Moving to Minneapolis

We will be moving to Minneapolis Jan 1. My husband will be working in Wayzata and we are looking to rent a townhome in a nice city/town within walking distance to the town center that may have a few restaurants and cafe%26#39;s and is also within walking distance to the train station to get into the twin cities. Any suggestions? We are relocating from England although originally from WI.

Moving to Minneapolis

Hi there! Wayzata is kind of drive as it lays outside of downtown Minneapolis by like 10 miles or so. Though, you can take Hwy 12 and it turns into 394 which goes directly to Minneapolis. Sadly there are no trains that connect these 2 cities (or most cities in MN) but the bus system does. You might want to consider living downtown and then having your husband drive to work in Wayzata every day as he would always drive against rush hour traffic and then you could be downtown and able to walk/bus anywhere you want. Wayzata is a nice suburb but, it almost seems like you need to have a car most places in the burbs because everything is so spread out compared to Europe. I would consider renting downtown and getting a car to drive to Wayzata and all around the cities. But, that is me. I love having a car and downtown so I might be biased. If you end up in Wayzata I am sure you could make it work. To check places out to rent I would go to rent.com I used them once and it was nice to have someone helping me set up appointments to check out places (and they gave me maps and phone numbers to those apartments as well).

Moving to Minneapolis

Until this thread gets removed for being relocation related.....

Living downtown Mpls and commuting to Wayzata might be an option for providing the ';town center'; feel yet a fairly easy driving counter-commute (opposite of main flow) via I-394. On the other hand Wayzata is on Lake Minnetonka and there are some fairly nice areas in which to rent. It does have a fairly charming but small downtown area with a few restaurants....like Sunsets...but definitely no train station.

Another rental option is the glut of homes for rent due to owners who can%26#39;t sell in this market. Some very good bargains can be had. One agency specilaizing in this (including townhouses) is Metro Resource Group ( http://www.metrorentalsonline.com/ ).

If you really want a pedestrian lifestyle, locate close to the downtowns. I would consider N Hennepin, St Anthony Main or near one of the Lakes (there are 3 of them) in Minneapolis. In St Paul, I would consider the Grand Ave, Highland and Cathedral Hill.

Working in Wayzata will mean you%26#39;ll need a car to get around, regardless of where you settle. Wayzata %26amp; Excelsior have great pedestrian malls, but I don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s that urban, community feel you%26#39;re seeking. My coworker grew up / lives in Excelsior and drives to a bus stop when coming downtown.

there%26#39;s a fairly newer development in downtown along the river - between Hennepin Avenue %26amp; Plymouth Avenue NE, tucked behind the new Federal Reserve.

A few new co-workers ended up buying there and seem to enjoy it and location.

Definitely live downtown Minneapolis! There are a variety of housing options. Also, despite no train from Minneapolis to Wayzata, there is excellent express bus service that could get your husband into Wayzata no problem, if he should choose not to drive daily.

If you%26#39;re looking for something less urban, the cities along the 394 corridor---Golden Valley and Minnetonka, both have some very nice neighborhoods and are only 10 minutes from the heart of town. I think living in Wayzata would be wonderful. It%26#39;s a bit quiet, but pretty %26amp; quaint with restaurants %26amp; shops. It, too, is maybe 15 or 20 mins from downtwon. I wish you well!

I%26#39;ll take a crack at answering for you, but more information is needed to make a good recommendation (ie. age, kids, interests, etc.). A lot of people seem to recommend downtown living, but it%26#39;s only right if that%26#39;s your thing, because in many ways it%26#39;s more expensive to live in the downtown area. Based on my own interests, I would consider the uptown/Lakes area and St. Louis Park/Golden Valley as in-between places with a good balance.

Definitely tour the areas and walk/drive around.

I work in downtown Wayzata. I recommend you live and work in Wayzata. You can walk anywhere you want in the town. You will only need one car and can take a bus downtown if you want.

Craig Beal - owner Travel Beyond

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Newlyweds in Minneapolis -- hotels?

My husband%26#39;s boss gave us an overnight trip to Minneapolis as a wedding gift. We%26#39;ve never been to The Cities (just moved to Duluth from Florida) and will be staying -- on the boss%26#39; dime -- at the Chambers Hotel, which looks nice, next Saturday night. Friday night we%26#39;re going to be staying on our own and haven%26#39;t selected a hotel yet. Being near The Chambers wouldn%26#39;t be bad but it%26#39;s not essential, especially considering I have no idea what that neighborhood is like anyway. We like neighborhoods with bars, record stores, and good vegetarian grub.

Under $100 a night would be fine, it doesn%26#39;t have to be fancy (that%26#39;s Saturday!), and it definitely doesn%26#39;t need to be a chain hotel. Bonus points for big neon signs. Any ideas?

Newlyweds in Minneapolis -- hotels?

You%26#39;ll like Chambers -

check out the roof top bar, as well as across the street - the rooftop bar at Seven.

Close to Chambers, you might be able to get decent rates, depending on what else is going on in town at the time. Try Expedia for downtown Minneapolis - try

Westin

W-Foshay

Marquette

Radisson

Marriot CityCenter

The Hotel Minneapolis

Minneapolis Grand

Crowne Plaza.

We have an Electric Fetus, like Duluth.

Even a Hell%26#39;s Kitchen.

Try Cafe Brenda for Vegetarian.

All else fails, try Priceline. Most likely you%26#39;ll get the Hyatt or Millenium.

Newlyweds in Minneapolis -- hotels?

I think your budget number of $100 is a little low for a weekend rate in downtown, so I would echo the recommendation of Priceline (there are a couple boards that people use to guide them with bids, betterbidding.com and biddingfortravel.com).

I reassessed our needs and ended up booking us, thanks to recommendations of betterbidding and Priceline a $67 room, taxes included, at the Hilton Bloomington on American Blvd West.

My husband gets in late from a West Coast flight that evening and I think our priorities will be comfort and room service, so we%26#39;ll save heading out on the town for Saturday!

I second using priceline.

I did that and got the Hilton by the convention center for $75 I think.

Just say 3 stars downtown Minneapolis.

I do like The Grand Hotel for fancy romantic stuff and The Graves for fun.

Fun and or fetish clubs????

Traveling to Minni Nov14th for a long weekend and looking for something a little daring and alot of fun?? Any advise for more adventursome activity in and around this area????

Fun and or fetish clubs????

Maybe check out Bongage-A-Go-Go at Ground Zero - Thurs %26amp; Sat nights.

…citysearch.com/profile/5587489/minneapolis_…

Ground Zero

15 NE Fourth St

Minneapolis, MN 55413

Phone: (612) 378-5115

Editorial Review for Ground Zero – by Citysearch Editors

Music is the order of the evening at this cavernous, industrial-chic space in northeast Minneapolis. National tours and DJs also occasionally hit the stage, playing anything from alternative to classics from the 1950s and %26#39;60s. Themes are anything but routine--Thursdays and Saturdays feature voyeuristic ';Bondage a Go-Go'; parties. Expect to see a young-ish, fashionable crowd enjoying reasonably priced stiff drinks and a constantly hopping dance floor.

Here%26#39;s another site description:

http://www.vamp.org/Gothic/Club/116.html

Fun and or fetish clubs????

My fiend has been to ground zero. I guess it is pretty fun.

There is also Sex World, a Minneapolis institution, and the burlesque shows at the 331 Club and the Kitty Kat Klub. Google ';burlesque in Minneapolis';. If you%26#39;re interested in strip clubs, the Seville is upscale and pretty nice.

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Hard Rock Cafe

We have a three and a half hour stopover before our connecting flight to London and are big H.R.C.fans ,how far away is the H.R.C.is it possible to get there and back in a couple of hours and how much would a cab cost roughly.Thanks very much ..Rich

Hard Rock Cafe

It would be about 11 miles to downtown / Block E location of Hard Rock Cafe.

Could probably do it in 25 - 30 min.

I%26#39;d do it, as long as it%26#39;s not around afternoon traffic - between 3:30 - 6:30.

Probably $30 cab ride each way.

Hard Rock Cafe

Thanks for your reply,very helpful,I appreciate it, thankyou....Rich

I would say that as long as all your bags are checked through to the final destination and you have boarding passes, this is doable. But, if you are coming in from overseas and need to clear customs, it will reduce your 3-1/2 hours. I would plan that it could take up to 2 hours for the entire journey (to, from, possible traffic, and 1/2 hour stay). I would take Hwy 55 and stay away from I35 and make sure the cab driver doesn%26#39;t take a ';long'; route. Cost will be pricey, probably $100 with rountrip and wait times.

Seems like an unnecessary layer of stress. And spendy too, considering to maximize your time you%26#39;ll want to have the taxi wait outside for you, which will be costly. I think it will be tighter than others are imagining. The trip there by taxi will take 30 minutes minimum. Hiawatha is the best route but it is bogged down these days with stoplights that turn red every time a light-rail train is in the vicinity. And it could take much longer depending on whether it%26#39;s rush hour. (yes, you could take the light rail, which is cheaper but slower than a taxi, and would require a two-block walk to and from the station to Hard Rock)

The timing of it would worry me. Seems like you%26#39;d have to leave as soon as you got there.

I would tend to agree with mntoathens: Given your time constraints it%26#39;s a long %26amp; expensive trip for a short amount of time.

If you%26#39;re looking for someplace to visit during your layover I would suggest the Mall Of America. It%26#39;s closer to the airport and significantly easier to get to the big mall from the airport than a trip downtown would be. More importantly, it%26#39;s much easier to get back to the airport from the MOM.

Regardless, have a great trip and good luck!

Thanks everybody for your replies ,we will give it a miss this time and hopefully go there when we do Minneapolis properly....Cheers...Rich

Check out Ike%26#39;s in the airport. You won%26#39;t have to leave and go through security again and it is one of my local favorites. The Original is downtown Minneapolis.

Just a late note to other Minneapolis natives for the future: don%26#39;t forget about light rail. Trains run from the Lindbergh terminal to 5th and Nicollet about every 8 minutes during rush hours, 10-15 minutes in off times, and the trip takes 20-25 minutes. Lindbergh to the MOA is an 11-minute trip. Non-rush is $1.75, rush is $2.25, and one fare lasts 2.5 hours. Another option besides cabbing it for folks wanting to get to downtown from the airport--it%26#39;s cheaper and takes the traffic factor out of the equation.

Nice dinner around 4pm downtown

My wife and I are going to a concert in St. Paul at 6pm November 1st, but are staying at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. I was hoping to hit up one of the nicer restaurants/steakhouses before the concert for a treat, but it looks like most don%26#39;t open until 5pm or later on the weekends.

Any suggestions on someplace good to eat around the hotel? She loves lobster and I was hoping to get her one a step up from our local Red Lobster, but that%26#39;s not looking hopeful. So any other suggestions? Price range would probably be around $80 for the two of us.

Any other sites that might be a little romantic would be nice too. She likes photography, so I figured we%26#39;d check out the falls and the stone bridge in the afternoon.

Nice dinner around 4pm downtown

I knew that date rang a bell.....there are two college hockey games at the Xcel Energy Center beginning at 4PM adn then 7PM Parking will be a nightmare.

I will leave restaurant recommendations in Mpls to those more qualified.

Good luck.

www.xcelenergycenter.com/events/detail.jsp…

Nice dinner around 4pm downtown

I checked www.opentable.com and there are a few places downtown that are open at 4pm. Rock Bottom Brewery, McCormick and Schmicks to name a couple. Go to the website put in Minneapolis, the date and time and you can actually make a reservation. They give descriptions, menus, pricing etc... very useful. Good luck.

From what I could find that fit your bill, I would recommend Mannys %26amp; the Monte Carlo.

Also, in regards to romantic, scenic locations, try Loring Park/Walker Sculpture Garden, E %26amp; W River Parkway, Theodore Wirth Parkway and any of the lakes in the city. Colors are peaking right now, you may luck out and catch the tail end.

BTW, if you go to St Anthony Main, be sure to explore the Guthrie. It%26#39;s free to just explore and has a great bar/resaurant. The cantilever balcony is a great romantic view, esp at night. And you really shouldn%26#39;t miss Nyes and the world%26#39;s most dangerous polka band.

Attached to the Radisson, is a nice restaurant called Firelake.

The lunch menu runs til 5 p.m., then turns to dinner menu. I%26#39;ve eaten their before for Christmas, as they are one of the few places open that day.

I would go back.

www.firelakerestaurant.com/directions.php

also -

Dinner starts at 4 p.m. at Manhattans in LaSalle Plaza. It%26#39;s fairly new - never tried it yet, but I do want to. I%26#39;ve heard good reviews. Basically, around the corner from Radisson, south on Hennepin a block.

http://www.manhattansmpls.com/

I was looking at the calendars for downtown St. Paul and wow, it%26#39;s going to be really busy. The two (possibly) sold out hockey games at the X I mentioned earlier, a concert at Roy Wilkens, and an opera at the Ordway. I would suggest checking if your hotel or restaurant runs a shuttle to the St. Paul.

Not sure what venu you%26#39;re heading toward so I%26#39;m using the X as the center point.

In St. Paul a place like Mancini%26#39;s usually runs a shuttle to the X. Far from elegant but a local landmark and very good steaks (they have lobster).

http://www.mancinis.com/

Another St. Paul landmark is the Lexington, though I doubt they run a shuttle.

http://www.the-lexington.com/

Another place in St. Paul I really like is the Downtowner Woodfire Grill. It%26#39;s an easy 4-5 block walk to the River Center/Xcel center and has a wonderful atmosphere.

http://www.downtownerwoodfire.com/

I think sully brings up a good point. You might want to take measures not to have to drive downtown. You could, for example, drive to St. Paul (outside of downtown) to have dinner and arrange a taxi to take you to the show and back from the restaurant in St. Paul, which will be no more cost than the parking would be. (certainly don%26#39;t take a cab from Minneapolis -- way too spendy)

I think Mancini%26#39;s is a good suggestion. It%26#39;s just outside downtown on West Seventh, which you%26#39;d follow to get downtown.

It%26#39;s a little kitschy, but it%26#39;s an old-fashioned char house that is a bit of a neighborhood inistitution (I work about 12 blocks from it). And I know they open at 4:30. And I know they have lobster. I like the place because it%26#39;s old-fashioned. But if you%26#39;re looking for the new-age elegance, probably want another spot.

Have a look at the web site, which has pictures to show you the decor and menu.

http://mancinis.com/

If Mancini%26#39;s doesn%26#39;t fit what you%26#39;re looking for, a step up in style is the Lexington (which sully also mentioned -- we must think alike), which is gorgeous (altho spendy). It%26#39;s in St. Paul, just farther away. Certainly not walking distance to downtown. But an option nonetheless, as it opens at 4:30. Also, you could park and eat there and drive close to downtown following the gorgous route from Grand to Summit Hill to West Seventh.

I%26#39;m just really coming up with restaurants in downtown Mpls that open before 6 or 7 except for a few spots along Nicollet Mall that don%26#39;t seem to fit a nice dinner theme. Just trying to broaden the options.

For a downtown St. Paul location, Kincaid%26#39;s might fit your bill.

http://www.kincaids.com/index.php?locations=St.+Paul

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I%26#39;ve got a lot to choose from now. And thanks for mentioning how busy it%26#39;s going to be in St. Paul that day. We%26#39;re going to the Roy for the Rock the Vote show there, so the warning is appreciated. I think we%26#39;re going to the MN Music Cafe afterwards to see a friend%26#39;s band (Hairball), so maybe we%26#39;ll just park there and catch a taxi to the Roy, then back to the cafe after the show.

MN Music Cafe is near one of my favourate pizza places in the Twin Cities -

Red%26#39;s Savoy Pizza - just off 94 - to the north

http://www.theoriginalredssavoypizza.com/

Iowa Hawkeye Fans - Hawk friendly bar

We were unable to get tickets to the Hawkeye/Gopher game in November. A friend told me there is a Hawkeye fan bar he thought in the Burnsville area, but did not know the name of it. Does anyone have any idea what it may be? And where? Thank you!

Iowa Hawkeye Fans - Hawk friendly bar

I believe there%26#39;s one in Iowa City.

Maybe more

Iowa Hawkeye Fans - Hawk friendly bar

I can%26#39;t think of a Hawkeye bar up here. That said, given the number of Iowa alums and Iowa transplants living up here, you can%26#39;t really go wrong finding a bar that is Hawkeye FRIENDLY -- unless you went near campus or something. You%26#39;ll be fine most places. Iowa fans are pretty common around here.

Major%26#39;s in Bloomington and Gabe%26#39;s in St. Paul are where the Minneapolis Alumni Association host parties for every game.

The last respondant has it right: Majors in Bloominton and Gabes are the best places.

There are several Majors, the Bloomington location is where fans/alums gather. Some of the other locations carry the Hawks on a couple of their screens periodically too.

I know this is old. Google pop you up when I was searching for a twin cities hawkeye bar. I found this.

iowa.rivals.com/content.asp…

It has locations all over the country.

I%26#39;m from Ft. Dodge too. Class of 81.

did you try gopherspaorts.com i also found this flyer

%26lt;a href=';http://imageshack.us';%26gt;%26lt;img src=';…imageshack.us/img216/…tailgate20partyys0.jpg'; border=';0'; alt=';Image Hosted by ImageShack.us';/%26gt;%26lt;/a%26gt;%26lt;br/%26gt;%26lt;a href=';…imageshack.us/img216/…';%26gt;%26lt;img src=';…imageshack.us/img216/…w431.png'; border=';0';%26gt;%26lt;/a%26gt;

i also fund this hope it helps

http://www.iowalum.com/twincities/events.html

Duluth restaurant for Thanksgiving meal?

Any locals that can tell me of restaurants with a Thanksgiving buffet/brunch/prix fixe offering?

Thanks.

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Polar Express Train Ride With Santa

Has anyone ever been on this train ride ? If so, what age children did you take? Any other helpful info ?

Thank you!

migrating existing portal

Friday and Saturday on the town

Have a group of six heading down to M-SP for Coldplay next weekend. We%26#39;ll be looking to get out on the town after the concert and probably Saturday night too. Looking for a decent club or live music venue for a little dancing and drinking. Our age range is late 20s to early 40s and we%26#39;re pretty young at heart. I suppose we%26#39;re looking for a good recommendation where 80% of the crowd isn%26#39;t 21, barfing on my shoes, and trying to pick a fight.

Thanks!

And thanks to the forum for the recommendation on 112 Eatery. We booked our reservation today.

Friday and Saturday on the town

You might like the Fine Line Music Cafe in the warehouse district on Fri or Sat

Fri info:

finelinemusic.com/calendar/view_entry.php鈥?/a>

Sat info:

finelinemusic.com/calendar/view_entry.php鈥?/a>

Nye%26#39;s is always fun in Nord%26#39;East:

wcco.com/findingminnesota/Nye.s.Polonaise.2.鈥?/a>

... or - here%26#39;s an old-school 70%26#39;s options

at Lee%26#39;s Liquor Lounge on Sat:

www.leesliquorlounge.com/calcomplete.html

15th Saturday

SOUL TIGHT COMMITTEE 9:15 pm

The Soul Tight Committee is a ten piece band playing the best Old School Soul, R %26amp; B and dance music of the 1970s.

Also OFFICIAL NORTH STAR ROLLER GIRLS AFTER PARTY! Welcome Skaters, Fans and Friends

Friday and Saturday on the town

Fine Line is a good place for a show, despite the cramped space. I know nothing of the show planned for that night listed by DowntownMinneapolis, however.

Still the best music venue downtown is First Avenue. Huge venue (actually more than one venue) with a little history behind it to boot. I looked on the date and what came up was one of the rare recommended events. Here%26#39;s a look.

vita.mn/event_detail.php?event_id=64319

If you want something more casual (with no cover) and just a tad campy I would second the nomination of Nye%26#39;s. It%26#39;s half piano bar and half polka bar. I much prefer the polka side -- the live polka is hilarious and fun. Only a small space to dance to it, but I still love the place. It%26#39;s an institution around here. And get ready for a stiff pour if you want a mixed drink.

The only issue is that the place is just outside of downtown. You can hop a taxi for less than $10, though, depending on where in downtown you%26#39;re departing. It%26#39;s worth it. I promise.

From there, if you have an itch to dance, you can head over to The Front. A few blocks away -- walking distance to me. They play old %26#39;80s music to hip-hop. I haven%26#39;t been there for years but I used to enjoy the place as I lived not far away. Keep in mind it doesn%26#39;t get going until 11, though you can get drinks. Amazing how fast it fills up once it starts. Unless things have changed.

All great suggestions... While the dancing at The Front is great, once it gets crowded you may start to encounter spilling on your shoes, if not barfing.

I%26#39;d also add that we always have fun at the Irish bars - which usually have live music and sometimes no cover. O%26#39;Donovans is a great little pub, but cozy. Keirans is larger and you%26#39;re more likely to find room and company to jig.

Check out the CityPages.com calendar and enter the dates - calendar:http://www.citypages.com/calendar.

You%26#39;re bound to find something you%26#39;ll like there. Or pick up a copy when you get to town - they%26#39;re free and in most eateries %26amp; bars.

Ha, true on The Front, creason (though I%26#39;ve never experiecned the barfing part of it). When any of those things began to happen at the Front, I just ran over to Whitey%26#39;s anyway.

The Front is not a place I%26#39;d usually suggest, but if people take the effort to cab over to Nye%26#39;s, I like to give them a fallback.

Right-O mntoathens - I think it%26#39;s safe to dance on the no-barfing front (no pun intended). It does get crowded because it%26#39;s small, but it%26#39;s still my favorite dance bar - un-pretentious crowd and great music.

And yes, you are correct that there are lots of great fallbacks in NE - Nye%26#39;s %26amp; Whitey%26#39;s also being favorites of mine.

Bunker%26#39;s on Washington not too far off Hennepin and always has a good club band for dancing. Gluek%26#39;s has music too and is right on across from Block on 6th street between 1st %26amp; Hennepin.

http://www.bunkersmusic.com/calendar.html

http://glueks.com/

You would be pretty comfortable at both with a wide range of ages that frequent them both.

First Ave. and the FIne Line are going to have more national acts, so check them out as well in advance to see if that interests you.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

I%26#39;ve been told that for after the Coldplay concert on Friday that Grand Ave in St Paul is a decent street. True? Any suggestions? Or should we run from St Paul as quick as we can?

From a quick scan of the Grand Ave Merchants website it doesn%26#39;t look like there is a whole bunch to get excited about in terms of night life.

Since you%26#39;re going to the Xcel Center, downtown St Paul has very fun options on 7th St that you can walk to. I%26#39;d personally recommend the Liffey in the Holiday Inn, which is also a great hotel to stay.

I personally think Grand Ave. would be too sedate for what you%26#39;ve specified. But since you%26#39;re in the area, Billy%26#39;s on Grand is the party place - it gets pretty crowded. If you%26#39;d like to venture a little further out, OGara%26#39;s is a popular place with a great crowd. There are also great music clubs on University, but the area is a little iffy.

Are you staying in St Paul? And when are you going to 112 Eatery? If you did that Saturday, you could play in Mpls that night. It wouldn%26#39;t make much sense to try and do both downtowns in one evening.

It is important to know where you%26#39;re staying. I seem to recall you are staying in Minneapolis but the show is at the Xcel, is that right? I see the show is at the Xcel, which I didn%26#39;t know previously.

If so, I think you have two options.

1. Take care of transportation back to Minneapolis immediately after the show and party there. The Warehouse District in Mpls has far more nightlife in a concentrated area than St. Paul. Getting the taxi ride or whatever mode of transportation out of the way early will be a nice relief. Taxis can get scarce at bar time.

2. Party in downtown St. Paul. The place will be hopping after a show of this size. Liffey, as mentioned, is the closest spot. It will probably get a little rowdier a few blocks down West 7th at McGovern%26#39;s. Those two places are solid options.

A little deeper into the interior of downtown SP is Alary%26#39;s, though there isn%26#39;t much around it if you get there and it isn%26#39;t your scene.

I would avoid Grand. Fun can be had there, but things will be more fun in places that make more sense logistically -- downtown St. Paul or back by your hotel in Minneapolis.

You know, I would suggest bar hopping in Uptown (Minneapolis). It%26#39;s super close to downtown, maybe ten minutes in a taxi, and totally worth it. It%26#39;s a different vibe, it%26#39;s fun and hip (and a little ';hippy'; too). My favorites are the Independent and Chino Latino (which is more of a restaurant, but a great place to grab a drink). There%26#39;s also the Drink, which is more of a college crowd, and also Williams, a peanut bar.

Advice for Minneapolis Weekend Nov 15- 18

We are heading to Minneapolis for business/pleasure trip in 2 weeks. Any advice as to what to do on Sat./Sun night? Figured we%26#39;d sight see and shop during day but realize we are too early for Holidazzle events at night. Any suggestions for the 40+ crowd as to clubs? Also on Monday I will be solo as my husband will be at work. Most museums seem to be closed on Mon. any suggestions? Thanks

Advice for Minneapolis Weekend Nov 15- 18

Saturday -

head to ';Nord%26#39;East'; for some great food

and then end up at Nye%26#39;s for the legendary polka band %26amp; the piano lounge. It%26#39;s right out of the 50%26#39;s.

10best.com/Minneapolis,MN/…

Sunday -

O%26#39;Donovan%26#39;s by the Target Center

http://www.odonovans.com/

Monday -

consider a tour of the new Guthrie Theater along the Mississippi River

http://www.guthrietheater.org/

Backstage Tour

10:00am

Loudon Wainwright

7:30pm

I %26amp; I: The Sense of Self

7:30pm

and next door is the

Mill City Museum

they may be open on Mondays

http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Advice for Minneapolis Weekend Nov 15- 18

If you pick up the latest MN Monthly magazine (on newstands), they have a great section this month of fine dining at great values, many of which happen Sundays %26amp; Mondays. There are some real finds there if you%26#39;re interested in sampling our great restaurants (which was almost non-existent 5+ years ago).

If you%26#39;re into sports, both the Timberwolves and the Wild play that weekend. Book tickets ASAP if you can, or try to scalp them the night of. I especially like the Wild, Xcel Center in St Paul is a great venue.

Here are some things on my list for that weekend:

A couple good exhibits at the Bell Museum - Secret Life of Bears and the Annual Oddities Exhibit.

The Science Museum is displaying the CSI exhibit.

Not only is there great local music, but the 331 Club has a Grown Up Spelling Bee on Sat%26#39;s AND trivia on Sun%26#39;s. It%26#39;s a fun, down-to-earth crowd and a cheap place to drink in a cool neighborhood. On the same intersection are Erte (hip %26amp; affordable steak place) and Modern Cafe (comfort diner food) and a few great galleries that will have just opened exhibits for the neighborhood art crawl.

And here’s a link from our local artsy magazine, The Rake:

www2.rakemag.com/rm4/event_calendar_728.aspx

Enjoy, hopefully the weather won’t be too harsh. If it is, you can always spend an afternoon at the library or a spa!

Take the lightrail from downtown to the Mall of America on Monday!It%26#39;ll take you half an hour to get there and cost like $2 (I can%26#39;t remember the exact price, it%26#39;s been a while since I went that route)

I would check out a show or some of the bars/clubs/restaurants along Hennepin Ave in downtown. I don%26#39;t know where you%26#39;re staying, but presumably it%26#39;s either in downtown or near the MOA, so it would be either a short walk or a short train ride over. Lots of nice rooftop bars/clubs in particular.

In regards to Monday, I would try out the MOA.

Flying In Don't Want To Rent A Car

I%26#39;m going to fly in to MSP for an over nighter, and I want to see the MOA. First can the MOA be seen in one day? Is there a nice hotel, kind of upper end that will provide transportation from the airport and to the mall? Even better is there a hotel in the Mall that is nice? I just want this to be a nice easy trip where I can hide for the day with no stress and a little shopping.

Flying In Don't Want To Rent A Car

You could see the Mall in one day.

Print off a map in advance, and plot out the spots you want to hit, and make a plan.

The new lightrail line connects the airport to the mall - just four stops away.

Here%26#39;s a link -

metrotransit.org/rail/Hiawatha_map_freq.pdf

There are several hotels across the street from the Mall, but none IN the mall itself.

Country Inn %26amp; Suites at Mall of America

Homewood Suites - Mall of America

And more within a mile or two - several will offer transportation. Just do some legwork on what you want.

Flying In Don't Want To Rent A Car

No stress and shopping at MOA? Sounds like a challenge.

I probably like the MOA more than many regualar posters, so I think that it%26#39;ll be a good time. But as already suggested, you really do want to plan your trip. What%26#39;s here that you don%26#39;t have in vt?

And at the airport, you might have to ask for directions to the light rail stop. I know its there, but don%26#39;t recall ever seeing it. Then again, I%26#39;ve never been looking for it.

Finally, one of my complaints with MOA is that it seems to be counterintuitive getting from one level to another. It seems to be easier on the corners than on the sides.

I would echo what has been said already (with the exception of liking the mall that is, because it%26#39;s not my favorite place, but that%26#39;s not very constructive).

Getting from baggage claim to the light rail should be better signed (look for ';light rail'; or ';LRT'; or ';Hiawatha Line'; or Metro Transit signs) but the signs are there (just not always where they should be). If you%26#39;re not in a rush, it shouldn%26#39;t be a problem finding it or even asking at one of the many info booths. You buy your ticket at a vending machine before you board. It%26#39;s good for 2 hours.

The ride will be 15 minutes TOPS, probably less. It lets you off near the parking area.

I would suggest you stay at one of the aforementioned hotels mentioned earlier because they are closest to the mall -- right across the street. Then you won%26#39;t have to bother with a shuttle and you%26#39;re not waiting for anyone. I have heard good reviews of both hotels though I%26#39;ve never stayed.

If you go to MOA%26#39;s Web page you can find a list of retailers. If there are places you know you absolutely MUST get to, you%26#39;ll need a plan to hit them all in a logical pattern or you%26#39;ll back track a lot. I%26#39;d hit those spots first off and then spend the rest of the time wandering and walking into whatever looks interesting. Maybe I%26#39;ve been to the mall too much (from having lived near there earlier in life and even attending opening day) that I don%26#39;t find it interesting any more but I hear from enough people who loved their stay and who told me the best part was just wandering and taking in the enormity.

And I agree with RIKKASDAD about the layout of the escalators. It%26#39;s maddening at times -- even for someone who ahs been to the mall as much as I have.

Good luck!

Thank for the help. I know it may seem silly to make a mall into a relaxing trip, but we have nothing like it in Vermont. Chain store and resturants are very exciting to people who%26#39;ve never had the chance to vist one.

Is it easy to cross the street to these hotels? I%26#39;ll admit that trafic makes me nervious.

Yes, it%26#39;s easy. It is a pretty busy road, but you can cross at the stoplight/crosswalk.

I hope I didn%26#39;t come across as judgmental by wieghing in with my opinion of the mall (I should keep some things to myself sometimes).

There%26#39;s an IKEA across the street too.

Maybe make it a two-nighter trip.

There is a Raddison Hotel kitty-corner from the north west corner on the other side of the mall, but it%26#39;s across highway 77.

They offer free shuttle to mall %26amp; airport.

http://www.radisson.com/hotels/mnblmmal

But they also have a spa on the second floor.

Maybe pre-arrange for some treatments before you leave.

http://www.spatrillium.com/

There is an attached waterpark. Ask for room as far away from the waterpark, noise, %26amp; commotion.

First, to answer your questions, many hotels offer shuttle service to/from the airport, and some even offer shuttle service to/from the Mall on a regular schedule or call-in.

The more upscale hotels in the area include the Marriott, the Hilton, and I think there is a Crowne Plaza (check reviews). I%26#39;ve personally stayed at the Marriott a lot. It is across the street from IKEA and a big parking lot away from the mall; but they have a mall shuttle, too.

I would recommend staying downtown rather than at any of the hotels right next to the MOA. Why?

Three main reasons:

1. You mentioned that you were looking for an upper-end hotel. The hotels around the MOA are typical chains, not really upper-end. The selection downtown is much more varied.

2. You said that you wanted easy transportation, and that you disliked crossing really busy streets. To take the light rail from the airport to the mall is fine, but from the airport to a hotel near the mall- not so much. You would have to take your suitcases with you through the mall and then across any of the major thoroughfares, practically highways that surround the mall. Were you to stay downtown however, you could get off the light rail within a block or two of your hotel.

3. Staying downtown will offer you access to a lot more activities. The mall is generally pretty quiet/empty after 10 PM or so. Downtown you would have an endless selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Not to mention that you would actually get to see Minneapolis, rather than come to visit Minneapolis and not actually even enter the city limits.

If you are looking for a stress free trip to MOA, I would stay near the mall. MOA is right by the airport as could your hotel be, which would help to provide a stress free/relaxing vacation. As far as upscale, there are a few great choices by MOA. My top picks would be Embassy Suites Airport (I%26#39;ve always had good service here and it is my favorite Embassy in the Cities) or the Radisson. The Radisson is a new, with upscale furnishings and is a beautiful hotel. I%26#39;ve walked from the Radisson, but I take the shuttle when I stay at the Embassy. It sounds like you will be having a quick trip - another reason why I would stay right by MOA. The MOA has plenty to do without venturing outside the immediate mall/airport area.

Hotels near Mall of America

Any suggestions for a hotel stay near the Mall of America? (preferably within walking distance, or with a shuttle)

Hotels near Mall of America

here%26#39;s a similar query of hotels near the MegaMall -

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g42881-i604-k23319鈥?/a>

also, try Expedia for hotel search near the mall with whatever amenities you are looking for.

Hotels near Mall of America

We are coming from the UK and staying at the Quality Inn %26amp; Suites in Bloomington.

Free Airport and mall shuttle and continental breakfast.

Has indoor pool and a Denny%26#39;s onsite.

Has anyone stayed at the Days Inn Bloomington?

I stayed at the Days Inn Bloom many years ago. It%26#39;s ok, not great. Nowhere near the Mall, about 6-7 miles away. I prefer to be near the Mall (ie. walkable) and that%26#39;s why I choose the Marriott. Other people have their opinions. Being near the Mall, you have the option of riding the lightrail downtown, too.

My top recommendations would be the following: The Country Inn, Fairfield, Homewood Suites and Radisson are all across the street. The Radisson is new and upscale, the Country Inn and Fairfield are both nice. The Embassy Suites Airport location is close and has a shuttle. The price will be higher at each of these hotels due to the convenient location. There are many more hotels within a mile or two. If you decide that you are open to a shuttle, the StayBridge and Country Inn Central Bloomington are within a few miles and will sometimes run good rates. Both are wonderful hotels with good service and some amenities that you don%26#39;t always find at other hotels. Have a great stay!

One more comment: I%26#39;m not sure if you are in the bidding mood, but several 3*%26#39;s have been won for low $40%26#39;s (including the Hyatt Place, Courtyard, and Park Plaza). The Sheraton is a 3.5* and had a recent winning bid of $45 for a weekend.

Know your stars and zones by using betterbidding.com and biddingfortravel.com. Good Luck.

THis hotel definately isn%26#39;t within walking distance but I love staying here...Country Inn and Suites Bloomington West. We have always had good service at the hotel and with shuttles. There is a nice pool and hot tub and the restaurant bar has great food. Plus nearby on France Ave you%26#39;ll have access to Southdale Mall, it is a nice alternative to the Mall Of America (and it has a Cheesecake Factory).

Shopping trip need nice reasonable hotel

Getting away to Rochester for a mother in law daughter in law shopping trip this weekend. We need a nice,clean,safe hotel with continental breakfast and hot tub would be nice. Looking for good deal so we have more money to shop with. Any suggestions?

Shopping trip need nice reasonable hotel

Have you checked the hotels page in the Rochester section? Residences on Broadway and and Sleepin Inn %26amp; Suites seems to fit your bill and gets good reviews.

Shopping trip need nice reasonable hotel

If price/value are your only criteria, then I usually recommend you try Priceline or Hotwire.

There are a few 3*%26#39;s and 2.5*%26#39;s.

…yuku.com/forums/59/t/Minnesota-All-Other-Ci…

www.betterbidding.com/index.php…

The Kahler Grand Hotel and the Kahler Suites in downtown Rochester are in a great location. True, they are near Mayo Clinic, but also near many shops,the Mall and eclectic shops offering unique opportunities. There is an excellent selection of places to eat and it is so easy to get in and out of town. So easy and you can walk underground to so much. Alot of underground shopping!!

eyeshadow color

healthy halloween treats

Where to eat on Thanksgiving near MOA?

Going to be staying at the MOA on Thanksgiving but don%26#39;t know where to find dinner.

Was there as few years ago and I emailed the Hard Rock Cafe downtown and they told us they would be open but they weren%26#39;t. We ended up at the food court in Camp Snoopy!! I know IHOP and TGI Fridays are closed. What about Denny%26#39;s - I think its about a half mile away so dont mind walking.

We won%26#39;t have a car so hoping for some other suggestions even somewhere in downtown as we can take the Light Rail.

Thanks

G.

Where to eat on Thanksgiving near MOA?

Treat yourself to the Top of the Tower Thanksgiving dinner at the IDS Center, run by the Marquette Hotel on 7th Street %26amp; Marquette Ave.

They have typical Sunday brunches, but then really do it up nice for holidays - on the 50th floor.

www.marquettehotel.com/windows_holiday.htm

www.marquettehotel.com/pdf/thanksgiving08.pdf

If you do decide to go, I strongly recommend calling in reservations, as they sell out in advance. Request a window view, if you don%26#39;t mind hieghts, and bring your camera.

The light rail stops on 5th Street %26amp; Nicollet Mall - you%26#39;ll be two blocks away.

Where to eat on Thanksgiving near MOA?

Inside the Mall of America is The Napa Grill. It is excellent, if it is open. You could also check the Rain Forest Cafe in the MOA.

here is a list of places serving thanksgiving dinner in the twin cities

twincities.citysearch.com/roundup/38070/

i know someone who went to a their reception at jax cafe and they said the food there was great.

Denny%26#39;s may be open, you%26#39;d have to call them by looking them up on the website to confirm. The one closest to the MOA is on 78th Street in Bloomington, MN. However, it is more than 1/2 mile from the Mall of America, though obviously there are a lot of hotels that claim to be ';Mall of America'; hotels, even if there a little ways away from the Mall. Your hotel may be closer than the Mall itself. You could always use Google Maps to chart out a course. Keep in mind, if you are staying at a hotel right by the MOA, not all roads around the MOA are overly pedestrian friendly so your walk may be longer than you expect.

Have you considered inquiring on if hotel restaurants themselves will be open? Menu may not be terribly exciting and they may have limited hours, but you may be able to find a nearby hotel with a restaurant that will be open.

Jensen%26#39;s Super Club in Eagan will have a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet - $22. The food there is always excellent and it is surprisingly close to MOA. Just across the river and up the hill on MN 77 (Cedar Ave.) so a cab would not be that much...especially if several people are going. The difference from several seperate light rail tickets might not be that much.

jensenssupperclub.com/JSC_Thanksgiving.pdf

Hey, IF the is a Cracker Barrel Rest. in your area,

they have a GREAT Thanksgiving dinner for less than 9.00. drink/desert included.

The are open everyday except 12/25......

Enjoy...

Cozy snowy getaway for one?

I want to plan a trip for Valentine%26#39;s Day. I assume from past experience that my husband will be working so I%26#39;ll be on my own. I promised myself last Valentine%26#39;s Day (%26amp; the one before that, %26amp; the one before...) I would be somewhere special for VDay 2009. Here%26#39;s what I want:

-Snow

-Fireplace

-Cozy comfy bed

-Good simple food that%26#39;s not too expensive

-Maybe learn to cross-country ski (or something else I can show off about when I get home)

I live on the east coast %26amp; wouldn%26#39;t mind flying (although I%26#39;d prefer not to have to spend 7 hours on a plane). I could also take the train or drive (but I prefer not to drive). I have my passport %26amp; wouldn%26#39;t mind Canada.

My trip doesn%26#39;t have to be in MN. I%26#39;ve heard of Lutsen Resort %26amp; thought maybe that would be a good choice.

I don%26#39;t drink alcohol at all %26amp; I don%26#39;t downhill ski (not really interested in returning home with a cast on a limb). I love to read %26amp; don%26#39;t mind playing Scrabble or board games with other travelers.

Gosh that whole thing above makes me sound boring! Thanks for your help though.

Cozy snowy getaway for one?

I would think many of the lodges along the North Shore of Lake Superior or on the Gunflint Trail would fit the bill.

There are lots of areas around the cities that would fit the bill - let me know if that interests you as the list would be totally different.

Grand Marais (5 hours N, could fly to Duluth OR MSP) is a wonderful little oasis: Sweetgrass Cove, East Bay Suites, Nanabijou Lodge

Lutsen (just south of GM) is a great location - check out Lutsen.com and look at their packages without skiing (downhill). Many of the properties are right on the lake.

My co-worker loves the Gunflint Lodge (just NW of GM)and they have lots of options for singles, couples and families.

Cozy snowy getaway for one?

I agree with Creason that the north shore is your best bet for a Minnesota destination. The old Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior would be perfect with good food, huge fireplaces, plenty of lake effect snow, and multiple lodging options. They also have all the equipment for cross country skiing and spectacular trails with views of the lake. You can change flights to Duluth and drive 90 minutes, or get a car in Minneapolis and take the four hour drive. That might actually be faster depending on connections.

The Lutsen area is better for your interests than other spots in Minnesota because it does offer downhill skiing. Even if you are not interested, the skiers keep the restaurants open and a little buzz in the community.

Ahhh too late. I was going to suggest the original lodge at Lutsen too. I%26#39;ve only been there in the summer, but pretty and cozy.

As a closer, maybe cheaper alternative, look at Craguns outside of Brainerd:http://craguns.com/

Great suggestions.. I really like the suggestion of the Old Lodge at Lutsen. Walking in there just makes you feel cozy! I also like Bluefin Bay... I think that fits the criteria.

If I were a woman traveling alone, and often I am, I wouldn%26#39;t want to go to a downhill ski resort -- they%26#39;re all families and party groups that drink a lot. If you want to do something really special this Valentine%26#39;s Day, I%26#39;d sign up for Book Across the Bay, which is a 10-kilometer ski or snowshoe tour across Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior in Wisconsin. It%26#39;s lighted by ice luminaries, and at the end there are fireworks, a bonfire, blues music and a chili feed, very convivial for one person, and it costs a big 15 bucks, www.batb.org. There are a lot of cozy cottages and B%26amp;Bs you could rent in Bayfield (www.bayfield.org) and Ashland (www.visitashland.com). If you%26#39;re lucky, you also can visit the nearby ice caves.

My other recommendation would be Fitger%26#39;s Inn in Duluth, on Lake Superior, because under the same roof you%26#39;ve got an Aveda day spa, a dinner theater, a brewpub, a nightclub, restaurants and a lot of great shops. Plus a view of Lake Superior.

There are stories about all these things on my web site, www.MidwestWeekends.com. Enjoy the northwoods!

Minneapolis 11/28-12/1

Hi there,

We%26#39;ll be arriving Minneapolis late Friday (November 28th) evening and leaving Monday (December 1st in the early afternoon)...so, with that said, here are some questions for you:

* What is the best way to get from the airport to the Marquette Hotel? (We were assuming taxi.)

* How about a decent place to have a few drinks? (Keep in mind we%26#39;re in the 35 to 45 age bracket, so something kinda mellow. Also, I%26#39;ll be 6 months pregnant, so it%26#39;ll be non-alcoholic for me.)

* Is there some place we *must* dine? (While we both enjoy good food, we are not interested in a restaurant that requires black tie attire. Since this is our last kid-free getaway, a cozy atmosphere would be especially appreciated.)

* How do you recommend one get from the Marquette Hotel to the Mall of America? (My ridiculous husband insists that we must visit the Mall of America as this is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...despite the fact that it will be the weekend after Thanksgiving and I%26#39;m personally dreading the crowds.)

* We%26#39;ll be attending the Vikings v. Bears games on Sunday evening, so we do have that one thing scheduled. What about Monday morning . . . anything we could fit in there?

* Any *must see%26#39;s* or *must do%26#39;s* in the opinion of you pros???

Thanks so much!

Minneapolis 11/28-12/1

You could taxi for about $40, or for about $1.75 each, you can take the nice/new light rail line from the airport to Nicollet Mall station.

It%26#39;ll drop you on 5th street, and your hotel is on 7th street. Easy walk.

metrotransit.com/rail/Hiawatha_map_freq.pdf

There%26#39;s a bunch of places for drinks. Inside the Crystal Court / IDS Center where the Marquette Hotel is, is Mission. Nearby is Seven, Chambers, the W Foshay, Ikes, the Local, Brits.. the list goes on.

You might like dining at Manhattans, Murrays, Hells Kitchen, or even something a little romanitic like Nicollet Island Inn.

Either Sat or Sun a.m., do Brunch at Ike%26#39;s. It%26#39;s legendary.

The same light rail from airport to hotel, also goes to the Mall of America, 4 stops south of airport.

If you can squeeze in Nye%26#39;s Sat night, you%26#39;ll enjoy.

Minneapolis 11/28-12/1

Not sure how far along on the pregnancy you are and how you feel about walking. If walking is easy, then the light rail is a no-brainer.

It runs from the Mall of America to downtown, taking the tunnel underneath the airport along the way. Which means you could take it (about $2 a person, with a ticket bought before you board the train from the vending machine on the platform) to downtown (as DowntownMinneapolis said, to Nicollet Mall Station then a 2.5 block walk) and also from that same station to MOA. ESPECIALLY for the mall trip. It would be ridiculous to travel there any other way. Cab ride would be $50 or so. $30 from the airport.

I really don%26#39;t think there%26#39;s a ';must dine'; spot in Minneapolis. Believe me, there are countless places I love, but nothing I would feel sorry for someone if they missed it. 112 Eatery is probably the most recommended place and certainly fits the cozy bill -- but you must call ahead to get reservations to ensure a table. No black tie by any means and moderately priced. $15-$24 entrees ballpark.

It%26#39;s downtown but would require a taxi ride, maybe $6-$8. Otherwise, if you wanna go spendy, the best steak for my dollar is Murray%26#39;s.

The best bar nearby is surely the Local, if only for the imported woodwork. It can get crowded, though. But it%26#39;s close enough to the hotel that it%26#39;s worth a peek. Definitely fits the age range.

Enjoy!

I%26#39;d second light rail to/from airport/MOA unless you%26#39;re too uncomfortable walking - it%26#39;s cheap and easy.

Good luck at the mall, it will be a zoo. I%26#39;d recommend seeing it Monday before you leave - it%26#39;s en route to the airport (could check your bags beforehand, or use the lockers at the mall if they%26#39;re small). Also, everyone will be back to work on Monday, so it should be pretty deserted.

Restaurants at the top of my list include 112 Eatery (grab seats at the bar right when it opens at 5 if you can%26#39;t get reservations) and Palomino (the bar has a great happy hour menu 4-6). If you%26#39;re into ethnic food, Taste of Thailand is really good, as is Bombay Bistro.

I%26#39;d avoid most of the bars on Nicollet Ave - they%26#39;re a younger, loud crowd %26amp; will be packed since the Holidazzle Parade %26amp; Macy%26#39;s holiday show will happen all weekend. Although, Dakota has a great HH and live jazz, pretty laid back. I really like O%26#39;Donovans - a cozy, little Irish pub that%26#39;s a little off the main path. Grab a sit by the fire. There are several (new) chic hotels in town whose lounges would be fun to check out - Chambers, Hotel Ivy, Hotel Minneapolis, Graves 601, W Minneapolis

I would recommend spending one day exploring downtown, N Hennepin or the Walker. The Macy%26#39;s show is really cute and festive and they%26#39;ll probably have great sales, Saks on 5th is the country%26#39;s largest, Neiman Marcuse has an outlet on their top floor, and there are countless boutique-style places. Nye%26#39;s is a riot - neighborhood dive with live polka music and a piano bar in a great area. And Loring Park is a beautiful view from Bar Lurcat. Nick %26amp; Eddie%26#39;s in that area is a also very popular restaurant.

Thanks for all the tips. I%26#39;ve scoped out the light rail and that definitely seems the way to go. I%26#39;ve printed out your suggestions and feel a little more prepared now.

We%26#39;re looking forward to our trip, although I noticed the high yesterday was 24F....bbrrrrrr!

Well there%26#39;s always the downtown skyways if you get chilly... much better forecast than what it could be!

HELP!! Need new hotel ideas

For years and years we have brought a large group of multiple families and stayed at the Days Inn across from the Mall of America. I know the place was a little run down, but the pool area was the main attraction...the reason is the poolside rooms.

we usually booked about 20-25 of the poolside rooms that surrounded the pool area. What made this great was the fact that we were able to raom from room to room and visit with other friends. This pool area not only had the pool, but a large ';dry'; carpeted area that kids could play and run in. Basically it was a large atrium where we all could comingle and visit, whick=h is why we all went.

Too make a long story longer, we just found out the hotel is closing and being demolished. We need help finding a new destination with a similar pool/dry area that would have poolside rooms where we all can go and continue our tradition.

Any idea out there? We need help!!

What do you love about Minneapolis?

My husband and I lived in Minneapolis for 5 years, and then moved to Phoenix about 18 months ago for him to attend graduate school at ASU. He graduates in May and we are moving back to The Cities for good - only because that is where our families are.

However, we have made so many friends here and just this Saturday I was laying out by the pool in 80 degree weather. I am a ';Midwest Girl'; all the way, but am not getting excited about moving back.

What do you love about Minneapolis so much that would never make you move? Help motivate me to be excited again!

I%26#39;ll start my own:

Uptown - a great vibe

Mall of America!

Lakes!! (Which I have missed living in the desert)

What do you love about Minneapolis?

I think there are so many things to love. A few of my favorites are the tons of great biking trails, Al%26#39;s Breakfast, Annie%26#39;s Parlor, Minnesota Twins, summers with my pool open and my top down on my red sports car!!! Definitely love the summer.

What do you love about Minneapolis?

1. The parks system. World class. From the chain of lakes to the Minnehaha Creek parkway to the park surrounding the falls to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway .... you get the point. Having remote green areas minutes from world-class restaurants and theaters is not the norm.

2. Access to nature, with my preference being northern MN. Major city with the amenities listed above, and a short drive to serene lake scenes and thick woods.

3. Restaurants/bars with character. People of this city (myself included) seem to have an aversion to the mundane eateries like Perkins, Applebees, etc -- chains in general. They prefer the family-run places that treat you like they want you to come back. I don%26#39;t see a lot of other cities with so few chains and so many great restaurants per capita.

4. Seasons. Phoenix doesn%26#39;t have them. I have to have them. I have to have winter for Christmas. I have to have fall for football. I like not taking great weather for granted, which I think people in warm-weather climates do. Here, you have people who know bad weather and appreciate the good. And you get people who know how to have fun any time of year: hence the ice fishing, broomball and sledding with the nephews that I%26#39;m getting excited about.

And of course the Vikings and Twins play in Minneapolis, which means living outside of Mpls is not happening for me.

For Twin Cities in general...

- The skyway systems

- Spring %26amp; Fall...they make up for Winter. More basically...having four distinct seasons.

- Proximity to ';the country';...you%26#39;re never too far from a cow

- Freeway system....people here may decry the ';traffic'; and congestion but they certainly have not lived in Seattle or Chicago or...(many other places). The system in Twin Cities is very efficient barring accidents or contstruction.

- Weather. Not anything specific...just the fact that there IS weather....in every possible flavor. Some places are very boring..same thing every day. The TV stations here have better radar than NORAD.

- Except for seafood and milk (due to govt. pricing regulations) most food is less expensive.

- No shortage of Lutheran churches. ;)

- Central Time television....prime time 7-10pm then the news and off to bed. I HATE the late times on the coasts. No wonder people don%26#39;t get enough sleep.

- Proximity to Boundry Waters area and North Shore.

- Gas prices! With my Cub Foods coupons I paid $1.50/gal the other day ($1.85/gal w/o coupons).

On the flip side there are several things that could go into a thread on things that would drive me away.

mntoathens-

You sure hit the nail on the head. Just today I went out on my lunch break (I work in downtown Phoenix), and I cruised over to a grocery store deli to grab some food. It is such a gorgeous day out, I was wishing I had a nice outdoor area to sit down and eat my lunch. A park? Don%26#39;t have any. A nice, grassy area? Don%26#39;t have any. A safe bench? Don%26#39;t have any!

And yes SEASONS! But... then on the other hand, I was lying by the pool in 80 degree sunny weather on Saturday. That too is fantastic!

Nord%26#39;East Bars

Pub Crawls

Downtown by the river (Nicollet Island / Stone Arch)

Holidazzle

Wolves / Twins / Vikes / Wild

North Shore just a few hrs away with all the state parks / waterfalls / hiking trails %26amp; the lake

the NEW Guthrie

SEASONS - why live life with no variety, and all the time? I agree with the others and I would get so bored without change. It forces you to always try new things. I esp cannot have a Christmas without snow or a fall without colors and bonfires, unacceptable. And we do get nice, hot sunny days, contrary to popular belief.

TRAVEL - not only are there so many great things to see and do in MN and the midwest, it%26#39;s also affordable and shorter duration to travel from the here with it%26#39;s central location. While Mpls is not cheap nor is it a hub, it%26#39;s getting better and certainly has it%26#39;s advantages traveling to the coasts. The charter flights are also incredible bargains (seasonal low cost fares %26amp; packages like winter getaways, Disney vacations)

AFFORDABILITY - I cannot tell you how many friends %26amp; relatives have thought about moving back to the midwest due to the cost of living %26amp; congestion in places like Seattle, San Diego %26amp; New York. I don%26#39;t understand why live somewhere that eats up all your disposable income. Having just returned from the NW, I was saddened how much has been spoiled by the over-population and over-development

CULTURE %26amp; DIVERSITY - aside from Chicago, no place else in the midwest offers so much art, theater, music and overall experience than the Twin Cities. I can%26#39;t be downtown without hearing international conversations going on everywhere. And I never cease to find something new, interesting and often free to check out. All the museums have at least one free night, and try to be accesSible to EVERYONE.

NATURE - the old and lush growth of the parks and preserves here surpasses much of what I%26#39;ve seen, aside from national parks. That%26#39;s why up north is my #1 destination and the only place I often return to in my travels. I personally do not like the lack of grass and greenery in the SW. I don%26#39;t ';get'; the green cement lawns.

I hope these help. Phoenix is a great place to visit, but the cities is a great place to live. This coming from someone who%26#39;s only lived here 8 years...

The parks and trails systems-- fairly easy in the major cities and first-ring suburbs to get to walking / running / biking streets and paths

Surprisingly viable nature-- the various city parks and the regional park system provide green spaces, and MN DNR does a lot to have freshwater gamefishing right in town. My house has a treed backyard and we%26#39;re able to have small fires... %26#39;smores with the neighbors in the suburbs!

Combination of shopping opportunities and reasonable prices-- big-box stores, neighborhood stores, thrift stores, specialty shops, and upscale centers and nodes (such as Grand Ave. St. Paul, Galleria and 50th %26amp; France in Edina)

Great arts and culture: two major classical music groups (MN Orch %26amp; St. Paul Chamber Orch.), major touring shows, theater that starts from the Guthrie, multiple museums, two great art centers (Walker and Mpls Inst. of the Arts)

Though it%26#39;s fading, the notion that government provides and helps its people by giving quality schools, sufficient resources to maintain parks and roads, etc. Despite the ';no more taxes'; rumblings, residents voted in a sales tax increase to fund clean waters, wildlife habitat, parks and trails, and the arts.

Restaurant/bar variety-- a multitude of ethnic foods, American staples such as local steakhouses, 50s grill foods, bars with 80s era video games. And for a good amount of these, you can find coupons (Entertainment ';Happenings'; book)

Wonderful sports and active pasttimes-- the aforementioned trails, specialty athletic shops, lots of gyms and rec centers, nationally known running races that gather thousands, unoppressive summers for the most part, ability to have hoops, football, hockey, soccer, baseball, and a budding lacrosse program, all 4 major sports, college sports from DIII through Big Ten, outdoors stores, outdoor equipment stores and rentals....

This 18-yr transplant from Michigan has learned to love it here... very livable large city.

software

what to do around New Year's Eve ??

My husband and I are going to visit family from Dec 26 until Jan 5th - Is there anything exciting going on that one should see?? Looking for things to do including shows?? Thanks in advance

what to do around New Year's Eve ??

For New Year%26#39;s Eve celebrations check www.minnesotamonthly.com Type in ring in 2008 in the search box and click on it. You will find a long list of things going on.

what to do around New Year's Eve ??

My brain must be malfunctioning, sorry, but this was for last New Year%26#39;s Eve. I couldn%26#39;t find the new listings. My apologies for mixing you all up.

I would also check the online city publications - MN Monthly as previously mentioned, The Rake and CityPages. If the dates aren%26#39;t online yet, they should be shortly.

What exactly are you looking for, interested in? Family, quiet, different, romantic?

Hi nanne...

One option for Monday DEC 29...The Bodeans are playing at First Avenue ( made famous by that little Purple Guy ) the venue is kinda of spooky looking- but the Bodeans always put on a kick butt show here..very good live act! My only other suggestion...bring warm clothes...

My family and I are looking for possibly a comedy show, or broadway type shows?

It is the first time that I have been to MN. The warm clothing is a definite. I%26#39;m from Maine anyways, its cold enough here at it is.

Thanks for your replys - keep them coming

How%26#39;s about : http://www.louieanderson.com/

Saturday DEC 27 show at the U of M campus Northrop Auditorium.....we%26#39;ll keep thinkin...

I just got my MN Monthly and the have a great holiday section: minnesotamonthly.com/media/…

The Christmas Carol at the Guthrie is always a winner, saw it at the new AND old theater. The view from the cantilever balcony is breath-taking at night.

What are the ages in your family? The British Advertising Awards at the Walker is a stitch, but some are rated R and pretty liberal... not for everyone.

You could try to get last minute tix at the Fitgerald for Prairie Home Companion, quite the holiday experience.

I%26#39;ve heard promise from the productions All I want for Christmas is 700 Billion Dollars, Black Nativity and A Don%26#39;t Hug Me Christmas Carol

And Taylor Hicks (American Idol winner) will be in town performing in Broadway%26#39;s Grease.

bright makeup

St Paul, Sports Acro competition

Looks like my daughter will be going to St Paul, Minn for a acrobatics competition next year %26amp; off course the whole family will go 2 adults 3 kids from Aust. Can anyone tell me of cheap accomm. or great value for money %26amp; how do we get there - from Australia we would fly into LA, is it far to drive from there or can we pick up a cheap return air fare. We will try %26amp; make it a 3 week holiday. Thanks for helping.

St Paul, Sports Acro competition

You could certainly drive but allow for at least three full days one way, and that is if you drive straight through.

If you do drive I would allow for much more time so you can explore the natural wonders between here and LA - Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the NP%26#39;s in Utah %26amp; CO, Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, etc, etc. It%26#39;s a wonderful drive if you have the time and patience. :)

A flight from LAX to MSP should not be overly expensive, especially if you%26#39;re willing to fly during off-hours or an all night flight.

As for staying in St. Paul I would ask what you%26#39;re looking for in a hotel. Will you have a car while here? Where is the competition? What else do you want to do while here? What do you consider cheap/reasonable? The twin cities is a large area (geographically) with a myriad of choices and opportunities so it will help to narrow exactly what you need.

St Paul, Sports Acro competition

Many thanks for the info. I think we will fly to Saint Paul then drive back for all the sites as what you%26#39;ve mentioned is just what we would like to visit. While in St Paul we will be going to the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, W Kellogg Blvd for the gymnastics so accom.near there. Probably a budget of $150/night or cheaper would be ideal, or apartment? Thanks again.

I think your plan is excellent!

The Roy Wilken%26#39;s Auditorium is connected to the main arena in St. Paul, the Excel Energy Center. Just an FYI as you search, the complex (the X, Roy, St. Paul Convention Center) is called River Center so any hotel that is near the River Center would be near Roy Wilken%26#39;s.

http://www.stpaulcvb.org/

Any of these hotels would be an easy walk to the River Center:

- There is a Holiday Inn Express directly across the street from the main entrance to the X that should be near your price point.

- On the other side of the X (east side, look for Rice Park on a map) the closest hotels would be The St. Paul Hotel, Crowne Plaze, %26amp; Hilton Garden Inn. I would suspect any of these would be a little more than the Holiday Inn.

Good luck

Just a quick mild correction. The hotel across the street is actually a full service Holiday Inn Hotel. Holiday Inn Express would be the limited service version of the chain. I know it%26#39;s being picky, and it%26#39;s not my intent to be picky for ';picky%26#39;s sake';, but more to make sure you look for the correct hotel. Everything I have heard of Holiday Inn at this location is good. You will probably be able to obtain a rate around $150US/night, though depends on exactly when you go, how far ahead you reserve, and if you pick a prepay rate or refundable rate. I agree the other hotels would probably be more.

The suggestions Sully offered for the drive are all great ones. I agree to have a fair amount of patience. Bring interesting music, especially for the driving though some areas. Not always much to see or listen to!

Thanks for the correction wwwt!

Enterainment ideas for New Years

I am going to piggyback off of nanne%26#39;s question. I%26#39;ll be in town with my bf around Dec 28th through the New Year and looking for fun things to do. I really like jazz music and Broadway shows-things like that. We are looking for something to do other than the bar scene for a couple of nights. Maybe there are some traditional or local fun holiday shows or events in the area?

I%26#39;ve looked some on metromix but I%26#39;m always open for other ideas. We are in our mid 20%26#39;s. if that helps.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Enterainment ideas for New Years

I think my last reply on Nanne%26#39;s posting fits your bill

Hobans Korean - Eagan

We tried to eat at Hobans Korean Restauran in Eagan this past summer...in abouty July I think...and when we got there, it was closed for remodeling.

Does anybody know if it has since opened back up? Or is it still closed for remodeling? Just curious...we want to eat there tomorrow.

Thanks!

Hobans Korean - Eagan

I just checked their website, www.hobanrestaurant.com and they appear open. The phone number is 651-688-3447. Give them a call to check if they%26#39;re now open.

Hobans Korean - Eagan

This is the place near Jensen%26#39;s Supper Club right? We haven%26#39;t been in there in awhile but last time we were it was excellent. Too late for the OP but TheHaases...if you made it there and they were open please add a comment on your experience here (and a TA review too).

restaurant suggestions (downtown)

We will be in the cities this weekend for Wicked, and are looking for a casual but good place to have dinner (downtown) before the show on Saturday. We would love good Italian but are on a bit of a budget. Any suggestions?

restaurant suggestions (downtown)

My favorite for downtown Italian is Palomino, however, it%26#39;s not the least expensive. I do consider it affordable for an upscale restaurant. And they have a great happy hour deal between 4-6 if you want to sit in the bar. If it%26#39;s snowing, it%26#39;s a fantastic view over Hennepin. I don%26#39;t normally suggest chains, but Buca might fit the bill if you want inexpensive.

restaurant suggestions (downtown)

Palomino has their own website, and you can see their menu online for Minneapolis. You can then make the decision of affordability or no. I have not had the opportunity to go there myself, but hear only good things about it. It is also convenient to Wicked (1-2 blocks?).

Buca%26#39;s, while a chain just like Palomino, does definitely hit affordable, downtown, Italian. I understand the potential concern on chains, but Buca does tend to offer good food. It will be about 6-8 blocks from the Orpheum, so still walkable (or short cab ride, depends on your willingness to walk and save $5 minimum fare).

You may also want to check out Joe%26#39;s Garage. Casual but nice. They list as ';American Casual'; though have pasta offerings. They too have a their own website. Still in downtown area, about 8-10 blocks from the Orpheum. Unfortunately, I suspect it will be too cold for outdoor seating, though they have a great outdoor seating option. I was there with co-workers a while back and we had a great time.

It does get packed, and it%26#39;s not exactly italian, but I like Solera a lot.

http://www.solera-restaurant.com/

You might enjoy Zelo. You can book a reservation and look at their menu at www.opentable.com

I like the new Hell%26#39;s Kitchen - in the old Rossi%26#39;s location across from the Foshay.

hellskitcheninc.com/HellsKitchenWelcome.html

Looking for a Hotel for New Years Eve

I%26#39;m already thinking ahead to New Years Eve. My bf and I are thinking of staying in a hotel. We are looking for a nice, clean hotel to spend New Years Eve in the city. I usually stay at Marriott%26#39;s for company travel. But it doesn%26#39;t have to to be a chain. At this point I don%26#39;t have a specific budget in mind but want something that%26#39;s a good value. Something near the St. Anthony Main area would be helpful but not necessary. Something fun and for a couple in their mid 20%26#39;s. Any suggestions/ideas?

Looking for a Hotel for New Years Eve

forgot to mention if we go with a higher class hotel I don%26#39;t want it to be snooty if possible:)

Looking for a Hotel for New Years Eve

Stef,

The absolute closest hotel to St. Anthony Main is Nicollet Island Inn, within a block or two. That said, I%26#39;m not sure I%26#39;d call it ';fun';, probably more ';old-school class'; or ';quaint romantic';, as in dark woods and such, though their website seems to try to give it some modernity, if you will.

The Depot Minneapolis is a Marriott Renaissance property. Original site of a Minneapolis train station, the station was converted into an icerink/banquet area. The train station was redone as historic rooms/suites and a beautiful banquet area. The new addition has many nice, modern rooms. This is also relatively close to St. Anthony Main, though probably about 1/2-1 mile walk. My experience is this hotel would be more ';fun'; and yet not terribly snotty. That said, not necessarily cheap.

The hotel I formerly was employed by (so there%26#39;s my disclaimer, I don%26#39;t have any financial interest in continuing to support it, but now you know) is the Holiday Inn Metrodome. It%26#39;s gotten some bad reviews lately, but I can say the rooms really are in fairly good shape, at least when I left about a year ago (unless you want a smoking room, those were waiting renovation). The hotel underwent pretty much a floor to ceiling renovation of rooms in 2007, and I hear continues to do renovations in accordance with the new Holiday Inn standards upcoming to remain a Holiday Inn Hotel (you can go to the HI website for more information on that). Certainly not snotty, and the neighborhood within walking distance is with various U of M influenced bars/pubs. There%26#39;s some restaurants that generally offer unique fare, some good and some not. Parking always was odd for us, but it%26#39;s also a city hotel, nothing more than you%26#39;d expect for any city hotel. The hotel itself did not typically do anything special for New Years, but usually was reasonably busy.

The hotel is located on the edge of downtown and not terribly far from St. Anthony. Cab ride if you didn%26#39;t drive from downtown should be around $10.00, at most.

Let me know if you need further information.

ok thank you for your input. I%26#39;m looking into Nicollet Island Inn. I couldn%26#39;t seem to book anything online every time I tried it kept timing me out. I%26#39;ll have to call to get more info.

The other options I%26#39;m looking at are:

Marquette $204/night

Hotel Minneapolis $182/night

Sofitel $150/night-downside located in Bloomington

Le Bourget Suites $117/night-downside located in Bloomington

What are your thoughts on these?

I%26#39;m thinking I want something a little more upscale than the Holiday Inn Metrodome; however on the other end I think the Graves, Hotel Ivy, and W are a bit out of my range price wise unless an outstanding deal comes along. Ideally I%26#39;d like to stay at a 3-4+ star hotel (prefer one with hot tub or Jacuzzi-if not a nicer shower will do) around or under $200. The things I care about are the overall atmosphere, comfort, prefer a quiet hotel that is updated and newer. I looked at the Grand and the St. Paul a bit older for my taste. I don%26#39;t care about hotel services like laundry, fitness center, in room internet, mini bar, etc.

Hi Stef,

When I tried looking at the reservations page for Nicollet Island, I too didn%26#39;t have much success, so you should call them. Nicollet Island inn will definitely offer you a quiet hotel, being on the island. It%26#39;s also a nice view of the Mississippi River and downtown. The Grand and St. Paul are indeed a bit older from what I remember, probably catering to another clientele.

Here%26#39;s what I can tell you about your other hotels:

Marquette $204/night - Nice hotel, associated with Hilton. I heard they were doing renovations last year to what was already a pretty nice hotel. It is part of the IDS office tower in downtown, so you will be convenient to anything downtown, but should still offer quiet rooms when you%26#39;re ready to not have noise and partying.

Hotel Minneapolis $182/night - a converted office building into a hotel. I believe it is associated with Doubletree Hotels, another Hilton brand. I left Holiday Inn before it opened, but have heard good things about this hotel. Also in the core of downtown so convenient.

Sofitel $150/night-downside located in Bloomington, nice hotel from what I hear (though I competed with downtown hotels, so that%26#39;s more my knowledge) but you%26#39;re right, the downside is location. Not sure where in the Midwest you are or what you already know on Minneapolis, Bloomington is a fine suburb but if you want to be downtown/near St. Anthony Main it%26#39;s about a 20 minute drive to downtown. There also isn%26#39;t really much around Sofitel besides other hotels and some chain restaurants, plus highways and Mall of America about a 5-10 minute drive.

Le Bourget Suites $117/night-downside located in Bloomington, kind of the same situation as Sofitel. Hotel itself is mostly fine, but you are in Bloomington and will drive or take about a $30 cab ride one way.

As far as my Holiday Inn, I know what you%26#39;re getting at with something more upscale. Holiday Inns are currently hit and miss, and the chain is trying hard to update all their hotels between now and 2010 - to the point where they are dumping about 1/3 of their hotels whose owners don%26#39;t want to update to the new standards. Holiday Inn is also still the more ';everyday'; type hotel as opposed to upscale (though the new standards are somewhat changing that, including requiring things such as scented lobbies - believe it or not!). At the same time, they%26#39;re pushing for new Holiday Inns to be new build hotels. That said, I really thought the Metrodome HI was above the normal standard for Holiday Inns. You could go to the hotel specific website - www.metrodome.com to see if it might fit the bill. If the hot tub or jacuzzi is a dealbreaker for you, though, then don%26#39;t check on the Holiday Inn Metrodome. I never cared for our rooms that were the jacuzzi rooms (and the ownership was planning on changing those rooms from jacuzzi rooms to a larger ';apartment-style'; suite, so they didn%26#39;t invest much money into those specific rooms).

Hope that helps your decision making. Best of wishes!

I know you said you use Marriott for business; me, too. I%26#39;ve stayed at 3 of the 5 downtown properties. The City Center Marriott is very nice and you can usually score upgrades with elite status. The Depot Renaissance is very nice, but more of a family property, just like the Residence Inn connected. There is in a big ice rink, indoor pool complex. There is another Residence Inn closer to the City Center and a Townplace Suites that in the warehouse district and newer.

Cabs are plentiful and downtown is safe; some of these are walkable, maybe 1/2 mile at most.

The new aloft hotel is quite close to the St. Anthony Main area; it%26#39;s part of the W hotel chain, but not so pricey. It just opened this summer, so everything should still work!

starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/鈥?/a>

I think wouldbeworldtraveler has nailed it so far.

If you%26#39;re looking for close to St. Anthony Main, those suggestions are the ones I would offer too. I have not stayed at Nicollet Island Inn, but I have had a nice, cozy dinner there.

It really depends on what you want and what you consider fun. If you want a place to be in the middle of the party scene come Dec. 31/New Year%26#39;s, then I%26#39;d suggest the Marriot or Ramada for location (not knowing your budget, of course.)

That would give you pretty good access to Nicollet Mall and the Warehouse District for nightlife and restaurants.

If you%26#39;re looking for access to St, Anthony Main (or Nye%26#39;s, Whitey%26#39;s, Ground Zero, Pracna, etc) then you%26#39;d either need a taxi or stay at Nicollet Island (which as wouldbeworld traveler said, is more a cozy, classy old-world getaway spot than a fun place.

Correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, but I believe the Ramada (on 10th Street, by the bus terminal) was torn down months ago.

I%26#39;m going to take a guess and say the previous meant to say Radisson, not Ramada.

Ah, got it.

bright makeup

Is this a plan that will work??

Can anyone tell me how hard it would be to fly into the airport and then get to the saint paul hotel, and then go to the mall of america...and then see a concert all without renting a car? I wonder how much it would cost to get from the airport to the st paul hotel? Also how would i get from our hotel to the mall of america? The concert will be easy because i think the st paul hotel is just across the street from the concert. Any comments would be appreciated! thanks

Is this a plan that will work??

IF you don%26#39;t get a rental car, you will need to

A) take the bus to light rail in Minneapolis to get to MOA OR

B) shovel out the dough for a cab, which I think would run at least $25 one way... but it%26#39;s been a long time since I took that cab ride.

Some of the other locals would probably know the cost better.

The cost of a cab would still be less than a rental car. AND if you could schedule your MOA visit around your flight, that would eliminated 2 cab fares, since they%26#39;re both connected by light rail. You could check in early and then only lug around your carry-on, or there are pay lockers at the MOA for day use.

Is this a plan that will work??

I remember a poster looking for way to get from Airport to Radisson Hotel downtown St. Paul.

MetroTransit has express bus from St. Paul to Airport, and I think it continues to Mall of America.

I would get street address of St. Paul Hotel, and then plug it into a route-finder at the MetroTransit site -

http://www.metrotransit.com/

Feel free to give them a call too - they%26#39;d be glad to get you routes / times / locations.

612-373-3333

The Mall of America is next too the airport, but I bet you have your bags and want to drop them off.

An alternative is to hit the Mall on the way out of town. Go to airport with bags, check them in, then take the easy light rail to Mall from inside the airport - lowest level. Shop and come back to airport for flights.

Otherwise, I%26#39;d say $25 - $35 cab ride airport to hotel.

The St. Paul Hotel has some info on their website:

https:/…

You%26#39;re right, the east entrance to the Xcel/Rivercenter complex is across the park from the hotel, be sure to notice statue of Herb Brooks as the 1908 US Hockey team defeated the USSR at the entrance. :)

Rice Park is lovely, especially at night. If you eat at the St. Paul Grill (main restaurant at the Hotel) request a table with a park view, it makes a very good evening even more spectacular.

Enjoy your stay %26amp; ask away if you have any further questions.

well how does this sound...we fly in to the airport and take the light rail(??) to the mall of america right away...What is the light rail, how much would it cost from the airport to MOA? Is there a place at the mall to put our bag? Then when we are done at the MAO we take a cab to our hotel. Then the next day we hang out around the st paul hotel and then go to the concert. The next day we take a cab back to the airport???

Hi JM,

Here would be my answer to your most recent post...

Light rail is a public transit train with a set line that goes between Mall of America (MOA) and downtown Minneapolis. It is somewhat similar to the ';El'; train in Chicago. During most of the day, it has a train that stops at set points about every 10-15 minutes and a trip from MOA and downtown Minneapolis would be approximately 30-35 minutes. While I was not keen about the public cost to build just one line on the system (somewhere in the ballpark of $550 million dollars, if I remember correctly), it has been pretty convenient.

There is a stop in the airport itself to go either towards the MOA or downtown. After getting bags, you would follow signs saying ';light rail'; or ';train station';. You would then buy a ticket from a self-service machine for about $2/person and go to the actual stop. Minneapolis opted to go with the honor system on tickets. You buy the ticket and then just get on the train when the next one comes along. If a police officer boarded a train, asked you for a ticket, and you didn%26#39;t produce one, I hear it%26#39;s about a $180 ticket (in other words, you%26#39;re probably better off just buying the $2 ticket!). In a worst case scenario, you%26#39;d wait about 15 minutes for a train to pick you up and getting to the MOA from the airport would be about a 10 minute ride. The train goes directly into the MOA - your biggest issue would be how much you want to walk around with luggage.

I believe there are self-service lockers to store your bags, but not absolutely sure. There are customer service desks at most main entrances to the MOA. I%26#39;m also not sure how big those lockers are for suitcases. One alternative idea is to inquire with the big department store chains to see if they would store bags in their concierge areas (the stores obviously hoping you buy items in return for storing bags). You could check out the MOA website for a phone number to call them to inquire (www.mallofamerica.com). You would shop to your hearts content and then catch a taxi to the St. Paul Hotel. I also believe you would look at approximately a $25-30 ride one way to the St. Paul Hotel (assuming no unusual traffic delays and not including any tip you would perhaps offer).

The hotel is about a block away from the XCel Center and Rivercenter, so not an issue to get to any concert there. You%26#39;d then just arrange to get a taxi back to the airport, another $25-30 ride.

In the end, as long as you are agreeable to moving luggage on the train between the airport and MOA (which is not terribly difficult, but depends on your luggage and willingness to bring it around), your idea seems doable, in my opinion.