A great date night is filled with fun and good food! Why not take a trip to the Twin Cities and enjoy several of the great theatres and restaurants in the area? The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are arguably the premier arts center between the East and West coasts. Several outstanding community theaters, art galleries and art centers throughout the state feature regional artisans and add to Minnesota’s arts appeal.

For the best theatre Minnesota has to offer, you must plan a trip to the Guthrie Theater. The Guthrie Theatre, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. By presenting both classical literature and new work from diverse cultures, the Guthrie illuminates the common humanity connecting Minnesota to the peoples of the world. The 2012 season will include performances of Charley’s Aunt, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Julius Ceasar, End of the Rainbow, The Birds, Hay Fever, Time Stands Still, Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been…, The Amen Corner, Roman Holiday, Anytown, The Sunshine Boys, and Trick Boxing.

Need more suggestions? Regarded as one of the best things to do in Minneapolis, the Jungle Theater is a performing arts center located in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. The 2012 season will include performances of Dial M for Murder, The Birthday Party, Noises Off, Waiting for Godot, and In the Next Room. It’s a great place to go for quality theatre and high-class performances in the Twin Cities.

For the longest continuously running theatre in Minnesota, make sure to check out the Old Log Theater. The Old Log offers contemporary plays and comedies year-round with some of the finest talent in the Midwest. Set on 10 acres near the shores of historic Lake Minnetonka, the Old Log combines rustic charm, a serene setting and spacious accommodations, including a 629 seat auditorium and a 350 seat restaurant for pre-show dining. The 2012 Season will include performances of Everybody Loves Opal, and The Fox on the Fairway.

If you are looking for something more unique and special, try the Penumbra Theatre Company, Minnesota’s only professional African American Theatre now running for 35 years! Each year Penumbra performs for over 40,000 people and conducts educational activities for more than 5,000 students.

A great place to take the whole family to see a play is The Children's Theatre Company in the Twin Cities. The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is recognized as North America's flagship theatre for young people and families as well as a major cultural and artistic resource in Minnesota. Founded in 1965, CTC has set a standard for excellence in theatre for young people, the creation of new work, and arts education. With fun shows like The Wizard of Oz lined up for 2012, this is a must visit attraction for a family vacation!

After the show, or perhaps beforehand, you will most certainly be hungry! Here are some of Ettraction’s favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities to start, or end your perfect night out in the Twin Cities:

Hell's Kitchen: Stretching beyond bacon and eggs, this downtown spot has all sorts of interesting breakfast dishes. Anyone for huevos rancheros with rosti potatoes, lemon ricotta hotcakes or a bowl of fruit and nutty wild-rice porridge with maple syrup and cream?

La Belle Vie: A place for the rich and the food reverent. Come as much for the fare - rabbit tart, grilled poussin with cured foie gras, sautéed Arctic char with squid-ink ravioli - as to show that you care and can afford it.

Lucia’s Restaurant: A seasonal cooking pioneer, Lucia Watson has been providing diners with amazing food for 22 years - and her restaurant keeps getting better and better.

Manny’s Steakhouse: Manny’s serves USDA-certified, dry-aged, center-cut beef, hand trimmed by master butchers. Their menu reflects the availability of locally sourced ingredients offering chops, chicken and premium fresh vegetables.

If you are looking for more information on these theatres and restaurants, or need places to stay in the Twin Cities, make sure to visit our Minneapolis St. Paul Ettractions page. With tips and tricks on where to stay, play, relax and eat in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Ettractions is your stop for the best valuable visitor information online!