Ready for Summer Minnesota Fun

Summer Event Trends Inspired By Nature
In Minnesota, as summer finally nears, allow the green foliage, serene water and bold sun of the season to set the scene for your upcoming events.  Here are some ideas on how the natural beauty of Minnesota can inspire your planning.

Foliage Trend: Green
There is no bigger trend than “green” eco-friendly events and what better time to go with it than summer when nature is at its prime?  Start by getting your guests outside where they can enjoy and appreciate the natural green environment. 

Consider a golf event at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville, Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake or Stonebrooke Golf Club in Shakopee, where guests can enjoy the beauty of the course, some exercise and social time together.  It is easy to go with a green theme when you are on the green!  

Alternatively, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the epitome of natural event space, surrounded by over 1,000 acres of beautiful gardens and orchards to fill your guests’ senses and support your eco theme.

As you plan your green event, be sure to consider the environment as you choose your invitations, materials, décor and food.  Work with a caterer, such as Lisa’s Catering, that will accommodate your custom requests for a natural menu.

Water Trend: Serenity
Water exudes a sense of peacefulness that people crave in their busy lives.  If you are hosting guests who may be in need of stress relief (which would be almost everyone), incorporate the serenity of water into your theme.

There is nothing better than a boating outing to create a relaxing occasion on one of the state’s beautiful lakes or rivers. Your tense guests will leave refreshed after a cruise with Afton Hudson Cruise Lines on the St. Croix, Bayview Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetonka, Padelford Riverboat Company on the Mississippi, or Paradise Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi. 

You could also host a picnic near the water where your guests can just relax and enjoy.  Famous Catering will bring all of their deliciousness to your picnic location.

For a complete escape, bring your guests to a water-front resort in Greater Minnesota. Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake in Brainerd offers a new conference center for your business needs, plus all you need for a stress-free time, including golf, a spa and water recreation.  The Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors places your guests on the shores of Lake Superior and near miles of beautiful streams and waterfalls.  

If you can’t bring your guests to the water, you can always bring the serenity water to your guests by incorporating water features in your décor or including relaxing activities involving water, such as spa treatments.

Sun Trend: Bold
One of this summer’s hottest trends is inspired by the sun – you cannot go wrong with bold colors and bright flair for your events – it is all about fun!

Choose a location that highlights the sun itself, such as the Skygarden open-air patio on the 8th floor of the Crowne Plaza Northstar in downtown Minneapolis. Work with the Crowne Plaza chef to design a menu to fit your bold theme, such as brightly colored appetizers and unique finger foods.

Or, take your guests to a place where the lights are bright and the fun never stops: one of Minnesota’s casino resorts, such as Black Bear Casino Resort, Northern Lights, Jackpot Junction, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, or the new Running Acres Harness Park.

Summer in Minnesota is like a playground, with so many fabulous options.  Consider the best location for your event and then consult with the local destination management organization to learn about all of the great local suppliers.  Check out Visit Minneapolis North, Eagan CVB, Greater Mankato CVB, Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Visit Lakeville, Saint Cloud CVB, Roseville Visitors Assn, Red Wing CVB, Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau, Burnsville CVB, Bloomington CVB, and Albert Lea CVB.