Dan and Catherine’s Alex Guidebook
Food scene
Great place to hangout sipping their homemade wines in a relaxing setting. They have beautiful grounds with bergola, fire pit, picnic tables, which they share with the brewery (see below). On week-ends they have a food truck with delicious beef burgers (as well as chicken and beyond meat) and live music. Also host special events which are listed on their calendars, such as the grape stomp and the Harvest Festival in the fall. Just under 10 minute drive from our property.
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Carlos Creek Winery
6693 County Rd 34 NWGreat place to hangout sipping their homemade wines in a relaxing setting. They have beautiful grounds with bergola, fire pit, picnic tables, which they share with the brewery (see below). On week-ends they have a food truck with delicious beef burgers (as well as chicken and beyond meat) and live music. Also host special events which are listed on their calendars, such as the grape stomp and the Harvest Festival in the fall. Just under 10 minute drive from our property.
On the same grounds as the Carlos Creek winery. Great selection of homebrewed beers and also delicious woodstove pizzas. Nice building with indoor fireplace in the winter. Beautiful outdoor spaces with music on week-ends. Adjacent to the Jack's cafe terrace that also has live music.
22 Northmen Brewing Company
6693 County Rd 34 NWOn the same grounds as the Carlos Creek winery. Great selection of homebrewed beers and also delicious woodstove pizzas. Nice building with indoor fireplace in the winter. Beautiful outdoor spaces with music on week-ends. Adjacent to the Jack's cafe terrace that also has live music.
Great place for patio dining. Also has great brunches. Nice beer selection.
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Pike & Pint Grill
110 30th Ave WGreat place for patio dining. Also has great brunches. Nice beer selection.
Nice decor, cozy atmosphere, nice selection of food for the whole family, patio dining options. Local staple (in business for 35 year).
D. Michael B's Resort Bar & Grill
3015 MN-29Nice decor, cozy atmosphere, nice selection of food for the whole family, patio dining options. Local staple (in business for 35 year).
Beautiful views on the lake, patio dining, delicious pizzas, laid back setting, only 5 minute drive from the property.
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Zorbaz
2710 N Nokomis NEBeautiful views on the lake, patio dining, delicious pizzas, laid back setting, only 5 minute drive from the property.
Full line of locally grown fruits & vegetables: apples, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, herbs, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, cut flowers, elk, lamb, beef, chicken, pork & baked goods. At Broadway & Second Ave in Big Ole Park, 1/2 block N of the Chamber Office. May 9-Oct 31: Sat 9a-Noon. Jun 30-Oct 27: Tue 9a-Noon. Jun 25-Oct 29: Thu 3-6p. Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/alexandriafarmersmkt/
Minnesota Farmers' Market Association
Full line of locally grown fruits & vegetables: apples, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, herbs, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, cut flowers, elk, lamb, beef, chicken, pork & baked goods. At Broadway & Second Ave in Big Ole Park, 1/2 block N of the Chamber Office. May 9-Oct 31: Sat 9a-Noon. Jun 30-Oct 27: Tue 9a-Noon. Jun 25-Oct 29: Thu 3-6p. Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/alexandriafarmersmkt/
We went there for brunch a few times and loved the food and service. From the reviews it looks like it also has great lunches and dinner options. They have added a patio area to facilitate social distancing summer of 2020. Located right dowtown Alexandria on Broadway, minutes from our lake home.
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Travelers Inn Restaurant
511 Broadway StWe went there for brunch a few times and loved the food and service. From the reviews it looks like it also has great lunches and dinner options. They have added a patio area to facilitate social distancing summer of 2020. Located right dowtown Alexandria on Broadway, minutes from our lake home.
We go there to dinner for special occasions as we love the fancy setting in an old bank building. The menu varies depending on season and has some delicious selections. Good sandwiches for lunch too and they do take-out. A bit pricey, but they use farm fresh ingredients and it is nice for a special treat.
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LA FERME
613 Broadway StWe go there to dinner for special occasions as we love the fancy setting in an old bank building. The menu varies depending on season and has some delicious selections. Good sandwiches for lunch too and they do take-out. A bit pricey, but they use farm fresh ingredients and it is nice for a special treat.
The newest brewery and tap room in town. Great beer selections and both indoor and outdoor seating. See their calendar for special events.
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Copper Trail Brewing Co
205 Broadway StreetThe newest brewery and tap room in town. Great beer selections and both indoor and outdoor seating. See their calendar for special events.
A historic and cozy restaurant serving hearty food and week-end music entertainment. A local favorite.
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Eddy's Interlachen Inn
4960 County Rd 42 NEA historic and cozy restaurant serving hearty food and week-end music entertainment. A local favorite.
Historic restaurant in Ashby MN which is about a 30 minute drive from the lake home. If you yearn for a delicious home cooked meal in an authentic, historic setting that will transport you to early century MN, we recommend this off beat place located right along the north central bike path in the small town of Ashby. We usually park there, go for a bike ride and then enjoy the hearty meal with a local microbrewed beer. Their quote: "City Restaurant specializes in home cooked meals made from scratch. Come for nightly specials, or drop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ice cream cones, sundaes, malts, beer, and wine are also available. When you stop in, be sure to check out the historic display of Minnesota waterfowl located inside the restaurant. City Restaurant is a place known for having good food and a friendly atmosphere. No one leaves their table hungry at City Restaurant!"
City Restaurant
108 Main StHistoric restaurant in Ashby MN which is about a 30 minute drive from the lake home. If you yearn for a delicious home cooked meal in an authentic, historic setting that will transport you to early century MN, we recommend this off beat place located right along the north central bike path in the small town of Ashby. We usually park there, go for a bike ride and then enjoy the hearty meal with a local microbrewed beer. Their quote: "City Restaurant specializes in home cooked meals made from scratch. Come for nightly specials, or drop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ice cream cones, sundaes, malts, beer, and wine are also available. When you stop in, be sure to check out the historic display of Minnesota waterfowl located inside the restaurant. City Restaurant is a place known for having good food and a friendly atmosphere. No one leaves their table hungry at City Restaurant!"
This restaurant which is last on the list because it is the latest addition (opened in 2021) should actually be first. The food is absolutely delicious and prices are competitive given the quality. We got melt in your mouth tender fire grilled fresh fish (swordfish for Dan and trout for Catherine), beautifully plated over delicious grilled veggies with a side of the best au gratin potatoes to share that also had a great smoked flavor. They are also known for their fire grilled whole (or half) chicken and many other delicious choices. They also have great lunch options. Definitely plan on treating yourself to a meal there while in Alex!
Longtrees Woodfire Grill
4409 Minnesota 29This restaurant which is last on the list because it is the latest addition (opened in 2021) should actually be first. The food is absolutely delicious and prices are competitive given the quality. We got melt in your mouth tender fire grilled fresh fish (swordfish for Dan and trout for Catherine), beautifully plated over delicious grilled veggies with a side of the best au gratin potatoes to share that also had a great smoked flavor. They are also known for their fire grilled whole (or half) chicken and many other delicious choices. They also have great lunch options. Definitely plan on treating yourself to a meal there while in Alex!
Outdoor sports and activities
Lake Carlos Marina
9490 S Park Dr NEGood place to rent pontoon boat to explore beautiful Lake Carlos
Fun place for the family with two separate minigolf areas, go-carts and other activities. 5 minutes walk from our property
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Casey's Amusement Park
1305 N Nokomis NEFun place for the family with two separate minigolf areas, go-carts and other activities. 5 minutes walk from our property
Beautiful park right on the bike trail to enjoy at every season. In summer, huge playground for kids, sandy beach, fishing pier, mountain bike track. In the winter, great sledding hill.
Lake Brophy County Park
2175 Brophy Landing NWBeautiful park right on the bike trail to enjoy at every season. In summer, huge playground for kids, sandy beach, fishing pier, mountain bike track. In the winter, great sledding hill.
Beautiful park alongside lake Carlos. Sandy Beach, hiking trails, picnic tables/fire rings, sand volleyball. In the winter it is a great place to x-country ski and snowshoe.
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Lake Carlos State Park
2601 County Rd 38 NEBeautiful park alongside lake Carlos. Sandy Beach, hiking trails, picnic tables/fire rings, sand volleyball. In the winter it is a great place to x-country ski and snowshoe.
Google long prairie river state water trail. The river starts from Lake Carlos state park. The first part is great for tubing (we call it the "lazy river" as it has no rapids. Park with one car at the top and then the other car at the end. Tubing takes about 2 hours. For longer sections, nice for kayaking. Map can be found on that site . https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/longprairieriver/index.html
Long Prairie River
Google long prairie river state water trail. The river starts from Lake Carlos state park. The first part is great for tubing (we call it the "lazy river" as it has no rapids. Park with one car at the top and then the other car at the end. Tubing takes about 2 hours. For longer sections, nice for kayaking. Map can be found on that site . https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/longprairieriver/index.html
Great place for wintersports, including tubing, downhill and x-country skiing. Rentals available.
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Andes Tower Hills
4505 Andes Rd SWGreat place for wintersports, including tubing, downhill and x-country skiing. Rentals available.
The central lakes bicycle trail is great for all seasons. It goes right through the Big Ole park, Downtown Alexandria (biking access from the cabin on a bike trail) and extends 55 miles west (to Fergus falls) and 50 miles east (to St. Cloud). Nice and wide, paved bicycle and walking path (dedicated for snowmobile in winter), built on an old railroad , going through beautiful scenery of rolling hills, lakes and farm fields. Most lakes are west of Alexandria. The first section from Alex to Garfield is about 8 miles each way. We do this often and usually take a beer and chicken wings on the outdoor patio of the Firestation Bar and grill in Garfield (on the trail just past the Garfield grain elevators) a nice setting overlooking a pond.
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Central Lakes Trail
Central Lakes TrailThe central lakes bicycle trail is great for all seasons. It goes right through the Big Ole park, Downtown Alexandria (biking access from the cabin on a bike trail) and extends 55 miles west (to Fergus falls) and 50 miles east (to St. Cloud). Nice and wide, paved bicycle and walking path (dedicated for snowmobile in winter), built on an old railroad , going through beautiful scenery of rolling hills, lakes and farm fields. Most lakes are west of Alexandria. The first section from Alex to Garfield is about 8 miles each way. We do this often and usually take a beer and chicken wings on the outdoor patio of the Firestation Bar and grill in Garfield (on the trail just past the Garfield grain elevators) a nice setting overlooking a pond.
This is a great place for families with small kids as there are waterfowls to feed in the summer in the pond, and a nice outdoor skating rink with music and a warming house in the winter.
Noonan Park
905 Lake StThis is a great place for families with small kids as there are waterfowls to feed in the summer in the pond, and a nice outdoor skating rink with music and a warming house in the winter.
Arrowood resort has many activities for non guests in the winter including cross country skiing, skating and ice fishing on their lake with equipment available for rent. They also rent snowmobiles.
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood LnArrowood resort has many activities for non guests in the winter including cross country skiing, skating and ice fishing on their lake with equipment available for rent. They also rent snowmobiles.
This premier golf course is less than 5 minutes from our lake home on Nokomis St. Both 9 and 18 holes options as well as a twilight and youth pricing. Individual and group lessons available. Also has a restaurant with a nice terrace, which also does curb-side pick-up.
Alexandria Golf Club
2300 N Nokomis NEThis premier golf course is less than 5 minutes from our lake home on Nokomis St. Both 9 and 18 holes options as well as a twilight and youth pricing. Individual and group lessons available. Also has a restaurant with a nice terrace, which also does curb-side pick-up.
New addition in 2021 in city park: 8 pickleball courts. If you have not tried this sport, do: Easy to learn if you have ever played ping pong or tennis, and most of all, lots of fun. City park also has several playgrounds for kids and the city beach. It is a short bike ride from our house. The sandy beach can be reached easily across the bay by kayak.
Alexandria City Park
118 City Park RoadNew addition in 2021 in city park: 8 pickleball courts. If you have not tried this sport, do: Easy to learn if you have ever played ping pong or tennis, and most of all, lots of fun. City park also has several playgrounds for kids and the city beach. It is a short bike ride from our house. The sandy beach can be reached easily across the bay by kayak.
Historic
Great place for families to visit with interactive exhibits to learn about the history of the Vikings in Minnesota. Also includes a great pioneer village, a natural history sections with wild animal display and a nice collection of native American artifacts.
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Runestone Museum
206 Broadway StGreat place for families to visit with interactive exhibits to learn about the history of the Vikings in Minnesota. Also includes a great pioneer village, a natural history sections with wild animal display and a nice collection of native American artifacts.
20 min ride west of Alexandria. Historic place where the runestone was discovered. Great for hiking, mountain biking, x-country skiing and sledding. Warming house with a nice exhibit of the history of the area. Beautiful rolling hills and lakes. Great foliage in the fall.
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Kensington Runestone County Park
8965 County Rd 103 SW20 min ride west of Alexandria. Historic place where the runestone was discovered. Great for hiking, mountain biking, x-country skiing and sledding. Warming house with a nice exhibit of the history of the area. Beautiful rolling hills and lakes. Great foliage in the fall.
Great boat exhibit inside and a beautiful flower garden outside. A place to visit whether rain or shine.
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Legacy of the Lakes Museum
205 3rd Ave WGreat boat exhibit inside and a beautiful flower garden outside. A place to visit whether rain or shine.
About 20 min drive west of Alexandria pioneer village with beautiful grounds and many buildings will bring you and your group to imagine daily life at the time of the pioneers.
Evansville Historical Foundation
304 Gran StAbout 20 min drive west of Alexandria pioneer village with beautiful grounds and many buildings will bring you and your group to imagine daily life at the time of the pioneers.
Sightseeing
Nice destination with a stunning view of surrounding area from the highest peak in the area. Especially beautiful at time of fall foliage. A 35 mile drive NW of Alexandria through a nice landscape of rolling hills and lakes .
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Inspiration Peak State Wayside Park
Nice destination with a stunning view of surrounding area from the highest peak in the area. Especially beautiful at time of fall foliage. A 35 mile drive NW of Alexandria through a nice landscape of rolling hills and lakes .
Beautiful wild area with a big hill to climb with breathtaking views over lake Christina and nice hikes. Beautiful wild flowers to admire including fields of Pasque flowers in early April. Nearby lakes also a great variety of waterfowls.
Seven Sisters Prairie
Minnesota 78Beautiful wild area with a big hill to climb with breathtaking views over lake Christina and nice hikes. Beautiful wild flowers to admire including fields of Pasque flowers in early April. Nearby lakes also a great variety of waterfowls.
Indoor things to do
Fun activity to do with family or groups of friends on a rainy day. The puzzles are at the "just right" level of challenge and the props are fun.
Escape Room Alexandria
115 8th Ave EFun activity to do with family or groups of friends on a rainy day. The puzzles are at the "just right" level of challenge and the props are fun.
What can be more fun but to paint with a group of friends while sipping your favorite drink?: No prior art expertise needed. The instructor provides all the material along with the guidance.
Art Bar 39
3015 MN-29What can be more fun but to paint with a group of friends while sipping your favorite drink?: No prior art expertise needed. The instructor provides all the material along with the guidance.
Great place to visit on a rainy day. You can see the vats where the grains are fermented and will learn about the process of developing the various spirits. You can also sample and purchase them at the store if desired.
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Panther Distillery
300 E Pike StGreat place to visit on a rainy day. You can see the vats where the grains are fermented and will learn about the process of developing the various spirits. You can also sample and purchase them at the store if desired.
Lots of fun for the whole family for a rainy day or evening out with its 34 bowling lanes and one of the largest arcade game rooms in the area. Summer hours: MON 2pm-12am TUES-SAT 11am-12am SUN Closed. Also nice selection of comfort food and beers from Fat Daddy's restaurant.
Garden Center Lanes
115 30th Ave ELots of fun for the whole family for a rainy day or evening out with its 34 bowling lanes and one of the largest arcade game rooms in the area. Summer hours: MON 2pm-12am TUES-SAT 11am-12am SUN Closed. Also nice selection of comfort food and beers from Fat Daddy's restaurant.
Arrowood resort's indoor Big Splash waterpark is open to non guests for a fee. Great place, especially in the winter, for kids to enjoy the big waterslide, "lazy river" and more! (Note that space may be limited due to restricted number of guests during the pandemic so make sure to call ahead).
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood LnArrowood resort's indoor Big Splash waterpark is open to non guests for a fee. Great place, especially in the winter, for kids to enjoy the big waterslide, "lazy river" and more! (Note that space may be limited due to restricted number of guests during the pandemic so make sure to call ahead).
Art and performance
A real gem of a theater with high quality performances throughout the summer. Some of the performances are outside. Actors from around the country come and peform here in this beautiful and unique setting.
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Theatre L'Homme Dieu
1875 County Rd 120A real gem of a theater with high quality performances throughout the summer. Some of the performances are outside. Actors from around the country come and peform here in this beautiful and unique setting.
A local treasure where you can experience quality live theater performances with family and friends. Shows also include comedy improv.
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The Andria Theatre - Alexandria Area Arts Association
618 Broadway StA local treasure where you can experience quality live theater performances with family and friends. Shows also include comedy improv.