Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Blaine, Minnesota to Fridley, Minnesota

Driving from Blaine, Minnesota to Fridley, Minnesota can be a short and uneventful drive if one stays on the main highway. However, if you want to explore some unexpected stops along the way, there are several hidden gems that are worth visiting. This route spans for approximately 20 miles with a normal drive duration of 30-40 minutes, depending on your stops. Here are five unexpected places to visit for an enjoyable drive from Blaine, Minnesota to Fridley, Minnesota.

Blaine, MN (Halfway Point)

Blaine, Minnesota, is the perfect halfway point between the two cities. A quick stop here gives you the opportunity to stretch your legs and take a break from driving. In Blaine, you will find several family-friendly parks and restaurants perfect for a bite to eat. For instance, Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is an ideal spot to take a nature walk and explore the serene environment. The sanctuary provides a serene environment and is a great place to bird watch and peep into different species unique to the area. Alternatively, you can grab a bite to eat at Big Dipper Creamery, which has a broad selection of ice cream and sorbet flavors that appeal to all preferences, and spend some time indoors.

Big Dipper Creamery

Big Dipper Creamery takes pride in handcrafting high-quality Ice Cream with a broad range of flavors using only freshest premium ingredients. Their selection ranges from the standard vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous flavors like Rocky Road, which will always be a favorite of their customers.

Happy Gnome

If you are searching for a great location with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent beer choices to rest and refresh yourself, Happy Gnome is worth a visit. Happy Gnome is a modern gastropub perfect for anyone who wants to sample top-notch brews. Their menu has an expansive range of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. This makes it an excellent place to cater to all tastes. The restaurant organizes live music on some evenings, adding to the establishment's charm.

Happy Gnome's Scotch Eggs

If you’re looking for a tasty food option, Happy Gnome's Scotch Eggs are a must-try. These are boiled eggs, which are then passed through the manufacturing process to form a meat covering. The blend of meat and egg is a perfect fusion and complements a variety of beer selections available.

Columbia Golf Club

Columbia Golf Club is an excellent location for golf enthusiasts; the club provides an expensive 18-hole golf course, which is a range of tee locations designed to match all abilities. The course's fairways and greens are impeccably maintained and offer a pleasant golfing experience. Even if you are not a golfer, the club provides a lovely view in a peaceful environment and features a fantastic dining experience with a patio setup to offer a refreshing atmosphere.

Columbia Golf Club's Caesar Salad

Columbia Golf Club's Caesar Salad is an excellent food option for a healthy lunch, which is rich in nutrients and flavor. It is a perfect choice for anyone who has a preference for vegetables in their diet.

Indeed Brewing Company

After the golfing experience, head over to Indeed Brewing Company for a refreshing drink. The brewery provides a wide range of beers ranging from their famous beers like Day Tripper Pale Ale to seasonal drafts that shift with the season to keep your palette entertained. The taproom provides several video games, and the brewery has an open-air concept that provides a comfortable atmosphere with a young and friendly crowd to keep you in high spirits.

Indeed Brewing Company's Pretzel Bites

To accompany your drink, try Indeed Brewing Company's Pretzel Bites. These are bite-sized salted pretzels, placed in a basket, and served alongside melted cheese, which is perfect for dipping the pretzels. It pairs well with the different drafts available at the brewery.

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge is a tiki-themed restaurant that offers an extensive array of tiki decoration, drinks, and food. Their frozen drinks and cocktails are their most sought after products, but they also offer a range of menu items to choose from. Their indoor and outdoor patios are incredibly picturesque. The ambiance is quite eye-catching, and this establishment springs to life as soon as the sun comes down.

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge's Polynesian Meatballs

If you need something to eat, try Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge's Polynesian Meatballs. The meatballs are moist, juicy, and glazed in sweet and sour sauce. It is served with diced green peppers, onions, and an array of other vegetables.

Conclusion

This 20-mile drive from Blaine, Minnesota to Fridley, Minnesota may not be the longest, but it can still include exciting and unexpected stops, as demonstrated in this guide. Make time to explore these locations along your route, and try the foods mentioned or select from various other options available while there. These locales are perfect for family outings, couples, or solo travelers seeking to uncover new hidden gems. Don't forget to take in the rich environments and the beautiful historical sites along the way.