These are my Mom’s favorite things to do on a trip to Minot.

A question floated into my inbox this week: “My parents are visiting the week of the fair. Other than that, any must-sees?”

I love this question. It merges two of my passions: proving that Minot is awesome and trip planning. But instead of giving you my own opinions, I asked an expert to chime in.

Notebook and favorite pen in hand, I propped my phone up on the couch arm and dialed. “Hey, Mom,” I said when the FaceTime call went through. “I’m working on an article and I need your help.”

My parents have been faithful Minot enthusiasts since we were first stationed here in 2012. They’ve been here often enough to have developed opinions on what to do and how to spend their time in Hotdish Land.

Below is a list of my parents’ favorite things in the area. Some are common attractions; others might be overlooked as places to take a visitor. This is a curated list from someone who has visited many times and seen all the major sites. According to Susi Allender, these are the things you should do when your parents come for a summer visit.

1. Walk the parks. We’ve got lots to choose from, but my parents’ favorite is Oak Park along the Camp Owetti trail.
2. Go to the zoo. This is something we’ve enjoyed doing together with and without kids.
3. Spend time downtown. No trip to Minot is complete without a stroll downtown, lunch at Charlie’s, and a stop in Main Street Books and Gourmet Chef.
4. Get coffee and breakfast. “You can go to a different cute coffee shop every single day!” my mom said on our call. Our favorites are Central Brew, Prairie Sky Breads, and Bearscat. (My dad, a donut connoisseur, has declared Bearscat’s old-fashioneds top-notch.) If your family isn’t familiar with caramel rolls, pick some up from Karma Convenience Store for breakfast at home.
5. Go shopping. My mom’s favorite shops for gifts are Vintage City and The Foundry. My dad loves SCHEELS (it’s not a thing where we’re from).
6. Summer Theater. If there is a summer theater show happening, we go. Don’t forget single dollars for root beer floats at intermission.
7. Grab a drink. If your parents enjoy adult beverages or local beer and wine, I recommend Atypical Brewery, Blue Rider, and Off the Vine. Pointe of View Winery also offers wine tastings, or wine by the glass to enjoy at the vineyard while taking in gorgeous valley views.
8. Grab a treat. Our local favorite treats include shaved ice from The Shack, Pride Dairy ice cream (available at the Putt District), and Magic City Sweets.
9. Check the event calendar. Consult the Visit Minot event calendar and take advantage of any special events that coincide with the visit.
10. Go to the Peace Garden. According to the expert, a day trip to the International Peace Garden is worth the drive. My parents’ pro tip is to bring a passport, even though it’s not required because it speeds up reentry into the US.

If you’ve got family coming to town, hopefully, this will get your wheels spinning. Or maybe it’ll inspire you to get out and act like a tourist if there are places on this list you haven’t been yet.

For more ideas and stories of life in Hotdish Land, connect with me at amyallender.com, on Instagram at @HeyMinot or @amy_allender, and on Facebook @amyallenderblog.