Feeling bad..dont know if we should do our trip...

Well i want to thank all of you for your advise that you gave me..and i really think my plan for seeing the moa and then taking a taxi to the hotel walking distance to the excel center would work great.. However I dont know if we will be able to make it. I purchased ac dc tickets long ago..thinking it would be great to fly there and also see the moa. After i purchased them, i have been watching flights and was shocked to see that to fly non stop from SD to your airport was 600 per person..for a one hour flight! I dont know if i can justify spending that much for a concert and only 2 nights in your city :-(

If i fly with another carrier thru denver and back ..its like 400 each but who wants to fly all over and sit in the denver airport between flights. Im also worried that if i book tickets, the weather might be mad and acdc might cancel or i might not be able to fly there...Im just worried.. and feeling depressed....sorry for rambling..just wanted to thank everyone for their help.

Feeling bad..dont know if we should do our trip...

Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but isn%26#39;t driving an option? A few years ago, I made it from Rapid City to Minneapolis in one (long, boring) day, with only one driver.

Concert%26#39;s on a Monday night. You drive over on Sunday, do MOA and other attractions on Monday, drive back on Tuesday?

Feeling bad..dont know if we should do our trip...

Just some perspective, $400-$600 is not bad for a fare from a remote airport not served by all the majors. If it were me, I%26#39;d take it.

But, driving is an option, especially with low pump prices.

imvaad---

Drive ! Drive ! Drive ! If at all possible...I drive from MSP to Chamberlain 3-4 times a year and if you put in your AC-DC tunes LOUD you will be here before you know it. Just think you can hear live...YOU ..SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG...........!!

Ditto on drive. Even allowing an extra day for possible bad weather the hotel cost, plus gas, would be far less than flying. Smaller airports always cost a lot more. I flew from Seattle to Grand Forks once for a job interview and was able on the return to trade the ticket for one from MSP to SEA and the difference was enough to pay for a car rental down to The Cities and and hotel room so I had several days there for more interviews before flying back.

Five hours drive (give or take a bit) to Sioux Falls and 4-5 more to St. Paul. Having a car would be very handy because there is not nearly as good a connection to Excel Center in St. Paul from MOA as to downtown Mpls. via light rail. Only downside to staying downtown St. Paul owul dbe hotel parking fee. But that would still be less than taxi fare.

Yea we have considered driving but its a 9 hour drive and i just dont know if we want to do that. I wanted to spend sunday at the moa.. I dont want to walk around the moa on monday and then have to stand all night at the concert too(i have nerve damage in my feet). We just drove from here to cedar rapids in september and i guess we arent real excited about doing it again LOL. The drive there wouldnt be so bad, listening to acdc lol..But the one back would really be long especially if we have too much to drink the night before..not that we will but just thinkin ahead LOL. And who knows how the roads will be with the weather....sooo i just dont know what to do :-( I may just have to put my tickets on ebay..Waaahhhh

windows xp

hotel suggestions very close to Mayo Clinic?

I%26#39;m going to the Mayo Clinic for work in mid April for 1 week. I%26#39;m hoping to find a nice hotel that is easy walking distance (or ideally connected) to the Mayo Clinic. Also, I know weather can vary, but what is it usually like in mid April? Thanks in advanced!

hotel suggestions very close to Mayo Clinic?

Hey-I%26#39;m doing a similar search; I%26#39;m at Mayo for tests 1/22-1/24 and have been researching hotels/motels. So far, Kahler Inn and Suites seems really nice. Approx. 85/night and joined by subway or skyway I believe. It%26#39;s worth looking into.

Good luck.

WI2Rochester

hotel suggestions very close to Mayo Clinic?

Hey-I%26#39;m doing a similar search; I%26#39;m at Mayo for tests 1/22-1/24 and have been researching hotels/motels. So far, Kahler Inn and Suites seems really nice. Approx. 85/night and joined by subway or skyway I believe. It%26#39;s worth looking into.

Good luck.

WI2Rochester

dali67: Thank you!!! I%26#39;ll look into it. Any other thoughts????

Hey-

I have booked my room at Kahler Inn %26amp; Suites; I arrive there tonight. I will give you the complete ';low-down'; when I get back home Thurs. I have looked at SO many hotels/motels, compared, etc.

What are you looking for in a hotel? The most important amenities, location, etc? Also, price range? I%26#39;ll be happy to give you ideas on the others I looked at online.

Amy

I%26#39;m looking for something clean, room service, fitness center, pool, hot tub and/or sauna would be nice (at least fitness center). Location is important to me; ideally walking distance (connected) to the Mayo Clinic. I%26#39;m going to try and find out where my training takes place before I book a hotel. Shuttle service to the Mayo Clinic would be great. Any information since your trip would be great! I thought about the Staybridge Suites? Price range ideally less than $200.00 per night ($150.00). Thanks!

I made a great choice with Kahler Inn %26amp; Suites due to the reason I was there; I didn%26#39;t need most of the amenities (even though Caribou Coffee right inside the hotel was awesome!). I think for you, based on what you%26#39;re telling me- Kahler Grand Hotel sounds like the ticket. Go to www.kahler.com, click on Kahler Grand Hotel.

The rates range from about 100-150/night. Looks like for 140 or so, you can get an awesome room. The amenites listed include a fitness center, sauna; 24 hr room service; and a pedestrian walkway directly linked to Mayo (it%26#39;s super close) so, I don%26#39;t think a shuttle is even needed.

Let me know if you need any help; I did SO much research.

Amy :)

Question for dali67

I am going to Mayo in May for 3-7 days...I have booked the Kaher Inn and Suites because of the location, suite and kitchenette. We really get tired of restaurant food and a nice omlet or salad at night is comforting.

My question...were the beds comfortable?

I looked at the Residence Inn but would have to book two rooms to get two beds unless we used the sofa bed. I am familar with the Marriott Residence Inn chain but not Kahler.

Thanks for any information.

Hi-From what I recall of my stay, the beds were comfortable. A very decent room for the price. I was by myself, but ended up in a room with 2 double beds. They must have been ok, I had to spend a lot of time laying down while I was there. Nice atmosphere, too. A big plus was Caribou Coffee being right there when you walk in the door of the hotel (and also a nice sandwich shop); Also, if there is no parking available in their lot, they will reimburse you if you have to park in a paylot (I parked in the graham parking garage). If you do end up choosing Kahler; the cheapest rate is the ';internet special'; for 80/night.

-

Let me know if you think of any other questions at all.

:)amy

In the generic sense of the OP topic (but far to late to matter for that post) but for future topic readers looking for options....

My wife and I stay in Rochester every couple months or so for her checkups and surgeries to fix up a paralyzed arm. On a tip from my father who takes my Mom there for checkups on a condition she has we have been staying at the Travelodge. It is not as convenient as the places connected to the subway (underground walkways) but given the size of Rochester and the availability of free shuttles the difference in price can be considerable for a little convenience.

The Travelodge has a clinic rate of about $52/nt. The most surprising thing is that it has been largely remoodeled and somewhat rebuilt in the past several years. Rooms have expanded in size where they moved the outside wall on one side out to incorporate what used to be a balcony. The rooms are clean with fairly new furniture etc... Some rooms have mini-kitchens but all have small refrig and microwave. The third floor rooms (yes, on elevator ';?';) facing the highway are huge. There is an indoor pool w/hottub too. Breakfast is very basic...muffins, cereals, fruit, etc... not too good if doing an Atkins lifestyle but OK for anyone else.

Attached is a Famous Dave%26#39;s BBQ restaurant and across the street are a Perkins and a shopping Plaza with grocery.

It is in very easy distance (a few blocks) from St. Marys Hospital and maybe a 4 minute drive to the Clinic. Actually for anyone from amny places (like NYC) where walking is normal it would not be that bad of a walk either (a mile?). But, again, shuttles run all day and are free. Even after hours a shuttle to St. Marys would leave a 4-5 block walk.

Considering that the one time I stayed downtown, for wife%26#39;s shoulder replacement at Methodist Hosp. , at the Kahler Executive for $80/nt the extra $30 a night is a lot for the convenience of being on the subway. When we go down again in a few weeks we%26#39;ll be at the Travelodge again.

May be a little late, but I%26#39;ve had good luck at the Holiday Inn Express. It is also attached to the skywalk system. And those cinnamon rolls . . .

bright makeup

New Year eve recommendations?

Hello,

My husband and I are looking around for some new year eve parties - and are thoroughly confused...we havent spend NYE in Minneapolis as yet- any recommendations would be welcome. We%26#39;re not to bothered about food, etc - but would like a nice atmosphere, decent dancefloor and good music. We%26#39;re both ~28. We zeroed in on 2 options so far, but dont know whcih one to choose -

one is: Crystal Ball at the the International Market Square in Minneapolis

http://www.nyempls.com/home.html

the 2nd is:

Casino Royale at Solera:

http://www.soleranye.com

Has anyone been to any of these venues before?

Thanks so much!

New Year eve recommendations?

I%26#39;ve been to Solera before. It%26#39;s a pretty well run place, somewhat spendy, but the food is good. Haven%26#39;t been there for any kind of event, but from what I%26#39;ve heard, they%26#39;ll have themed floors and lots of space. Which means it should be easier to geta drink than many places downtown that night -- but then again they could ruin it if they let too many people in. But having different things going on on each floor seems cool to me -- as you will have an option of choosing your scene should one become tiresome.

At the International Market Square event, keep in mind that it%26#39;s not technically downtown but a little ways off. I don%26#39;t know where you plan to stay, but it appears that Millenium hotel is tied into the event and offering free shuttles.

All I know about this place is where it is and what one friend told me -- TONS of bar space and well staffed at that. The problem with these pay upfront deals on New Years is always that you can%26#39;t get a drink when you want one because of the crowd. I%26#39;d guess of all the events, this would be the most reasonable in terms of getting drinks and having space to think.

I can%26#39;t really speak to the music part of it, but take a look at citypages.com and vitamn.com -- they should have something.

New Year eve recommendations?

I think if I were choosing between the two I%26#39;d lean toward Solera just because I%26#39;ve been there before and I like the idea of a rooftop deck in the winter -- which means they would likely have a heated area up there. Nice view of downtown and nice to have an option to get fresh air without standing out by the smokers.

Either way, I%26#39;d seriously consider the VIP/OPEN BAR options -- maybe call to see what those entail. Could be a ripoff but also could mean $25-$30 to save you a huge headache and give priority

I%26#39;d second Solera. You can always walk across the street to Chambers for a nightcap -- better yet get a room, sleep in and do breakfast in bed the next morning.

the past two years we did nye at bootleggers

all you can drink

top shelf included

and they do have an app spread out most of the night

good music %26amp; band

if you go, get there before the doors open

there%26#39;s only so many tables - nab one and hang on to it for the night

it%26#39;s like $85

and you%26#39;ll need to get tix in advance

FYI, The Rake online magazine just published this most comprehensive list of events:

secretsofthecity.com/magazine/secrets-of-the…

We%26#39;re torn between supper and the late showing of Slumdog Millionaire, the gypsy themed party at Black Forest Inn or the bluegrass music at 331 Club... probably not what you%26#39;re looking for, but you%26#39;re sure to find something to please.

New Year's Eve In Minneapolis?

I%26#39;m going to be spending New Year%26#39;s Eve in Minneapolis this year and was looking for some advice on what to do/see....

Generally speaking, just looking for something casual/romantic in terms of a restaurant and then a place with a similar vibe for drinks towards midnight and perhaps dessert - so far have been looking at dining near the waterfront and checking out the fireworks... not too sure for a destination after dinner though for drinks/dessert and the countdown to midnight...

New Year's Eve In Minneapolis?

the Nicollet Island Inn is very romantic - and you can%26#39;t get more waterfront than an island in the river

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

here%26#39;s a roundup of New Year%26#39;s Eve events around town -

twincities.citysearch.com/roundup/39168/

New Year's Eve In Minneapolis?

NIcollet Island Inn is along the Mississipi river and there is a New year celebration just outside the Inn typically. You can also view fireworks from there - at 8 PM on 31st and 12AM when the new year strikes.

Agree on Nicollet Island Inn. You mentioned casual, which I expect to mean not loud and rowdy. My guess is that would be it. Fun, wiht a great view of fireworks, but lower on the decibel meter.

There are no fireworks in Minneapolis on New Years. They were cancelled last year.

what made you dig this old thread up?

Bed and Breakfast for ';babymoon';

Would like to take my wife on a 3-4 day long weekend babymoon in March or April of 2009. She has always wanted to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. We live in Hanover (near Albertville, Monticello area) and would be willing to drive 2-3 hours. Looking for suggestions for a romantic Bed and Breakfast in MN. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Bed and Breakfast for ';babymoon';

Unfortunately, your travel time narrows the field quite a bit from what I’d normally suggest. Check out the top-rated TA B%26amp;Bs in the Twin Cities, Northfield and Stillwater. Fargo I hear is up and coming, but it’s heading north while the weather is iffy. I’ve really enjoyed Grandview Lodge in Nisswa and have sent many friends there. They do have a spa which might appeal to your wife, but it’s not a B%26amp;B atmosphere. If you’re willing to drive up to 5 hours, I would also include Lanesboro and Duluth in your search.

Bed and Breakfast for ';babymoon';

I%26#39;ve always wanted to try the ';Lighthouse'; B%26amp;B in Two Harbors on the North Shore -

here%26#39;s a few in the area -

Lighthouse Bed And Breakfast -

www.lighthousebb.org

3rd Street, Two Harbors - (888) 832-5606

B %26amp; B Whistle Stop Bed %26amp; Breakfast - www.bnbwhistlestop.com

505 8th Ave, Two Harbors - (218) 834-5571

If you%26#39;re going in March, you should do the Chocolate March that the B%26amp;Bs along the St. Croix River put on every weekend that month: check www.innsofthevalley.com. It%26#39;s a tour in which each inn offers various chocolate treats, and people who stay overnight get extra perks. My favorite of those inns is the Summit Inn in Center City; the proprietor is very warm and friendly (get the Aerie Suite).

If you want a classic Victorian for your first time, try the Phipps Inn in Hudson or Rosewood Inn in Hastings, which also are a short walk from shopping and restaurants (though both are better in Hudson). Details are in my story ';Chocolate on the St. Croix.%26#39;%26#39;

Oh, and congratulations!

Beth at MidwestWeekends.com

HI!

I am the owner of the AG Thomson House Bed %26amp; Breakfast in Duluth, MN. Our website is www.thomsonhouse.biz. We are located in the heart of Duluth within minutes of the Canal Park district where there is wonderful shopping and dining. Our Inn is situated in the East End Mansion District and on approximately 2 acres of grounds, so it is a peaceful location.

We would love to visit with you about a stay with us. We offer many packages; one of which is a Babymoon. Or a wonderful maternity massage is an option too!!

Again, our website is www.thomsonhouse.biz and our toll free number is 877-807-8077. We would love to offer you and your wife a restful retreat!

Angie Allen

AG Thomson House Historic Bed %26amp; Breakfast Inn

877-807-8077

There is one in Excelsior - The Bird House Inn and Gardens (hasn%26#39;t been reviewed on TA yet, but nice inside (more relaxed than other B%26amp;Bs) and the exterior was just repainted in the two years)

There is also one in Jordan - The Nicolin Mansion

Otherwise, I would recommend Stillwater.

Amtrack and parking

Has anyone ever taken the train out east from Minneapolis? We are looking into it for an upcoming trip and we are what kind of parking if offered at or near the Amtrack station. Is ther long term parking? Any other information about using the train would also be helpful. Thanks!

Amtrack and parking

Doesn%26#39;t the train going east to Chicago go through Tomah too? That might be easier than back tracking to the Twin Cities. Or even going down to La Crosse.

We%26#39;ve taken the train west to Seattle and our daughter was a regular train cummuter to UND in Grand Forks. Between trains there is plenty of parking at the Twin Cities station (in the Midway area between Mpls and St. Paul) but it can get very full right at train time. Never really noted anything posted about long term parking or time limits. The Amtrak web site does not mention parking term limits. Main thing is that there are only two trains a day (one east and one west) so not much activity to deter crime although the station itself is open 6am to midnight. Personally I would not feel safe parking there long term but it is probably not much worse than the airport. At least it is free.

The train eastward departs at 7:30AM or so. From Tomah it departs at 11:30am which beats driving very early in the morning (or staying overnight) to get to the MSP station. The Empire Builder terminates in Chicago so any farther east from there would require a transfer.

Amtrack and parking

Thanks for the info, we thought about tomah but Minneapolis is closer to us. Good to know that the parking for at least long term may not be so safe. Maybe we can find someone to drop us off or we could do a park and ';fly'; at a hotel but just go to the train station instead. Something to think about.....

I just confirmed with Amtrak, and a few co-workers too: Long term parking at the St. Paul Midway Amtrak station is free to ticketed passengers. Parking requires a permit, which you get from the ticket agent when you check in. Parking is free for the duration of your ticketed trip.

I think this may have made my father-in-law (cab-in-law) very happy.

Are you still planning this trip? Yes, long-term parking is free at the Twin Cities station with a pass you get from the ticket agent. It%26#39;s very easy. I don%26#39;t know if Menomonie is closer to Red Wing, but I think the Amtrak has a stop there or nearby, too. No idea what the parking situation is like there.

Woo Woo! Amtrak....just be prepared, this winter has been pretty rough on their schedules. BE SURE to always call ahead.

The parking at Midway Station in MSP is pretty good. However, it is a quiet, out of the way area, so please do not leave any valuables in your car to tempt anyone.

Just an FYI, there are also stops in Redwing, MN, (not attended so you can%26#39;t check bags), Winona, MN, and Lacrosse, WI.

If you do leave from MSP and happen to get delayed and/or stranded. There%26#39;s a Days Inn very near...it%26#39;s not the fanciest hotel, but they are very reasonable and last time I stayed there (when my train was 24 hours late--don%26#39;t mean to scare you) they let me check out at 5 pm without paying any extra. They are VERY helpful.

Hope all goes well!

Thanks for all the help from everyone. I%26#39;m getting a little concerned over all the talk about delayed trains. We are planning on going in thesummr are trains often delayed then or is it just mainly in the winter?

I haven%26#39;t often had a delayed train in the summertime....so you should have better luck during that time of year. It can be full during the summer season, however, so make sure to get your tickets well ahead of time.

When I travel in the summer, I%26#39;ve never had a train delayed more than an hour, though I know it can happen. Since Amtrak uses freight rail lines, sometimes those freight trains take priority. Since St. Paul is a very long stop, the train can often make up time here. So even if it arrives late, it can leave closer to on-time.

Last summer, flooding closed the line for several days and Amtrak had to bus people into Wisconsin, but that was a very odd case.

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/