Explore, Dine and Shop at Avionté CONNECT: Top Things to Do in Saint Paul, Minnesota

We’re excited to be hosting CONNECT in the capital of Minnesota, Saint Paul! Saint Paul is the second largest city in Minnesota next to Minneapolis, and there is plenty to do while you’re in town for CONNECT from July 31 to August 2, 2018.

Aside from the famous skyscraper-scaling raccoon, you might not know much about Saint Paul. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite places to explore, dine and shop around Saint Paul, so be sure to bookmark this post for your upcoming trip!

Explore

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

This is one of Saint Paul’s most-visited attractions and one of the most beautiful places in the Twin Cities with several attractions. And if it’s not on your list, you should add it now because it’s also FREE! The Como Park Zoo features several animals, including giraffes, zebras, gorillas, flamingos, seals and so many more. Additionally, you can explore exotic plants and beautiful displays throughout the Conservatory, housing several gardens from the Sunken Garden (a must-see and a popular Instagram location) to the Blooming Butterflies, which features a thriving butterfly habitat with over 100 species of butterflies from around the world.

Science Museum of Minnesota

There are several places to explore, but one of the best is the Science Museum of Minnesota. With several exhibits and the Omnitheater, currently showing Dream Big: Engineering Our World, you can explore it all or spend time it what truly fascinates you. Exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, an experiment gallery, the human body, math moves, a Native American exhibition and more. The Museum is only a seven-minute walk from the InterContinental and has a beautiful view of the Mississippi. If you are a science fan, this should definitely be on your list of places to explore.

Rice Park

Rice Park is a gorgeous park located right in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, and is another attraction in walking distance from the InterContinental. It is a great place to take a walk and explore some of the amazing architecture located in historic Saint Paul. Since it’s in walking distance from the hotel, it’s also a great place to walk through on your way to a nearby bar or restaurant.

 

Dine

Café Astoria

This might be the most Instagrammable spot in the Twin Cities – at least when it comes to coffee. Café Astoria serves up some of the most beautiful coffee drinks you’ll ever see in your life. Between multiple colors, scrumptious-looking marshmallows, flowers and even gold foil, you might not even want to drink it. It’s a popular go-to spot in Saint Paul and is a great spot to get your caffeine fix or have a delicious breakfast or brunch – with several smoothie bowls and savory, sweet crepe options.

Can Can Wonderland

Can Can Wonderland is truly just that – a wonderland! Not only can you come for the food, including a menu featuring artisan pizza, sandwiches, nachos and ice cream, you can also participate in the fun. There is a mini golf course, a boardwalk arcade with more than 20 vintage arcade games and even a photo booth. If you’re looking for fun and food, this is the place to go!

Handsome Hog

If you’re craving some good ol’ southern-style cooking, Handsome Hog is your place! This contemporary Southern restaurant serves up lunch, dinner and late-night menus, along with brunch. The Southern food menu includes everything from shrimp n’ grits and chicken n’ waffles to smoked beef brisket and braised pork belly. Aside from the food, they also serve up several drinks, including slushies that are perfect for hot summer days. Frose or Bourbon Slush anyone? The Handsome Hog is also in walking distance from the InterContinental.

Ox Cart

Ox Cart is your go-to place if you’re looking for the perfect rooftop. From food and drinks to a spectacular view of downtown and the Mississippi River, Ox Cart is one of few rooftop locations in Saint Paul. The rooftop also overlooks the Saint Paul Saints stadium, CHS Field for any sports fans. With a variety of food options, from starters like cheese curds and mussels to salads and house made sausages and sandwiches, there is something for everyone.

 

Shop

Summit & Grand Avenue

Summit Avenue and Grand Avenue are two locations that can also be on your “Explore” and “Dine” list, these locations are great for shopping. Summit Avenue is one of the most historic areas of Saint Paul lined with gorgeous, historic homes and is very picturesque and just a couple blocks away, Grand Avenue is lined with several shops. Including well-known shops like J.Crew and Anthropologie to local Saint Paul boutiques, you’ll be able to find something that suits your style. Additionally, this area is great to find a bite to eat and people watch!

Mall of America

Mall of America is a well-known staple of the Twin Cities in general, but is also a short and easy drive from Saint Paul! With tons of shopping, food, drinks and entertainment, the Mall of America is your destination for basically anything you could possibly want to do, including the indoor theme park Nickelodeon Universe® and Sea Life® Minnesota Aquarium. And if you are looking for a temperature-controlled place to get your steps in, each level of the Mall of America is approximately 1.15 miles.

 

So what’s on your must-do list while visiting Saint Paul? We can’t wait to see you at Avionté CONNECT 2018 in just a couple weeks. For more information on places to see in Saint Paul, go to Trip Advisor,  www.visitsaintpaul.com or follow their Instagram account for inspiration on where to go!

About Avionté

Avionté Staffing Software provides innovative front and back office staffing software solutions to over 550 customers and nearly 15,000 users throughout the U.S. and Canada. With one end-to-end staffing software solution, staffing agencies have access to the information and tools they need anytime, anywhere via any device to maximize productivity and profits.

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