TOP: CHAMBRAY SHIRT  |  SHORTS: BLACK DENIM SHORTS  |  SHOES: LEATHER SANDALS  |  BAG: CHLOE ‘MARCIE’ BAG  |  HAT: PANAMA HAT  |  LIPGLOSS: YSL LIP GLOSS (#5)  |  DRESS: WHITE LACE DRESS (LAST SEEN HERE)  |  SANDALS: WHITE SANDALS  |  DRESS: POLKA DOT DRESS (PINK VERSION ON SALE HERE)  |  HEELS: CELINE (SIMILAR BLACK ANKLE STRAP HEELS)

Today I am super excited to share with you my trip to Minneapolis.  Now, I know what you might be thinking, because I was thinking it too… Minnesota?  I had never been there before, and to be honest, as a west-coaster I hadn’t really ever given a visit there much thought – but holy cow you guys… I am smitten… for reals!  Like, I would totally move there.  Minneapolis is not only an incredibly beautiful, lush green city with more lakes than you could count on the flight in, but there’s also a ton to do!  From urban bicycling to lawn bowling, boating on nearby Lake Minnetonka and dining on delicious seasonal fare, I discovered that there is truly something for everyone!

I flew out there with my friends from The Luxury Collection to visit the newly renovated Hotel Ivy in the heart of downtown Minneapolis (you can read more about the beautiful renovation of this historic hotel here).  Upon arriving and getting settled in my spacious suite (and touching up after the flight in), we headed over to Brit’s Pub for some drinks, apps and a little lawn bowling (yes, you read that right).  It’s kind of similar to Bocce Ball and it’s super fun… you might have caught a glimpse of it on my snapchat (dashofdarling).  I honestly wasn’t very good but I blame the Moscow Mules. (PS you can catch a glimpse of my room here).

After drinks and more drinks, we headed back to the hotel for the most amazing dinner thanks to Chef Michael DeCamp at the resident restaurant at the hotel, Monello.  It’s an elegant restaurant with classic coastal Italian fare and everything we tried on the tasting menu was superb (and PS, did I mention that I am a suuuuuper  picky eater?).  To cap off the night, why not indulge in a few more drinks at the chic bar downstairs, Constantine?  PS, try their homemade pop tarts! (Sidenote: I swear I am not normally such a lush haha).

It may or may not have been a rough morning the next day, but we threw on our helmets and biked through the city to get a better feel for it, which is seriously the best way to get to know a new city.  Afterwards, we grabbed a bite back at the hotel before heading out on a chartered yacht cruise around Lake Minnetonka.  As you can tell from the photos above (and here) it was absolutely gorgeous (can I just get a vacation home there please?).  The weather really reminded me of a summer in Utah – sunny and a pleasant 80 degrees. (I think I had psyched myself out and was expecting some crazy humid and/or frigid weather… but all I got was heaven).

Afterwards, we ran back to the hotel to change and celebrate its grand reveal.  It was a lovely party to celebrate an equally lovely hotel.  The next morning I indulged in a nice hot stone massage at the Ivy Spa Club before hopping on a flight back home (it was much needed and the perfect way to feel relaxed and replenished).  I only wish I had more time to spend at the luxurious spa to enjoy their steam room and state-of-the-art fitness facility (the size of a regular gym).

All in all, although it was a quick trip, it was incredibly memorable… and I hope to visit again someday soon (and take my hubby with me next time so he can fall in love with it too).

If you’re visiting Minneapolis anytime soon or happen to be a local, definitely check out The Hotel Ivy if you’re looking for a modern chic, yet relaxing place to rest your head with high-quality staff and five star food (let’s be honest, who doesn’t want all that?!)

Thanks for visiting and following along.  You can see more from my trip to Minneapolis with The Luxury Collection on my Instagram (@caitlinclairexo).

*A special thank you to The Luxury Collection and The Hotel Ivy for partnering on this post and hosting my intern and I for such an incredible time in Minneapolis.

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