Rally with New Friends, Savor Great Food, and Explore Twin Cities Charm
July 27-31, 2025
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

Yes, the pickleball club has chandeliers! Because why shouldn’t pickleball be fabulous?

Highlights

• Daily Pickleball Fun: Start each morning with 3 hours of pickleball at Lucky Shots, where expert-led coaching and round-robin play will help sharpen your skills. Whether you’re an experienced player or just love the game, you’ll enjoy competitive matches and camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.
• Expert Coaching: Learn from top pickleball pros as they provide personalized guidance to improve your game. Fine-tune your technique, master strategic plays, and gain the confidence to take your pickleball skills to the next level.
• Iconic Attractions: Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, and visit the Walker Art Center, one of the nation’s top contemporary art museums, featuring thought-provoking exhibitions and inspiring works.
• Historic Tour: Step inside the Basilica of Saint Mary, the first basilica in the U.S., where soaring architecture, intricate stained glass, and a rich history make for a breathtaking experience.
• Mill City Museum: Discover the history of Minneapolis as the flour-milling capital of the world at the Mill City Museum, where you’ll ride the Flour Tower elevator tour and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
• Prince’s Paisley Park: Walk through Paisley Park, Prince’s private estate and recording studio, where you’ll get an intimate look at his creative world, legendary music, and iconic fashion.
• Dinner Cruise on Lake Minnetonka: Set sail on a scenic dinner cruise, taking in the stunning views of one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes while enjoying a delicious meal in a relaxed and elegant setting.
• The Guthrie Theater: Spend an evening at the Guthrie Theater, experiencing a world-class performance in this architecturally stunning venue, complete with breathtaking views from the Endless Bridge over the Mississippi.
• James Beard Dining: Indulge in unforgettable meals at award-winning Twin Cities restaurants, featuring the best of local and global flavors, curated by some of the finest chefs in the country.

Pickleball Palooza: Forge New Friendships on the Court

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

Note: This itinerary serves as a general guide to what we will be doing, seeing, and eating, with the final version provided approximately two weeks prior. The published itinerary is an example and may be adjusted to include accommodations, tours, or restaurants of comparable quality to ensure the best experience.

Day One: Welcome to the Twin Cities and Your First Serve

Step into the heart of the North Star State as you arrive in the vibrant Twin Cities, a region known for its unique charm and thriving pickleball scene. Your adventure begins with 2 hours of fun and skill-building at Lucky Shots, where our pickleball pros will guide you through drills, tips, and techniques to sharpen your game. Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner looking for personalized one-on-one coaching, this session is designed for all levels. Afterward, check into the stylish Aloft Minneapolis and cap off your first day with dinner at one of the Twin Cities’ top-rated restaurants, where the menu promises an unforgettable culinary experience in this foodie haven.

Highlights

• Arrival in the Twin Cities area and a warm welcome to the group.
• 2 hours of pickleball at Lucky Shots Pickleball Club, featuring coaching by top pickleball pros or private beginner sessions.
• Check-in at the Aloft Minneapolis, your modern and comfortable base for the trip.
• Dinner at a highly rated local restaurant, showcasing the Twin Cities’ reputation as a foodie destination.

Fun Fact: The Twin Cities area is home to James Beard Award-winning chefs and a thriving culinary scene that combines Midwest charm with global flavors, making it one of the top foodie cities in the country!

Day Two: Elevate Your Game and Uncover History in the Twin Cities

Awaken to a delightful breakfast at the Aloft Minneapolis, preparing you for a day that seamlessly blends athleticism and exploration. Your morning kicks off with an immersive pickleball experience at Lucky Shots. Under the guidance of seasoned pros, you’ll engage in a one-hour skills session, honing techniques and strategies. Following this, participate in two hours of dynamic round-robin play, offering both friendly competition and the chance to apply your newfound skills.

Post-lunch, delve into the rich tapestry of the Twin Cities’ history with a visit to the Mill City Museum. Built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, this interactive museum offers a unique glimpse into Minneapolis’s industrial past. Experience the Flour Tower elevator show, engage in hands-on exhibits in the Water and Baking Labs, and take in panoramic views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls from the rooftop observation deck.

As evening descends, indulge in a culinary adventure at one of the Twin Cities’ premier dining establishments, where innovative dishes and local flavors promise to delight your palate.

Highlights

• Morning: Breakfast at the Aloft Minneapolis.
• Late Morning: One-hour pickleball skills session with professional coaches at Lucky Shots, followed by two hours of round-robin play.
• Afternoon: Guided exploration of the Mill City Museum, featuring:
  • The Flour Tower elevator experience.
  • Interactive Water and Baking Labs.
  • Rooftop views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls.
• Evening: Dinner at a top-rated Twin Cities restaurant, celebrating the region’s vibrant culinary scene.

Fun Fact: The Mill City Museum is housed in the historic Washburn A Mill, which was once the world’s largest flour mill. Today, it stands as a testament to Minneapolis’s rich milling history and offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s industrial heritage in an engaging and interactive setting.

Day Three: Art, Architecture, and Theatre in the Twin Cities

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis before heading to the courts for more pickleball fun. Begin with an hour of skills coaching led by pros to sharpen your techniques and strategies, followed by two hours of lively round-robin play, blending competition and camaraderie with your group.

After your pickleball session, visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry and a variety of stunning sculptures that showcase creativity and design. Then, dive into the world of art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), where you can explore an extensive collection of over 90,000 works spanning cultures and centuries.

End the day with an unforgettable night at the Guthrie Theater, enjoying a professional performance in this architectural masterpiece that blends modern design with sweeping views of the Mississippi River.

Highlights

• Breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis.
• One-hour skills session with pickleball pros, followed by two hours of round-robin play at Lucky Shots.
• Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring iconic outdoor works like the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
• Explore the vast art collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA).
• Attend a performance at the renowned Guthrie Theater, a cultural and architectural landmark.

Fun Fact: The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden weighs over 7,000 pounds, and the cherry alone holds 500 gallons of water, making it not just art but also an engineering marvel!

Day Four: Pickleball, Prince’s Legacy, and a Scenic Lake Minnetonka Dinner Cruise

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis before hitting the courts at Lucky Shots for your final pickleball session. Refine your skills during a one-hour coaching session with the pros, then enjoy two hours of lively round-robin play with your group, celebrating the camaraderie and progress you’ve made throughout the trip.

In the afternoon, take a journey into the extraordinary life of Prince at Paisley Park, his iconic estate and creative sanctuary in Chanhassen. This world-renowned space served as Prince’s private home, recording studio, and rehearsal venue. During your visit, explore the stunning studios where he recorded his biggest hits, view his famous outfits, instruments, and awards, and learn about his innovative artistry and bold impact on music and culture. The guided tour provides an intimate look at Prince’s life, showcasing his genius and unique vision that inspired millions worldwide.

In the evening, unwind with a dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka. Relish a delicious meal as you glide across the serene waters of one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by stunning views of the lake’s natural beauty and picturesque estates, it’s a perfect way to relax and reflect on an inspiring day.

Highlights

• Breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis.
• One-hour skills session with pickleball pros, followed by two hours of round-robin play at Lucky Shots.
• Guided tour of Paisley Park, Prince’s legendary estate, where you’ll explore his recording studios, iconic outfits, awards, and personal artifacts.
• Dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka, featuring scenic views and a delightful dining experience.

Fun Fact: Paisley Park’s recording studio is where Prince recorded hits like Purple Rain and Sign o’ the Times. It is still an active recording space today, hosting artists who wish to honor Prince’s legacy and record in the same iconic studio!

Day Five: Farewell to New Friends and Pickleball Memories

As your adventure in the Twin Cities comes to a close, enjoy one final breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis and reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared with new friends. Celebrate the progress you’ve made on the pickleball courts, with skills sharpened and memories created during every lively match.

For those with later flights, the fun doesn’t have to end just yet! Join your fellow travelers for some additional open play time at Lucky Shots, squeezing in a few more matches to enjoy the game you’ve grown to love. Whether you’re perfecting your serve or simply soaking up the camaraderie, it’s a great way to wrap up this incredible trip.

Highlights

• Breakfast at Aloft Minneapolis.
• Fond farewells with new friends and teammates.
• Optional open play pickleball for those with late departures.

Fun Fact: Pickleball is not only a fun and fast-growing sport but also a fantastic way to build community and lifelong friendships. Many players say the best part of the game is the people they meet along the way!