OK, we have a 4-day weekend coming up, and we're new to the area. I have a guidebook, but I thought I'd ask all you Fodorites for ideas, as well. We actually live about an hour south of the Twin Cities, and since the weather should be awesome, we'd like to drive someplace scenic where we could walk around outdoors; shopping isn't a big draw, but food is. Parks, river towns, or fun areas of the Twin Cities are all viable categories for us...as always, your help will be greatly appreciated!

Stillwater or Marine on St Croix. Though the former is likely to be crowded, there's lots to do in the vicinity. Marine is much smaller, but it's a little gem. Maybe even both....

I second bookhall's recommendation on Stillwater. Great area, beautiful river views, lots of shopping, restaurants, etc. You can't go wrong.....

Some other places that would be fun would be the 50th and France area in Edina. Lindin Hills area. Uptown area, Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, all beautiful. Are you looking for casual restaurants, upscale? What type of food do you like?

I thought of another area. Excelsior is a wonderful town. It is located on Lake Minnetonka. Also Wayzeta would be nice as well. Great outdoor restaurants on the lake!

I agree with the Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka suggestions. Al & Alma's restaurant in Mound has a nice dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka. People & boat watching at Sunsets in Wayzata or Lord Fletcher's in Minnetonka is fun, too. Could take the Jonathan Padleford out of St. Paul for a Mississippi river cruise...could take one of the Stillwater paddleboats on a St. Croix river cruise. Walking around Lake Calhoun, Harriet, and Isles in Minneapolis is always fun. Sculpture garden at Walker Art Center is interesting. Saturday or Sunday evening picnics in front of the Lake Harriet bandshell listening to a concert on a lovely evening...heaven! Have fun with your planning!