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Twin Cities Alerts

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Axios Twin Cities

Road tripping up the North Shore is tried and true, but if you're looking for something off the beaten path, try Trempealeau — just over the border in Wisconsin.

Here's what to do and where to eat, drink and stay in this hidden gem less than three hours from the Twin Cities.

This historic hotel offers live music on weekends in a big outdoor courtyard on the Mississippi River.

Features: Full service and self-serve dining, lodging options include cottages, luxury suites, historic and riverside rooms

Rate: $50+ per night, depending on room style

Nestled between some of the best fisheries in the area, this family-friendly abode boasts a large porch and a sweet lofted twin bed.

Features: View of the lake, open concept kitchen and living room, well-stocked kitchen, yard with hammock and outdoor furniture

Explore the countryside from this quaint home on the corner acreage of Ecker's Apple Farm, a family-owned orchard.

Features: Access to orchard grounds, located in close proximity to an orchard market and beer garden

On the way there, stop at this cute coffee place with great grab-and-go sandwiches.

Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm

Address: 212 S. Washington St. in Lake City, MN

This nearby family farm serves stone-fired, thin crust pies made fresh to order.

Hours: Friday and Saturday 4pm-8:30pm (seasonally)

Address: N18057 Grover Ln. in Galesville, WI

people gather at the pizza farm on the lawn

Relish this classic Wisconsin-style supper club experience with a view.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 5pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-8pm

Address: W25709 Sullivan Rd. in Trempealeau

1. Take in a show at the Trempealeau Hotel

Local and national acts perform on this hotel's stage nestled near the Mississippi. 

Check the event schedule for updated information.

Ride along the Great River State Trail, then have a glass overlooking the river valley.

Hours: From May through October, the vineyard is open Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm-6pm, Thursday 12pm-8pm, Friday 12pm-7pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm

Address: N14756 Delaney Rd. in Trempealeau

This 20-minute hiking spot across the river in Winona offers panoramic views of the bluff country city.

Torey's thought bubble: "The iconic rock tower is a popular site for rock climbing."

Address: Corner of Hwy 61 & 43 in Winona, MN

Getaway guide to scenic Trempealeau, 2.5 hours from Minneapolis

Road tripping up the North Shore is tried and true, but if you're looking for something off the beaten path, try Trempealeau.

A bluff near Frank's Farmhouse. Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

Travel

Road tripping up the North Shore is tried and true, but if you&#x27;re looking for something off the beaten path, try Trempealeau — just over the border in Wisconsin.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what to do and where to eat, drink and stay in this hidden gem less than three hours from the Twin Cities.</li></ul>

Things to Do

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

Twin Cities metro-area housing inventory has grown over the last few months, which means more gems are coming to market.

Here are a few for sale right now that caught our eye.

Why we love it: Tucked on a quiet street, this spacious abode boasts cozy gathering spaces and a remodeled kitchen with chic details.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,540 square feet

Listed by: Theodora Velic and Kelly Brown at eXp Realty

Features: Detached one-car garage, finished basement, hardwood floors, arched ceilings, natural woodwork, fenced backyard with deck

Photo: BrightSpaces Photography, courtesy of Theodora Velic

living room with view of dining room and windows

sleek kitchen with creamy cabinets and sleek finishes

Why we love it: An open floor plan and white modern kitchen elevate this sun-soaked home that's just a short walk from neighborhood hot spots.

Specs: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,971 square feet

Listed by: Christina Leonard and Ryan Platzke at Coldwell Banker Realty

Features: Attached one-car garage, finished basement, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, kitchen island, gas fireplace, fenced backyard with turf

side angle view of house with fenced yard

sleek open concept living room with dining room and kitchen view

backyard with string lights, turf and deck

Why we love it: This split-level ranch offers charming vaulted ceilings and a new cedar deck for grilling.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,910 square feet

Listed by: Travis Metzen at Metzen Realty and Associates CO.

Features: Attached three-car garage, finished basement, open layout, stainless appliances, granite counters, natural woodwork, wood burning fireplace

Photo: UAV Vision Media, courtesy of Travis Metzen

open concept living area with view of kitchen and fireplace

kitchen with view of living area and large center island

Why we love it: Moody blue tones and stylish finishes give this updated property an airy, spa-like feel.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,872 square feet

Features: Detached two-car garage, unfinished basement, kitchen island, custom cabinetry, porch, hardwood floors, french doors, walk-in closet

exterior of blue-grey house with red door

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Charly Marggraf

airy living room with windows and fireplace

kitchen with blue cabinets and chalkboard wall

Why we love it: This glossy home is packed with thoughtful design elements, including an island, soft-close cabinets and floating shelves in the chef's kitchen.

Location: Macalester-Groveland (St. Paul)

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,840 square feet

Listed by: Danny Dietl at BRIX Real Estate

Features: Detached two-car garage, unfinished basement, Acacia hardwood floors, gas fireplace, stainless appliances, Quartz counters, soaking tub

exterior of brown and cream home with porch

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Danny Dietl

open concept living spaces that lead to kitchen

modern kitchen with floating shelves and stainless appliances

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K

Twin Cities metro-area housing inventory has grown over the last few months, which means more gems are coming to market. Here are a few for sale right now that caught our eye.

1256 Juliet Ave. Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Danny Dietl

Twin Cities metro-area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing inventory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/higher-rates-continue-to-cool-demand-home-prices-still-on-the-rise/" data-vars-content-id="4ddcdef2-d885-4973-b339-f3f7d0561d6f" data-vars-headline="Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/higher-rates-continue-to-cool-demand-home-prices-still-on-the-rise/" target="_blank">housing inventory</a> has grown over the last few months, which means more gems are coming to market.<ul><li>Here are a few for sale right now that caught our eye.</li></ul>

Real Estate

Signs of a cooling market persist in the Twin Cities, as sales fell and home price growth slowed in August, per new data from Minneapolis Area REALTORS.

Here are five stunners to kickstart your hunt in this less competitive market.

Why we love it: Newly renovated, this sunny abode is tucked on a quiet street near Wood Lake Nature Center and other neighborhood hot spots.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,695 square feet

Listed by: Sara Melby and Kelly Brown at eXp Realty

Features: Detached two-car garage, finished basement, stainless steel appliances, original hardwood floors, deck, fenced yard, arched doorways

white home with raised entryway and dark accents

Why we love it: This picturesque home boasts large, south-facing windows and an open concept main level.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,602 square feet

Listed by: Alex and Ben Dzurik at Keller Williams Premier Realty Lake Minnetonka

Features: Detached one-car garage, finished basement, stainless steel appliances, gas range, hardwood floors, natural woodwork, deck, fenced yard

brick red home with white porch chairs and greenery

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Dzurik Property Twins

kitchen with modern appliances and white cabinetry

Why we love it: Unwind in this spacious home that offers cozy gathering spaces complete with a grand, brick fireplace.

Specs: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,192 square feet

Listed by: Elizabeth "Muffy" Babcock Lokowich at Keller Williams Integrity Realty

Features: Attached two-car garage, finished basement, new fridge and stove, hardwood floors, deck overlooking fenced yard, updates throughout

Photo: Nordy Photography, courtesy of Elizabeth "Muffy" Babcock Lokowich

living room that opens into dining room off kitchen

sleek, spacious kitchen with white cabinets and tile floor

Why we love it: Modern meets vintage in this abode that's brimming with lush textures and wood trim.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,574 square feet

Listed by: Jeff Nobleza and Ryan Platzke at Coldwell Banker Realty

Features: Detached two-car garage, partially finished basement, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, center island, hardwood floors, built-ins, skylight

living room that opens into formal dining room with natural woodwork

modern kitchen with island and wood cabinetry

Why we love it: Remodeled from top to bottom, this 1.5-story boasts a sleek kitchen and lets in tons of natural light.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,448 square feet

Listed by: Denise Mazone at Mazone Real Estate Group, Inc

Features: Detached two-car garage, partial basement, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, natural woodwork, electric fireplace, patio

Photo: Homecoming Photography, courtesy of Denise Mazone

modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, patterned backsplash and floating shelves

Signs of a cooling market persist in the Twin Cities.

brick red home with porch with white chairs

1536 Scheffer Ave. Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Dzurik Property Twins

Signs of a cooling market persist in the Twin Cities, as sales fell and home price growth slowed in August, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/home-price-growth-slows-as-market-times-rise-and-demand-cools/" data-vars-content-id="5b8aac3a-22c2-44b2-9879-d2e492b582ff" data-vars-headline="Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mplsrealtor.com/news/home-price-growth-slows-as-market-times-rise-and-demand-cools/" target="_blank">new data</a> from Minneapolis Area REALTORS.<ul><li>Here are five stunners to kickstart your hunt in this less competitive market.</li></ul>

This week's Hot Homes collection varies in architectural styles from traditional to modern luxury.

Why we love it: This charmer offers a generous galley kitchen with new quartz countertops and is located just blocks from Highland Village shops and eateries.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,308 square feet

Listed by: Scott Smith and Levi Ortmann at Keller Williams Premier Realty

Features: Detached one-car garage, finished basement with gas fireplace and built-in cabinetry, updated appliances, renovated bathrooms and fenced-in backyard

exterior of white home with pine green door

Photo: Mill City Team, courtesy of Smith Team

cheery living room that opens to dining area

galley kitchen with granite and butcher block counters, plus updated appliances

Why we love it: Breezy and bright, this spacious abode features sleek living spaces and a bonus work room.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,006 square feet

Listed by: Eric Bigham at Coldwell Banker Realty

Features: Detached and insulated three-car garage, finished basement, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, located near Victory Memorial Drive

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Eric Bigham

bright and airy living room that opens into dining room and kitchen

modern and sleek kitchen with wraparound island

Why we love it: Warm neutrals and textures abound in this home's stylish kitchen and open floor plan.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,586 square feet

Listed by: Stacey Johnson at Real Broker, LLC

Features: Attached two-car garage, unfinished basement, two fireplaces, French doors, paver stone patio, updates throughout, located near downtown

modern kitchen that opens to dining area and living area

Why we love it: Gather and entertain at this inviting home with a grand foyer and a cozy living room that walks directly out to the backyard.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,876 square feet

Listed by: Christopher Deming at RE/MAX Results

Features: Detached one-car garage, unfinished basement, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, dining room with built-ins and fenced-in backyard

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Christopher Deming

living room with view of yard, foyer, stairs and dining room

modern kitchen with center island and updated appliances with white cabinets

Why we love it: Brimming with original details, this classic two-story boasts a glossy kitchen and attractive woodwork throughout.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,412 square feet

Features: Detached two-car garage, four season porch, hardwood floors, walk-up attic, wood burning fireplace and dining room with built-ins

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Tom Crouch

classic living room with fireplace and wood paneling

sleek modern kitchen with view of breakfast bar

informal dining room with cozy sitting area and wood paneling throughout

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $390K

exterior view of beige home with dark accents and large tree in front

4136 Abbott Ave. N. Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Eric Bigham

This week&#x27;s Hot Homes collection varies in architectural styles from traditional to modern luxury.

Whether you're on the hunt for an urban condo or a mid-century modern pad, this week's hot homes collection has something for everyone.

Why we love it: Perched atop Midtown Global Market, this loft-style condo boasts sleek concrete floors and large windows.

Specs: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,135 square feet

Listed by: Benton Johnson at Edina Realty, Inc.

Features: One underground parking space, in-unit laundry, community rooftop, fitness room and media room, 24-hour security

Photo: Homecoming Photography, courtesy of Benton Johnson

kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances

Why we love it: Light and bright spaces elevate this one-story home tucked in a private, oversized lot.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,556 square feet

Listed by: Michael Distad and Thomas Distad at Coldwell Banker Realty

Features: Attached one-car garage, finished basement, hardwood floors, privacy fence, updated main bathroom, patio

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Michael Distad

living room with yellow curtains and lots of light

kitchen with large fridge and two-toned cabinets

Why we love it: This mid-century rambler offers a stylish kitchen with custom cabinets, oak hardwood floors and plenty of natural light.

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,550 square feet

Listed by: Michael Smith and Rebekah Cook at Anderson Realty

Features: Detached two-car garage, finished basement, open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, remodeled main bathroom, paver patio, fenced yard

Photo: SinghShots, courtesy of Anderson Realty

Why we love it: A breezy floor plan and gleaming kitchen are stand-out perks of this custom-built abode overlooking Lakeview Terrace Park.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,264 square feet

Listed by: Jean Bain and Thomas Bain at Coldwell Banker Realty

Features: Attached two-car garage, finished walkout basement, hardwood floors, wet bar, two gas fireplaces, custom closet systems, patio

Photo: Spacecrafting, courtesy of Jean Bain

Why we love it: This cozy home is built for entertaining, with an open layout, luxe family room and private backyard retreat.

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,675 square feet

Listed by: Marissa Winegarden and Erik Winegarden at eXp Realty

Features: Attached three-car garage, partially finished basement, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center island, deck, fire pit, hot tub

Photo: 8710 Photography, courtesy of Marissa and Erik Winegarden

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $290K

home with new front stoop and sidewalk, plus large private fenced yard

1026 Bowdoin St. Photo: SinghShots, courtesy of Anderson Realty

Whether you&#x27;re on the hunt for an urban condo or a mid-century modern pad, this week&#x27;s hot homes collection has something for everyone.

Sami Sparber

Featured stories

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $390K

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $290K

Getaway guide to scenic Trempealeau, 2.5 hours from Minneapolis