Provided
Best Salon
Haus Salon
The juggernaut that is Haus Salon began on Nicollet in Kingfield but has expanded to Northeast and the North Loop, and all three locations are bustling for good reason: It’s the place to go for sharp cuts and the kind of transformative color that everyone believes is real. When people ask me if I hope my kids get my red hair, I tell them: They can, they just have to book at Haus. haussalon.com –KD
Provided
Best Used Records
Agharta Records
A goldmine. I almost hate to mention it for fear of wrecking my own record hauls. Burnish your vinyl collection cred by spotting original pressings of ’70s glam rock alongside cool new indie-rock records that didn’t work out for someone else. But don’t stop there: There’s also the dig room in the back. aghartarecords.com –KD
Photo by Todd P. Walker
Best Place to Buy a Record (and Hear an Interesting Story from a Minnesota Rock Original)
The Record Spot
Owner Dave Foley is Minneapolis’ answer to Jim Jarmusch. Foley has a sick and tight stock of vinyl and is quick with a knowledge bomb about rare records. Supporting this small store will make you a better human being. recordspot.net –ML
Best Spa Experience
Watershed Spa
If you’re wanting a contemporary spa and bath house experience offering social bathing, steam, massage, a cold plunge, and more, Watershed Spa is the place you need to visit. Housed in the former Soap Factory’s 11,000-square-foot space (known for Halloween frights), there’s nothing scary about getting a massage in a yurt. watershedspa.com –ML
Photo by Amy Nelson
Best Pet Groomer
South Paw Grooming
This unassuming space in South St. Paul has friendly groomers, a calming atmosphere for potentially anxious animals, and reasonable rates that add up to happy pets and happy pet parents. facebook.com/southpawgroominginc –AN
Best Way to Say Goodbye to Pets
MN Pets
End-of-life decisions are the most painful part of sharing our lives with dogs and cats and other animals. Short of having an empathetic friend to clock you in the head with a bag of ball bearings to mitigate the pain, MN Pets comes to your home and treats the passage as a sacred ritual. mnpets.com –ML
Provided
Best Non-Traditional Gift Store
Hunt & Gather
Doesn’t everyone have friends who would prefer a small framed photo of Malcom McLaren or a groovy box of stick matches over a boring candle as a birthday gift? Find a treasure for a friend or treat yourself. huntandgatherantiques.com –ML
Best Honey Purveyor
Mademoiselle Miel
Tucked away on the edge of downtown St. Paul, this gem is more than just a honey shop—it’s a journey into the world of artisanal honey and chocolate. Owner Susan Brown wears many hats: chocolatier, beekeeper, pastry chef, and artist. Her inspiration was a Parisian adventure where she stumbled upon rooftop beekeeping. Bringing this unique craft to St. Paul, Susan’s rooftop hives now produce the honey that’s the star ingredient in her confections. mademoisellemiel.com –TW
Best Way to Explore the Mississippi River
Mississippi River Paddle Share
So, you don’t have a boat but want to navigate the mighty waterways? The Mississippi River Paddle Share offers a unique way to experience the river, weaving through the Twin Cities’ urban charm and serene nature spots. After an online reservation, you’re equipped with a kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Choose from different starting and ending points like Hidden Falls or Harriet Island. As you paddle, enjoy views of city landmarks, historic bridges, and occasional wildlife. Whether you’re a kayaking pro or a beginner, Paddle Share caters to all. And if you’re looking to learn more, the “Paddle With a Ranger” program is a must-try. paddleshare.org –TW
Best Resort Spa and Getaway
Grand View Lodge and the town of Nisswa
Visiting the Grand View Lodge Spa and Golf Resort, I found more than just vibrant fall colors and chill vibes—I discovered a kind of calm that’s real and tangible. the sp here goes beyond the typical. It’s a deep dive into genuine relations and wellness, particularly with rejuventating options like the Grand Reset Massage and the Autumn Hydrating Wrap. And, being just a short drive from the Twin Cities, it’s a breeze for a weekend getaway. Then there’s the charming town of Nisswa, with its hearty, small-town spirit. Together, they create a weekend escape that’s both easy and enriching, and it all unfolds right in the heart of Minnesota. grandviewlodge.com –TW
Best Retreat (Across the Border)
Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to disconnect. Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin, offers just that—a serene haven away from the daily hustle. Nestled amid dense woods and with the soothing embrace of Lake Superior nearby, it’s a place where nature and nurture go hand in hand. Dive into the day with a rejuvenating yoga session or explore your creative side with workshops tailored for both novices and seasoned artists, providing a unique blend of relaxation and self-expression. wildriceretreat.com –TW
