John's Week in the Twin Cities

About an hour to an hour and a half; shaded nearly the whole way. One creek bridge is closed with a posted bike detour

The noon start takes the pressure off the afternoon. John's part: pick Joe up at Sencha around 3:00.

Her place, in Longfellow

She starts at 3:00 — the car stays with her

John: 1692 Grand Ave, St. Paul — Joe will be out front

Bike roll-up, dinner from the vendors, sometimes live music

Blanket-on-the-grass; ice cream at Bread & Pickle

Ross is in — exact time TBD. Mile and a half from the Airbnb, we can bike there

Burgers, wraps, tacos — 100% plant-based, ten minutes from Mears Park

Free outdoor concert series, food trucks — St. Paul's best summer evening

Bike over ~5:30 as the heat breaks; the falls are worth it on their own

Pairs with the art fair — one easy outing, all within two miles of home base

You're the guest of honor

Lanterns on the water at dusk, street food, local makers

One of Minnesota's largest celebrations of the historic Black Rondo neighborhood

300+ vendors on Mainstreet, Lions Club raspberry sundaes; ~25 min west

Free, on the water — pick one or two of these, not all

Real rideable boats built from milk cartons — peak Minnesota folklore

151 steps, panoramic views of St. Paul; open to the public only a few days a year

92 years of small-town parade on Mainstreet, ~25 min west; pairs fine with the morning boat races

Coolest day of the week; shaded rail-trail along a trout stream and the St. Croix, with downtown Stillwater to poke around after. Want to try an e-bike? Herman's (at Greenbridge Coffee on Main St) rents them right by the trailhead

Last night in town — easy close-out

Return's booked for 10:00 AM but the flight's at 10:14 — checking with the host about an early drop (~7:40) + rideshare to MSP

Maryam's place, right by Lake Nokomis

The pick over Sonora Grill — good meal, easy first night