Twin Cities Staycation

It doesn’t get much better than spring in the Twin Cities. The city that’s been indoors, cold and quiet for months suddenly comes alive. While some people prefer to schedule a spring getaway before summer and cabin season officially begins, there’s no shortage of things to do right here for a fantastic spring break staycation.

What Is a Staycation?

A staycation is “a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance, sleeping in their own beds at night.” Staycations are becoming increasingly popular as an affordable and relaxing form of vacation, with the comforts of home and the chance to explore the city in ways most people typically are not able to.

Tons of things to do and see in the Twin Cities make any staycation spectacular. And the best part is exploring and experiencing new things.

There’s no shortage of amazing theater in the Twin Cities—in fact, it’s second only to New York in the number of theater tickets sold per capita, according to Pollstar’s Amazing MN. Over the next couple of months at the Orpheum Theatre alone, theatergoers can see the musical School of Rock, the famous magic show The Illusionists and the hot musical comedy Something Rotten!. Combining a show with dinner beforehand at any of the hundreds of highly rated restaurants within walking distance in downtown Minneapolis means the perfect evening is on tap.

The Twin Cities are not just known for theater for adults; several world-class children’s theaters are also at home here. The Tony Award-winning Children’s Theatre Co. was voted the #1 Children’s Theater in the Nation by Time magazine in 2004. Corduroy, based on the childhood classic about the eponymous teddy bear with the missing button, runs March 6 through May 13 and is recommended for children preschool age and older.

Outdoor Activities in the Twin Cities

Warmer temps call for getting outside, and Wild Mountain & Taylors Falls Recreation Area in the St. Croix Valley is a great place to enjoy the weather. Even before the boat tours and waterpark open, explorers can check out the beautiful scenery along the St. Croix River and witness blossoming trees set against the equally breathtaking, rugged rock formations. A rejuvenating hike reminds visitors of the amazing sights and beauty Minnesota has to offer.

One of the most entertaining and accessible forms of entertainment, University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics provides an affordable way to experience a wide range of elite college sports. Dozens of meets, matches and games—as well as several key conference events—in sports ranging from swimming to tennis and more will be hosted by the Gophers over the next couple of months.

The Gopher baseball team plays at U.S. Bank Stadium through the end of March, giving fans a chance to see them in another scale of venue before returning to their home turf at Siebert Field in April. The NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Regionals will be held at Maturi Pavilion April 7, and the Women’s Tennis Big Ten Tournament takes the court at its home, Baseline Tennis Center, April 26–29. The Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four Championship, hosted at Ridder Arena March 16–18, is another big draw. (The Gopher women have won the championship title four of the last six years.)

Relaxing Spa Experiences in and Near Minneapolis

Nothing says staycation relaxation quite like a day at the spa. Outside of the usual massages, facials, mani/pedis and salon services, Ivy Spa offers a range of body treatments too tempting to pass up. For example, the Hawaiian Rainforest Escape: “Enjoy an escape to Hawaii with a Vichy shower scrub that exfoliates and takes you away to the tropics. A soothing, 80-minute Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage with moisturizing tropical scents concludes your escape.” To make it even more convenient and restful, Ivy Spa is located inside Hotel Ivy, with the world-class Monello restaurant attached, so guests never have to leave.

For the ultimate staycation, why not take it to the next level and stay at a local hotel? There are some truly impressive world-class options all over town that allow residents the opportunity to feel like they’re on vacation without leaving the city. There’s also the added benefit of walking back from dinner and drinks or a show and not having to worry about drinking and driving or hailing a cab or an Uber.

Arguably one of the hottest hotels in town right now, the trendy Hewing Hotel is located in the popular North Loop area within walking distance of a slew of top hot restaurants, including its own in-house restaurant, Tullibee. And the W Minneapolis Foshay is an incredibly unique property—the hip main floor lounge area is quite a contrast to the attached historical landmark, the Foshay Tower and its famous must-see viewing deck.

The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America is one of the newer hotels getting rave reviews. It’s a popular spot for celebrities in town because of its newer amenities and its proximity to the airport. It’s also attached to Mall of America, so guests don’t have to set foot outside to take in the countless restaurants, entertainment options and activities on offer. For those who plan to spend a majority of their time at MOA, the Big Ticket Adventure Pass provides 30 percent savings on a majority of the entertainment attractions.

It’s an iconic way to wrap up a Twin Cities staycation.

Planning Your Staycation in Minneapolis and St. Paul

For more information on the Twin Cities, visit minneapolis.org. All the event sponsors and places listed are AAA Minneapolis affiliates, and members receive exclusive discounts. The hotels are Four Diamond-rated, recognized by AAA for exemplary service and amenities.