East coast guy here. Going through some personal stuff and want to take a solo trip to somewhere new for me and just have time to think and relax. Was thinking about visiting here. 4 questions.

  1. Very much into music and would love to see local music (particularly punk, hardcore, metal, or rock but not picky love music in general). Is there any cool small spots to see a show at?

  2. Any records shops? Love to add to my collection from new places.

  3. Best tattoo shop? Love to get tattoos in new places too kinda like a souvenir for me.

  4. Best place to relax and unwind? Definitely need time to decompress from life.

Sorry for asking a lot just want to know before I invest a decent amount in a trip.

  • Any records shops? Love to add to my collection from new places.

    The Electric Fetus is kind of a locally famous place that's been around since the 60s and Cheapo Records (which is within walking distance) also has a large selection.

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    ...but given the interest in punk and hardcore, Extreme Noise is the real stop for you.

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    This and it's not particularly close.

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    1. Go to Magers & Quinn, take a walk on and around frozen Bde Maka Ska, and check this place out after https://www.portalthermaculture.com/minneapolis.

    Very slow, very Minneapolis, and you can just kinda think about anything or nothing. I suggest getting some pot first, but no dispensaries in the area for now

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  • Agharta in St.Paul is my favorite record shop in town. Also if you like the punk/metal side of things Extreme Noise on Lake Street is amazing. They have volunteer-only staff so prices are super low.

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    As a bonus, black coffin tattoo is on the same block.

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  • Give @undercurrentsmpls a follow on instagram for info on upcoming local shows.

    I’m no expert but I have had only good experiences and good things to say about Grand Ave Tattoo in St. Paul. (Only a couple miles from Minneapolis)

    I personally think Minneapolis is a great place to relax and unwind. There is a slower paced, chill vibe to our city, one which will be especially apparent if you’re coming from a bigger city.

    I would highly recommend getting outside and exploring our parks and lakes (even if you’re coming in the winter). The chain of lakes, Theodore Wirth Park, Minehaha Falls, River Road, Fort Snelling State Park, Como Park and conservatory (St. Paul), etc.

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  • I just moved back to Minneapolis from the east coast due to some personal things. It's a really nice city to reflect and find some peace. Extreme Noise is a great record store for punk/etc.. It's a bit cold, but I always find walking along the Mississippi is a great way to unwind. Hope you make it out here!!

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  • I’d recommend the White Squirrel in St Paul for live music. It’s cozy

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  • Music venues: The ineffable First Ave, of Prince fame. Seventh Street Entry is attached to First Ave and showcases smaller artists. Varsity Theater, Fine Line, and Palace Theater (St. Paul) are also awesome.

    Record shops: Electric Fetus as previously mentioned. In St. Paul, Agharta Records and Barely Brothers Records are cool.

    Tattoos: Right around the corner from Agharta Records, you could stop by Black Coffin Tattoo. Grand Avenue Tattoo is also great, but you have to show up in person to get on a wait list for a walk in.

    Relax and Unwind: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a balmy, tropical oasis in the winter time. Minneapolis Institute of Arts is beautiful and serene. Both are free. Google saunas and find one to try out. We’ll also have ice castles opening at the state fairgrounds in January. There’s also a new bath-house-style spa called Watershed Spa. I haven’t been yet, but it looks nifty.

    The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is also incredible, but that’s a bit of a trek to Chaska. If you went that far though you could also check out Paisley Park, Prince’s home and now a museum.

    Hope you have a wonderful time!

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    Also if you are here on a Sunday evening, check out Cornbread Harris at Schooner Tavern! He is 97 and has a weekly residency there 5-7 pm and he is a treasure. Jimmy Jam is his son.

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  • You want to go to Mill City Sound in Hopkins (Record store) if you can. Other options are Electric Fetus, Cheapo, Agharta (St Paul).

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  • Bunkers is the best spot for nightly local music. Glueks is also a heavy recommendation

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  • Cloudland is a cool small venue that you might want to check out. Turf Club over in St. Paul also has a lot of good shows.

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    agree to both suggestions above. also this may be a great or horrible recommendation, but 331 club in NE can have some really fun acts on the weekends, but some really odd ones too lol. truly a tossup.

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  • Caydence Coffee and Records in St. Paul is the best, and if you’re lucky there might be a show in the little venue in the back while you’re visiting!

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  • CC Club

    Electric Fetus

    Aloha Monkey

    Seville

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