nicollet mall on a saturday

Any advice on what to do during the day with a 10 yr. old girl. Is it safe to walk and shop. Where is a good place to eat dinner? I have read a little on the area, but many places seem more for adults. Also, can we safely walk to the metrodome from the convention center area?

nicollet mall on a saturday

I would say Nicollet Mall is more adult-oriented in terms of restaurants and attractions. But it is definitely safe to walk and shop. Window shopping, Gavidae Common, Crystal Court, etc. As safe an area as you can get in the city, I%26#39;d say.

Block E is not terribly far away -- has a few more kid-friendly options there for eating. And a movie theater.

Also, as for walking from Convention Center area to the Dome, I%26#39;d say no. Taxis are plentiful, though, and $5.

If you do walk, make sure to walk down Nicollet Mall to 6th Street and take a right and head that way. Lengthens the walk a little but keeps you in the safest area.

nicollet mall on a saturday

Thanks! I thought since I was paying for parking at my hotel, I%26#39;d walk to the dome. I%26#39;m not sure if it would be better (easier) to pay the taxi or pay to park again at the dome??? I have a suv, so parking isn%26#39;t the easiest.

My little sister loves the public library and the St. Anthony Main areas.

You know, depending on the time of day, I feel very safe walking to the Metrodome from the convention center. Yes do stay on Nicollet, and you could walk to light rail on 5th St (little sis loved that too) which goes straight to the dome. I just wouldn%26#39;t be out there when it%26#39;s late - say after 10 or when there are no other people on the sidewalks.

As for restaurants, Buca is always a riot (I don%26#39;t usually recommend chains but kids make things different). There is a great food area in the Macy%26#39;s basement called The Cellar. They have EVERYTHING you can imagine, so your child will not be disappointed. I eat there regularly. My coworkers grandkids love Andrea%26#39;s Pizza. I%26#39;m not sure why, maybe because it%26#39;s in the skyway %26amp; overlooks the street? But they do have great pizza cheap - 811 LaSalle just off Nicollet. And it%26#39;s also really fun to pick up something quick and people watch outside on Nicollet at lunchtime.

Good shopping other than MOA?

My girlfriends and I will be staying at Graves 601 in July and are thinking of spending our afternoon shopping. We are looking for a place with boutique clothing shops. Nicolette Mall is nearby, right? Should we go there, or is there somewhere we%26#39;d like better? We could drive somewhere. Thanks!

Good shopping other than MOA?

Ok...I should have said I%26#39;m talking about a Saturday afternoon.

Good shopping other than MOA?

if you%26#39;re already downtown -

check out the Gavidae Common - they have Nieman%26#39;s %26amp; Saks, and a few other smaller stores.

http://www.gaviidaecommon.com/

Then in Edina next to the Southdale Mall is the Galleria -

http://www.galleriaedina.com/

In July I would head to downtown Wayzata, about 12 miles west on 394 from downtown Minneapolis. I would book a table for lunch at Sunsets on Lake Minnetonka via www.opentable.com and walk around the lakeside shopping area. www.wayzatachamber.com will give you a listing of the retail/restaurants in the area. If you need more ';mall'; type shopping, you pass right by a large regional mall on 394 called Ridgedale Mall and they have the usual stores.

Nicollet Mall is a couple of blocks away but you will mostly find national chains (e.g. Macy%26#39;s, Gap, Banana Republic). For boutique shopping, I would recommend 50th and France in Edina.

www.50thandfrance.com/business.php鈥?/a>

I would agree with those suggestions already made. However, to be honest, I%26#39;m a stereotypical guy and not much of a shopper (I even have a relatively low threshold for shopping at ';guy stores'; like Home Depot, though better then Ikea). That said, I throw out a few ideas and welcome other posters to elaborate, agree or disagree with my suggestions. I%26#39;m only going off some memory of what might be good ideas:

Northeast Minneapolis: A block from Graves is Hennepin Avnenue. Follow the one-way traffic over the Mississippi River and you%26#39;ll be on East Hennepin Avenue. There are some boutique-type shops, though not a huge amount if memory serves me correct. Check out www.northeastminneapolis.com for ideas of what%26#39;s there.

Uptown Minneapolis: an area south on the same Hennepin about 3 miles is Uptown. Some definite boutique shopping options, plus dining and gets you near a number of Minneapolis%26#39; famed lakes. www.uptownminneapolis.com

Grand Avenue: in St. Paul, but fits the bill for boutique shopping, and lots of historic buildings/houses in the area. www.grandave.com

There%26#39;s a few ideas from this relative non-shopper...

I can only defer to my wife, who likes shopping Nicollet Mall for the Off Saks location. Women seem to dig it. She dragged me through there a few times and it%26#39;s always full of women looking for deals.

Personally, if you%26#39;re here to shop upscale in July, I%26#39;d got to either Grand Avenue or 50th %26amp; France. Real neighborhoods with great local personality. Northeast is a great area but it%26#39;s somewhat spread out. North Hennepin area has a few great places to shop, but I go there more for amazing food %26amp; drink.

Wayzata is another great suggestion but it%26#39;s about 20 minutes out. You%26#39;d want to nab one of those coveted patio seats early to beat the crowd! Although I don%26#39;t know if that%26#39;s possibly on a Saturday.

Something fishy

Partook of yet another Friday night (ayce) fish fry at Deans Tavern on north Rice Street in St Paul. This was our second visit, and the meal was just as good as the first time we ate there a couple of weeks ago. Batter-fried, but not to thick breading, fish itself nice and moist. Accompanied with a small portion of cole slaw, and a good sized portion of fries.

Bonus: Summit Pale Ale on tap. Meal was $8 and the large (very large) beer was $5.

tptr

Something fishy

Thx - never heard of Dean%26#39;s.

Whenever I get asked about a good fish place in the cities, I think of Tavern on Grand.

Something fishy

sounds like my kind of place

FYI, Red Stag has an amazing fish fry... it was lake perch last time I went, which is why I think WI fish fries are so much better.

Obbs (on Burns Ave just up west of Hwy. 61) has a Friday fish fry during lent (or at least the used to....one never knows) which was very good.

The Obbs fish fry is a weekly event.

tptr

Dean's again

Another plug for Deans (north Rice St in St Paul) Had breakfast there on Sunday. 3-egg omelet + hash browns %26amp; toast for $4.75. Didn%26#39;t have the Sunday breakfast special of steak %26amp; eggs for $8, which also INCLUDES a bloody.

No, I don%26#39;t own the place!

Other Rice St breakfasts include the Flameburger, (a fair ration of grease, but well-known in the area) and the Coffee Cup.

tptr

smelt and booya

Katzgar from Seattle asked:

%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;';Anyone doing smelt fries or Booya feeds anymore?'; %26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

I have not seen ';full blown'; smelt fries in a couple of years around here. Would bet you can find them in the North Shore area when the run is on.

Booyas have also fallen out of favor from the old days. Look for them in the fall season, but not on the scale of years ago when it seemed everyone was sponsoring them and using them as fundraisers

A more ';innocent'; time period?

tptr

smelt and booya

In the little towns of northern Minnesota, smelt frys are still around. I know that on April 18, 2009 the little town of Solway, MN will have a smelt fry. The town has a population of less than 90 and expects to serve around 300 meals.

smelt and booya

Hope that April 18 is after the smelt run, otherwise, the fish will be leftover from 2008...............

Booya at Newport Fire Department....2nd Sunday in July.

www.orgsites.com/mn/newport-fire/_pgg5.php3

http://www.newport.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC%26amp;SEC={94077D42-2511-4298-9CC5-233318CFD532}

One upcoming Sunday in Inver Grove Heights (Emmanuel booya):

www.southwestreviewnews.com/main.asp…

After 10 years%26#39; of residence in West St. Paul, I know South St. Paul (due east of West St. Paul, naturally-- and West St. Paul is due south of downtown St. Paul) has one as part of its fall annual festival and several were advertised in West St. Paul (one at the West St Paul Commercial Club and several via churches/civic orgs). To my taste buds, booyas are better as a concept and image than as a dining option.

For the West is South and South is East thing blame the riverboat captains of yesteryear. For them going up river everything on the left side was West and everything downstream was South. No matter that there%26#39;s a big bend in the river at St. Paul. So that town across the river just had to be West St. Paul...no matter that it was really to the South. And the town they passed a ways back just had to be South St. Paul because it was down river....despite being as much East of St. Paul as it is South. Speaking of South St. Paul....site of the World Championship Booya Cookoff last October.

www.startribune.com/local/east/29866194.html

You never know what the booya guys put in the pot in the middle of the night. My father used to be on the committee for one in the 60%26#39;s that was held annually at Highland Park. The guys sat up all night playing cards and nipping strong beverages.............

tptr

I found a new clipping from one of those booyas:

And I quote:

From: The St Paul Dispatch, Tuesday Sept 29, 1964

';Two thousand people of assorted sizes and ages spooned their way through 250 gallons of chicken booya and munched through an undetermined number of hot dogs and hamburgers Sunday. The event was the third annual chicken booya sponsored by the energetic parents auxiliary to the St Paul Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Location was the Highland Park pavilion.

The 250 gallons of stew were prepared in four large gas-fired kettles in a special booya kitchen at Highland Park.

Cookd gathered Saturday morning to begin the enormous job of cleaning 350 chickens and chopping crates of carrots, potatoes and other vegetables.

Some specific items on the grocery list included 64 gallons of vegetables, 60 pounds of onions, 1/2 bushel rutabagas, 60 pounds potatoes, 40 pounds each of veal, and beef, 100 pounds of oxtail, 280 pounds of soup bones, two pounds paprika, 1 peck peppers.

The stew began simmering at 1 pm Saturday with the additions of soup bones to the kettles. Following detailed recipes of instructions and timing, ships worked on through the night adding vegetables, seasonings and spices, stirring continually.

By 11:30 am Sunday morning the enormous stew was ready for the first customers.'; [ I add: and many of the all-night fire-tenders were hung-over!]

Smelt fry in Chisago lakes area was this past Friday (4/24/09). Those that hyped up to try one next year should note it%26#39;s not a bad trek from the northeast metro suburbs/exurbs:

www.ci.chisago.mn.us/index.asp…

Girls' weekend plan--please help!

Hello! I%26#39;m planning a bachelorette party in Minneapolis and could use some input from you experts!

Here%26#39;s what I%26#39;ve got going so far. Please let me know if I%26#39;m making wise choices and what other stops we should add to our itinerary.

Hotel: Graves 601.

Dinner: Cosmos.

Party time: Solera rooftop bar.

We%26#39;re not your average bachelorette party--no inflatable penises or suck for a buck here! We%26#39;re looking for places with great atmosphere within walking distance of our hotel where we might be able to get a table and perhaps dance. We%26#39;re in our upper 20s.

Girls' weekend plan--please help!

I neglected to mention that we%26#39;re coming in July, if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Girls' weekend plan--please help!

I%26#39;m really not a fan of Cosmos - hefty price, not much food, and you leave still kinda hungry.

They have fun bar, so check that out since you are staying at Graves anyway -

but you might like the Italian place attached to the building that Graves is part of (Block E), called Bellanotte.

Go for drinks before dinner, and enjoy outside seating, or inside by the big fireplace off to the left. Good food too.

http://www.bellanottempls.com/

Solera is good for rooftop, but the newest rooftop place is SEVEN - it cannot be beat, The Seven SkyBar.

They have steak restaurant on first floor, sushi and a fun bar on 2nd floor, and the 3rd floor rooftop deck with primo views of downtown.

And it%26#39;s a block from your hotel, if that.

http://www.7mpls.com/

Just some thoughts.

I have not been to Cosmos but have been told by several people it%26#39;s gorgeous and a nice atmosphere for a date or a nice romantic dinner. That would seem to suggest maybe it%26#39;s not quite the place for a bachelorette party. It%26#39;s expensive too, and if it were me, I%26#39;d go somewhere more affordable with less of a romantic vibe and more of a girls night out vibe.

I think the recommendation of Bellanotte is great -- close to the Graves, happening bar, solid food and the right atmosphere.

I think that would be a good place for dinner and maybe a drink or two afterward.

Solera for dinner might not be a bad idea either. They have nice group tables and a fantastic wine list.

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I think I need more help with the restaurant...the bride was excited about Cosmos, but I don%26#39;t want to take her there if it%26#39;s not going to be great.

We are looking for a place that%26#39;s pretty upscale, vibrant, special, and not something we could find just anywhere.

It%26#39;s true that we%26#39;re on a bachelorette party, but we%26#39;re keeping it classy! :-)

I%26#39;m sure Bellanotte is delicious, but the menu looks pretty standard for an Italian place and Italian seems a little heavy for July. Any other ideas for amazing places within walking distance of Graves 601?

Thank you, thank you!

Ah, I didn%26#39;t know the bride had a preference for Cosmos. If she does, then certainly don%26#39;t rule it out. I just think the there are a few places with a better vibe. Hate to keep going back to that word but it%26#39;s no fun to be in a party mood in a place full of people on nervous dates. Might be a little quiet. Or then again it might not be. Hopefully someone with more direct experience on Cosmos will chip in.

I will say that Solera would be a step down in terms of upscale, but I still think it%26#39;s a classy place, with a tapas menu. I think that%26#39;s definitely light (except for the paella, oof) and something you wouldn%26#39;t find anywhere. It%26#39;s got a bit of a funky decor, interesting/diverse menu, nice seating areas and usually a willingness to accommodate groups if you call ahead and tell them the occassion and what kind of scene you%26#39;re looking for so you don%26#39;t get locked in a room.

And again, the wine list is fantastic -- but then I love Spanish wine. (not limited to that of course).

Another place to consider is an Asian fusion place called Azia. I absolutely love the food and the scene there. Hip, interesting, classy. Only problem is you%26#39;d have to take a taxi, though not far. 26th and Nicollet. I%26#39;d say $10-$12 per cab.

If you%26#39;re willing to branch out from walking distance, that%26#39;s a nice option. Caterpillar Lounge on the premises is nice too.

Azia sounds like a place that fits the mood and . Again, not as upscale as Cosmos or as spendy, but it is a classy place with good cocktail makers behind the bar and fantastic cream cheese/cranberry wontons as an app.

I%26#39;ll think on it more. The super upscale places within walking distance of Graves aren%26#39;t my forte -- haven%26#39;t been.

All great suggestions... having been on the planning end of a bachelorette party, here%26#39;s my 2 cents:

Cosmos - great upscale restaurant, a little uppity for a BP. Solera I think is a better option because it%26#39;s got everything wrapped up in one - atmosphere, food, nightlife, patio.

Another option to consider is starting at the lounge at the W Hotel. It%26#39;s a scene out of Sex and the City, so New York. They have a great restaurant if you%26#39;re into steak %26amp; seafood - Mannys. Also has a great observation deck, esp enjoyable on a gorgeous July evening.

Neither of these is too far from Nicollet, a fun nightlife area. There are many places to choose from that range from a wild time to a civilized evening. And Seven rooftop is definitely something to check out at some point.

Also, re: dancing, my favorite place is The Front in North Hennepin area. It%26#39;s down to earth and they play great music. And don%26#39;t forget to hit Nye%26#39;s - a must for every BP. You may not want to leave, it%26#39;s that fun.

Most of the ';dance'; bars in the 1st Avenue or Warehouse District are young and wild, which may not be what you%26#39;re seeking.

Have a wonderful, memorable evening!

Hotel: I like your choice!

Dinner: Cosmos is o.k. and would be fine but consider this new place called Barrio

Barrio Tequila Bar

612-333-9959

925 Nicolett Mall

Minneapolis, MN 55402

It is hip, fun, and busy. Get reservations.

Party Time: I agree that Seven has the best patio and it is a see and be seen kind of place but there is no dancing. Get a drink there and move on.

I like The Lounge and also Envy for dancing and drinks in an upscale environment.

laser cartridges

Dinner for 8 - need restaurant suggestions..

I%26#39;m hosting a small meeting at the Marquette and need dinner suggestions.

The first night we%26#39;re eating at Basil%26#39;s since we%26#39;re already there. The second night, after the meeting concludes, I%26#39;d like to take the group to a nice place to chill. Looking for good food and wine, nice ambience, reasonable pricing (entrees around $18-24). Our business meeting will be over, so we don%26#39;t need a private room.

The folks are from UK, Germany, Norway, Australia...and I want them to have a memorable last night in Minneapolis!

Thoughts on Lucia%26#39;s? Restaurant Alma? I heard Cue at the Guthrie would be interesting... but is closing/closed.

Thanks in advance.

Dinner for 8 - need restaurant suggestions..

Maybe Manhattan%26#39;s on Hennepin? They have a private room that could be used, or not.

Hell%26#39;s Kitchen? That would be very unique.

Buca for family style dining?

Nicollet Island Inn?

I haven%26#39;t heard about Cue closing. Hadn%26#39;t eaten there, but have eaten next door at SpoonRiver.

Maybe Spill the Wine, or hibachi dining at Wasabi? Both are on Washington.

http://www.manhattansmpls.com/

hellskitcheninc.com/HellsKitchenWelcome.html

www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/default.aspx…

http://www.nicolletislandinn.com/dining.html

http://www.spoonriverrestaurant.com/

http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com/

http://www.wasabimn.com/chef.html

Dinner for 8 - need restaurant suggestions..

I think your price range of $18 - $24 does limit your choices. Many of the really good places right downtown are fairly costly. With your range in mind I%26#39;d check Ikes, Rock Bottom Brewery, and Conga Latin Bistro downtown. In Uptown Amore Victoria and Moto-i (the only sake brewery in the US). On Eat Street I love Azia. All of the above restaurants can be booked on www.opentable.com they have the menus, directions and phone numbers etc...

Restaurant Alma is nice but perhaps a little outside your price range -- the one listed.

112 Eatery fits your price range. You%26#39;ll want to call now to make reservations, though.

It%26#39;s a small place witha nice, cozy ambience. Very good wine list (and pours). Food is fantastic.

You didn%26#39;t mention your number in the group. Make sure to call ahead and see if they can fit your group. As I said -- small place.

I like Ike%26#39;s quite a bit for occasions like yours. But your mention of food and wine (though they of course have wine) sugegsted to me you want maybe a finer dining evening.

But maybe look at Ike%26#39;s web site to see if it fits.

$18 - $24 price range limits your choices but it can be done, fairly close anyway. Here is what I would suggest:

Murray%26#39;s Restaurant

Early dinner menu Mon-Fri for $19.95

www.murraysrestaurant.com/

Palomino

Dine early 3 course meal for $25

www.palomino.com

You may also want to check out Chino Latino

Indian/Asian/Everything fusion!

It is on south Hennepin Avenue, not too far from downtown

www.chinolatino.com

You should know that there is a place right near the Marquette with a decent atmosphere and a very good wine list. Called Zelo. Not one of my favorites but good for convenience. After dinner you could walk down to Brit%26#39;s Pub and sit on the rooftop area. Very good place to relax and unwind and watch people and lawn bowling. The best outdoor seating area downtown by far.

Chino Latino has very good food, but it is extremely loud. You can%26#39;t hear yourself speak. If that is the cuisine you are interested in try Conga Latin Bistro, the food is similiar and very reasonably priced. A good atmosphere for carrying on a conversation. And, you would actually be in the price range of your budget.

I second the above suggestion for Brit%26#39;s Pub for a great place to unwind downtown, wonderful for outdoor seating.

I think the 112 Eatery would fit your needs to a tee. Call them immediately and see if they can accommodate your group. They have two levels of seating; the upstairs is usually a little more quiet if you%26#39;re looking to wind down after your business endeavors.

http://112eatery.com/

The 112 is a pleasant walk from the Marquette, probably about ten or fifteen comfortable minutes.

If that doesn%26#39;t work, you may want to consider Saffron, a wonderful Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant that happens to be right across the street from 112 Eatery! They have many small plates as well as standard entrees, so I think it would be great for a group.

http://saffronmpls.com/index.html

Hope this helps.

Cafe Lurcat is nice and their wine list is pretty extensive. You could call there and have them create a menu with 5 or so options in your price range. It is a nice place.

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions!

I left a message with 112 to call me back about reservations. Since I might not be able to get a table, I made reservations at Saffron first. From their website, that looks like a good place. Are these 2 restaurants in a neighborhood that would be nice to walk around before or after dinner?

Since I%26#39;ll be in town for a meeting for several days before this one, I%26#39;ll definitely check out a few of your other suggestions! Cafe Lurcat and Ike%26#39;s sound like good options.

Honeymoon in Duluth August 27 - 29th

I am looking to plan our 1st honeymoon in Duluth, any suggestions for hotels greatly appreciated. Looking for secluded and we don%26#39;t neseciarly have to be in Duluth, open to other cities around the Duluth area or even farther north. Thanks!

Honeymoon in Duluth August 27 - 29th

I am a big fan of BlueFin Bay, and that whole area for hiking, waterfalls, and state parks.

http://www.bluefinbay.com/

www.americasnorthcoast.org/index-summer.php

Hit me up if you want any hiking trail suggestions.

Honeymoon in Duluth August 27 - 29th

Duluth has some pearl B and Bs. I have a few friends who have raved about AG Thompson House, which was a little bit above my budget range for my recent stay in Duluth.

http://www.thomsonhouse.biz/guestRooms/

Those scream honeymoon to me. Private bath, whirlpool, etc.

My recent stay I spent at Ellery House, which is not as lavish but has a ton of charm. You%26#39;ll never have a better breakfast at a hotel/BandB in your life. Look at the Daisy Suite -- which has attached sun room and views of the lake and separate room fro bathroom with tub. I loved everything about it. But I think AG Thompson may have higher end amenities for a honeymoon. Depends on what your budget is. Many honeymooners want that whirlpool. Ellery House doesn%26#39;t have it. But they do have most everything else. (Not many places supply comlimentary port and sherry at the end of a night).

Also look at Olcott House, specifically the Carriage House (not a room but a separate house on the grounds!)

Also, two friends raved about their recent honeymoons at Larsmont Cottages, north of Duluth toward Two Harbors. Unlike the aforementioned places, this place is right on the water. And there is something to be said for that.

Make sure to look at all those places. They all have their own style.

Here is a house rental which looks awesome!

http://www.cyberrentals.com/rental/p303137

Do you mean ';honeymoon'; or ';anniversary';?

I%26#39;m still a big advocate for Sweetgrass Cove in Grand Portage... the best place I%26#39;ve ever stayed on the North Shore. It%26#39;s north of Grand Marais... much more romantic %26amp; quiet than Duluth, in my opinion. I guess it depends on what you%26#39;re looking for.

BTW, they fill up quickly... so East Bay Suites would be my backup lodging.

creason, i was wondering the same thing -- ';first honeymoon.'; I was going to say I%26#39;m either really jealous or there%26#39;s a typo in there somewhere.

I am also a big fan of Bluefin Bay.

My bad! I mean anniversary! I don%26#39;t know where my head was when I was writing my first post!

Thanks for all the feedback.

I am going to check them all out. Just to clarify, we are looking for secluded, but still near enough restaurants and places for outdoor activities to do in the day like hiking, biking or maybe even kayaking.

We were all jealous for a while! FYI, Sweetgrass Cove is 22 miles N of Grand Marais, East Bay Suites is in the main business area of downtown.

I%26#39;ve stayed at Superior Shores in Two Harbors, which is just a short drive north of Duluth, and it was wonderful. We booked a romance package, which included chocolates, champagne, dinner at the restaurant, and a wonderful suite, that included a kitchen and large jacuzzi tub. It%26#39;s only about 20 minutes from Duluth to do activities there, but very quite, near hiking trails, and I believe kayaks were even available at the resort as well. I thought the price was reasonable for all of this, but we didn%26#39;t go quite in peak season. Otherwise in Duluth itself, you can%26#39;t go wrong with Canal Park hotels (though not secluded, and they are pricey in peak season).

My roommate works at the Canal Park Lodge... pretty spiffy place! Then again, most hotels on the Canal park strip are pretty nice - a great location, right on the lake walk. A little spendy, though!

Basil's restaurant at Marquette?

The reviews on tripadvisor are pretty mixed. Anyone have recent experience with Basil%26#39;s?

Basil's restaurant at Marquette?

I%26#39;ve eaten there about five times for lunches in my years working and living downtown. For me, it%26#39;s always been a decent meal and great service, the most recent being end of Jan 2009.

The place is an institution, with a unique balcony section that overlooks the IDS Tower Crystal Court, if you%26#39;d like the request that location.

8 Day Itinerary Review

Thank you to those of you who responded to my previous post. We now have a tentative itinerary. We would love to hear your thoughts. Keep in mind that I will be spending most of my time during the day on Monday - Thursday at a convention with lots of walking involved. My husband will be free during this time and would love some ideas too. This is what I%26#39;ve planned for our free time:

Sat. 5/2

1. Arrive at the airport at 6:00 in the morning.

2. Take the rental car to Minnehaha falls and spend about 2-3 hours walking around.. (Questions: Is parking clearly marked? Will there be maps available that mark the trails, gardens and other sites to see? The best map of the area I%26#39;ve found is at: minneapolisparks.org/documents/permits/weddi鈥?/a> Finally, I know I read a bit about construction in the area, will it impact us much?)

3. Drive to the hotel (Double Tree Guest Suites) and take a nap.

4. Go to the Festival of Nations at St. Paul%26#39;s River Center.

Sun. 5/3

1. 9:00 am - 11:00ish - Enjoy a walk past the Berger fountain in Loring Park, past Loring Lake, and through the Sculpture Garden.

2. 11:00ish to 12:00ish - go to Matt%26#39;s Bar for a Jucy Lucy. (Does anyone know if it%26#39;s open then? There hours aren%26#39;t listed on their website.)

3. 12:00ish - 4:45ish - Go to the the May Day Festival at Powderhorn Park to watch the parade and enjoy some of the ceremonies and festival.

4. 6:00 pm - 7/8:00 pm - Convention stuff for me (husband%26#39;s open).

5. Drive to Gateway Park to see the fountain illuminted at night.

6. Drive along West River Parkway between I35 %26amp; I94. Someone mentioned that it%26#39;s beautiful at night when it%26#39;s all lit up.

Mon. 5/4

1. 8:30 - 5:30 - Convention for me (husband%26#39;s open)

2. 6:00 - 8:30 - Visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden %26amp; Quaking Bog in Theodore Wirth Park. Drive around Cedar Lake, and Lake of the Isles along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.

3. 9:00ish - Go to White Castles on 100 W. Lake Street (Yes, we%26#39;re on a bit of a budget)

Tues. 5/5

1. 9:00am - 9:30 pm - Convention for me (husband%26#39;s open)

Wed. 5/6

1. 7:30 am - 5:00 pm - Convention for me (husband%26#39;s open)

2. 5:15 - 7:15 pm - Bucca di Beppo on Harmon Place

3. 7:30 - 9:30 pm - Convention for me (husband%26#39;s open)

Thurs. 5/7

1. 9:00 - 3:15 - Convention for me (husband%26#39;s open)

2. 3:45 - 4:45 - Walk along Nicolette Mall for the Farmer%26#39;s Market for dinner, and to see the Birth of Freedom statue, Peavy Plaza fountain, and Mary Tyler Moore%26#39;s statue.

3. 5:00 - 6:30 - Drive around Lake Calhoun %26amp; Lake Harriet on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. I%26#39;ve read these are the two prettiest lakes. (Question: Is there a special place to stop and walk around a bit, and is it marked?)

4. 6:30 - 8:30 - Visit Lyndale Park to see the Heffelfinger and turtle fountains, although I%26#39;m guessing they may not be running as it%26#39;s so early in the year. Visit the Rose, Peace, Japanese and Perennial Gardens, along with the bird sanctuary if time.

5. 9:00 - ? - Go to Brit%26#39;s Pub??

Fri. 5/8

1. 7:30 - 8:30 - Hell%26#39;s Kitchen for breakfast

2. 9:00 - 11:30 - Mill Ruins Park, Guthrie Theater%26#39;s endless bridge, Gold Medal Park, Heritage Trail, Nicolette Island, Boom Island. (Question: I know the Fabled Falls %26amp; Forgotten Walls Quest minneapolisparks.org/documents/parks/river_f鈥?/a> starts at Mill Ruins Park, but where does it end? Do we have time to do this quest and the 1.8 mile heritage trail walk?)

3. 12:00 - 1:30 - Paddleboat cruise from Boom Island Park.

4. 2:00 - 6:00 - Como Zoo %26amp; Conservatory

5. 7:10 - ? - Twins Game

6. 10:30ish - ? - Nye%26#39;s Polonaise

Sat. 5/9

1. 8:00 - 9:30 - Mickey%26#39;s Diner for breakfast

2. 9:30 - 11:30 - Check out the Landmark Center %26amp; Rice Park on a quest to find Peanuts statues using this map: startseeingart.com/downloads/downtownstpaul.鈥?/a> .

3. 12:00 - 2:00 - Saint Paul Gangster Tour

4. 2:00 - 3:00 - Grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol Building

5. 3:00 - 4:00 - Summit Hill/Cathedral Walking Tour -http://minneapolis.about.com/od/citiesneighborhoods/ss/cathedralhill.htm (We%26#39;ll drive it if running out of time).

6. 4:00 - 5:00 - 5 8 Club for a Juicy Lucy (if time)

7. Depart at 7:10 pm

All thoughts and ideas are appreciated and we thank you very much for your time. We%26#39;re really looking forward to our visit.

8 Day Itinerary Review

Seems like overall you have quite a plan that will give you things to do and a feel for Minneapolis. Here%26#39;s a few thoughts off the top of my head:

5/2 - I believe parking is clearly marked, though it%26#39;s been a while since I%26#39;ve been to the Falls. I would suggest bringing cash in quarter form and/or coin dollar form. Should you need to pay meters for parking, in Minneapolis it%26#39;s only quarters and dollar coins.

5/3 - Matt%26#39;s is probably open, though I only question being it%26#39;s a Sunday. Last time I was there it was actually during lunchtime, but during the week.

5/4 - for husband - is he into museums at all? Minneapolis has a number of museums, including Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and others. Shopping options include downtown Minneapolis and if your Doubletree is downtown, he could take the Light Rail Train to Mall of America (plus have a nice ride through the city). Unfortunately, it appears the Twins are out of town, so obviously no afternoon games to check out. If your husband is a gambler at all, there are casinos somewhat close to the city, though a car would be needed (or check out the shuttles offered by the casinos, not sure of schedules). Closest casino is Mystic Lake, next is Treasure Island. Alternately, there are the Minneapolis ';chain of lakes'; if your husband wants to check out ahead of time.

A thought on White Castle - much as I love their food, the neighborhood this one is located in is not ideal - especially at night. I hate to be a scaredy-cat and frankly I brave a fair amount and try not to give into stereotypes of what neighborhoods ';are supposed to be';, but you may want to be at least mindful of this fact.

Finally, have you checked out www.minneapolis.org. It%26#39;s the official visitor%26#39;s association website. May have ideas for a few more things to check out.

Hope that helps some...

8 Day Itinerary Review

Have you pics a place to eat after Festival of Nations in St. Paul ? There鈥檚 a few fun places you might want to check out. Cossetta鈥檚 and Red鈥檚 Savoy have been recently mentioned on this board.

For Thurs 05/07, consider parking the car in by Calhoun at the northern tip (by Lake or Lagoon Streets), and walk south for part of Calhoun, but then also walk north to get part of Lake of the Isles, they both have a different feel to them. Calhoun really buzzes with energy, but Isles is more subdued.

minneapolis.org/media/鈥mlakesarea.pdf

Also, the Nicollet Mall Farmer%26#39;s Market has the best stuff early in the day, so maybe your hubby swing by and nab stuff before it%26#39;s gone. It may be all picked over by the time you get here.

For Friday the 8th, you spend the day almost in the same area, which is convenient, EXCEPT, you zip over the Como Park. Maybe fit that in to another day?

Also, consider making a reservation for breakfast, just in case it鈥檚 packed at Hell鈥檚 Kitchen.

Be sure to cross the footbride at the north end of Nicollet Island to Boom Island, also, consider bringing snax and take a rest at the southern tip of Nicollet Island by the pavillion - there%26#39;s picnic tables and stellar views.

Across from St. Anthony Main, is WaterPowerPark, be sure to spend 10 min walking out to the end of the trail there - more stellar views -

www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp鈥?/a>

You will love Nye鈥檚 鈥?be sure to hit both sides of the bar 鈥?Polka Room and Piano Bar. Bring your camera!

Before the game, maybe get a burger at Ike鈥檚 or the RedWagon.

During your stay, head to the W Hotel and have drinks on the 27th floor Prohibition. There鈥檚 also an observation deck you might want to check out during the day or at sundown.

www.exploreminnesota.com/listing.aspx鈥?/a>

Also, Buca has a happy hour 4 - 6.

Maybe stop at the bar first for 2 for 1%26#39;s, and nab a few slices of free pizza.

I can address the rest of the post later when I have more time. I can definitely help you on Minnehaha Park parking. I%26#39;m a regular there -- ha.

Coming from the airport take 5 east to Hiawatha Ave/Hwy 55 west toward Minneapolis. when you merge onto Hwy 55 west stay to the right and exit to Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave and the Highway 62 split. If you look at Google maps this will be easier to follow.

Now you%26#39;re on Hiawatha Avenue.

Very quickly, you%26#39;ll see a light for 54th Street. Take a right. this takes you into the park. Follow the road around (it%26#39;s now called Minnehaha Avenue) to the roundabout and take your first right, which is Godfrey. The parking lot will be shortly to your right. It%26#39;s a dollar for a couple hours. You pay the vending machine and put the ticket on your windshield.

Then follow the path down toward the large red-roofed structure and the falls are on the other side.

The construction won%26#39;t affect you that much. They%26#39;re rebuilding (re-fortifying) the creek walls below the falls. That means some of that area can%26#39;t be walked. But you can still take the first flight of stairs down to below the falls for another view. If you follow the path across the bridge above the falls and walk another 200 feet or so there is a plasctic encased map to give you your bearings. I would recommend you take the stairs down and follow the path along the creek down to the Mississippi River. It takes about 25 minutes to get there. It%26#39;s a pretty walk and the merging of the creek and river is scenic enough. Once in a while you%26#39;ll see the far wall defaced by graffiti, but just ignore it. You%26#39;ll probably see some peopple fishing down there -- great spot.

Finding the path down might be tricky as the easiest route there will be blocked. But you can still get there. I can let you know how if you would like.

Wow! Thank you all so much! I will be printing this and taking it with us.

As to my husband, he is not a huge fan of museums or mall shopping. He likes walking around cities and seeing interesting things. He likes scenic drives - he%26#39;s considering Duluth, Stillwater, a scenic drive around the arboretum in Chaska (I believe), Minnetonka, ... He wonders if there%26#39;s anything exciting along the Missiissippi River besides where we are going. I%26#39;m also thinking maybe Dinkytown, Eat Street, or more time in St. Paul. He likes sports and good cheese. He may go to a casino. Thanks to the 27th floor of the Foshay tower, I%26#39;m sure he%26#39;ll go there too--he likes heights. (I will also try to see if I can get us there at sunset). I think he may also go to the Farmer%26#39;s Market early as suggested. (Good idea!)

Also, thanks to the heads up on White Castle. We decided to nix that. We%26#39;ve also added breakfast brunch at Ike%26#39;s after Minnehaha falls and before the hotel.

As to Como Zoo %26amp; Conservatory being out of the way, although it%26#39;s not ideal, we think it is best due to the time of the boat cruise. We will be adding a lunch at Cafe Latte before Como. This will be on a Friday night. Thinking about traffic and that the Twins game starts at 7:10, how long do you think it will take to get back?

As for food on the night of the Festival of Nations, we will be eating there. It sounds as if there will be lots to choose from.

Thanks for the head%26#39;s up on Bucca%26#39;s happy hour--I may just have to hit that during the convention. :) Also, thank you for the head%26#39;s up on Water Power Park. We%26#39;ve added that to the list. And thank you for the parking tips by Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. We%26#39;ll do that.

Finally, thank you for the detailed info for the area around Minnehaha Park. And, yes, I would love more info about the trails and the gardens there.

Overall, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of your time!!!! We are getting so excited and think that we are going to LOVE Minneapolis/St. Paul thanks to this forum.

My name is Steven Linse and I am a manager at Nye%26#39;s Polonaise. It%26#39;s great you will be coming to Nye%26#39;s on that Friday night. Lou Snider will be playing at the piano bar for karaoke starting at 8:30. She has been playing there since 1965 and everybody loves singing to her playing. The World%26#39;s Most Dangerous Polka Band will also be playing that night in the ';Old Side'; bar. People young and old enjoy dancing to all of their wild polka songs. Please call me to let me know your name(s) and I will make a reservation in one of our sought-after retro booths.

Sincerely,

Steven Linse

612-379-2021

Upon reading this, I%26#39;m a little concerned about you having such a stringet schedule. You might consider being open and present to experiences and know which activities are your priorities.

Also, I%26#39;m unsure but I think 6-8:30 might be a little late for the Eloise Butler Flower Garden. They do close 1 hour before dark, which right now would likely be between 6:30-7, earlier if it%26#39;s a cloudy day. I%26#39;d also avoid a park this dense past dusk. Know that it%26#39;s my favorite park and I live in the area. But it%26#39;s huge and there are lots of secluded areas. However, it should be gorgeous with spring color as everything started to burst this week. The lakes might be a safer bet this time of day.

A nice scenic drive would be from Stillwater north on Hwy 95 to Taylors Falls and St.Croix Falls.There are a couple state parks,scenic stops,etc. along the St Croix River.

The return route could be along Hwy 8 to 35 south back to the cities.If you husband likes cheese,there is Eichten%26#39;s Cheese and Buffalo farm on Hwy.8.

Impressive how thoroughly you%26#39;ve researched everything, Californigander. So often people just come on the board and ask: What should I do?

I don%26#39;t know ...What kind of things do you LIKE to do?

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Oh,and onemore thing about M%26#39;haha Park. Make sure to park in the pay lot -- remember right on Godfrey (which juts out of that roundabout) and a quick right into that lot. Further down is a permit lot -- poorly marked. People think they can park for free there and get ticketed all the time. I think it%26#39;s entrapment.

There are two levels at the park -- above and below the falls. With beautiful stone staircases (some being refurbished) connecting the two. If you follow the path on the upper part from the falls and head toward where downstream is, you%26#39;ll find more staircases to allow you to get to the area where you can start the walk down to the Mississippi. The first set of stairs (on the paved side (paver blocks) of the viewing area will let you down but you won%26#39;t be able to walk downstream much because of the work on the creek walls.

If you follow the path back up top down toward downstream, you%26#39;ll find a staircase at the end of the stone wall that should still be closed for refurbishment. At the bottom of those stairs is a clearing where the path to the river starts. You can get to that clearing by using the next set of stairs.

To get there, continue following the path away from the falls (you%26#39;ll see a small outdoor concert stage on your left). Couple hundred feet up you%26#39;ll see the stairs (which were a bit broken up as they%26#39;re next for refurbishment) that will get you down there. Just backtrack toward the creek and follow the path that runs along it downstream.

HI, I love that you are so organized. I wish I was.

A thought I had was that The Walker Art Museum and the Sculpture Garden downtown Minneapolis is free on Thursday nights from 5-9. You could consider going there that night. There is a place near by for dinner that is fun and lively called Joe%26#39;s Garage.

yelp.com/biz/鈥T0lyljTBO7pUjNb-hg2Tg

Another place which is good with dinner and they have specials is The Palomino. They are a chain though...........

help surprise FIL for birthday

We will be flying into Minn for Labor Day weekend to surprise FIL for his birthday. ILs live 2 hours from AP near Lake Lillian. If MIL brings FIL to AP, he will be suspicious %26amp; that will diminish the surprise. So we were trying to come up with someplace DH %26amp; I can get to easily w/ carry-ons from AP where ILs could meet us so FIL will be surprised.

Any ideas? I%26#39;m thinking a nice restaurant where MIL could be pretending to take FIL. Only problem we arrive around 2:30 -- 3:00 . . . I guess if they eat early 4 ish would work. The closer we can get to them the better.

help surprise FIL for birthday

Sorry

I just don%26#39;t understand your codes?

MIL? FIL? AP?

Being born/raised in Minnesota, and I%26#39;m still baffled.

help surprise FIL for birthday

I cracked part of it. Mother-in-law, father-in-law, in-laws. Still not sure what AP is.

Where%26#39;s Lake Lillian? One of those small lakes near Lake of the Isles ?

No Lake Lillian that I know of in the Metro area. Must mean the small town (or lake itself) out near Willmar. But I don%26#39;t know what AP refers to.

ahhhh. airport

If we have properly decoded the message, questions remain. What area are you looking at for dinner? Is just the airport suspicious or would the 2-hour drive into Minneapolis be suspicious too? Would the western suburbs work?

How do you plan on getting around?

If the IL%26#39;s gamble, what about meeting at Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee? Or if they%26#39;re nature buffs, the Landscape Arboretum in Chaska? Or if they like quaint lake areas, Wayzata or Excelsior?

Sorry about the acronyms. They are all used on other boards %26amp; I got used to them.

You did crack / decipher them corectly but I will rephrase my Q in English.

We are flying in to the Minn-St. Paul airport the Friday of Labor Day weekend to suprise my husband%26#39;s father for his birthday. If he comes to the airport he will know somebody is showing up. we are therefore trying to avoid having him come to the airport but he won%26#39;t stay home while his wife makes a 4 hour round trip drive to fetch us.

My husband %26amp; I would like to meet the in-laws somewhere else so that dad is surprised. My husband %26amp; I will not have a car so we need a place we can get to conveniently from the airport with carry on luggage w/o breaking the bank (e.g. we don%26#39;t want to rent a limo or other private car service). We are open to taking a bus or train if one exists. Does it?

I have no idea where Lake Lillian is. I have never been outside of your airport but I understand it%26#39;s about 2 hours away from the airport.

We don%26#39;t really care where we meet them other than at the airport but it has to sound / look like someplace father in law%26#39;s wife would take him for his birthday . . . to me that means it has to be kind of special as in out of the ordinary but not necessarily expensive. It also doesn%26#39;t have to be a restaurant but it does have to be someplace my husband %26amp; I can hang out with luggage because obviously we have to get there 1st. Again for clarification -- we couldn%26#39;t really meet at a chain restaurant like TGIF%26#39;s or Applebees because why would the in-laws come all the way into the city just for that? They could eat in any of the ones closer to home.

Does my Question make more sense now?

TIA

If the IL%26#39;s gamble, what about meeting at Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee? Or if they%26#39;re nature buffs, the Landscape Arboretum in Chaska? Or if they like quaint lake areas, Wayzata or Excelsior?

How would we get to any of those places without a car?

How would we get to any of those places without a car?

You can%26#39;t get to any of those places without a car. I haven%26#39;t looked at the price of renting a car for twenty four hours, but would that be a possibility? If not, you are pretty much limited to someplace along the light rail, which means the Mall of America, or downtown Minneapolis.

If you took the light rail from the airport to MOA, you could probably stash your carry-on in a locker, then surprise your in-laws at some predetermined spot.

Or, you could take the light rail to downtown Minneapolis and meet them someplace; I should think most restaurants would have a place to store your carry-on bags once you arrive.

It seems like it depends on the ability of your mother-in-law to come up with some ruse to get your father-in-law to get in the car for a trip to the city.

One thought that came to my mind was to somehow meet at the State Fair. It will be going on at that time, and that would be something that your in-laws couldn%26#39;t do out where they live. And it would be possible for you to get from the airport to the State Fair using public transit. It would take a while, but it could be done. I haven%26#39;t figured out what to do with your bags yet. Maybe you could store them at the airport for a small charge with your airline; most airlines have a baggage office on the baggage claim level.

Hope this helps; let us know if the State Fair idea sounds good. If so, transit could be explained.

Restaurants near Minneapolis Convention Center

A small group of female friends and I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express near the Minneapolis Convention Center May 3-7. Could anyone tell me some good places to eat that would be walking distance from there? Is it a safe area to walk at night? Thank you.

Restaurants near Minneapolis Convention Center

I will be attending that convention too. I found a very useful pdf listing restaurants within walking distance of the convention center on their website. You can find it at: minneapolisconventioncenter.com/public/resta鈥?/a>

Restaurants near Minneapolis Convention Center

Check out www.urbanspoon.com all 10 listed are very good. I personally love Oceanaire. You are also quite close to ';Eat Stree'; with dozens of ethnic local restaurants. You might want to take a cab in that area.

Sorry this will should work better: urbanspoon.com/ps/29/9466/Twin-Cities/Landma鈥?/a>

Me again...several of the recommended places use www.opentable.com for reservations. Gives menu, directions, phone number and reviews, a very useful website.

You are very close to Nicollet Mall - multiple dining options north of the Convention Center (Brits, the Local, Masa, Zelo, etc.)

As well as a district south on Nicollet called ';Eat Street';. From this link you%26#39;ll see options, but I%26#39;m a big fan of Azia.

wikitravel.org/en/Minneapolis/Eat_Street

Another place would be Hells Kitchen.

http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/

One of the places further down the list on that Urbanspoon page is Porter %26amp; Frye, in the Hotel Ivy. Very, very good food, and excellent cocktails in the bar. Dinner is pretty pricey, I must admit, but they also serve great breakfast and lunch for a more reasonable price.

http://www.porterandfrye.com/

Another on the list has great home style cooking: Key%26#39;s, in the Foshay Tower, where the new W hotel is located.

http://www.keysfoshay.com/

B.A.N.K. in the new Westin is a nice place with a wonderful bar.

http://www.bankmpls.com/

One more that wasn%26#39;t on the list is Ike%26#39;s; great food and bar.

menuism.com/restaurants/cGPBzKke4r2653abBlKs鈥?/a>

Finally, another breakfast place is the New Calhoun Grill, at 89 S 10th Street. I couldn%26#39;t locate a website, but if you ask at the hotel, they%26#39;ll point you down the street to it.

laser cartridges

Extended Stay Accommodations in Duluth?

I will visiting family in Duluth/Hermantown over the Thanksgiving holidays. Can anyone suggest a place where we can stay affordably for a week to ten days?

Extended Stay Accommodations in Duluth?

Don%26#39;t hesitate to negotiate a price with any hotel manager in Duluth or bed and breakfast location in Duluth. It is a small town and I am sure people would love to have someone over the slow Thanksgiving weekend. I worked for a major company that ended up going under and they had someone in Duluth who was there the whole 4 weeks while the store went out of business. He negotiated $30 a night at a hotel across from the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. That was awhile back but, it pays to ask!

Extended Stay Accommodations in Duluth?

I would agree it is worth your while to at least call/email and ask for a discount - worst they can say is no. That said, being in hotels in a former work life I can tell you holidays are often quiet in hotels (at least in my experience). In the hotels I worked, people are not typically traveling for work and leisure visits tend to be with family (where they often stay vs. a hotel). This may be especially true in a city such as Duluth that, while still a city of about 80,000 (if I remember correct), is a cold one with not as much tourist draw in November.

Smaller hotels, B%26amp;B%26#39;s, may have more desire to rent at a lower rate if you are going to stay for 10 days. You may want to even suggest a prepay, no refund rate. In this way, the hotel has more assurance you%26#39;ll carry through on your end of the deal and not be holding a room to the last minute.

By the way, as far as specific hotels I%26#39;ve stayed and my thoughts, I%26#39;ve stayed at three in Duluth over the years: Holiday Inn, Sheraton Duluth, and what is now the Edgewater Resort (used to be a Best Western). All were fine, not sure what they can do on rate. I%26#39;d guess the Edgewater might be the most flexible, Sheraton least flexible. H-Inn and Edgewater have laundry from what I remember, restaurants onsite or near. Not sure on fridges/kitchenettes.

I%26#39;ve stayed at most of the hotels in Duluth, but my most memorable stays were in cottages. If you%26#39;re looking for something homier (where YOU can entertain, if you want), check out the Hillside Cottage, not far from downtown (large whirlpool, whimsically decorated, sleeps a lot of people), and Cottage on the Point on Park Point (beach, gas fireplace). They%26#39;re both lovely and have nice owners.

There are many other cottages/houses available for rent, and I%26#39;m sure you can get a very good deal for an extended stay at that time.

Beth at MidwestWeekends.com

Drving from Detroit

I am going to drive to Rochester from Detroit with my 2 kids (5 and 9). They are good in the car but I don;t think I can last 10 hours driving. Any suggestions on where to stop half way?

Drving from Detroit

Hey sk8...

depending on your route, check into Wisconsin Dells area...

http://www.wisdells.com/ other then that it is hard to say unless you have a specific route you are taking...good luck...

Drving from Detroit

I%26#39;ve done the Detroit - MSP drive with my kids (12 %26amp; 9 at the time) in one day and it was not a problem. We left very early - like 6AM and the kids went back to sleep for the first few hours. For the balance we have a video system in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster so they could watch movies or play video games while we drove, which is a tremendous help.

If you do stop Rockford, IL would be the approximate half-way point %26amp; I%26#39;m sure there are plenty places to stay in/around that area.

But if you do want to stop, this would be a great time to see the dells. The floods have kept the crowds away but the tourist attractions are still open.

Keep in mind that the Dells is 2 hours from Rochester.

An alternative to the Wisc Dells would be La Crosse. The Best Western Motel is perched right on a river, has a nice pool, and is very nice in the summer. La Crosse is definitely a ';destination'; which I believe is better than Rockfort. The Dells would be a bit more pricey.

Agree, Dells would not be that far from Rochester and LaCrosse even closer, virtually all the way to Rochester. Rockford would be a great half-way point to stop.

I stayed there at the Clock Tower Resort once but it was a long time ago. It has mixed TA reviews but does have the CoCo Key waterpark associated with it. Leaving Detroit area anything but late (not even real early) would get there in early afternoon with time for the water park. Then a fairly easy drive to Rochester. Check multiple review sites though. There are plenty of hotel options in Rockford.

Girls Weekend

So looking for some other people past experiences on girls weekend. I%26#39;m looking at some options this summer for some of my friends. In the past we have went to the Brainerd area. This yr. we%26#39;re open to anything fun. Anyone went somewhere w/ there friends they would highly recommend. Also we want to all be in the same room or have a 2-4bedroom place. Total of 7girls.

Girls Weekend

I would rent a cabin in or around Stillwater, MN on the Hudson river. The night life is super fun in the summer plus the river is packed during the day with tons of people boating/swimming and having fun.

Girls Weekend

We%26#39;ve enjoyed some amazing weekends in Duluth, Stillwater, Lanesboro, Lake City/Stockton %26amp; Lake Carlos/Alexandria. I actually have more girls weekends in Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Mineral Point, Madison, Elroy/Sparta, Spring Green. Let me know if any of those interest you.

Thanks for the information. Do you do travel agency for groups?? If so.. you could check into August 1st 1night if possible for 8girls.

Sorry, I don%26#39;t book travel, but if there%26#39;s something you%26#39;re interested in, I can give you more information. Keep in mind that lots of places have a minimum 2-night stay in the summer.

Apple River Tubing

Would like to try tubing on the Apple River in Somerset. What is the difference between vendors? Some warn families away from tubing on Saturdays (which is when we%26#39;d like to do this)....What are the reasons?

Apple River Tubing

It%26#39;s been many years since I%26#39;ve been down the Apple but from what I understand it gets pretty rowdy on weekends. Lots of beer being consumed and apperantly bathing suit tops become , ummmm, optional. Hey! I need to get down there again. :)

By the way, I would also look into renting a canoe at Interstate State Park (where HYW 8 crosses the St. Croix between MN %26amp; WI) and taking a leisurely ride to either William O%26#39;Brien Stat Park or Osceola, WI. They will bring you back to your car at the park from either location, if I remember correctly. It%26#39;s a fun time and the scenery is unbeatable.

Apple River Tubing

In the past couple of years, the Somerset area Apple River tubing has had a attempts made at reigning in the rowdy behavior, but I would still be cautious if tubing with a family. I would recommend checking out tubing the Apple River farther up. THere is an outfitter out of Star Prairie, WI who you can use. The route is just as scenic and much quieter. We have never run into others while tubing in Star Prairie. I apologize, but i do not know the name of the company, but I believe it is run through an outdoor/atheletic store in town. Star Prairie is a small town, so it should not be hard to find.

Having been roped into the tubing a few years back, I would have to say it rates as one of the most overrated and underwhelming aqua experiences I%26#39;ve had the pleasure of attempting. Never mind the fact there is some code of silence regarding the amount of nitrites and nitrates that run off into that river from all the agrichemicals, but with enough beer swilling knuckleheads in the water, you%26#39;ll hardly notice how dirty the Apple River is... enjoy.

I love tubing. But the Apple River -- with all of the shenanigans -- is not for me.

I%26#39;ve seen some pretty sick stuff on that river. Thought it was a Girls Gone Wild video at one point. And I%26#39;m talking about more than nudity.

I would point you toward another river, like maybe the Chippewa River in Chippewa Falls.

Generally I like tubing and have gone with the family to the Apple River. We even stayed at Rivers edge campground ( better than the tubing). I agree with the other posters- I have heard they have made improvements but since it has gone to being %26#39;Gone Wild'; I just havent tried it again. Lots of beer drinking and litter when I went.

I swear the river smells like pee....if spending a day with a bunch of drunk, loud red necks is your definition of having a good time let me tell you your are for a real good treat!.....

The cans of beer and trash floating down the river with you would be your least concern.....

There are better rivers in WI to go tubing....this is just my opinion.... you%26#39;ll see that a lot of people apparantly love that place....

I would go on Sunday if I had children, As a college student I went there and it gets pretty Girls Gone Wild like. Lots of bikinis and beer.

Oh, and beer bongs too! You will see naked breasts and lots of young drunk people.

Apple river tubing is probably not a place you want to go. the water is filthy and probably not fit for actually swimming in. the river gets super crowded and the police have been cracking down on people standing around drinking in groups. girls expose themselves, or at least they used to, until police patrol the river. saturdays get very crowded, meaning, the river is one sheet of people moving down the river.

personally, i would skip this experience all together, especially if you have kids with.

Check on the schedule too as it is getting colder now (Sept) so they may be closed for the season.

of all the places, Rivers Edge seems to have the most family oriented stuff. When I took my family to the Apple River, we went there--and while there still was a younger roudy crowd, the guy on the four wheeler was nice enough to separate us from everything. They had waterslides, minigolf, a pool among other things. Try going during the week, its a little less crowded. their site is

http://www.riversedgeappleriver.com

I don%26#39;t know how set you are on the Apple River, but you might want to consider tubing the Cannon River just an hour south of the Twin Cities. They offer canoeing, kayaking and tubing. It also parallels the Cannon Valley Bike Trail. It%26#39;s a gorgeous river and never too busy like the Apple River. Check www.welchmillcanoeandtube.com it gives all the details.

Wedding night along the 494 strip

Looking for a wedding night hotel somewhere along the strip as the reception is on Lyndale and 494. Would like a Jacuzzi suite, or honeymoon suite.

Any ideas ???

Wedding night along the 494 strip

Just a minute off the strip is the new Westin Edina Galleria.

Wedding night along the 494 strip

Many of the hotels along the strip and nearby offer what you%26#39;re looking for, it%26#39;s just not easy to find that information on the websites.

Pick a few places from TA and call the hotels directly. I think the Courtyard has jacuzzi suites, also Embassy if I recall, and maybe the new Radisson attached to the waterpark.

I started running into a problem as I didnt realize the PGA was in town the weekend we were looking for. But I think we ended up with a nice jacuzzi suite at the small Le Bourget Aero Suites. So we are set, then we may just try a B%26amp;B for a couple of days after the wedding festivities.

Thanks for your help !!!!

This place is off of 494 and has jacuzzi tubs for 2 They also have a free shuttle service to the airport and Mall of America. They do have aveda products and a romance package. I know someone who has stayed there and they liked it but I have not personally been there. Check it out!

http://www.lebourgethotel.com/

Try The Westin by Southdale. Very nice. Close to 494.

Here is a link to the Westin Edina Galleria website:

starwoodhotels.com/westin/鈥?/a>

If you decide to book there, join the Starwood Preferred Guest program before doing so. Who knows? It might get you some extra amenity.

This hotel just opened recently, and the suites look fantastic. Be sure to tell them it%26#39;s your wedding night.

For our wedding (will be 9 years ago in appx. 3 weeks!), we had our reception at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport %26amp; got our room (a suite) as a comp. While the occasion and price biased our opinion, we%26#39;d recommend it.

TA reviews:

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g42881-d263767-鈥?/a>

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Frontier Airlines?

Considering flying Frontier Airlines, because of price, but have never used them.

Anyone have any comments on Frontier as an airline - would love some feedback?

With the limited services available on airlines nowadays, I%26#39;m not sure how they could be any worse than economy on any other airline?

Frontier Airlines?

I flew Frontier to Denver and it was a great airline. The flight crew was extremely friendly and they were on time. As long as all goes well they%26#39;re fine, but they don%26#39;t have a hub here in Mpls and if there is a problem it won%26#39;t be as convenient as Northwest to find another flight or airplane if needed.

Frontier Airlines?

My experience was good - however it was only one time, and a few years ago. If you find a good price, then I would not hesitate to go with it.

Don%26#39;t fly Frontier if your are tall. I am 5%26#39;9 and I couldn%26#39;t put the tray down because my knees were in the way. The seats are too close together. I flew them twice thinking the first time was a fluk but it wasn%26#39;t.

Thanks everyone for the info - good to know!

Just to reiterate, wonderful airline. Flown many times, no issues. Friendly folks.

My daughter even was allowed in the cockpit once (during reboarding after a long layover) and wore the pilot%26#39;s hat. I really didn%26#39;t expect it in this security environment and it made her day.

They just run a good flight and give good service in general.

flew to Denver out of Mpls. in 2007. Good flight, nice experience, no problems

So long, Little Wagon

Closed indefinitely because of economic conditions.

Sad. One fewer place to go after a game at the Dome.

So long, Little Wagon

OUCH !!

One of my neighbours worked there -

and got me hooked on their Chili %26amp; CobbSalads.

Great location before %26amp; after dome events.

Didn%26#39;t they just spend alot to remodel?

Maybe with the Grain Exchange closing, they lost alot of their regulars...

Nice stay at a lake in Northern Minnesota

Hi! We are interested in taking a summer vacation in northern Minneasota....What is a nice area? We would also like to have a casino nearby. Thanks!

Nice stay at a lake in Northern Minnesota

You might want to look for a place near Walker on Leech Lake or near Cass Lake on Cass Lake or Lake Andrusia. Both Walker and Cass Lake have Native American casinos.

Nice stay at a lake in Northern Minnesota

The area around Ely MN is really nice with just about anything you can think of wanting to do. The Fortune Bay casino http://www.fortunebay.com/ is about 35 min down the road from Ely. I can%26#39;t begin to say enough about the beauty of the Boundry Waters.

Another few considerations....lake size (small or large), fishing opportunities or not, canoeing or not, rocky shores %26amp; pine forest or sandy %26amp; oak trees? Ely and the BWCA boring areas tend to be a touch cooler than Leech Lake and points south toward Brainerd. Another factor....resort amenities. many places farther north tend to be a bit smaller and more rustic as opposed to the large scale resorts with pool, golf, dining, etc...

The following page link ahs a list of casinos in MN.

americancasinoguide.com/minnesota.shtml

Every Minnesota lakes area is a little different. Here%26#39;s an overview: midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/plan/reserva…

The biggest/flashiest casino is on Mille Lacs Lake; you could check out the nearby Ruttger%26#39;s Bay Lake Lodge, the state%26#39;s oldest family-run resort, which has a lot of amenities. Mille Lacs itself is more of a fishing lake.

But your best bet probably is the Walker area, where the casino recently was expanded. The town really bustles in summer, and you can stay either at a resort on Leech Lake, another very large fishing lake, or on one of the many smaller lakes in the area.

Beth at MidwestWeekends.com

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is an extraordinary adventure. You can probably hire a guide if you are true city folks. The BWCA is all about canoeing and camping and fishing. You portage the canoes from one lake to the next. You will see wildlife up close as no motors are allowed. July would be the best time to go there as August nights can be chilly. The BWCA is a wilderness adventure. Departures are from the town of ELY if memory serves.

Yes Ely is a starting point to get into the BWCA and you could also go to Grand Marais. I say come to the Ely area and go to Fortune Bay casino on Lake Vermilion.

Ruttger%26#39;s Bay Lake Lodge

What are your goals? When I think ';we want a vacation in Northern Minnesota';, I think ';we want to be on a lake since Minnesota%26#39;s specialty is lakes';.

There%26#39;s a *really* nice drive in campground in the Superior National Forest, just east of Ely which borders the BWCAW wilderness. It has a variety of things like playground, updated camp store and a sceneic forest. Best of all it borders a GORGEOUS lake:

parkcamper.com/Boundary-Waters-Canoe-Area-Wi…

I%26#39;m a big fan of it personally. Plenty of spaces, plenty of shoreline and in a great area.

I recommend the Brainerd Lakes area . . . there%26#39;s something for everyone there.

And it%26#39;s about an hour%26#39;s drive from Grand Casino at Mille Lacs Lake.

I recommend Brainerd also, although above poster is a bit off in how far it is from Mille Lacs to there. About 1/2 hour. Lots of mom and pop resorts along the lake shore. Brainerd has neat shops and lots of restaurants if it%26#39;s a rainy day.

Lunch Stop Along Highway 12

I%26#39;m looking for an interesting place for traveling women to stop for lunch somewhere along Highway 12 between Willmar and Waverly, Minnesota.

You know . . . quaint, unique . . . no chain . . . something out of the ordinary.

Any suggestions?

Lunch Stop Along Highway 12

The All American Grill and Brewhouse in Waverly has caught our attention a time or two but we%26#39;ve never stopped. All our trips to Willmar lately are to take my wife%26#39;s Dad out for lumch.

http://www.grillandbrew.com/

Also Hojies in Dassel is really good for BBQ and Wings. Right on 12 at the west end of town.

Peter%26#39;s on Lake Ripley in Litchfield is excellent too. http://www.petersribs.com/ Not right on 12 but pretty easy to find. Turn left on county-22 where 12 makes the right turn in town and go about 8 blocks to make a right on Pleasure Drive. More upscale than the others above and a little pricier.

Lunch Stop Along Highway 12

Funny, I was going to suggest the same thing. I haven%26#39;t been there, but my college professor owns it. I%26#39;ve heard it%26#39;s pretty good. Still haven%26#39;t been through to try it though.

Just wanted to report in that we had a lovely lunch at The Grounds, a quaint little coffee shop in Cokato . . . right along Highway 12.

The Brewhouse doesn%26#39;t open until 3 . . . I%26#39;m not a fan of Hojies . . . Peter%26#39;s is nice, but we%26#39;ve eaten there several times and wanted to try something different.

The Grounds fit the bill wonderfully!

Lodging near Uptown

We%26#39;re seeing the Elton John/Billy Joel concert at Excel in early May. Will be picking up one near the intersection of Highway 100 and Excelsior Blvd. Would like to find lodging for the night in that area.

It doesn%26#39;t seem like there%26#39;s much/anything there.

Any well-kept secrets?

Lodging near Uptown

To be honest, there really isn%26#39;t much for lodging in Uptown. You%26#39;re only 20 blocks from downtown, so you might have better luck there, or on the 394 Strip (394 and XeniaParkPlace near 100, there%26#39;s a DoubleTree).

Are you looking for any post-concert activities? Being downtown you%26#39;ll have a tonne of other stuff to do, too.

Lodging near Uptown

Thanks, Downtown. Not really looking for much in the way of post-concert activities. We%26#39;re having dinner and such before the concert.

What would be the logical route from Excelsior/100 to the Excel? Might you recommend a hotel along the route? Preferably nearer Excelsior/100 than the Ex?

From Excelsior to 100, to get to SP it%26#39;s best to take 100 north to 394 east to 94 east. (and then the Marrion Kellogg exit, right at light).

Going that route the hotels along the 394 corridor would work fine. Pretty wide selection.

I meant from Excelsior AND Hwy 100.

OK . . . 394 at the area of 100 would work well. I believe there%26#39;s a Holiday Express somewhere along there too . . . will do some more research. Thank you!

There are several hotels on 394 near 100. I personally can recommend the Marriott Minneapolis West it%26#39;s a lovely hotel with a very good pub inside called Kips. It%26#39;s 7 miles to downtown Mpls. and 15 miles to St. Paul.

Is there any reason you don%26#39;t want to stay downtown by the Excel? The Holiday Inn there is awesome, right across the street from the Center and in the middle of active nightlife. I personally would arrive in St Paul early to avoid traffic and take your time getting back the next day. It%26#39;s a concert - have fun, go out before AND after and relax a little.

Yeah - if you could pick up your guest let%26#39;s say around 3 p.m. at 100 %26amp; Excelsior, then jet over to St. Paul, before rush hours.

Then check in - dinner - beverages, then walk a block to the Exel for the concert %26amp; walk back - you%26#39;d save alot of headaches %26amp; traffic.

There%26#39;s several St. Paul options to choose.

If not, there%26#39;s a few hotels on 394, a tonne in downtown Minneapolis, and then a few between Mpls %26amp; St. Paul on 94.

If you click the link ';Minneapolis Hotels';, there%26#39;s a feature called interactive map where you can zoom into an area. In SLP, in the same I394 area mentioned, there is a Springhill and Townplace. If you head further south on 100, you get to the hotels around 494 and 100.

Not much else in between, but I%26#39;d echo staying in St. Paul to make things easy.

Just wanted to report that we stayed at the Super 8 in Golden Valley. Nothing fancy, but it was clean and very quiet with a nice breakfast and very cordial staff.

Staying near the Ex didn%26#39;t appeal . . . wanted to get away from the hub-ub after the concert . . . and one in our party had to work in the morning so couldn%26#39;t stay with us.

Had drinks at the roof-top patio at Stella%26#39;s and dinner at Amazing Thailand, both in Uptown.

It was a lovely evening.

Twin Cities Highlights Tour - Advice Anyone?

My husband and I are coming to MN for 5 days at the end of May for our 17th anniversary. We%26#39;re considering doing the Metro Connections Twin Cities Highlights Tour. It%26#39;s about 3.5 hours and covers the following according to the MC Web site:

... Travel past the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre and the Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens; through the Kenwood residential area to see the television home of Mary Tyler Moore; past the Mall of America; stop at the legendary Minnehaha Falls and follow the Mississippi River past Fort Snelling into Saint Paul. From there you’ll drive down stately Summit Avenue to see the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul, the State Capitol, the home and haunts of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Governor’s Mansion and the revitalized downtown area of Saint Paul including: Rice Park, Ordway Music Hall and the Landmark Center.

It%26#39;s $32 per adult. Has anyone taken this tour, how was it? Was it worth it? We will be staying in Bloomington near MOA and not renting a car.

Thanks for the feedback and advice.

D.

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Anyone have a spa recommendation for Duluth area?

I%26#39;m looking to pamper the ol%26#39; lady on an upcoming stay in Duluth. Looking for a place she can get a good massage and perhaps some other amenities at a decent price with a nice atmosphere, perhaps a nice view.

I see there is a place right in Canal Park, but I thought I%26#39;d check for recommendations so I can lower the chance I%26#39;ll get ripped off.

We%26#39;ll be as far north as Grand Marais exploring but it would be best if the place was near Duluth or even Two Harbors.

Gracias.

Anyone have a spa recommendation for Duluth area?

A girlfriend and I had a good time staying at Fitger%26#39;s and getting a half-day of spa treatments at Shear Katz Day Spa, which is just down the hall. You get discounts on massages, etc., and also Aveda products when you stay at Fitger%26#39;s. There are shops (also brewpub, nightclub and dinner theater)under the same roof . . . the ladies like it. Details at ';Spa stay on the cheap,%26#39;%26#39;

midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/family_frien…

Beth at MidwestWeekends.com

Anyone have a spa recommendation for Duluth area?

I%26#39;m sure there are many good ones in Duluth, have you checked CitySearch.com?

…citysearch.com/yellowpages/…page1.html

Also, I don%26#39;t know if you have any flexibility, but there%26#39;s a gem of a place in Grand Marais. Actually it%26#39;s 31 miles north in Grand Portage - Sweetgrass Cove. It%26#39;s a 1-unit B%26amp;B, the owner is a wonderful chef and masseuse. His rates are extremely affordable and he%26#39;s excellent. There%26#39;s also a sauna %26amp; jacuzzi hottub on your own private deck and it%26#39;s located on the Lake Superior shoreline.

Talk about pampering, I%26#39;d suggest this instead if you have that as an option.

Yep, definitely Shear Katz in the Fitger%26#39;s complex

www.shearkatz.com

Based on the date of the original post, I am assuming you already had your spa experience here, but for anyone else, I have a few suggestions as I am a massage therapist and am up on the cleanest, best trained and most reasonably priced staff at local spas. Like the others stated, Shear Katz in the Fitgers Complex (600 E Superior St) is probably the best, followed by Elysium Spa (22nd Ave E %26amp; London Road); University Barbers (Kenwood Ave %26amp; Arrowhead Road) has some really new techniques (water/steam massage)...there is another salon I don%26#39;t know much about but it just opened right downtown in the Technology Village (Lake Ave %26amp; Superior St) called JustinPaul. The owners are great and I%26#39;ve heard nothing but great things about their service.

It%26#39;s becoming harder and harder to find massage clients so I am no longer really working in the spa industry, but I know a lot of people who do, if you have any other questions I can refer you to some great people.

Downtown Duluth FItness Centers for Travelers

I%26#39;ve had a lot of people tell me after their trips that they were here over an extended week or weekend and (they%26#39;re avid fitness freaks like me) couldn%26#39;t find a place to work out. The best place to work out in Duluth is hard to find, but it%26#39;s right at 402 E 2nd St, the SMDC Fitness %26amp; Therapy Center (duluthclinic.org/otherspecialties/fitnessthe…). Their number is 218-786-5400.

They%26#39;re open nice and early on the weekends (7 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday; and on the weekdays they are open at 5:30 a.m.). They have a group fitness studio that overlooks downtown, Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge. A guest pass, last time I checked is about 5-6 bucks. They also have a nice lap pool and the only warm water therapy pool north of Minneapolis which is used for arthritis exercise and physical therpay but is %26#39;open swim%26#39; all weekend.

There is also the Duluth YMCA (302 W 1st St) which has extended their hours as well (www.duluthymca.org) but that changes around Memorial Day so check their website or give them a call before stopping by - if you have a Y membership anywhere else it should be accepted here. Their number is 218-722-4745 and they have some great classes as well plus the new Nautilus equipment. The Duluth YMCA is particulalry known for their Spin classes with the newest spin bikes.

Note that the Y (obviously) allows kids; the SMDC Fitness and Therapy Center is 16+.

I love the Lakewalk and the trails that Duluth has to offer, but I need a real workout at a gym to start the day. If you%26#39;re like me, hopefully this helps you out!

Need suggestions, for one night stay food MOA Then Tocoma WA

Leaving Chicago to Tacoma WA, stopping at MOA, on the 8th. Suggestions foe overnight sleeping suggestion and places to eat?

Also, on to Washington State over 4 day drive?

Need suggestions, for one night stay food MOA Then Tocoma WA

There are a lot of hotels in the MOA area in Bloomington (suburb mall is in). Also several decent restautants in the mall itself. Especially for a one day/night visit to MOA you might as well eat there as a break between shopping/looking/walking. Crave is the newest restaurant (sort of high end). We are fairly partial to the Twin City Grill when budget allows. Otherwise Famous Dave%26#39;s BBQ or even Rainforest Cafe.

For the drive to Tacoma....I%26#39;ve made that trip so many times I can%26#39;t count them all. Used to live near there in Puyallup and worked in Tacoma. Four days is a great amount of time if you want to use it all. I usually do it in two, stopping at Billings because it is almost exactly halfway at the 800 mile mark. Feel free to post some specific questions or interests.

One tip if you want to bypass Seattle on the way to Tacoma, especially if arriving on a weekday afternoon... After crossing Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 (assuming you don%26#39;t go south and drive past Mt. Rainier) look for Hwy 18, just past the town of North Bend. Go south on it over Tiger Summit and it will angle toward Auburn and then Federal Way which is another Tacoma suburb. This route saves many miles as well as the hassle of traffic on I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma.

Need suggestions, for one night stay food MOA Then Tocoma WA

Thank you so very much, Paul

Hampton Inn (Metro Drive)

Has anyone stayed here recently? I have read the reviews. They seem pretty positive. I usually stay at another property while at MOA, so wondered if I should give this one a try. Thanks.