Alesha Taylor

Minneapolis-St.Paul

Editor-in-Chief at Minnesota Monthly

Featured in: Favicon

minnesotamonthly.com Favicon

wetheitalians.com Favicon

meetingsmags.com Favicon

grouptourmagazine.com

Articles

Minnesota Holds Its Ground Among 2025’s Best Cities for Biking

4 days ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Minnesota continues to shine as a top destination for cyclists in the 2025 PeopleForBikes City Ratings, a data-driven report ranking nearly 3,000 global cities on bikeability. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul made the top 10 list of large U.S. cities (pop. 300,000+), with Minneapolis earning a near-perfect score of 72, just one point behind this year’s leader, Brooklyn, New York.
Best Bets: June 23-29

5 days ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Music in the ParkWhat: Lowertown SoundsWhen: June 26, 6-10 p.m.Where: Mears Park, 221 Fifth St. E., St. PaulEnjoy live, local music every Thursday this summer at Mears Park in St. Paul. This Thursday, listen to funk band Dr. Mambo’s Combo and opener Purple Funk Metropolis. While listening, grab a bite to eat from food trucks and sample regional beer and wine.
Murals of Minnesota

1 week ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Minnesota’s murals are worth celebrating—they make art accessible and celebrate the beauty and cultural history of communities across the state. With on Saturday, June 28, here are a few stand-out murals to explore. Lake Street Lift Murals are a vital part of the Lake Street community. By the end of June, various artists will complete 34 new murals between Nicollet and 30th Avenue South.
Your Guide to Exploring the Twin Cities Like a Local

1 week ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Explore the vibrant Twin Cities and its suburbs, where a wealth of activities awaits throughout the year. From world-class museums and bustling markets to scenic parks and lively festivals, these dynamic urban centers offer something for everyone. Plus, check out the digital edition of our annual Ultimate Travel Guide for more travel inspo!Lake Street, one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant corridors, is home to over 2,000 businesses along a 6-mile stretch.
Best Bets: June 16-22

1 week ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Folk LegendWhat: James Taylor and His All-Star BandWhen: June 17, 7:30 p.m.Where: Xcel Energy Center, 199 Kellog Blvd., St. PaulGrammy award-winning folk artist James Taylor is playing at the Xcel Energy Center, where he will perform hits like “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Taylor will be joined by Tiny Habits, a Boston-based band.
Ways to Honor Juneteenth

2 weeks ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865—more than two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. It marks not just a delayed freedom, but a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring fight for equality within the Black community. Today, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to action—a day to reflect on the past, honor Black culture and contributions, and recommit to justice and equity.
Smart Travel Starts Here

2 weeks ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Planning a trip? Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a bucket-list adventure, a few smart strategies can make all the difference. From organizing your itinerary to packing efficiently and staying safe on the go, these tips and tools will help you travel with ease—and maybe even enjoy the journey a little more.
Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus Rebrands

2 weeks ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

The Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) has officially reintroduced itself as the Minnesota Tourism Association (MNTA)—a name change that marks a bold new era for the organization and the more than 70 destinations it serves across the state. Unveiled during the organization’s 40th anniversary Education Summit in Stillwater, the rebrand signals a shift toward a more inclusive and future-forward identity.
Best Bets: June 9-15

2 weeks ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

Broadway BlondeWhat: ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’When: June 10-15Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St PaulThe award-winning musical “Legally Blonde” is in town at the Ordway this week! Based on the beloved movie, the musical follows Elle Woods on her journey to Harvard Law School. Summertime SteamboatsWhat: Winona Steamboat DaysWhen: June 11-15Where: 51 E. Second St., WinonaFor the 78th year, Winona is hosting its Steamboat Days Festival.
Your Guide to Pride

3 weeks ago | minnesotamonthly.com | Alesha Taylor

In the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, there are many ways to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. From parades, performances, and a river paddle, here are a few of the highlights. Marshall Pride CelebrationWhen: June 13-15Where: Various LocationsCome to Marshall for a vibrant, weekend-long pride celebration. Push Play Entertainment kicks off the event with a Trivia Night on Thursday evening, followed by a drag show at Brau Brother’s Tap Room.