questions on college visit for first-timers to Twin Cities

Taking my high school juniors to visit Macalester and Carleton, and right now am booked at the Graves 601 Hotel. I am wondering if this is the best location? We won%26#39;t be spending much time at the hotel, but wanted to give my kids a feel for the city.

In addition to spending a full day at each school, we have one free day (Sunday), and right now we plan to see a dance performance at Macalester in the afternoon and then see a show at the Lab Theater in the evening.

any suggestions for restaurants would be great, too, for Sunday night.

Thank you for any input!

questions on college visit for first-timers to Twin Cities

I would say the Graves is an upscale, hi-tech hotel, geared towards adults.

Maybe consider the Westin - it%26#39;s new and has a pool, or one of the two Marriotts connected to the downtown depot %26amp; waterpark.

Fogo de Chao could be a fun place -

Brazilian Steakhouse - they bring around skewers of meat and carve off onto your plate. Huge salad bar too.

questions on college visit for first-timers to Twin Cities

If your intent is to get a feel for downtown Minneapolis, there are a number of hotels to explore, depending on what you want in a hotel. DT is correct that Graves, while pretty centrally located, is the upscale, trendy, modern hotel geared to an adult crowd (perhaps somewhat to a Timberwolves or Target Center event crowd. In the core of downtown, you may want to also check out the Radisson Plaza Downtown Minneapolis, Marriott Minneapolis, or Crowne Plaza - a few among many centrally located in the core of downtown Minneapolis and accessible to Minneapolis ';skyway'; system (basically pedestrian bridges over the streets of most downtown Minneapolis buildings connecting the buildings and allowing you to stay inside buildings during our brutal winters if you need to walk between buildings)

If something you%26#39;re looking at is college visits, you may want to consider two hotels on the U of M campus. I realize you%26#39;re looking at Macalester and Carleton, but the U of M area is closer to Macalester than the downtown hotels (while these hotels are still close to downtown). Additionally, these hotels will be more convenient to the Interstate to get to your schools and are probably the closest hotels to Macalester (at least on the Minneapolis side). Finally, if your students want to get a feel for the U of M social life they may choose to visit, it may be a good match.

Anyway, these hotels are either Holiday Inn Metrodome or Radisson University. DISCLAIMER: I worked, in a former life, at HI Metrodome group sales. I have no financial interest in suggesting them today, but want you to know that past to the extent it%26#39;s important. Anyway, I know HI%26#39;s can be hit and miss, though the chain is currently undergoing major renovations and updates - requiring all their franchisees/properties to update or get out of the HI system. To that end, HI Metrodome did an extensive renovation a few years back and actually have pretty decent rooms (plus are continuing renovations to the new standards). This hotel is located on the ';West Bank'; of the U of M campus so you%26#39;ll have college oriented restuarants nearby, plus local music venues. It also is convenient to I-35W and the Metrodome should you happen to have time to catch a Twins game or similar. Finally, HI Metrodome is a straight shot down Washington Avenue about a mile or so, and one block over to 1st Avenue North for the Lab Theater.

Radisson University is on the ';East Bank'; of the U of M campus (which is the main part of the campus). Also convenient to college-aged oriented activities, restaurants, plus convenient to I-94 and I-35W. Rooms are actually a little older as far as renovation but generally okay. Many teams playing the Gophers stay here so the rooms get treated a little rougher, but you also get many of the visiting professors and speakers to the U of M often stay here.

My heart will always be for HI Metrodome, being I spent years working there, but for location both are very college oriented, near downtown Minneapolis, and still relatively near Mac and the highways for the drive to Carleton.

Thank you for the replies. I have canceled the Graves and booked the Holiday Inn Metrodome.

There%26#39;s a fun new restaurant about 6 blocks west on Washington from that Holiday Inn called Wasabi.

Do you like the Japanese style habachi grill dining?

Also, check out the new Guthrie observation ledge along the river.

Yes, Wasabi was very good last time I was there. If you like the cuisine, definitely check it out.

I did not know about the Guthrie observation ledge. That is great, since I wanted to check out this building anyway. There is a matinee while we%26#39;re there, but it conflicts with a production at Macalester, which we thought would be good to check out to get a feel for the arts at the school, since this is my daughter%26#39;s interest.

We only have one night for dinner in the city (one evening in Northfield, and the other at the airport....) We will be eating dinner either near Macalester or in the warehouse district before the show at the Lab. Looks like alot of the restaurants listed on the Lab%26#39;s website are closed on Sundays, but a few look open.

Would prefer something besides Japanese and a beef place. Brazilian bbqs have traditionally been one of our favorites, but now my daughter is a vegetarian. Will probably need a quick meal anyway.

forgot to ask -- is South Washington walkable? Would be looking to walk to and from Guthrie from the HI Metrodome, and it looks like you have to go along this for a bit.

Holiday Inn to Guthrie is definitely walkable. it is only 1/2 mile. I suggest once you cross the bridge to go on to 2nd street as you would be closer to the river and away from traffic. there is also a great bridge (stone Arch bridge that is pedestrian only) great view of the city.

there is a yummy pizza place near the the Lab Theatre to eat. It is called Black Sheep Pizza on 6th and Washington. check out their website. http://blacksheeppizza.com/

Vegeterian Places to Eat in Mpls

Cafe Brenda www.cafebrenda.com

Spoonriver www.spoonriverrestaurant.com/

Another suggestion. As Macalaster is in St Paul, I suggest checking out the Grand/Victoria area. This is close to Macalaster and is where Macalster students are more likely to hang out. http://www.grandave.com/

Your daughter could still do Fogo. Just opt out of the meat, and just do the huge salad bar, at discounted price.

With a reservation, you could be in/out in quick time.

I do think it is an interesting decision to stay in Minneapolis if you are looking at a St. Paul school. From my experience, Macalester students do hang out in St. Paul a lot because of sheer vicinity. Downtown St. Paul is becoming a much more vibrant place with great restaurants, shops, and museums. Grand Ave is lovely and happening. Selby and Snelling, less than 1 mile north of Mcalester is a fascinating area.

There are some great vegetarian options within walking distance of Macalester. My personal favorite is Everest on Grand- a Nepali restaurant. Delicious vegan, vegetarian, and meat options. Don%26#39;t miss the momos. Pad Thai Cafe across the street from Macalester makes some really good Thai food. Shish is casual but is delicious and just a half a block from the Macalester campus.

If you are going to be in Minneapolis at dinner time, I recommend Hell%26#39;s Kitchen (also a great breakfast spot) in downtown, Peninsula on Nicollet(Malaysian food)- they make their own tofu- delish!, or Bryant Lake Bowl on Lake. Red Stag Dinner club is my favorite restaurant of the moment- and they have great vegetarian options. It is in NE Minneapolis.

Good luck on your travels.