I grew up in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, which is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities. Across the metro area and in the heart of the city, there are countless small businesses and family-owned organizations to frequent. Over the years, I have learned to associate some of my favorite spots with each of the four seasons.
Winter: Café Latte
Café Latte is a bakery, cafeteria and pizza bar all in one. Located on Grand Ave in St. Paul, Café Latte brings in local and out-of-state customers. During the long Minnesota Winter, Café Latte is a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee and some soup or indulge in some of their freshly made bakery items.
My family and I have a Christmas tradition in which we drive around and look at Christmas lights in the city. We eventually make our way to Café Latte where we each choose a slice of cake. It is one of my favorite things we do around Christmas time because we spend time reflecting on the year and just enjoying each other’s company.
Spring: Black Coffee and Waffle Bar
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is another local favorite of mine. What I love most about Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is that it isn’t your typical coffee shop. Waffles and coffee are a genius combination, and they execute it perfectly. There is a waffle for everyone with both sweet and savory options as well as the choice to build your own waffle.
The cozy vibe the coffee shop provides makes customers want to stay for hours. It is perfect for a rainy spring day. Black Coffee and Waffle Bar have recently expanded, and there are now three locations with their newest being in Fargo, North Dakota.
Summer: Nelson’s Ice Cream
Nelson’s Ice Cream is a Minnesota favorite. The little shop on the corner has been around since 1923 and used to be a grocery store. Located a short walk away from scenic downtown Stillwater, Nelson’s is the perfect place to be on a temperate summer evening. Throughout the summer months, Nelson’s will consistently have a line out the door.
The large variety of flavors is a draw, of course, but the main detail that sets Nelson’s apart from its competition is the quantity of ice cream customers receive with each size. A kid’s size at Nelson’s is typically a large size at other ice cream shops. It is common to go to Nelson’s with a friend and split a kid’s size. Outside there is a patio complete with string lights to where people can hang out and enjoy their ice cream.
Fall: Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Fall is my favorite season, and, in my opinion, the best weather of the year. During high school, I would frequent Pine Tree Apple Orchard. Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, it was a short twenty-minute drive from my house. I would go with family and friends to pick apples, drink cider, purchase fresh-baked apple turnovers and enjoy the beauty of fall.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard has wagon rides that drive through the orchard. At the top of a hill in the orchard, some of the best fall colors can be seen. The orchard’s bakery has food options such as pie, turnovers and muffins; all made fresh with the apples from the orchard.
Different Seasons, Different Foods
I grew up with Minnesota’s four beautiful seasons. Family outings and time spent with friends have led me to associate these four businesses with each season. Now that I go to college in Indiana, I miss being able to frequent these places. However, I am thankful for the memories I have made at Café Latte, Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, Nelson’s Ice Cream and Pine Tree Apple Orchard, and the traditions that will continue in the future.
Written by Lauren Cina
Lauren Cina Photography & Writing 