💘Sunshine, Sweethearts & Soul Food

Plus, the perfect Valentines plans.

Author

Joe Carmack
February 11, 2026

Your Weekend Forecast

Kites on Ice, Buffalo

2/14

Bundle up and head to downtown Buffalo for a day where the lake turns into a quirky winter playground. Giant colorful kites take over the sky thanks to flyers from around Minnesota and the Midwest, while on the ground you’ll find food trucks, a beer garden, dog sled rides, ice games and tournaments like cornhole and pond hockey. It’s low-key fun that pulls folks out of the house and showcases local shops, eats and winter spirit.

The Ultimate RV Show

2/12 - 2/16

You’ll be wandering a big indoor space filled with a huge range of RVs, from compact trailers to full-size motorhomes, checking them out up close and comparing different layouts and features. There are gear booths, product displays, and plenty of random stuff to browse while you figure out what kind of camping rig actually makes sense.

 

Build Your Own Fort! @ Children’s Theater

2/13 - 4/5

It’s set up like a big play space where the stage gets turned into a fort-building zone with couches, blankets, boxes and goofy props. People improvise, stack and craft whatever structures they imagine, wandering around and discovering surprises as the atmosphere shifts, morphs, and invites curiosity throughout.

 

This Musical is a Joke @ Chanhassen Dinner Theater

3/5/ - 3/26

Imagine a group of performers making up a full musical on the spot from whatever the audience tosses at them. There’s singing, jokes and story twists that only happen once, so every show feels unpredictable and a bit chaotic in the best way.

 

Minnesota Golf Show

2/13 - 2/15

It’s basically a giant indoor showcase where you can check out all kinds of golf gear, tech and courses in one place. Clubs, simulators, accessories and conversations with folks who actually know the sport make it more interesting than just a bunch of booths lined up.

Dinner at The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar leans into casual American fare with a local, unpretentious feel and a surprisingly broad menu. They’ve got everything from burgers and salads to daily comfort-style dishes with a twist, and a long patio that’s dog-friendly if either of you brought a pup. One of the standout choices is their Bleu Fig Burger with a four-cheese spread, bacon, fig jam and arugula that somehow balances sweet and savory without trying too hard. Expect a laid-back room, lots of taps, playful cocktails and food that feels familiar but not forgettable.

After dinner, try something hands-on at The Cracked Pot Studio’s Sip ‘N Spin session where you and your date actually throw clay on a potter’s wheel together. It’s a short, social class where you get a bit of instruction, spin some clay, and sip whatever beverage you brought while you work. You’ll leave with a handmade piece that gets glazed and fired later, plus that satisfying kind of awkward-creative memory you don’t usually make in a bar or movie theater.

Cobblestone streets, river views, candlelit dinners, and historic hotels that feel like they were built for slow mornings and late-night conversations. This week’s Up Yonder rounds up the best of Stillwater for a Valentine’s weekend that feels easy, intimate, and worth remembering.

💘The Perfect Valentine’s Weekend in Stillwater 🚢

Historic Hotels

Water Street Inn sits right on the St. Croix River in Stillwater, rooms range from cozy historic to roomy modern with fireplaces and big windows. Old-world charm meets fresh updates, easy walk to shops and restaurants, classic small-town Minnesota feel.

Hotel Crosby in historic Stillwater is a boutique stay with custom-designed rooms, a rooftop terrace and bar, and an onsite restaurant with one of the largest whiskey selections in the Midwest. Classic river town charm meets modern laid-back luxury.

Lora Hotel built on an old brewery site, it blends historic character with modern comforts. Right on Stillwater’s Main Street, with local art, a coffee shop, bar, and event space tucked into those thick limestone walls.

Good Eats

Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub anchors downtown Stillwater with Irish-American classics, riverfront views and a Victorian-style dining room. Breakfast through dinner with hearty comfort food and casual, lively service.

Matchstick Restaurant & Spirits serves thoughtful farm-to-table American fare grilled and smoked over real wood, paired with an enormous list of rare spirits and wines. Warm, rustic dining room, hearty plates perfect for sharing.

Feller honors the land with seasonal eats breakfast through dinner in a historic brewery space built into the bluffs. Casual yet thoughtful menu with approachable American dishes that nod to local roots.

Memory Makers

Stillwater Trolley provides a laid-back, narrated loop through 178 years of Stillwater history. You’ll roll past riverfront landmarks, old-school architecture and local stories that give the town its character without feeling like a textbook lecture.

Stroll down Main Street and pop into the 100 independently owned shops. Grab a sweet treat at Leo’s Malt Shop or Candyland. Bundle up and walk along the frozen river front and see the Lift Bridge.

Stillwater Escape Co. gives you an hour to outsmart the room together. Equal parts laughter, tension, and high-fives when you finally crack that last lock.

Have a great weekend!
-Haley & Joe

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

Joe & Haley Carmack
LivingInMN.com