Todd Walker
Verified- Reporter, Man About Town
- TV Reporter, Fox Corporation
- Columnist, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
- Contributor, In The Loop Travel
Saint Paul
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“Man About Town” Reporter, Radio Personality, Travel Writer & Columnist “Todd about Town”
Articles by Todd Walker
Canyon Ranch and the Rise of Longevity Travel
Luxury travel has always reflected the interests of its travelers. Adventure travel encouraged us to climb mountains and explore remote corners of the world. Culinary travel inspired us to discover destinations through food. Wellness travel reminded us to slow down and take better care of ourselves. Today, another category is reshaping luxury travel: longevity.
State Pride | Only In Minnesota
Instead of Bend, Oregon, This Minnesota Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip Skip the crowds in Bend, Oregon, and discover this Minnesota town offering similar charm, terrain, and experiences.
Ready, Set, Summer: A Guide to Exploring Minnesota’s Five Regions
Summer in Minnesota doesn’t sit still. Cabins open, patios fill and weekends start to book before you’ve had time to find your beach towel. We all know how quickly summer flies by, from Memorial Day to the Minnesota State Fair in the blink of an eye. So let the planning begin — pull out a calendar and start circling dates and blocking off days. Across the state, each region celebrates the season in its own way.
Seoul Is Just a Direct Flight Away from MSP
A direct flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport now makes Seoul one of the most accessible gateways into modern Asia. For travelers from Minnesota, the route shortens what once felt like a complicated journey into something surprisingly straightforward. One long flight and you arrive in a city of nearly 10 million people that moves with speed. Many Americans arrive in South Korea with a set of cultural expectations already in mind.
Success of all students comes with common goal of 'rising together' • SC Daily Gazette Original
by Todd Anthony Walker, SC Daily Gazette March 4, 2026 The story of Richland One School District is not one of ease, but one of endurance. For generations, the district has weathered storms from financial crises to bond issues and expansions and consolidations, but the district has always shown resilience. During desegregation, when many districts in the South displaced Black school leaders, Richland One retained Black principals and upheld a commitment to representation.
Winter Escapes: Colorado Springs and Taos Ski Valley
All winter long, our travel correspondent Todd Walker is plotting the best winter escapes from Minnesota. Not everyone in Minnesota is ready to say goodbye to winter, so I went looking for it. While some people are trading parkas for swimsuits, others are booking one more lift ticket. Chasing higher elevation, snow that still holds on, sharp air, and sun strong enough for sunglasses. I found it in Colorado Springs and Taos Ski Valley.
Winter Escapes: San Juan and Nassau
Looking to beat the cold? All winter long, our travel correspondent Todd Walker is plotting the best winter escapes from Minnesota. In the Bold North, winter can linger on like a house guest that just won’t leave, shifting our focus from enduring the season to breaking hibernation in search of places where life is visible again. San Juan and Nassau are places where the rhythm of daily life visibly unfolds on streets, along the water, and in plain sight wherever you turn.
Winter Escapes: St. Maarten and St. Barts
Looking to beat the cold? All winter long, our travel correspondent Todd Walker is plotting the best winter escapes from Minnesota. St. Maarten and St. Barts are neighboring islands in the northeastern Caribbean. Getting between them takes a short flight or ferry, but what you find on each island is very different. St. Maarten is a dual-nation island shared by the Dutch and French. English is widely spoken, and U.S. dollars are accepted.
Winter Escapes: Cayman Islands
Looking to beat the cold? All winter long, our travel correspondent Todd Walker is plotting the best winter escapes from Minnesota. Minnesotans book winter trips for a simple reason. We want to trade boots and frozen lakes for sandals and open blue water. Enter the Cayman Islands, where consistent sunshine meets three very different ways to spend a winter escape. The Cayman Islands are a British-governed territory made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
A Journey from Türkiye to Greece
My Viking Ancient Mediterranean Treasures itinerary had been locked in for months. My trip, a tidy plan set for departure in thirty days, felt airtight, with every detail lined up from Türkiye to Greece, until one yoga class changed everything. In the middle of my class, a woman I had never met leaned over during downward dog and said, “I heard you talking about your upcoming trip.
Winter Adventures Across Minnesota
When the snow starts to fall, Minnesota shifts into a different rhythm. The trails fill with skiers in Ely, the lakes with ice anglers in Bemidji and the woods with snowmobiles cutting through the pines near Brainerd. In the Twin Cities, the day might start on a bike and end at a concert hall. Down in Lanesboro, it’s snowshoes and small-town comfort. These five adventures highlight how winter brings the state together in motion, outdoors and always ready to raise a glass when the day is done.
Where to Road Trip in Western South Dakota
There’s something about a classic road trip that never goes out of style—open roads, big skies, and the kind of towns where you don’t need reservations to find a good meal. On a recent trip through western South Dakota, I found all of this and more. From national landmarks to off-the-map moments, this stretch of the state delivers a true sense of Americana.
The Best of Minnesota: Twin Cities Favorites, Quirky Attractions, and Small-Town Charm
Greetings From celebrates the heart of a place: a home city, college town, vacation destination, or another special place. We ask notable figures to share the restaurants, businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make their favorite destination stand out—so we can all travel like a local celebrity.
Summer by Rail: Exploring Wisconsin with Amtrak
It had been years since I boarded a train in the U.S., but at St. Paul Union Depot, it all came back quickly. I stood in a short line, showed the digital ticket on my phone, and rolled my suitcase aboard. I grabbed a window seat, opened the water I packed—no TSA rules, no shoes off, no laptop removal. The train pulled out on time, Wi-Fi humming. I was onboard the Borealis—Amtrak’s newest route, launched in 2024. It runs daily between St. Paul and Chicago, with multiple Wisconsin stops in between.
Sailing Costa Rica to Panama on the Star Clipper
Step aboard the tall Star Clipper sailing ship for an eight-day voyage along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, crossing into Panama, and cruising waters near the equator. This isn’t a typical cruise story filled with onboard amenities or entertainment. It’s a story of open-ocean sailing, daily yoga at sunrise and sunset, climbing ship masts, hiking remote rainforests, and embracing the slow rhythm of the sea.
Winter Escapes: Exploring Warm and Cold Weather Getaways
As winter deepens, it’s the perfect time to explore destinations that cater to your seasonal preferences. For those seeking warmth, Florida’s sunlit beaches and Arizona’s desert landscapes offer inviting retreats. Alternatively, the Midwest presents snowy escapes, from luxury resorts in northern Minnesota to the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Door County. Each location provides unique experiences tailored to your winter desires.
Warm Up Your Winter: 4 Winter Getaways in Under 4 Hours
Minnesota winters can be a snow-covered wonderland—or perhaps a wake-up call to book a flight somewhere warm. Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation. Escape to the desert, unwind on a beach, or explore a city rich in history and culture. Soak up some sunshine, boost your melanin, and find the trip that fits your style. Whether you’re chasing the sun, looking for adventure, or simply craving a change of scenery, you can reach these winter retreats within four hours from MSP.
Five Destinations to Inspire Your Next Journey
Ready to plan your next great adventure? These five destinations are here to shake up your travel game. Sail the seas off Costa Rica’s coast, immerse yourself in the cultural pulse of Spain, hike the rugged trails of Phoenix, explore the historic streets of Charleston, S.C., or bask in the sun-soaked vibes of the Cayman Islands. Each place has its own story and energy, perfect for sparking your wanderlust and adding to your travel vision board.
Fall Escapes: MEA Week Getaways with Direct Flights
Minnesota Education Association (MEA) week, with schools closed on October 17 and 18, gives Minnesota families an opportunity for a quick fall escape before winter. Many families take the entire week off, treating it like a mini spring break in the fall. With direct flights from Minneapolis to some of the country’s most scenic destinations, it’s easier than ever to get away.
Portugal Journey with Viking River Cruises
My journey on Viking River Cruises’ “Portugal’s River of Gold” showcased the beauty of the Douro River Valley and the rich culture of Portugal and Spain. I traveled on the Viking Torgil, a ship designed for the Douro River. The Torgil accommodates 106 guests and 33 crew members. The ship features modern engineering, comfortable accommodations, and Scandinavian-style interiors. My 185 sq. ft. veranda suite offered sweeping river views.
Rediscovering the World: A Guide to Smart and Splendid Summer Travels Original
As the world reopens and travel rebounds with vigor, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts are eagerly marking their calendars. With a significant increase in travel bookings indicating a pent-up demand for exploration, many are looking for unique ways to enjoy their journeys.
Border Crossing: Explore Wisconsin This Spring And Summer - A Journey Through Its Cities
Wisconsin unfurls a panorama of varied landscapes and cultural richness, inviting travelers to delve into its unique cities and natural splendors. From the bloom-dusted cherry orchards of Door County to the Titletown streets echoing with the legacy of the Green Bay Packers, the state presents a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Meet the Locals | Only In Minnesota
State Pride Meet the Locals One Of The Biggest Names In Winter Sports Grew Up In One Of The Smallest Towns In Minnesota Afton, Minnesota, is a charming small town known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and as the hometown of Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins. on Apr 16 State Pride Meet the Locals 13 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Minnesota Do Minnesota has unique traditions and behaviors that locals embrace, which may seem strange to outsiders.
Winter's Embrace: Unveiling the Magic of Canada's Coastal Cities
Exploring Montreal, Quebec City and Charlottetown during the winter reveals a side of these Canadian coastal towns that’s dramatically different from any other season. Blanketed in snow, these cities transform into enchanting winter wonderlands, each offering unique experiences that celebrate the chilly season. From the lively festivals in Montreal to the historical charm of Quebec City and the community warmth of Charlottetown, winter here is a time of beauty and cultural richness.
Best of MN, 2023: Shopping & Services
Best Salon The juggernaut that is Haus Salon began on Nicollet in Kingfield but has expanded to Northeast and the North Loop, and all three locations are bustling for good reason: It’s the place to go for sharp cuts and the kind of transformative color that everyone believes is real. When people ask me if I hope my kids get my red hair, I tell them: They can, they just have to book at Haus. haussalon.com –KD Best Used Records A goldmine.
Best of MN, 2023: Food & Drink
Best Metro Coffee Shop As a coffee-slash-skate shop, Pilllar Forum is one-of-a-kind here in the Twin Cities. But it’s not just the coffee (nor the skate decks) that have made Pilllar such a favorite. This Central Avenue shop has also been hosting a ton of events—art openings, hardcore shows, you name it—positioning itself as a real community hub in Northeast. Come for the lattes and pastries; stay for the NA happy hour with Heggies and Hurricanes.
A Fall Getaway on the Great Lakes with Viking
The allure of the Great Lakes in autumn is undeniable. As the leaves begin to shift from green to shades of gold and red, the lakes stand as vast, tranquil mirrors reflecting the changing season. This year, I decided to immerse myself in this spectacle, choosing Viking’s Expedition ship, the Polaris, as my vessel of discovery. With the promise of exploring three iconic lakes on the itinerary, I was eager to delve into the unique character and offerings of each.
A Culinary Journey Along the Rhone
Lyon is the start of a Viking River cruise journey through the heart of France (Photo: Viking) Lyon is the start of a Viking River cruise journey through the heart of France (Photo: Viking) Cruise Critic contributor Todd Walker Sponsored by Viking I recently set sail on an enriching epicurean voyage through Provence in the South of France, charting a course along the Rhône River aboard the Viking Hermod, part of Viking’s Longship fleet.
A Journey Through the Heart of Southern France
Day 1-2: Lyon: Where Old-World Charm Meets Modern Energy Lyon is the start of a Viking River cruises journey through the heart of France (Photo: Viking) After settling into our staterooms on the first day aboard the Viking Longship in Lyon, we joined fellow passengers in the lounge for a welcome briefing, where we received an overview of the exciting adventure that awaited us in the South of France during the Lyon & Provence itinerary.
Visiting The South Of France: Avignon To Lyon - Viking Cruises
My Viking River Cruise from Avignon to Lyon offered a voyage of discovery through charming destinations and hidden gems in the French countryside. Avignon, the heart of the South of France, was our first stop. The Palace of the Popes, a medieval fortress, served as the residence of the papacy in the 14th century and was breathtaking. The city’s winding streets and beautiful architecture added to its charm. Next on our itinerary was Viviers, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains.
Todd About Town: Explore Guadalajara, Mexico: Home of the 2023 Gay Games
Travel has happily returned in full swing following the pandemic, and I for one am fully on board! Recently I was invited to visit the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco Mexico. With limited expectations of a city I had never visited and was not particularly familiar with, I went in with a very curious and open mind and left with a sense of excitement and great anticipation for my next visit.
Todd About Town: Explore Guadalajara, Mexico: Home of the 2023 Gay Games
Travel has happily returned in full swing following the pandemic, and I for one am fully on board! Recently I was invited to visit the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco Mexico. With limited expectations of a city I had never visited and was not particularly familiar with, I went in with a very curious and open mind and left with a sense of excitement and great anticipation for my next visit.
Explorer Ann Bancroft is now godmother — to an expedition ship
World explorer and author Ann Bancroft has a new distinction to add to her career: godmother. Not to a child, though; to a ship. Earlier this fall, the St. Paul native and her expedition partner, Liv Arnesen, were in Amsterdam to christen Viking’s two new expedition ships, the Polaris and Octantis, and became the ceremonial godmothers of the vessels. Ann was christened Godmother of Polaris while Liv holds the title of Godmother of Octantis.
Regional Travel: Southern Indiana Charm: Exploring the Patoka Lake and French Lick Area
Home Explore Travel Regional Travel: Southern Indiana Charm: Exploring the Patoka Lake and French Lick... I was recently invited to explore and discover the regional offerings of Southern Indiana, and to my delight there was much to see and experience in an area. I truthfully had not known much about it, other than it was home to NBA legend Larry Bird. The majority of my time was spent in the areas of Patoka Lake and French Lick.
Viking River Cruise Sails the Mississippi Between New Orleans and St. Paul
Keep a watchful eye on the river this month and you might get a glimpse of a shiny new vessel docked in downtown St. Paul. Viking Cruises is set to arrive with one of its newest ships, the Viking Mississippi.
Hope Breakfast Bar owner to appear on ‘Kelly and Ryan’
Brian Ingram of Purpose Driven Restaurants will make an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” on Friday, Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. on KSTP-TV (Channel 5). Ingram received the call from one of the show’s producers offering to fly him out on Tuesday to tape the segment to talk about Hope Breakfast Bar and how Purpose Driven Restaurant Group has made a difference in the community during the pandemic and the unrest surrounding the murder of George Floyd.
Big Changes at Billy's on Grand
Billy’s on Grand in the Crocus Hill neighborhood of St. Paul has been a neighborhood favorite for more than 30 years. News dropped last week that the ownership was changing, though it still remains in the hands of the family that founded it. Matt Pendergast, whose great-uncle was founder Bill Wengler, is the new managing partner of the operation and will serve as executive vice president of operations. Joining Matt will be his father-in-law Randy Johnson, who will serve as CEO.
Chan Poling: Newly Married With a New Musical
Chan Poling, composer-performer-author, and Patty Radford Henderson, a marketing strategist-entrepreneur, were married December 23 at their Crocus Hill home. A private dinner and reception for family and friends was held at the evergreen and flower-festooned St. Paul restaurant Meritage.
Catching Up With Former Viking Matt Birk
Matt Birk grew up in St. Paul. After trying every sport (and not being very good at any of them) he went out for football in the 10th grade and finally found his niche. After attending Harvard University, Birk was selected in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings. During his 11-year tenure with the Viking, Birk made six Pro Bowls.
Scenes from the MCAD Art Sale
The MCAD Art Sale opening night party was held Thursday evening in the school’s main gallery. A record-setting crowd of close to 400 enthusiastic art buyers clamored through the halls of the gallery to score finds among the 7,000 pieces of work. Nothing is priced over $1,500, and you can find many pieces as low as $100. MCAD is expecting over 4,000 visitors to attend this year’s annual art sale over the course of the weekend.
Dawn McClain, Ghost-Busting Radio Personality
Halloween has many meanings to many people, but I decided to explore the paranormal aspect of "All Hallows Eve." After all, this is the perfect time of year to search through my spider web of contacts to see how many degrees of separation I may be from an actual paranormal investigator.
Spooky Places Around Minnesota
Growing up in St. Paul, I often heard stories of strange occurrences and mysterious happenings that were said to have occurred in a few of the old Victorian mansions along Summit Avenue. Many were just tales of rumored supernatural activities that seemed to escalate as the keg began to empty. However, during this run at finding spooky spaces around the Twin Cities and Stillwater, my informal research kept drawing me to the same locations.
Tarrence Robertson-Bayless is Making Waves in St. Paul Politics
As we approach election day on Tuesday, November 5th, voters in St. Paul will have the rare opportunity to select an entire new slate of council members to represent the city. The personal and professional lives of candidates seem to have become public domain during recent campaigns. Ward 4 candidate Tarrence Robertson-Bayless decided to take the path of sharing his life with the voters from the very beginning.
Are Pirates Invading St. Paul?
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Spend a night at the pirate ship Airbnb docked on the Mississippi River. October 15, 2019 12:00 AM Ahoy matey! No, you didn’t pour too much rum in your tankard. That actually is a pirate ship you see docked on the Mississippi River between the airport and downtown St. Paul. The boat, christened Siren’s Gate, has been getting quite a bit of National attention lately, from the New York Post to Travel and Leisure Magazine.
Minnesota Wild Add New Foods to the Xcel
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Italian Eatery Owners Open Due Focacceria in Mac-Groveland What's new to eat in the State of Hockey? by Todd Walker October 11, 2019 1:05 PM Chin up Minnesota sports fans, it’s time to change your focus to hockey (just pack away your Minnesota Twins jersey) and GO WILD. The Minnesota Wild will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins for the home opener at the Xcel Energy Center at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday.
Heimie's Haberdashery Expands in St. Paul
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu With an additional 5,000 square feet, the store that's been open for almost a century is offering up more goods. by Todd Walker October 11, 2019 12:00 AM We all get a little weary eyed at the site of the growing number of “For Lease” signs plastered on the windows of storefronts in both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. However, not all is lost in the growing world of Amazon domination.
Todd About Town: Word on the Street in Minneapolis and St. Paul This Week
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Lisa Krohn gives her NYC theater picks, Café Latte plans a refresh, and Scout is opening a pop-up shop. by Todd Walker October 7, 2019 12:10 PM It was opening week for the Broadway touring production of Mean Girls at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. The cast party was held at the Le Meridien Chambers Hotel. While mingling amongst VIPs and the cast of Mean Girls I ran into Lisa Krohn, the director of theatre programming for Hennepin Theatre Trust.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Ties the Knot
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Our #2 is a newlywed. by Todd Walker October 3, 2019 10:00 PM It was all things SOTA at the wedding of Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan to former MPR Radio host Tom Weber. The couple exchanged nuptials on September 14 in front of 68 guests at a cottage in Red Wing on the shores of Lake Pepin.
Mean Girls the Musical Opens at the Orpheum
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu I was a Mean Girl last night at Mean Girls. by Todd Walker October 4, 2019 12:00 AM The flashy Broadway musical Mean Girls opened this week and runs through October 13 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. The musical is based on the 2004 film written by Tina Fey. The show opens with a hilarious voice over from Tina Fey about turning off your cell phones.
Date for Life 2019: Photo Gallery
At International Market Square, in Minneapolis, the annual singles charity gala Date for Life, supporting the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, brought out more than 300 guests on March 9 for dinner, drinks, and new connections. Date for Life founder Lynn Poferl kicked off the evening by honoring her daughter, who was 20 when she lost her fight with cancer. Radio personalities Colleen Lindstrom and Bradley Traynor were this year’s emcees.
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