A weekend trip to Minneapolis

All my out-of-state pageant girls & families, this is for you! I’ve created a guide to making a Minneapolis trip fun, hassle-free, and worth the trip out to see me for a photoshoot. Set aside one day of your weekend for your photoshoot with Brittany, and make the most out of your other weekend travel days. Explore a new city, go pageant shopping, and enjoy the outdoors in Minneapolis.

Fly into: Minneapolis (MSP) Airport which is a major Delta hub, and services SunCountry, United etc.

The home studio technically has a Minneapolis address, but is located in Blaine, Minnesota which is about 20 min from core Minneapolis downtown. It’s a quiet, safe suburb and with its proximity to Minneapolis, has a great variety of offerings to make any weekend fun and memory-filled.

Rooftop view from The Hewing hotel

Choose a hotel easily with Brittany’s Google Maps List

I’ve done the searching to find the most convenient, most unique, and least expensive hotel options for you. Also included in this list are times to & from the studio and airport from each of the hotels.

If you’re looking for an experience, check out The Hewing located in the North Loop area

If you’re looking for the most convenient at a good price, look at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 

MOA is very family friendly

Visit all 520 stores at the Mall of America

Any mall that has three, yes THREE Victoria Secret’s is worth checking out. The largest mall in America, the MOA has something for everyone. An amusement park, LEGO land, an aquarium, movie theater, dining, luxury brand flagship stores, and even an indoor ferris wheel. Stop by Caribou Coffee, our Minnesota coffee chain, and get a mocha. Totally worth it.

Stores include:

• Nike, Patagonia, Athleta, Columbia, Fabletics, Lululemon experience store

• Anthropologie, Zara, Free People, Altar’d State, Aerie, Lush

• Morphe, Sephora, MAC, Ulta

• Armani, Burberry, Tory Sport, Hammer Made, Kate Spade, Peleton

• H&M, Forever 21, Ragstock, Urban Outfitters, Vera Bradley

• Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack

• Amazon 4 star, Crayola Experience, Croc store, Disney Store, Carlo’s Bakery, Sugar Factory

Go dress shopping at The Pageant Shop

If you’re still on search of a gown for competition, check out The Pageant Shop run by Sarah who is only 15 minutes from Brittany’s studio. Sarah is by appointment only, and has a plethora of new, consignment, and custom pageant gowns. She works out of her home so this comfortable atmosphere is a great place to find (or design!) your dream gown. Plus you’ll meet the cutest puppy ever!

Start on the St. Anthony Main side to get this shot

Take photos on a sunset walk over the Stone Arch Bridge (free)

Looking to get outside? The Stone Arch Bridge area connects across the Mississippi River and is always teaming with bikers, adorable dogs, friends, university students, and musicians. Both banks of the river—the Guthrie Theater and St Anthony Main sides—are beautiful places for instagram photos and a great place to grab a bite. On the Guthrie Theater side, look for the apartment building with turquoise windows—I love taking seniors here to photograph them!

North Loop Face Foundrie location

Pop in for a 40 min facial at The Face Foundrié

One of my favorite self-care routines is a monthly facial at The Face Foundrié. With a flat $65 across their main facial service offerings, their facial services menu can help your skin in whatever way it needs most. The atmosphere is so welcoming, like you just stepped into a Pinterest board come to life. They have multiple locations across the metro, but my favorite is the North Loop location. The best part is that walk-ins are usually able to get in right away!

Sandbar parties are common on Big Island

Rent a boat on Lake Minnetonka

Lake Life is everything in Minnesota during the summer. Did you know you’re actually able to rent a boat by the hour so you, too, can experience lake life? Some even come with captains, so you can just sit back and enjoy. Spend a few hours in the sunshine with friends, seeing the amazing houses (more like estates) on the lake, and pull up to a sandbar to blast some music and party. Lake Minnetonka is one of the busiest and largest lakes in Minnesota for good reason. Feel like an absolute celebrity by pulling up to the docks at some of the restaurants on the lake Maynards, Lord Fletchers, or 6 Smith. Dock at the Minnetonka public docks and walk a short block to Josefina for an upscale dinner or Crisp & Green for a fresh, healthy grad & go lunch. Plan to spend the day on the lake, and I promise you’ll want to come back.

Send Dad golfing during our shoot

Dads are more than welcome to cheer on their girls during their shoot, but in case Dad could use a little him-time, I encourage a trip to Topgolf. 20 minutes from the studio, this place is made for golf lovers. Protected from the elements & climate controlled, Topgolf is open year round.

Crawl through the Minneapolis Craft Beer Scene

Minneapolis prides itself in our craft beer scene. Many of these are local favorites, and some are national names that have homes here in Minnesota. Hopping around to these spots is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Most places are dog-friendly and often have delicious food trucks pull up on summer days.

Check out: Fulton Taproom, Modist Brewing Co, Dangerous Man Brewing Company, Inbound BrewCo, Day Block Brewing Company, Surly Brewing Co.

Eat your way through Minneapolis cuisine

Hai Hai: Located in Northeast Minneapolis, this trendy spot features Vietnamese/American fusion with craft cocktails. Indoor and outdoor space. Recommendation: Salt and Pepper Fried Tofu

Hazelwood: Located in Bloomington (a short drive from Mall of America), Tonka Bay, and Saint Louis Park. New American, ranging from fresh off-the-grill to woodfired pizzas. Indoor and outdoor space. Recommendation: BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza.

Aster Cafe: Located in Northeast Minneapolis, just a quick walk away from Stone Arch Bridge. The perfect spot for finger foods and skyline views. Indoor and outdoor space. Recommendation: Shawarma Bowl.

FireLake Grill: Located in the Radison Blu at the Mall of America, FireLake has a menu that honors Minnesota’s heritage dishes. With a full bar, there’s something for everyone. Recommendation: Gnocchi

Wakame Sushi and Asian Bistro: Located on the border of Uptown and Saint Louis Park. Robust sushi menu, Thai food options, and a full bar. Indoor and outdoor space. Recommendation: Wakame Roll

Minneapolis is a must-explore city, and what’s a better reason to come than a photoshoot!? When you’re looking to prepare for your next competition, a weekend in Minneapolis to shoot with me is well worth the trip.

See you in Minneapolis!

-Brittany

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