♨️Saunas, Saloons & Cinnamon Rolls

Plus, a wintry roadtrip up North.

Author

Joe Carmack
January 21, 2026

Extra chilly. This week feels like Minnesota’s forecast spilled into real life — lots of ice and negativity everywhere.  We hope this week’s ‘Dish gives you something to get out and enjoy — and maybe a small chance to spread a little warmth and light to our world while we’re at it. 🫶

Stay warm,
-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

St. Paul Winter Carnival

1/22 - 2/1

A classic winter tradition that leans into cold-weather fun with ice sculptures, parades, outdoor activities, and a mix of indoor events when you need a warm break. Some parts feel festive and bustling, others surprisingly laid-back, making it easy to wander, people-watch, and enjoy winter without over planning. It’s the kind of outing where you can stay for an hour or make a full day of it, depending on the weather and your mood.

Hornucopia: A tribute horn rock

1/24

It’s a live set from a solid horn-driven band playing classic rock favorites with brass front and center, think Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears style tunes. A tight group of players bring that era’s horn energy to life in a relaxed concert setting at the Heart of the City Music Factory in Anoka.

 

Wreck It Rage Room, Savage MN

ongoing

It’s a local smash-room where you suit up, grab a bat or hammer and break all sorts of stuff in a padded space for a weirdly satisfying way to let off steam and do something physical that isn’t jogging or yelling at your phone. Think Wreck-It-Ralph but better.

 

Joyann Parker @ Le Musique Room

1/23

This is a live show with Joyann Parker and her band mixing soulful roots, blues, gospel and R&B-tinged tunes in a small theater setting that lets you hear every lick and lyric close up. It leans on real musicianship instead of gimmicks or loud production. This show is sure to leave you wanting more.

 

Totally Rad Vintage Fest @ Mpls Convention Center

1/24 - 1/25

It’s a weekend festival stacked with vintage vendors selling clothing, accessories, toys and other relics mostly from 80s, 90s and early 2000s. You can poke around retro gaming stations, browse old-school merch and take pictures in throwback setups while exploring all the booths.

After dinner, wander over to Stone Arch Studio and do something with your hands that isn’t scrolling. Their glass art classes walk you through making your own piece, step by step, with artists who actually know how to teach without making you feel dumb. Fire, color, molten glass, a little adrenaline. You end up with a handmade keepsake and a shared memory that beats another movie night. Creative, a little intense, and way more fun than it sounds.

The line moves fast for a reason. Brasa is all about bold Latin flavors done simply and well. Rotisserie meats, slow-cooked sides, nothing fussy. The smothered chicken bowl is the move. Juicy, fall-apart chicken over rice with black beans, greens, and their legendary green sauce that somehow works on everything. It’s comforting, filling, and quietly addictive. Counter service keeps things relaxed, but the food hits like someone’s abuela really cares how your night is going.

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This weekend, let’s point the car north and get away for a bit. We are headed to Duluth to see Lake Superior doing its frozen, dramatic thing. Cold air, steaming water, icy cliffs, quiet trails, comfort food, and the kind of winter beauty that makes you forget everything else.

Before you hit the road pull up your favorite short term rental app and get a cozy cabin for a few nights or if you’re wanting to stay in the city there are multiple hotel options with your favorite amenities. For the drive we’re gonna keep it simple, jump on 35W North and set the cruise control.

Your first stop is Tobies Restaurant & Bakery in Hinckley, about an hour north of Minneapolis. This is not optional. Grab a cinnamon roll the size of a steering wheel and a hot coffee before continuing north. Road trips without Tobies are just long errands.

A few minutes later, detour to Banning State Park. Winter hikes here are quiet and dramatic, with frozen waterfalls, river views, and old quarry ruins dusted in snow. Short trails make it an easy leg-stretcher without freezing you solid. 

Back on the road, stop in Carlton at Sweetly Kismet Candy Store. Old-school candy, fudge, and a nostalgia hit that some how feels even better in the winter. Stock up now. You’ll thank yourself later.

While you’re off 35W continue a little farther to Jay Cooke State Park. Whether you do another little hike or just go see the views from from the iconic swinging bridge over the St. Louis River gorge it is worth the stop.

Now that you’re rolling into Duluth head straight to Grandma’s Saloon & Grill along Canal Park. Hearty comfort food, Lake Superior views, and the perfect place to thaw out before more exploring.

After eating, the possibilities for the remainder of your trip are abundant. From photo ops to shops to activities or more food and drinks or just cozying up where you are staying you pick…

  • Take a quick drive to the Thompson Hill Welcome Center. On clear winter days, the overlook gives you sweeping views of the Twin Ports, frozen lake included.

  • Walk or drive over the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge for a different view of the area.

  • Massive locomotives, rail history, and indoor warmth. Strong combo at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Trains are objectively cooler when it’s 10 degrees outside.

  • Canal Park shopping is an easy stroll of local boutiques, outdoor gear, and Lake Superior souvenirs. Warm up, browse a bit, and leave with something distinctly Duluth.

  • Enger Park features a quirky tower, Lake Superior views and striking overlooks. Perfect quick stop for winter scenery and postcard - worthy skyline shots.

  • Blacklist Brewing Co. is far from being on our blacklist with it’s fun atmosphere and axe throwing. Your time here is always on target.

  • If you are missing the golf courses under all this snow stop by Caddy Shack for some HD golf simulators while drinking some of your favorites and wings you will remember.

Happy trails!

-Joe & Haley

PS: If your 2026 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites… 🙋‍♂️😃

Joe & Haley Carmack
LivingInMN.com