Recently the USA Today named St. Paul, MN “North America’s Best Romantic Getaway”, beating out Honolulu and Savannah for the top spot!  As local Minnesotans, this badge of honor is no surprise, as we know how beautiful St. Paul is and how many romantic date possibilities lie within it and the surrounding Twin Cities area!  With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, your team of local ‘gurus’ have put together some top “winter date ideas” to inspire even the most lovelorn:

#1- Virtual Shooting Range at Gander Mountain – Lakeville, MN:

True love can make your heart flutter, but this date will get it pumping as you and your loved one take to a virtual shooting range.

#2 – “Clay Date” at Fired Up Studios – Minneapolis, MN:

You and your date can channel your inner Swaze and get your hands dirty by spinning a take-home piece of pottery art!

#3 – Carriage Ride with The Hitching Company – St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN

Let the clipity clop of a horse drawn carriage inspire the pitter patter of your loved one’s heart!  The Hitching Company offers a unique variety of tours in both cities.

#4 – Pop Art Free Ink Day at Highpoint Center for Print Making – Minneapolis, MN

This free date idea will allow you to use your love as a creative muse!  Inspired by the Pop Art and Beyond exhibit, this date gives its participants the chance to make and take-home their very own mono print!

#5 -Snowshoeing Adventure at  Theodore Wirth, Lake Minnewashta, or Minnehaha Falls Park – Twin Cities, MN

Explore your surroundings atop the snow by strapping on some snowshoes and heading to one of the many parks in the Greater Twin Cities and make sure to pack in a thermos of hot cocoa (with Baileys?!).

#6 – Mickey’s Dinner + Science Museum of Minnesota – St. Paul, MN

Belly up to one of the most famous dinning cars right in our own backyard and then wander through downtown St. Paul’s Rice Park on your way to explore the Science Museum of Minnesota!

#7 – Have a local brew at Groveland Tap’s quaint Ice Bar – St. Paul, MN

One of the many homes of the infamous “Jucy Lucy,” the Groveland Tap has built an intimate Ice Bar on its outside patio for those looking to put their dating life on ice!

#8 – Head to The Depot for an Ice Skate – Minneapolis, MN

The Depot of Minneapolis mixes the best of both worlds: skating without having to be outside in the negative digits!  So grab that special someone and head to the rink in the beloved old train depot.

#9 – Get your bowl and beer on at The Nook – St. Paul, MN

Nestled in the neighborhoods of St. Paul, The Nook offers not only one of the best “Jucy Lucy’s” in town, but the opportunity to toss the bowling ball!

#10 – Head to Blue Door Longfellow and then to Riverview Theater – Minneapolis, MN

The perfect combo!  Head to Blue Door for one of their famous Jucy Lucys and afterwards cuddle up at Riverview Theater!

#11 – Head to the Como Zoo and Conservatory – St. Paul, MN

Wander around the nations last free zoo and then warm up in the ‘Tropical Encounters” exhibit at the Conservatory.

#12 – Go “treasure hunting” at Hunt and Gather – Minneapolis, MN

Wander through the narrow halls of Hunt and Gather and go hunting for treasures both big and small.

#13 – Get your climb on at Vertical Endeavors and unwind with some tunes and a cocktail at Icehouse – Minneapolis, MN

Get your love life (and your adrenaline) pumping by scaling walls and challenging yourself at Vertical Endeavors.  Afterwards, head to nearby Icehouse to enjoy some live tunes and one of their cocktail creations.

#14 – Head to a WILD game at the X and take back a few pints at Great Waters Brewing – St. Paul, MN

Cheer on your romance by cheering on our hometown hockey team, the Minnesota Wild.  Afterwards, head next-door to Great Waters Brewing Company for one of their famous cask brews.

#15 – Head to Loring Pasta Bar for some late night drinks and salsa dancing – Minneapolis, MN

Dinky Town is home to more than the U, but also to the cheeky Loring Pasta Bar, that transforms itself into a salsa dancing hangout every Friday and Saturday night!

#16 – Head to one of the many taprooms in our fair city – Twin Cities, MN

Minnesota is quickly becoming a beer lovers oasis, so head to one (or two!) of your favorite taprooms, belly up, and let the beer (and conversation) flow.

#17 – Head to one of the many local wineries in, and outside of, the city – Twin Cities, MN

While the craft brew scene has taken the spot light, the local wine scene has been perfecting cold climate grape blends that will get you swooning.

#18 – Sharpen your cooking skills at Saga Hill Cooking and Events – Minneapolis, MN

Saga Hill Cooking and Events, nestled in a refurbished warehouse in north Minneapolis, is home to the famous Marianne Miller.  She will have you laughing, learning, and loving…all with the great food you create and enjoy!

[via Get Knit]