EXPLORE ALEXANDRIA MINNESOTA: A great weekend getaway

There’s nothing quite like exploring Minnesota’s lake country.

Alexandria, Minnesota, embodies the Minnesotan laidback lifestyle, love for the outdoors, and is host to tons of incredible local businesses. Being less than two hours from FargoMoorhead, Alex is a great place to plan a weekend getaway without a ton of travel time or breaking the bank with these high gas prices.

When traveling, sometimes the planning can be the most daunting part. I’ve put together a comprehensive itinerary which includes all my favorite spots. Here’s your perfect weekend itinerary.

Friday

4:00-4:30 p.m. ::

Finish work and get ready for the weekend!

5:00 p.m. :: Leave Fargo-Moorhead. Time to Alexandria: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

7:00 p.m ::

Arrive in Alexandria and head to Zorbaz on the Lake for Supper.

I would suggest ordering the Macho Nachoz. They are delicious!

8:30 p.m. :: or 8:30/10:00 p.m. :: ready for the day! 9:00

Walk over to Lure and grab a nightcap, the Pomegranate Margarita is a perfect summer drink.

Check into your hotel. I can recommend both Arrowwood Resort and Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

Wake

Drive downtown and stop at Roer’s Family Bakery on Broadway. Pick up a tasty donut or pastry for breakfast. 9:30 a.m. :: Walk three minutes south on Broadway to The Edge Co. Sit and enjoy a handcrafted coffee or mimosa. Take some time to browse the beautiful selection of home goods and clothing.

10:00 a.m. ::

Take the remainder of the morning to enjoy the local shops in downtown Alexandria. A few of my favorites include Kindred People for women’s clothing, Bazara for home goods and decor, and Raw and Co. for natural and organic skincare and beauty products. Be sure to stop by Nice Juicery and purchase a hand-pressed juice for Sunday morning!

12:00 p.m. ::

Drive out to Bold North Cellars, home of Carlos Creek Winery, 22 Northmen Brewing and Stoke Wood-Fire Pizza. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer and some pizza in the sun. A few of my favorites are: the Hot Dish Red, a sweet red wine; the Salted Lime Cerveza, a Mexican light lager; and the Chicken Carbonara pizza.

2:00 p.m. ::

Drive to Lake Darling Resort and pick up your pontoon boat for the afternoon. Spend some time cruising around Lake Darling and other connected lakes. Be sure to dock at Arrowwood Resort and grab a drink!

5:00 p.m ::

Return the pontoon and head back to your hotel to shower off and get ready for dinner.

7:00 p.m. ::

Have dinner at 6th Ave Garden Bar. I highly recommend the charcuterie board.

8:30 p.m. :: If you’re feeling up to it head to Copper Trail Brewing for a drink and board games. I have tried the Pink Passion Sour and the Lakeside Wheat with Orange and enjoyed both! or 8:30/10:00 p.m. ::

Head back to your hotel for a great sleep after a busy day.

Sunday

8:00 a.m. ::

Wake up and enjoy your juice from Nice Juicery. If you’re staying at Fairfield Inn, have the continental breakfast and coffee, or at Arrowwood Resort, sit down for breakfast at 2100 Chophouse

9:30 a.m. ::

Check out of your hotel and head to your last adventure of the trip — Lake Carlos State Park

10:00 a.m. ::

Spend a few hours hiking and exploring Lake Carlos State Park. In the winter we hiked the loop around Hidden Lake. It was so beautiful, and I imagine the views are incredible in the summer as well.

12:00 p.m. :: Leave Alexandria. Travel time to Fargo-Moorhead: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Alexandria has a little bit of everything: delicious food and drink, cute local stores and shops, and great places to get outdoors. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Fargo-Moorhead but want to stay close to home, Alexandria is a great weekend getaway for you! [ aw ]