hustle i program their Culinary Market with tons of cool Makers.
Art In Bayfront Park is also a favorite in Duluth – Art, another Culinary market (programmed by me of course) and food and Wild State Ciders made in Duluth.
The festival season, of course, ends with the main event—the Minnesota State Fair. Get a head start on planning by enjoying my rundown on the best state fair classic foods.
The hot days call for cool drinks. Canned drinks have become all the rage the last few years, and my round up of summed canned drinks features all my favorites.
Want to go out for your drinks instead? Hit up a brewery to enjoy a nice patio. There are a bunch of taprooms around town, but Surly Brewing is the gold standard in Minneapolis and we also like Bad Weather brewing, and Waldemann’s Brewery in St. Paul is super cute too. Look for Ellie Johnson at the Animales Burger truck this year at Able Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis. We’re not picky around here, though, so find your favorite taproom and enjoy happy hour on a patio.

Summer Travel

You know how much I love Ely, right? It’s, of course, where my cabin and garden reside, but it’s also a wonderful Northern city to visit on a road trip. Check out my guide to Ely for all the fun tings to do around town. And then check out the True North Cabin Cookbook, which is full of cabin recipes.
Duluth is a classic place to visit in the summer. I put together a guide to Duluth eats and drinks a few years back, but there are always new places opening! It might be time for a return visit, so let me know if there are places I need to check out!
Summer is also a great time for our #VanLife. Check out our conversation on The Jason Show about cooking in an RV and making food while on the road.
If you’re looking for a fun getaway with all kinds of outdoor activities, try True North Basecamp. It’s a great resort with cabins and camping, and all kinds of family friendly outdoor fun.

Summer Recipes

Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Zucchini is one of my favorite summer vegetables. You will harvest a ton if you add it to your garden, which will result in tasty, light lunches like this salad.

Garden Kale Salad with Ginger Carrot Dressing

A simple garden salad with kale is a healthy and light lunch for summer. The ginger carrot dressing adds a nice burst of flavor.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette

Grilled chicken is my favorite protein to add to a salad for a little substance. It is perfect on this salad with the tarragon dijon vinaigrette.

Asparagus with Sauce Gribiche

I often make this recipe for Easter, but asparagus is a nice, hearty vegetable for summer meals, too. If you are making a veggie-forward meal, this is a great dish to add a little heft to the menu.

Blueberry, Beets & Balsamic Salad Recipe

Blueberries are synonymous with summer, and are a great little pop of sweetness on a salad. The beets and balsamic are a great base for this salad.

Marinated Asparagus Salad with Spring Vinaigrette

This asparagus recipe is another tasty side option for grilling or other summer meals. It's simple to make, and the dressed asparagus is just the right texture.

Creamy Orzo Greek Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is one of those dishes I just need to have during the summer months. Don't overlook orzo as a wonderful option for a greek pasta salad.

Creamy Dill Macaroni Salad

A more classic pasta salad is this macaroni with creamy dill dressing. This one is perfect for grad parties, grillouts and potlucks of all kinds.

Janice's Potato Salad

This is the potato salad I make all summer long. It was passed down to me from my husband's side of the family and it is truly legendary. It's simple, creamy and delicious.

Campground Pan-Fried Walleye and Potatoes

If you have a camping tripped planned, you absolutey have to try frying your own walleye. You get bonus points for catching them, too, but don't feel bad packing some fresh fish for the trip. This is a tasty and fun recipe to make over the fire.

Picnic Crispy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is great any time of year, but there is something especially wonderful about deep fried food on a hot summer day. This version is crispy, delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

Quick Pork Lettuce Wraps

Light and delicious, lettuce wraps make for a perfect summer lunch. This pork version features balanced Asian flavors, but you can really go wild with your own combinations when it comes to lettuce wraps.

Smoked Whitefish Spread

This is my take on a light and creamy smoked whitefish spread. It is a perfect snack for a hot day, or a great starter for a little summer gathering.