MINNESOTA TRAVEL USA

Summer in Alexandria: The Best Weekend Itinerary

March 27, 2023 by Kat No Comments

There’s nothing quite like exploring Minnesota’s Lake Country. Alexandria, Minnesota embodies the Minnesota laidback lifestyle, love for the outdoors, and is host to tons of incredible local businesses. Being less than two hours from Fargo-Moorhead or MSP, Alexandria is a great place to plan a weekend getaway without a ton of travel time. Alexandria is gorgeous in any season, but summer in Alexandria is truly something special.

We spent a weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday morning) exploring the town and I’m sharing our itinerary to help you plan your trip!

Summer in Alexandria | Friday

4:30pm– Finish with work and get ready for the weekend!

5:00pm- Leave for Alexandria

TRAVEL Fargo-Moorhead to Alexandria: 1 Hour, 40 Mins

TRAVEL MSP to Alexandria: 2 Hours

7:00pm- Arrive in Alexandria and head to Zorbaz on the Lake for Supper.

I would suggest ordering the Macho Nachoz, they are delicious!

8:30pm- Walk over to Lure and grab a nightcap, the Pomegranate Margarita is a perfect summer drink.

8:30pm/10:00pm- Check into your hotel. I can recommend both Arrowwood Resort and Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

For more inspiration- check out my other guide:

Great things to do in Alexandria, Minnesota

Summer in Alexandria | Saturday

8:00am- Wake up and get ready for the day!

9:00am- Drive to Roer’s Family Bakery on Broadway St. Pick up a tasty donut and/or pastry for breakfast.

9:30am- Walk 3 minutes south on Broadway to The Edge Co. Sit and enjoy a handcrafted coffee or mimosa. Take some time to browse the beautiful selection of homegoods and clothing.

10:00am- Take the remainder of the morning to enjoy the local shop in Downtown Alexandria. A few of my favorites include: Kindred People for Women’s Clothing, Bazara for Homegoods and Decor, and Raw and Co. for natural and organic Skincare and Beauty Products. Be sure to stop by Nice Juicery and grab a hand-pressed juice for Sunday morning!

12:00pm- Drive out to Bold North Cellars– home of Carlos Creek Winery, 22 Northmen Brewing and Stoke Wood-Fire Pizza. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer and some pizza in the sun.

A few of my favorites are: the Hot Dish Red, sweet red wine; and the Salted Lime Cerveza, a Mexican Light Lager; and the Chicken Carbonara pizza.

2:00pm– Drive to Lake Darling Resort and pick up your pontoon boat rental for the afternoon. Spend some time cruising around Lake Darling and other connected lakes.

Be sure to dock at Arrowwood Resort and grab a drink!

5:00pm- Return the Pontoon and head back to your hotel to shower off and get ready for dinner.

7:00pm- Have dinner at 6th Ave Garden Bar. I highly recommend the charcuterie board!

8:30pm– If you’re feeling up to it head to Copper Trail Brewing for a drink and board games.

I have tried the Pink Passion Sour and the Lakeside Wheat with Orange and enjoyed both!

8:30pm-10:00pm Head back to your hotel for a great sleep after a busy day.

Summer in Alexandria | Sunday

8:00am- Wake up and enjoy your juice from Nice Juicery. If you’re staying at Fairfield have the continental breakfast and coffee, or at Arrowwood Resort, sit down for breakfast at 2100 Chophouse.

9:30am- Check out of your hotel and head to your last adventure of the trip- Lake Carlos State Park.

10:00am- Spend a few hours hiking and exploring Lake Carlos State Park. In the winter we hiked the loop around Hidden Lake. It was so beautiful- I imagine the views are incredible in the summer as well.

12:00pm- Leave Alexandria.

TRAVEL Alexandria to Fargo-Moorhead: 1 Hour, 40 Mins

TRAVEL Alexandria to Minneapolis: 2 Hours

Alexandria has a little bit of everything: delicious food and drink, cute and local stores and shops, and great places to get outdoors. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but want to stay close to home, Alexandria, Minnesota is a great weekend getaway for you!