The budding reality icon weighs in on his favorite local haunts.

Via's Vintage: "I've always had a really friendly experience when I go in there. I never feel like anyone's trying to sell me anything. They are very authentic, they love what they do and you can tell they love their line of work. They're not, like, bitchy vintage people. It's just a lot of fun." (2408 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. www.viasvintage.com.)

Spyhouse: "I like that it's stayed true to its customers and its employees over the years. I love the decor — I mean, I love a good wall sconce and a rusty mirror and a ceramic bunny head. And it reminds me of Europe, so of course I like it." (2404 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. www.spyhouse­coffee.com.)

The Lowry: "It's in my neighborhood, so these are my digs. They have really good oysters, and their staff is amazing. And they have an awesome happy hour. I love all the Blue Plate restaurants. They're awesome." (2112 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. www.thelowry­uptown.com.)

Patina: "I love Patina. They always have the best candles, bubble bath, stocking stuffers and things like that. Personal maintenance things." (7 metro locations, www.patinastores.com.)

Hunt & Gather Antiques: "They always have something, even if it's a collarbone or neckbone or spinal segment from like a bison or something for like $6. There's a really calculated, consistent, repetitive beauty to bones and pieces of organisms. And they're fun to put on a hat." (4944 Xerxes Av. S., Mpls. www.huntandgatherantiques.com.)

The Chain of Lakes: "I love the whole Calhoun lakes area. I love the biking and people walking their dogs, and the ice skating in the winter."

On making the most of Minnesota winters: "I like to snowboard. My whole family loves to. We go to Red Lodge, Mont., and Lutsen [Minn.], which is also awesome, and we've gone to Afton [Minn.], if we have to, you know, if we're real strung out [laughs]. I think it comes from living in such a wintry, cold climate — you have to make the best of it."