It’s easy to think of creative and fun quotes when you use a little imagination. Being a tourist in your hometown is an idea that works for those in an early relationship and for those of you in a long-term relationship. You may think that you have done your best where you have lived for years. I’m willing to bet you haven’t even touched what’s available to you.

I will highlight Minneapolis, Minnesota in this article. If you live there, try one of these activities, if you don’t, keep them in mind when you’re there and playing as a tourist. Playing tourist in your hometown is a lot of fun. I have done it many times and I have learned a lot about where I live. Many times we fall into complacency because we think that we have done and seen everything there is to see, but new things are constantly being created in cities.

You want to approach this date through the eyes of a tourist. What would a tourist want to know, see and find interesting? See your city with new eyes.

3 tourist ideas for Minneapolis

1. Go to the Mall of America as a tourist. If you’ve already been there, go to restaurants you’ve never been to before. See children’s attractions through their eyes. Explore them for real and have fun with the activities. Research the facts about the Mall of America. What would a tourist want to know? Maybe how many people visit the Mall per year? How many have visited it since it opened? How many shops are there? How many employees are there? Create a mini-tour for your date and show your date the highlights of the mall. Don’t go shopping, but to experience the wonders it has to offer. Show sites that you know would appreciate your date.
2. Go downtown Minneapolis to St. Anthony Falls and Stone Arch Bridge. Did you know that in 1680 a Belgian friar named Father Louis Hennepin discovered the 32 foot high falls? This waterfall is responsible for the birth of the largest city in Minnesota. Best viewed by the Stone Arch Bridge or the observation deck from the top of Lock and Dam. Research the history of the Stone Arch Bridge and again, play as a tour guide for your date.
3. Explore Nicollet Mall. This is one of the prettiest streets in Minneapolis. The city prides itself on the Nicollet Mall, which is an open-air mall with tree-shaded benches, fountains, buskers, and a farmers market in the summer. Of course, it is packed with big name stores. Spend time sitting on the benches and people-watch or do a little research and surprise your date with your local historical knowledge.

All of these are easy to do and very affordable. These are just a few ideas to jump-start your creative thinking. Don’t get stuck in the dating routine. Get creative and have fun.