With stellar dining deals at over 60 restaurants in the Twin Cities. Check out some of our first-time participants—and make your reservations today!
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Looking for a delicious way to spend your fall? Look no further!Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Fall Restaurant Week is here, from October 21st – 27th. Some of the finest Twin Cities chefs will be dishing out mouth-watering two- and three-course prix fixe meals at prices ranging from $15 to $45.
When summer gives way to the moody shadows of autumn, a single word encapsulates the bittersweet journey from my nostalgic past to a hopeful future.
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Fruits of Fall: There’s a word I heard of once that describes a feeling I used to get when looking back on the falls of my youth: saudade. A Portuguese and Galician term—with no English equivalent—saudade (pronounced sao-dod) is a mingling of intense longing, nostalgia, and melancholic yearning for a beloved yet absent someone or something. Something about the whirl of moody gray skies against a patchwork of bright golds and rich burgundies used to transport me to a time and place that was innocent, simple, carefree.
My baby boy arrived during the dawn of the pandemic on a brisk October morning. At a time filled with unknowns, one thing became crystal clear to me: The present is the only place I can unearth the beauty in life’s fleeting moments. Your littles are only little once—the early days are a time to cement traditions and create new memories. When Ezra turned 1, I took him to his first apple orchard and watched him wriggle through the rows of red apples, a scene that felt like a bridge between my past and our shared future. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to explore as many orchards, mazes, and patches with him as possible, a ritual that connects us to the timeless rhythm of the seasons.
For so long, fall signaled what once was. Now, it heralds what’s yet to come.
Apples, Pumpkins, and Corn, Oh My!
Warroad
For a master class in navigating maize on Lake of the Woods, Country Corn Maze offers 8 acres of twists, turns, and loop-the-loops to keep you guessing. The owners say that this year’s theme is “pizza”—visitors will be met with some fresh-from-the-farm pie while getting an education on how and where the ingredients were sourced. 218-469-3390, countrycornmaze.org
Grand Rapids
It’s a U-pick or we-pick operation at Lavalier’s Berry Patch, a family-owned orchard farm located just south of Grand Rapids, specializing in blueberries, strawberries, apples, lingonberries, and more. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a bucket to fill with fresh, ripe fruit. 218-327-9199, lavaliersberrypatch.com
Kelsey
It’s an immersive experience for all ages at Simek’s Farm, featuring a 4-acre corn maze with themed educational stations, hayrides, a petting zoo, and various play areas like a giant silo slide and tire sand pile. Bonus: Simek’s hosts special events like local music concerts (“Cowboy Church”) on Sundays. 218-461-0891, simeksfarm.com
Frazee
Step into Maple Hills Orchard, where nature takes the lead and fun follows closely behind. The stewards here are all about nurturing Mother Earth with sustainable practices, letting their apples, U-pick pumpkins, raspberries, and grapes flourish without a hint of pesticide. 218-325-0199, maplehillsorchard.com
Finlayson
At Maple Run Orchard, trees aren’t just for apples; they’re for producing the golden elixir of maple syrup. The orchard churns out apples, honey, beeswax-based products, and maple syrup, tapped on-site. 320-400-0444, maplerunorchard.net
Pine City
Family activities ring up real fast. That’s why admission, parking, and activities are free at Peaceful Pines Farm. Stock your pie and front porch with apples, pumpkins, gourds, and squash from the patches. 320-591-0007, peacefulpinesfarm.com
Alexandria
Bring your bushel basket to Country Blossom Farm and pick apples, raspberries, aronia berries, and pumpkins. Give your picking hands a break in the 7-acre corn maze or exhaust the kids on the tire mountain and jumping pillow. 320-334-1620, countryblossomfarm.com
Lindström
Carve out some core memories at Tom’s Pumpkin Farm, a treasured community staple that’s been supplying pick-your-own pumpkins to enthusiastic Halloween-loving youngsters and their families for more than 40 years. The charming spot has a corn maze, farm-fresh vegetables, and an always-smiling staff. 651-433-2905
Wyoming
With acres of pumpkins still on the vine, the search for the flawless gourd to adorn your front stoop may be lengthy at Pinehaven Farm. Apple blasters, a Cluck Truck, and super slides are all part of the Pinehaven experience. The on-site funnel cake stand and Hillbilly Bob’s Fry Shack round out the perfect fall day. 651-462-1704, pinehavenfarm.com
Dayton
Sure, finding your perfect jack-o’-lantern-to-be is the end goal of a pumpkin-patch adventure, but when there’s a gunnysack slide, giant pumpkin jumper, corn maze, corn pit, and gourd slinger, it’s easy to get distracted. Dehn’s Pumpkins has a 20-acre field full of orange orbs primed for picking. 612-387-7866, dehnspumpkins.com
Lino Lakes
Tiny tykes will delight in Phase 1 of Waldoch Farm’s corn maze, a 15-minute journey leading to the lively Joyer Adventure Farm with pedal carts, apple blasters, and more. Phase 2 offers a 45-minute challenge with a hidden phrase, while Phase 3 is all about relaxing at home after a day of fun. 651-780-1207, waldochfarm.com
Stillwater
Aamodt’s Apple Farm doesn’t stop at crunchy-fresh slices and fan-fave pie. This fourth-generation family farm has wagon rides, a goat farm, and ample pick-your-own options, and it’s home to Saint Croix Vineyards and Thor’s Hard Cider. 651-439-3127, aamodtsapplefarm.com
Minneapolis
City slickers can get their pumpkin fix at Our Lady of Peace in south Minneapolis, home to a quaint patch with more than 2,000 pumpkins. Kids can burn energy with lawn games, crafts, and a hay-bale trail, while adults will appreciate food trucks on the weekends. 612-824-3455, olpmn.org
Delano
There’s no candlestick jumping at Apple Jack Orchards, but there is a ropes course and plenty of ruby-red deliciousness. The bakery serves up pies, donuts, crisps, and more (all made from orchard-fresh apples). Is your mouth watering yet? 763-972-6673,applejackorchards.com
Shakopee
Home to one of Minnesota’s most well-known tangles of cornstalks, Sever’s Fall Festival is equipped with a maze challenge that could line your pockets with cash. The farm also includes iconic options like a corn pit and obstacle course, animal-friendly outings like pony rides, and wacky seasonal draws like pumpkin blasters. 952-270-6293, seversfestivals.com
Hastings
At Afton Apple, pumpkins, apples, fall raspberries, gourds, squash, and sweet corn are ripe for the picking (literally!). Dog-ear this one for next summer: Raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and blueberries litter the fields. 651-436-8385, aftonapple.com
Jordan
One of four Ferguson’s Orchards locations, Minnesota Harvest offers pumpkin picking, an orchard, a corn maze, a store with farm-fresh goodies, and Apple Blossom Park for the littles (think apple cannons, farm animals, a corn pit, duck races, a hay-bale pyramid, and more). 952-492-2785, fergusonsorchard.com
New Prague
Barten Pumpkins gives new meaning to family friendly. Not only is the farm bursting with activities and fall-specific photo ops, it’s also run by Fran Barten, with assistance from her 11 children and 35-plus grandchildren (!). The patch has everything from tall pumpkins to pie pumpkins. 612-227-0033, bartenpumpkins.com
Webster
Picnic with pigs, sample house-made hard cider, and wade through the orchard at Sweetland Orchard. You can sample and take home tasties from the more than 100 varieties of apples, pears, and tart cherries grown on the grounds. 651-252-4337, sweetlandorchard.com
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Fashionopolis presented by Milan Laser is back at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis!
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Top ticket holders receive a welcome glass of champagne provided by Associated Bank and a coveted gift bag upon exit. All ticket holders will enjoy samples from Ketel One Botanicals, Silent Pool Gin and WYNK Seltzer while enjoying light bites in the Cocktail Lounge.
Be sure to shop the premium retailers in the Mall of America Lounge while you indulge in sweet treats and sips of rosé. Gather your friends and have some fun with interactive photo opportunities including The Gorman Group Powder Room Selfie Contest, The Galleria’s Best Dressed Contest, Spectacle Shoppe and Skin Rejuvenation Clinic pop-ups, and so much more!
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Making Fashionopolis
Our team brings glamour to downtown Minneapolis through a fashion experience—here’s how!
Photo by Caitlin Abrams
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We decided to take over this Month’s Creative Class column to part the curtain on our own creative endeavor—Fashionopolis—and give an insider look on how we bring our annual runway show and experience to life. But first, the backstory.
Gone are the days of the big department store (Dayton’s, Marshall Field’s, Macy’s) fashion event known as A Cause for Applause, Fash Bash, and eventually rechristened Glamorama. Also gone are the big store budgets and dollars from national brands that created magic at the State Theatre followed by the party of the season in the 8th Floor Auditorium, spilling out onto the roof of the adjacent parking ramp.
A dozen years ago, we sought to bring a taste of that magic back and produced our first Fashionopolis at Aria. The intent has always been to highlight local retail and designers. Ours is a caliber of show that few can create on their own, but collectively, we can feature wares and work of local sources in an experience that connects fashion lovers to fashion.
Each year, our editor in chief, Jayne Haugen Olson; contract runway show producer, Grant Whittaker; and trend and style editor, Madeline Nachbar (that’s me!) collaborate with our events team (director Holly Dyson and marketing manager Media Tafreshi) to deliver this signature event to the community. The result is a see-and-be-seen happening wrapped around a one-hour runway show (what we magazine makers refer to as the event’s “editorial”). It’s our love letter to local talent, retail, and design. Our move to Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis three years ago took it to the next level. The luxe surround provided an opportunity to expand the experience with pre- and post-show excitement created in collaboration with sponsors and partners in a glamorous downtown setting.
Our annual planning starts with editorial’s creative vision—what some call the “theme”—to serve as the guiding focus for our runway storytelling, styling, branded assets (ads and social media campaigns), and those pre- and post-show party activations. In years past, we’ve explored how fine art impacts fashion, the influence of the iconic Prince, style influences from past decades, and major fashion cities. In 2023, we had fun with a theme around area codes and the style personas of 651, 763, 952, and 612. This year, we’re leaning into car culture and the intersection of the automobile and its role in fashion and pop culture via “Fashion in the Fast Lane.”
We curate a pitch-perfect mix of clothing, beauty, music, video, and talent—models, singers, and performers—that helps us create a truly immersive event designed to stimulate the senses.
Unlike a department store, we don’t sell clothing, so none of this is possible without our retailers. On average, we pull pieces from more than 25 specialty boutiques and designers to emulate how fall trends show up in our Cities. It’s a whirlwind knowing that our team works with what’s available in store the week we are pulling, and that ability is one of Grant Whittaker’s superpowers. We don’t charge the retailers, and they know we will mix a piece from their store with pieces from others to create a blend of what’s available in our backyards and inspire attendees to hit shops for fresh additions to add to their own wardrobes for the new season. It’s an inspiration for all—including our team, who continues to be blown away by the evolution of our independent boutique scene.
North Loop’s Atmosfere is a must-visit for suits and business casual.
Photo courtesy Atmosfere
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A look inside the local menswear landscape.
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Mpls.St.Paul Magazine: From full-fledged custom experiences complete with whiskey and cigars to locally owned boutiques that focus entirely on special occasion wear, our Cities brim with options for people looking to up the ante with a dapper ’fit. We checked in with some local experts to see what’s trending.
While the classic Mad Men–esque slim black suit never goes out of style, Twin Cities menswear clothiers are seeing a shift to bolder colors and more creative styles. Take Danny and Kenny King, for instance: twin brothers and co-owners of Northeast bespoke suit business King Brothers Clothiers. The duo thrives on helping clients push the envelope and embrace pattern and color. “Post-pandemic, we’re finding people are still taking advantage of occasions to dress up even more,” the Kings say in a joint interview. They report luxe fabric options like jacquard and velvet—in green, blue, and red colorways—continue rising in popularity.
Local menswear boutiques offering custom garment design report an uptick in their bespoke services, including North Loop’s crown jewel MartinPatrick3 and Heimie’s Haberdashery, a cornerstone of St. Paul retail for more than 100 years. Instead of buying a new suit or garment for one-off events, the Heimie’s and MP3 teams encourage clients to ensure they have the great basics covered—and it all starts with a well-fitted shirt, jacket, and pant. Then, they recommend changing up looks with statement accessories, like a shoe, pocket square, tie, or tie clip, to instantly add personality. Anthony Serino, director of marketing at MartinPatrick3, also emphasizes the importance of men building a repertoire of suits and pieces that is versatile—especially when a heftier price tag is attached—to help justify the cost per wear. “Men’s tailored suits continue to trend in subtle, tonal patterns and colors, plus shadow plaids and micro broken checks, which are all versatile and timeless.”
“Men are really embracing more formal dress for their weddings or special events.”
–Anthony Serino, MartinPatrick3
Down the street from MP3, the risk-takers flock to Atmosfere, which specializes almost entirely in wedding and special occasion dressing—with a smattering of business casual. “A major trend we’re noticing in weddings is a rising interest in texture, pattern play, and fun color blocking versus a traditional jacket-and-pant suit,” says manager Amos Vodis, who loves to pair the unexpected, like a burgundy blazer with a dark navy pant. “We can’t keep enough colored blazers in the shop.” When it comes to his classic clientele who prefer to stay in the neutral lane, Vodis recommends juxtaposing a suit with an elevated sneaker or more playful pop of color or patterned tie.
After years of younger generations choosing casual suits and separates, local retailers notice a growing interest in classic tuxedos. “If the venue and vibe allow, men are really embracing more formal dress for their weddings or special events,” says Serino. Vodis confirms classic is king, with more men going all in on satin lapels, bow ties, and suspenders.
If you’ve paid attention to the runways, you’ve probably noticed more women making room in their closets for menswear-inspired looks, like the “power suit.” According to Samantha Tousey, womenswear buyer at MP3, a suiting moment is a unique alternative to a dress and perfect for a second wedding, vow renewal, or holiday party.
“One fun thing for womenswear specifically is the range of silhouettes is so broad,” the Kings say, who’ve done everything from slouchy and oversized to cropped and curve hugging. “We’re loving the high-waisted trouser trend—it’s flattering, and it allows for a beautiful drape.”
Menswear Editor’s Picks
J.H. and Sons Clothier
Add this family-owned newcomer to your list. It offers world-class casual and formal wear brands (including luxe Italian lines like Eleventy, Canali, and Brioni) and expert tailoring services to ensure a perfect fit. Galleria, 612-274-7166, jhandsons.com
Atmosfere
A Nolo staple offering formal wear, business casual, a new custom line, and wedding attire with approachable price tags. 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-1843, atmosfereweddings.com
MartinPatrick3
The brands, custom tailoring, and top-notch service are among the many reasons MP3 is internationally recognized. Come for the crème de la crème designers, stay for the barbershop and grooming products. 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com
Heimie’s Haberdashery
A fixture in custom menswear since 1921, Heimie’s recently underwent a massive expansion. The space now offers a roaring 10,000 square feet for retail, a barista, a shotgun library, a groom’s lounge, and a cigar patio. 400 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-2354, heimies.com
Hammer Made
Consider this a treasure trove for cool, classic men’s dress shirts in 50 shades and prints and very little sticker shock (most shirts are priced under $150), plus custom suits for wedding parties. Galleria, MOA, Ridgedale, and MSP Airport, hammermade.com
Twill
Don’t leave Galleria without visiting Scott Dayton’s full-service boutique filled with men’s suits and accessories with a preppy-southern influence, as well as tailoring services and sportswear brands like Peter Millar and Barbour. Galleria, 952-922-2711, twillmn.com
King Brothers Clothiers
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-most—visit these blond brothers, who specialize in custom pieces, in a studio-meets-retail-store concept. Open for walk-ins and private fittings. 712 15th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-405-3224, kingbrosclothiers.com
Photographs by Peter Sherno at the Minneapolis Club | Styling by Grant Whittaker and Madeline Nachbar
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Iro coat ($795) and TWP blazer ($955), from Requisite; Zimmermann blouse ($650), from Bumbershute, 3811 W. 50th St., Mpls., 952-475-2684; Adora hat ($37), from Statement Boutique, One Teaspoon pant ($358), from Serge and Jane, 4532 France Ave. S., Edina, 612-315-4638; 27 Edit shoes ($150), from Evereve, multiple metro locations,evereve.com
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A classic downtown Minneapolis fixture serves as the ultimate juxtaposition to the season’s boundary-pushing trends.
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The Minneapolis Club’s original birdcage elevator (circa 1908) was once reserved for ushering women from the rear entrance of the club to the second-floor powder room for freshening up before heading to dinner or events.
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Work and Play
Barbiecore is here to stay—punch up an all-pink look with unexpected layers and mixed prints.
Picadilly coat ($149) and THML top ($82), both from Statement Boutique, 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 651-808-7663; Baum und Pferdgarten blazer ($399) and pant ($259), both from Requisite, 211 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-259-7387; Ganni bag ($445), from Grethen House, 4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725; shoes, model’s own
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Meeting in the Ladies’ Room
Turn up the dial in looks that champion a punk spirit of the late Vivienne Westwood. Menswear-inspired separates, studs, and leather details bring the edge.
Smythe vest ($450) and pant ($595), also from Bumbershute; One Teaspoon top ($188) and studded blazer ($278), also from Serge and Jane; Gucci loafers ($1,150), from Nordstrom, Mall of America and Ridgedale, nordstrom.com; Ganni chain wallet ($295), also from Grethen House
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Holding Court
Retro, geometric prints and a “Penny Lane”–inspired topper are a match made in heaven.
Staud coat ($495), from Bumbershute, 3811 W. 50th St., Mpls., 952-475-2684; Odeeh dress ($1,195) and No. 21 necklace ($165), from Grethen House, 4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725; Sam Edelman boots ($295), from Evereve, multiple metro locations, evereve.com; Sylca Designs earrings ($34), from Fawbush’s, Galleria, 952-922-5717
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Happy Hour
Trade traditional autumnal hues for a little more impact. Lavender, sequins, and silver are shining bright.
Nikki Jones coat ($298), from Sweet Ivy, Galleria, 952-456-6598; Smythe blazer ($795), Naadam top ($275), and Le Superbe skirt ($395), also from Bumbershute; shoes, stylist’s own
The storied Minneapolis Club has positioned itself for the future as a private social club with a goal to be more inclusive, featuring the now-open-to-the-public Charlie’s, the first-level bar and restaurant with menus developed by local chef Jamie Malone.
