By Natalie Hall

The Twin Cities are the perfect place to paddle, putt, play and prance with your partner on these four dates.

Date #1 – Minneapolis

Skim some of our 10,000 lakes on a paddleboard, kayak or canoe with rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals at Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. Then join dedicated Minnesotans in line at Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream on Upton Avenue. Relax on the quaint patio or take your cones to go and rewind with a ride on the Como-Harriet Streetcar. Catch the car near Lake Harriet on Queen Avenue and 42nd Street for a 10-minute ride between the lakes and a brief synopsis of the rich streetcar history of the Twin Cities.

Date #2 – St. Paul

Sit back and spectate at a St. Paul Saints game in downtown St. Paul at CHS Field. The Saints have been a team since 1901, and their main rival until the ‘60s was the Minneapolis Millers. Grab a pre-game lunch at The Bulldog Lowertown, which is within walking distance from the field. This is one of the best, under-known local burger chains with unique specials like the rise ‘n’ shine burger with a fried egg, cheddar cheese and red onions, or the bacon jalapeño cheese curds.

Photo by Natalie Hall

Date #3 – Minneapolis

Take in local classics like “Spoonbridge and Cherry” and new favorites like the blue rooster, “Hahn/Cock,” at the recently re-opened Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. While you are there, take a swing at the artist-designed mini golf course in the sculpture garden. Then cross the bridge and continue your walk in picturesque Loring Park. The cherry on top of this date is the Minneapolis skyline view from both the garden and the park. Fall even more in love with the view, and each other, at the city’s most romantic patio retreat at Café Lurcat, flanking Loring Park. Or head into downtown for a healthy dose of competition; play bocce ball and other yard games on the roof of Brit’s Pub on Nicollet Mall. Then venture to England together from a rooftop table with fish and chips and Fuller beer.

Date #4 – Minneapolis:

For an earthy day, plant a pot together. Wind around Tangletown Gardens in Minneapolis and find all the beautiful blooms you need. Then stop at Wise Acre Eatery across the street for an organic, locally grown morsel.