Thursday, April 1, 2010

Itinerary questions

We (hubby and I) are going to be in Minneapolis for an event on May 29th at the Target Centre and are planning a weekend trip. Could I get some advice on things we should/could do in Minneapolis that weekend?





I got a good deal at the Millenium Hotel, across from the Hyatt (on Priceline) - I%26#39;m not so sure about the reviews, but we%26#39;ll manage....





On Friday, we will be in the city by noon. I%26#39;m planning on a few hours at Mall of America that afternoon.





We%26#39;ll check into the hotel late Friday afternoon and walk over to the Target Centre to attend our event. Depending on how we feel, we%26#39;ll either walk back to the hotel (question one -is it safe to do so?) or take a taxi (question two - how much would this cost approximately?)





On Saturday, we have an appointment at 5 pm not far from downtown but would like some ideas on how to spend Saturday morning and afternoon? Is there anything downtown we should definitely see? Are there any museums along the waterfront we should be aware of? As well, later Saturday evening, is there a special restaurant that would have a good view of downtown syline - hopefully near the Millenium?





Thanks everyone!



Itinerary questions


For riverfront options check out:



saintanthonymain.com/mplsriverfrontdistrict.鈥?/a>





In the same area, at St. Anthony on Main



http://www.saintanthonymain.com/



There are several restaurants there and VIC%26#39;s appears to have a nice view.



http://www.vicsdining.com/



Although I have never eaten there. The menu looks interesting.



Itinerary questions


Target Center to Millenium would be a safe walk, I think, if you made sure to walk down Nicollet Mall. Not that other routes would be dangerous, but the extra few blocks to walk down Nicollet Mall would add security. A taxi would be dirt cheap -- maybe 6-7 bucks.





Along the riverfront there is Mill City Museum. You could also stroll the Mill City circuit, which is a couple miles of path that takes you across the gorgeous stone arch bridge and along St. Anthony Main area and includes info postings along the way to give you background on MInneapolis%26#39; role in feeding the world early last century. Pillbury, General Mills, etc. And the only naturally occurring (although now mechanized) waterfall on the entire river. It%26#39;s a pretty walk. Stop into Pracna on Main for lunch and a Bloody Mary.





I%26#39;ll do some thinking on a restaurant, but nothing with that type of view comes to mind near the Millenium.




Your walk up Nicollet from Millennium should be safe - there%26#39;s alot of restaurants along the way with outdoor seating.





If you stay on Nic til 7th street, then stay on the south side of 7th left/west to Target Center that would be best.





There%26#39;s bus stops on the north side of 7th and sometimes people not waiting for bus, but just... millin%26#39; around.





If there%26#39;s time after event Fri, check out NYE%26#39;S -



it%26#39;s an institution. Voted Best Bar in America by Esquire in 2006. Be sure to see both sides.





A quick taxi will take you across the river and to their front door from Target Center for $5-6 bucks.





Sat night - the hippest rooftop deck for drinks before or after a meal below would be at Seven (on 7th and Hennepin). You%26#39;ll pass it en route to Target Center.





Maybe make reservation now.





First floor is steak house



2nd floor is sushi



Rooftop is great for drinks %26amp; view of the city





http://www.nyespolonaise.com/





www.esquire.com/features/ESQ1006BESTBARS_147





http://www.7mpls.com/





As for Sat - I%26#39;d second the waterfront



walk the Stone Arch Bridge



check out lock %26amp; dam



the Guthrie free observation deck



Mill City Museum



a quick bite %26amp; drinks at Nicollet Island Inn



or even a ride in the Paddleboat





http://www.minneapolis-riverfront.com/




Perhaps my comments will be a little redundant, but hopefully helps confirm further what others have said for your peace of mind...





Millenium...yes, possibly a small bit of a crap shoot for a great hotel, but if you have a good deal I think you%26#39;ll be okay.





1) Yes, safe to walk along Nicollet Mall (in my opinion).



2) I think $6-7 bucks would be on the high end for Target to Millenium. There is a $4 or $5 minimum for cab fares, it%26#39;s possible you%26#39;ll hit the minimum.



3) Mill City Museum along the riverfront, created to talk about Minneapolis flour milling history. Within throwing distance of Mill City is the Guthrie Theater, with the ';endless bridge'; walkway open to the public. Great views of the city and river, not to mention the Guthrie is a neat building in its own right.



If you%26#39;re into museums, I%26#39;d consider the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (garden if the weather is nice). Either a healthy walk or short cab, but an idea worth seeing.





Finally, along the riverfront are park and walkway areas for your consideration.





Restaurants - nearby Millenium not much I can think of offhand with a view. However (and others please add to or criticize as need be), here%26#39;s some thoughts to consider:





2021 Restaurant in the Walker Art Center - never been there but a Wolfgang Puck restaurant and I hear interesting views. wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3836





Joe%26#39;s Garage - more casual but a nice outdoor seating area with a great view of the historic St. Mary%26#39;s Cathedral (and downtown). Also, there are a few other restaurants/bars nearby and not terribly far from Target Center (though maybe a short cab ride). http://www.joes-garage.com/





Hope those ideas are helpful...




My dinner suggestion would also be 20.21 at the Walker Art Center. Request a table by the window and you%26#39;ll have one of the best views of the city. You will need to take a cab, have no idea how much it will cost, but it%26#39;s not far from your hotel. The food is excellent and it will be a memorable experience. You can book your reservation and take a look at the menu at www.opentable.com

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