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Romantic ideas for the
Minneapolis / St Paul metro area.
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1. Lake Pepin Loop |
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| Lake Pepin |
As the Mississippi River flows along, unaware of the rest of the world, it swells to give birth to Lake Pepin (between Lake City, Minnesota, and Pepin, Wisconsin).
This glistening gem stretches for miles, caressed by river bluffs and tiny towns along the banks. It is especially eye-catching in the winter, when snow transforms the scene into a picture-postcard from Switzerland.
The 85-mile Lake Pepin Loop affords opportunities galore to explore. There are overlooks that hypnotize and towns that beckon. Each town is unique; in fact, almost every town could double as a getaway of its own, complete with B&Bs. One can stop to take a hike or satisfy the gastronomic juices with a riverside repast.
If you want to taste all that Lake Pepin has to offer, take more than just a day off from the daily grind, kick back, and relax.
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2. Duluth |
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| Duluth |
When you hear “Industrial City” or “population of 85,000,” it’s hard to imagine that one is talking about Duluth. It looks like something out of a travel brochure for a European sea front, complete with cobblestones and homes perched on a hill.
Lake Superior, the world’s largest fresh water body, is the center of attraction, where one can either explore its rocky shoreline on foot or jump aboard a boat tour. Canal Park is another attention seeker, with its promenade on one hand, and the Lift Bridge, on the other. The industrial touch is lent by a freight train supplying barges with their quota of grain and taconite and the sudden call of a foghorn, piercing the air.
The weather can be temperamental-- warm and sunny one minute, and then from out of nowhere-- you’re enveloped by a chilly fog.
So, from hiking to soaking in the sights, Duluth casts its spell… and no traveler can do it justice in just one weekend.
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3. Park Rapids |
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| Park Rapids Bridge |
The doorway to Itasca State Park, Park Rapids is a thriving tourist getaway. With more than 300 lakes to choose from, there has been many a heroic fishing tale that’s done the rounds.
Park Rapids does not pale in comparison to its neighbor, Dorset, known as “The Restaurant Capital of the World.” This land of legends stands its ground with a wealth of resorts and a plethora of great shopping opportunities, from charming gift shops to those selling sporting gear and jewelry.
One can sweat it out on tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, or even rollerblade in the Lakes Area. It would then be wise to cool off at the beaches, or cuddle together at a movie.
Whatever you do, remember that this is the resort hub and unless you travel off-season, it can be tough getting weekend accommodation. There are the B&Bs and motels that come to the rescue.
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4. Lower St Croix Scenic Riverway |
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| St Croix Natl Riverway |
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway has two distinctive players -- the first 200 miles make up what’s known as the Upper St. Croix, recognized by campers and canoeists for the taste of adventure it can present. The last 52 miles are the Lower, which, like the Lake Pepin Loop, is an adventure of discovery through different river towns. The leisurely drive through the St. Croix River Valley holds many a surprise, from miniature towns to those that are bursting at the seams with restaurants and antique shops.
The dramatic scenery woos many enthusiasts to take off in a motorboat or sailboat upon the glistening waters.
One doesn’t have to wait for a long weekend to get away. Most of the towns are close enough to St. Paul to allow for an overnight escape. The beauty of this is that, once there, you are far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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5. Bemidji |
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| Bemidji |
Offering an interesting menagerie of leisure, entertainment, and learning possibilities, Bemidji is a cultural haven in the midst of the wild. It takes great pride in its birthright as the “First City on the Mississippi,” and has kept itself looking spiffy, by having the lakefront beautified and buildings restored.
Bemidji, with its all-embracing heritage, is a major tourist hub. As the folklore and legends surrounding the North Woods grew, so did the number of tourists. One story in particular, that still works as a conversation starter, is the story of Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack, and his friend, Babe the Blue Ox. Bemidji is one of many areas in the region that vehemently insists that Paul was a son of its soil (and from some presented arguments, it could most likely be true. Then yet again…who knows?)
One must agree that the legends or myths do lend an air of appeal to the area. Now, what true-blue romantic wouldn’t fall for it?
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Copryright © 2007 eRomance.com
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