One of my favorite day trips is to Taylor's Falls Minnesota! One of the stops we make is to…read moreFranconia Sculpture Park which is located about an hour from the Twin Cities metro area. It's an inexpensive and fun time for the whole family! There are over 100 artist designed sculptures and the grounds are a fun walk. They often have different events going on and the place is large enough that it never feels too crowded. We love the colors during the fall time but honestly every time of the year offers up something beautiful! There is a suggested donation of $10 per car and they have a nice building with bathrooms, a gift shop and drinks for purchase. They are dog friendly and even offer a few golf carts for rental if needed.

My first visit to the sculpture park was a great one. The fall day was warm but overcast. I loved…read moreall the colors of the trees. I was here with the Urban Sketchers group. I walked around the park to check out the artwork. I then decided to sketch two pieces. The area is so large that it can accommodate many people without seeming crowded. The day featured large puppets and folks on stilts. There was a scavenger hunt and pumpkin carving. Lots of families and pets. I was early so parking was easy. Make a donation to support this wonderful park.

marvelous selection, beautifully presented, by an incredible talent. Please visit April for an…read moreenergizing and inspirational encounter.

Fun place to go in down town north field. I purchased a few pens definitely worth the buy!read more

Alexis Bailly is such a fun, easy winery to visit, especially being so close to the cities…read more The setting is really beautiful and peaceful, perfect for a slow afternoon. There are a few different areas to sit and hang out, plus tables spread throughout the property. It's also dog friendly, which is a big plus. The wines are solid, and it's fun to try a variety, especially some of their more unique options. The staff was really helpful in making suggestions also and knew the history of the vineyard which was cool to learn more about. The only thing I felt was missing was more food. They do have a small section where you can grab items to build your own charcuterie board, but I'd love to see a few more food options added.

Tomery was the best! Always attentive and her advice on the wines has always been spot on! Alexis…read moreBailey is a hidden gem! Seek it out!

Beautiful museum and art collection in a modern and well-lit space. Incredible glasswork and other…read morepieces on exhibit.

First time visiting and I have to come back. The glass art on display was absolutely stunning. The…read morelighting is done so well to enhance what you are seeing. I tried to capture my fav piece by walking a video around it but the video just doesn't do it justice. You must see in person. I worked for West Publishing when Mr Cafesjian was an executive there so I have some familiarity with his love of art. It's hard to imagine some of these pieces being part of his home. Such beauty to view everyday. The museum is open to the public but you need to make a reservation at the set times. The guide is very knowledgeable and spends about 20 minutes talking then walks around the museum answering your questions. She was wonderful and a nice addition to the tour. Some of the pieces are on loan so stop back on occasion to see new art.

Incomparable little art boutique featuring a select few local artists in different media. The…read morepersonable owner is a singularly effective promoter of her town and well worth spending a few extra moments for conversation. Every now and then the Purple Turtle Artisan Collective takes its proverbial show on the road for a pop-up store incarnation which is how I first encountered it, and her. So, how I first encountered them, the store and Amanda Scholz, the owner. I'm not sure if I'm clarifying, so I'll move on. If you're within an hour or two drive, or if you have the time to take a little diversion between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee, very well worth your time. However you won't be able to get the unique Sarasvati water color on canvas because I picked up the last one.

So glad I found this great local artist shop. The owner was so helpful in telling me about how to…read moreuse the snippets of yarn. Very inspiring. Lots of pottery, fiber art, jewelry, just about everything.

I had the pleasure of attending the performance of Shamel Pitts - Tribe: Marks of Red on Saturday…read moreand it was interesting. I was very entertained as the performers were absolutely AMAZING. I enjoyed the space and I will be back another show and all of the other art parts that offer because I really love the arts. Go and be inspired.

2 stars with context *with* strollers and a young family, the movement/fluid from one room to the…read morenext was torture. Same with finding a changing station, I cut my hand in the airplane-feel bathroom on floor M, which isn't marked floor M within the elevator. I remembered my visit with my oldest in the summer and thought this family Saturday would be a great winter experience. It wasn't, but I personally enjoyed the sculpture room and Lineage exhibits! Recommend the walker during summer and with older children when forced inside.

Stopped here during Doors Open '26. I've never really adventured out to this area but was curious…read moreto see what this place was. It's an art gallery full of random oddities. Looks like most of the materials are recycled or thrifted which was cool to see some retro signs or parts. Never ran into the owner/person running the place to ask questions but I'd definitely like to know more about how some of the pieces come together and how they source items. Also not sure if pieces were for sell or it was strictly for show. Cool nonetheless.

Allen Christian opened his studio to the Urban Sketchers for an afternoon sketching event. There…read morewere so many things that caught my eye. I loved these figures that were formed from piano parts. Much of the art was created from things we might consider trash but to Allen it transforms into beautiful, and sometimes odd, works of art. Allen's imagination is limitless. I enjoyed seeing something from afar then stepping close to it to see individual screws, bolts, brushes, computer keys, or syringes. So cool. I also enjoyed meeting Allen and seeing him practicing his craft. What a fun place and gracious host.