Things to Do

We are trying to decide on somewhere to go for our 5th anniversary in April. I want to go to Minneapolis, my husbands not convinced, he doesn%26#39;t think there will be anything to do. Our plans would be to come up Friday go home on Tuesday, I figured one day for mall of america, a evening twins game, what else are some options? We like bars, not really the clubbing type though. My husband is also interested in breweries too and craft beers. We aren%26#39;t much of the wander the park types though. We also like good food at moderate prices, that are local, he hates chains. Please help me convince him.

Things to Do

Hmmm...we%26#39;ll see what advice I can offer...

Always check out www.minneapolis.org. It%26#39;s the official Minneapolis Visitors association website for ideas too (includes the greater Minneapolis area, so will include St. Paul and suburbs).

Are you into arts? Lots of options for theaters and museums. Most notable theater (in my opinion) is the Guthrie. Not sure of what they%26#39;ll be playing but live theater and in their relatively new location right on the Mississippi River (and not far from the I-35W bridge that collapsed and was rebuilt, also near the Metrodome for that Twins game to see them beat whoever they%26#39;re playing, even if it is the Royals, right? ;-) ) There%26#39;s about 100 local theaters for live performances and other ';picture'; museums, let me know if interested in that. You can also check out the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and/or the Walker Art Center (for contemporary art). Additionally, there%26#39;s always fine arts music such as the Minnesota Orchestra or local live bands for other music such as Fine Line Music Cafe or Minnesota Music Cafe in St. Paul.

Bars...near the Dome and in an interesting neighborhood is Town Hall Brewery. Though more bar than brewery, they do make their own beers. The neighborhood has a definite U of M influence, but not so much that if you%26#39;re there for other reasons you%26#39;ll feel entirely out of place (many people frequent before heading about a 10-15 minute walk to the Dome for Twins and Vikings). Also, you%26#39;ll have local spots for live music and other local bars. Otherwise, perhaps The Happy Gnome (though technically on the ';other side of the river'; in St. Paul, www.thehappygnome.com). They have a nice bar/restaurant and feature some local beers, such as Surly. You can go to www.surlybrewing.com for more info (and can get info on a tour if interested). You%26#39;ll also be on Grand Avenue which has a variety of locals stores and restaurants to check out.

Northeast Minneapolis has a variety of very local places that harken back to Northeast Minneapolis ';blue-collar'; and more European immigrant history.

Another restaurant/bar to check out is Nye%26#39;s Polonaise Room. Very popular, just over the river in downtown Minneapolis (so 10 minute walk or a minimum fare cab ride), very ';kitschy'; in it%26#39;s retro and polka room decor (and close enough to other bars/pubs if it%26#39;s not your scene), even got mention in I think Esquire Magazine for ';Best Bar in America';. A reviewer online from San Francisco said, ';This place is everything you could want in a bar. Piano karaoke, polka band, great Polish food and beer. I definitely couldn%26#39;t find a place like this in San Francisco.

Definitely check it out if you%26#39;re in Minneapolis. Take what you will from that.

In the city itself, you%26#39;ll find plenty of food options that are not chained. Of course, in suburbs expect to see mostly chain restaurants, which aren%26#39;t necessarily bad food but are chains that you can probably find in KC. In downtown, you might check out ';The Local';. Known for an Irish pub-like atmosphere, it%26#39;s a nice place for food and drink. I%26#39;d also advise checking out www.twincitiesfoodfinds.com for more food options.

Since you say you%26#39;re not park wanderers, I%26#39;ll pass on that talk, though we have good options either in the city or near.

April probably isn%26#39;t the most ideal time to visit weather-wise, but you can find things to do and see. Let the forum know if there%26#39;s other specifics you%26#39;re looking for,

Things to Do

Friday night: Try a fish fry. In St Paul Groveland Tap and Obbs Bar probably have the best.

Pick up a copy of City Pages, the alternative newpaper, when you get to town. It covers the club scene pretty well.

There was a recent post about some (non-chain) breakfast places in the Twin Cities.

Summit craft brewery in St Paul had tours at one time, but I am not certain they are still available.

tptr

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=HG0fD-PX69A

I%26#39;ll post more later when I have more time, but keep in mind that when you visit MInneapolis, you technically have two large cities to explore, with lots to do in each. Minneapolis and St. Paul are separated only by the mississippi river.

Minneapolis itself has world-class hotels, far better than you would expect for a city of its size. Very good nightlife and arguably the best city park system in the United States.

Oh, and for breweries. OK, I%26#39;m biased, but Summit is a state treasure and the best beer I%26#39;ve tasted that was brewed in the US. Brewery is located in St. Paul and they offer toursd on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday but you MUST make reservations in advance. I%26#39;m talking months in advance if possible. It%26#39;s a free tour and worth the time.

I would take a bed and breakfast night or two in Stillwater. And then stay the rest of the time in Minneapolis.

Speaking of restaurants, Minneapolis is known for its aversion to chains. People here demand locally produced food and locally run establishments. TGI Friday%26#39;s tried and failed downtown, for example. Had a great location, but the opportunities for great food were overwhelming and they did the right thing and fled.

I know you said you aren%26#39;t much into parks but I really think a few hours checking out the lake circuit -- particularly beautiful Lake Harriet -- perhaps by bike would be nice. Couple it with a visit to Uptown for some real down-to-earth bars and restos.

by the way:

http://www.summitbrewing.com/