minneapolis accommodation

Hi,

I%26#39;m travelling to minneapolis mid-late march 08.

Can anyone recommend budget/inexpensive accommodation in the city in a good area and near to attractions/nightlife.

Thanks in advance.

minneapolis accommodation

looks like good fare at the Marquette - per Expedia -- March 21 - 23 example -

The Marquette by Hilton Lowest avg rate $109.00

Contemporary high-rise in downtown Minneapolis

Located within the IDS Center, this 19-story hotel is adjacent to Nicollet Mall, three blocks from Target Center, and six blocks from the Metrodome and the ...

Room type Fri Sat Avg rate (per night)

Standard Two Doubles $109 $109

- Millennium would be ok too -

Millennium Hotel Minneapolis Lowest avg rate $99.00

Contemporary downtown hotel adjacent to Nicollet Mall

Linked by skyway to the convention center, this hotel is adjacent to Nicollet Mall, downtown%26#39;s main shopping artery, and 9 blocks from the Warehouse ...

Room type Fri Sat Avg rate (per night)

Standard room $99 $99

minneapolis accommodation

Good suggestions. If you can get anything downtown Minneapolis for $100 or less, you should snap it up. Marquette is a very good hotel in a good location, always seems priced well for what you get in return.

With the exchange rate you%26#39;ll enjoy, think you%26#39;ll get excellent value. It won%26#39;t feel budget, but the price is good if you can get $109 or $99. Not much else down there cheaper without getting a ways away from nightlife.

Thanks - I%26#39;ll look into those suggestions.

what brings you to Minneapolis ?

There is a convention going on March 25-29 and double rooms are a bit scarce and priced high. You might want to avoid those dates.

Unfortunately it looks like I%26#39;ll be there on those dates, so I better book now by the looks of it.

what a difference a week makes -

most everything downtown is sky high or sold out

this one is NOT too far from the core of downtown - and it%26#39;s fairly new

TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Downtown by Marriott Lowest avg rate $171.00

This hotel in downtown Minneapolis鈥?Warehouse District is 8 blocks from Target Center and just over a mile from the Metrodome.

There%26#39;s a bunch of spots by the MegaMall - and you can take the new light rail line up downtown.

If you want something in a good neighborhood, I%26#39;d recommend the Hampton Inn in Woodbury. It%26#39;s an eastern suburb adjacent to St. Paul. Good breakfast, comfy mattresses. I%26#39;ve stayed there three times and have never had a problem. Request a room on the second floor on the back side. There%26#39;s no parking lot on that side, and it%26#39;s quiet. Getting to the downtown area is easy. Just take interstate 494 north a short distance to interstate 94. Head west, and you%26#39;re in downtown St. Paul within minutes. Prices at this motel have ranged from$69 a night to $109, so I%26#39;m not sure what price they will quote you.

Thanks for those suggestions. I%26#39;ve stayed in Hampton Inns before and found them fine so I might go with that option as downtown minneapolis is totally booked out.

In Woodbury, you%26#39;re a long ways away from nightlife. About 30 minutes drive. If you%26#39;re willing to stay outside of downtown, consider the dozens of hotels near the Mall of America (Bloomington). Much closer AND along the light-rail train line so you don%26#39;t need to take a cab home. Just consult the schedule for the last train out of downtown Minneapolis. I believe it%26#39;s 1:13 a.m. Taxi would be about $30-35.

metrotransit.org/rail/Hiawatha_map_freq.pdf

I think that%26#39;s your best option if downtown hotels are booked up and you want Minneapolis nightlife. Woodbury is nice but it%26#39;s soooo far. Probably a $50 taxi or more.

hand cream

xp

Grand Rapids wedding

My wife%26#39;s grnephew marries in Grand Rapids in late June. She spent her early life in Miin, still has a brother there, but the 4 siblings who came west may go to wedding

Any suggestions where we might stay?

We have been back a couple of times, but just wife and I, stayed with brother then. He can%26#39;t handle whole group.

Grand Rapids wedding

Hi

I live in Grand Rapids, MN and my family owns the Super 8 Motel here. It is a very nice hotel. We recently remodeled the rooms, breakfast area and exterior. Check us out on www.super8.com. There are lots of photos to view.

We are also building a brand new hotel in town called the Timberlake Lodge hotel. This will be a 84 room hotel in Northwoods theme with a water park and event center. It is scheduled to open late May or first part of June. Please check out our website at: www.timberlakelodgehotel.com This will be fabulous when complete.

Feel free to contact me for more information at my email: michrossi@yahoo.com. Certainly hope you arrive safely from Oregon and enjoy our town of Grand Rapids. Happy to give you ideas for restaurants and fun places to check out while you are here.

Michelle

4 days in Minneapolis

Looking to come at end of July for approx 4 days. With 1 day spent in the Mall. What do you suggest for the other 3. Are there any car shows last week in July or 1st week in August. We like art, music: rockabilly, punk, rock, garage. Retro things. Vintage and thrift shopping. Any suggestions would be good.

4 days in Minneapolis

Where will you be staying.

Minneapolis has vintage clothes shopping -- the ones I can think of right off are Via%26#39;s Vintage at 24th and Hennepin (mostly formalwear) and Tatters at 29th and Lyndale.

There are several interesting old-style record stores about if that interests you: Electric Fetus at 35W and Franklin. Carries some vinyl but has all kinds of unique music-related stuff and tons of info on upcoming shows. The other one%26#39;s name is escaping me -- it%26#39;s on Franklin and maybe 22nd -- has a big rainbow over the top of it.

The only car show I know of is the custom car show in St. Paul in June (at least it was June the past couple years).

You might look at O%26#39;Gara%26#39;s Garage for shows. They do all kinds of stuff. Fine Line downtown for something spendier in a nicer venue.

Check out citypages.com. Has a music/events calendar that is well-kept.

4 days in Minneapolis

And how could i forget?

Hymie%26#39;s Vintage Records at 33rd and East Lake. Not the prettiest part of town, but it%26#39;s a great place.

In regards to rockabilly, you might want to check out either Lee%26#39;s Liquor Lounge (regularly have those kinds of bands) and Nye%26#39;s Polonaise Room - they are often the favorite haunt of Brian Setzer, who%26#39;s rumored to sometimes play incognito or impromptu jam sessions.

I also remember a few years back that there would always be a strip show for all the cars on University Ave in the St Paul Midway area. Historic %26amp; custom cars parade up and down, many stop at the drive-ins, many set up their chairs %26amp; coolers on the side of the street just to watch the ';parade';. It%26#39;s nothing official, just a traditional night of cruising on the ave. There%26#39;s also lots of eccletic shops %26amp; restaurants to check out on that street.

Thank you for your help.

We are not sure where we are staying yet.

Just trying to plan whats happening and where.

So any more ideas let me know.

But you all have great advise.

Before I even read the other replies, I thought of Nye%26#39;s Polonais (go on a Fri or Sat), and then Lee%26#39;s Liquor Lounge.

One band in particular you%26#39;d want to check out for that ';rockabilly'; style - is Trailer Trash. They%26#39;ve been known to play the first Fri of each month at Lee%26#39;s - but check out their site here:

http://www.trailertrashmusic.com/

Here%26#39;s the Equire Mag article on Nye%26#39;s - voted America%26#39;s Best Bar -

www.esquire.com/features/ESQ1006BESTBARS_147

esquire.com/bestbars/bb-NyesPolonaiseRoom_

I would also check out the Minneapolis Riverfront -

start with a trip up the new Guthrie Theater and check out the ledge overlooking the river - free %26amp; open to public

walk the Hennepin Bridge, over to Nicollet Island, maybe get a drink there -

then along old St. Anthony Main, and the new power plant park, then across the old Stone Arch Bridge to see lock %26amp; dam

here%26#39;s a link of the area

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

as you get closer to your trip -

check out the local weekly mag - for the music scene dates

http://www.citypages.com/

Those are great suggestions for the music scene. One question - why do you want to spend so much time in the mall? Unless there isn%26#39;t a normal mall near where you live, you might want to consider less time there. There are a few good shops and things to see, but I don%26#39;t think you need an entire day. There are a ton of chain stores and the same things you see in every other mall across the country.

So I think there are a lot of other better things that Minneapolis has to offer that you might consider. Here is a unique guide I found recently: designspongeonline.com/2007/11/twin-cities-d…

Also, if you%26#39;re into the retro/vintage look - make sure to spend some time on Grand Avenue in St Paul. There are great shops that are totally unique and have this type of thing.

Also, there are usually some good art fairs and festivals in the summer - so check to see if the Uptown Art Fair is going on. If you like people watching and crazy concepts in food, the Minnesota State Fair is excellent.

Those are great suggestions for the music scene. One question - why do you want to spend so much time in the mall? Unless there isn%26#39;t a normal mall near where you live, you might want to consider less time there. There are a few good shops and things to see, but I don%26#39;t think you need an entire day. There are a ton of chain stores and the same things you see in every other mall across the country.

So I think there are a lot of other better things that Minneapolis has to offer that you might consider. Here is a unique guide I found recently: designspongeonline.com/2007/11/twin-cities-d…

Also, if you%26#39;re into the retro/vintage look - make sure to spend some time on Grand Avenue in St Paul. There are great shops that are totally unique and have this type of thing.

Also, there are usually some good art fairs and festivals in the summer - so check to see if the Uptown Art Fair is going on. If you like people watching and crazy concepts in food, the Minnesota State Fair is excellent.

University Ave in St. Paul is still a big draw for street rods, customs, and classics on weekend evenings and Pork%26#39;s Drive in remains the epicenter of the festivities.

For music if you%26#39;re in the University Ave area I would check out the Turf Club for more cutting edge music (just west of Snelling on the north side of University) and The Dubliner for Irish music (on the corner of Vandalia %26amp; University), much of it acoustic, and is a very fun bar.

Listings for both cand be found in the City Pages link provided in an early post. :)

Looking for a great German restaurant

We are looking for a great German restaurant to enjoy this weekend. Does anyone know if the Redwing restaurant called Bierstube is any good? How about other German restaurants in the Twin Cities area? Love good German food.

Danke!

Looking for a great German restaurant

In Minneapolis there are two popular ones -

one for the food

one for the food AND the lively atmosphere

http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com/

http://www.gasthofzg.com/

The Gasthof has a very popular basement area to check out after eating, below the main for dining rooms - with big boots of beer served, roaming waitresses with the ';snuff/snapper'; to inhale, also carrying boards of schnapps, and great band.

While dining upstairs, tip the accordian player, and have him sing a few tunes for your table.

The Black Forest is more low key, and in season, has and awesome outside/secluded dining area.

Looking for a great German restaurant

I would also recommend the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter near Stillwater (about 15-20 miles east-northeast of St. Paul), I%26#39;ve been there several times and it%26#39;s always very good.

http://www.gasthausbavarianhunter.com/

I%26#39;ve been to the Bierstube%26#39;s in Oakdale %26amp; Hastings and they are good, but probably the least ';German'; of the places listed so far.

http://www.thebierstube.com/

I also would recommend Black Forest Inn for the food.

Gasthoff for the beer and the rowdiness. Food isn%26#39;t as good there, though, IMO

The Bierstubes I%26#39;ve been to have been more ';towny bar'; than ';German restaurant';. They are cheap but I wouldn%26#39;t recommend them for good German food I would recommend Gasthof zu Gemutlichkeit in Mpls or Glockenspiel in St. Paul for good German food. The Black Forest in S. Mpls is fun too but not as authentic.

Thanks everyone f.or your suggestions. We ended up eating at the Black Forest Inn in Minneapolis on Saturday and at the Bierstube in RedWing on Sunday. The BlackForest Inn had nice authentic german food available and the paintings in the restaurant were fabulous. We had the Wienerschnitzel with red cabbage and semmelknodel. It was good. The Bierstube was horible in comparison. Only the name of the bar was German. I would not recommend this bar to anyone unless you want a burger and a beer. The Stillwater German restaurant is good...we have just gone there a few more times and wanted to branch out. Thanks for all the suggestions.

If you ever want to check out a fun German Store...I would suggest Ruth%26#39;s German Haus in Redwing. It was great fun and had some unique offerings.

Danke zum alle!

Michelle

Need help identifying a resturaunt

Hi there,

There is a resturant in the cities I%26#39;m trying to remember. It was Itailian, and it was on France north of Bloomington. They also had big pieces of paper they put on your table, and they wrote their name on it. If you can help me remember it, it would be great. Thanks

~JS

Need help identifying a resturaunt

Macaroni Grill?

Need help identifying a resturaunt

I think you mean Arezzo in Edina. It%26#39;s on France Avenue. And Edina is the next city north of Bloomington.

(Romano%26#39;s) Macaroni Grill on France between 494 %26amp; Southdale-- a chain. Arrezo doesn%26#39;t have that gimmick and has a much classier atmosphere %26amp; higher prices. Definitely not as family friendly.

Two Guys from Italy?

That sounds very much like Two Guys from Italy, as already mentioned. That location has closed, but the owner has opened a new version in Apple Valley, a suburb south of Saint Paul:

http://www.twoguysfromitalymn.com/

Hope this helps.

You%26#39;re thinking of the Macaroni Grill. It%26#39;s about 4 blocks north of 494 on France Ave.

Yep, it was Macaroni Grill. I went there this weekend. I don%26#39;t know why I was thinking against it. Thanks everyone.

~JS

Airport hotels with park & fly rates

We are flying out of Minneapolis in February and am looking for a hotel near the airport with Park %26amp; Fly rates. Any suggestions??

Airport hotels with park %26amp; fly rates

Rates vary on what day you stay and how many days you%26#39;ll be away. The usual is 7 days with a extra fee per day after that. www.eaganmn.com has some special rates. Holiday inn express, the hampton%26#39;s, just to name a few have park and fly rates.

~JS

Airport hotels with park %26amp; fly rates

My parents do this frequently and they usually stay at the Best Western Yankee Square Inn. I believe it%26#39;s in Bloomington, the same suburb as the airport. They have good things to say about it. It does not have a pool, if that is a concern.

Bloomington-Airport-Mall of America

1601 American Blvd E

Bloomington

Park up to 7 days, they have a free shuttle that goes to the airport.

Take a look at the Comfort Inn Bloomington that is attached to the Outback Steakhouse -- on 12th Avenue I believe.

oops - forgot to put the name of the hotel - Holiday Inn Express in Bloomington-Mall of America-Airport

xp

how cold

how cold is it today

how cold

minus-17 degrees Celsius, to do the conversion for ya.

Colder than average, although it has warmed up since the morning.

Unfortunately the wind chill makes it feel -27 C -- according to our weather site.

how cold

When I get up tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. Central Standard Time (I believe that is Noon in the UK) the ambient temperature is supposed to be -17F. That would be -27.2C. With the wind chill factored in, it will feel like around -30F or -34C.

Too bad the wind isn%26#39;t really howling; we could the wind chill down to close to -50F, or -45C!

It%26#39;s perfect weeather for St. Paul%26#39;s Winter Carnvival!

I just got home from playing hockey, it actually felt good when I left the arena.

-14F air temp

don%26#39;t know about wind chill

as of 6 a.m. Thurs

Wow! We will be over there in less than two weeks. At the moment we are sweltering in about 40 degree celcius (104 F)...going to be a bit of a shock to the system!

Cold snap should end by then.

Where are you staying? What are you doing?

Right now the long term forecast says it should reach a high of about 25F on Sunday, 3 February, with possible snow. Of course, that could change considerably between now and then, but our recent cold snap is a little bit unusual. It doesn%26#39;t normally get this cold for an extended period of time around here. However, it is January, and this is Minnesota, so you kind of have to expect that.

Don%26#39;t worry, though, we have great heating systems here, and no sales tax on clothing if you need to buy a sweater or coat. And I can guarantee it won%26#39;t be 40C when you arrive!

Well it will be a relief to get out of the heat anyway!

We are staying three nights at The Marquette and the last night at the Holiday Inn Express near the Mall of America. We are going to a Timberwolves game (the highlight of my husband%26#39;s trip), shopping, and would like to go snow tubing. Not sure what else we will be doing, possibly the Science museum in St Paul? Can%26#39;t wait though, it should be great!

The Science Museum is really for children, unless you are interested in their temporary exhibit.

http://www.smm.org/visit/

If you want to go to a museum, I recommend the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

For snow tubing, there is Afton Alps. You need a car to get there.

I think the Science Museum is great, and I%26#39;m 50 years old! I disagree with the statement that it is just for children.

There is also tubing available in Wirth Park, part of the Minneapolis Park system. It would be a fairly quick cab ride from downtown Minneapolis if you don%26#39;t have a car:

www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp鈥?/a>

Another interesting museum in Saint Paul is the Minnesota History Center.

http://www.mnhs.org/index.htm

They also run the Mill City Museum in downtown Minneapolis, which is built on top of an old flour mill. From around 1880 to 1930, Minneapolis produced more flour than any other city in the country, hence the old name of Mill City.

Another interesting building in Minneapolis (down the street from the Mill City Museum) is the new Guthrie Theater, known for its ';Endless Bridge'; that soars out toward the Mississippi River. Visiting the Guthrie to just look around is free!

http://www.guthrietheater.org/

Just a couple of ideas...

hand cream

downtown parking

I will be in minneapolis for a convention in august staying at the marriot city center. I need to have a rental car to fri to monday and would like to know if there is any reasonable parking available downtown so I will not be charged the hotel parking rates. I am not afraid to walk several blocks to save on high parking rates.........thanks...pete

downtown parking

How much is the hotel charging per day?

There are a number of ramps nearby, but I doubt they%26#39;d be cheaper than the hotel lot. But it might be worth a comparison. In August, the Target Center lot near you will not be in use at event rates as often with the Timberwolves out of season.

downtown parking

Here%26#39;s one link for Minneapolis municipal parking -

鈥inneapolis.mn.us/parking_facilities.htm

Places to Stay for Twins game

Hello everyone. Just wondering the best place to stay in Minneapolis for a Twins game. Family are Red Sox fans was wondering what hotel the away teams stay at when in Minneapolis or any other Kid friendly hotels. Thanks for any info.

Places to Stay for Twins game

Your kids might like the waterpark sandwiched between the two Marriott brand hotels at the converted Minneapolis Depot - walking distance from the dome.

http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/

I%26#39;ve heard the away teams stay sometimes at the Minneapolis Grand Hotel, or Graves 601.

Places to Stay for Twins game

Also, check out hotels in Bloomington. A lot of hotels have mall shuttles where you can go and take the light rail to the game. Its cheap, super easy and pretty stress free. If the game runs over, some hotels have airport shuttle that run 24hrs, and you stop at the airport and take the shuttle from there. Ask your hotel first about it though.

~JS

Wolfgang Puck's restaurant-20.21

Will be visiting Minneapolis next week. Is 20.21 worth a visit? Any other restaurants you like better? Thanks much

Wolfgang Puck's restaurant-20.21

It%26#39;s VERY expensive (because it%26#39;s in the Walker) and an inconvenient location (unless you%26#39;re going there after the Walker).

I have not eaten there for the above reasons and because I prefer non-chain places. But the food is reviewed well and you do get excellent views if you%26#39;re seated in the right place.

I would suggest countless other places, depending on what type of food you like and area of the city you want to be in. And price range. For something high end and slightly less pricey, try 112 Eatery downtown on 3rd Street. Cozy place but hard to get into. Call weeks in advance.

Give us some info on what you like and we can recommend more.

Wolfgang Puck's restaurant-20.21

While I think mntoathens is right on some points, I would highly recommend it for a couple reasons...

1) Their Sunday brunch is outstanding - we reserved the corner early for a wedding shower and not only enjoyed a variety of great food, but really enjoyed the view. I also thought it was reasonable for the quality - I think it was $25 each, I was expecting $35

2) The Walker is a great destination to visit if you%26#39;re into art, esp modern. I visited the Frida Kahlo exhibit (which is open thru this weekend) and highly recommend it. I also loved the movie with Selma Hayek, so that might be work checking out to better understand her background?

112 Eatery is supposed to be the best in town, but unless you can snag an early or late reservation, it%26#39;s hard to get into. If you%26#39;d like other suggestions for your weekend, let us know what you%26#39;re into. It will be a cold one!

We ate there once

had the coveted corner table with downtown view

it was an experience to try once - it was fun

won%26#39;t go back

just didn%26#39;t WOW me (for the price we paid).

If you wrap it into the museum visit, that would be a good plus.

I%26#39;ve only been there for the Sunday brunch but can%26#39;t wait to go back.

N S E W - Stay away from?? Priceline & MOA

Going to do Priceline.com when getting a hotel. They section off the area by the following:

Downtown

Southwest (least expensive)

St Paul

North West (also inexpensive)

East st Paul

On Priceline, you can request one of the above mapped out areas. What areas would you suggest or stay away from? We%26#39;d like to stay no further than 15 minutes (in car) from MOA, what areas am I limited to?

N S E W - Stay away from?? Priceline %26amp; MOA

Don%26#39;t know how inclusive you tried seaching, as you seem to have skipped some zones. While technically in Minneapolis, MSP is closest to Airport/MOA zone in Bloomington, MN vis a vis Priceline.

If it were me and closeness to airport is paramount, I%26#39;d stick with the airport-MOA zone. Even then, some hotel choices are fairly far west on Hwy. 494-- almost in Eden Prairie. Try to avoid rush hours.

Eagan zone is the next-best option-- if you don%26#39;t get stuck too far south. There is a nice little Marriot-chain cluster just east of the aiport.

Southwest zone is VERY iffy. You could get a property near Eden Prairie Center, which would be OK provided you%26#39;re not trying to navigate 494 @ rush hours. But you could get stuck way far more NW and up to a half-hour drive, worse in bad traffic.

biddingfortravel.com has great listings of what successful bids have been and which hotels have been offered for each zone.

Good luck.

N S E W - Stay away from?? Priceline %26amp; MOA

dontstayhome, you have said you wanted to stay near the Mall, then you said you were seriously thinking about downtown Minneapolis, then you said you wanted a two bedroom suite by the Mall. You each wanted your own bed, and you each wanted your own room. Be aware that if you are using the Name Your Own Price feature on Priceline, if your bid is accepted, you are only guaranteed a room and a bed. That is one bed, not two. You may very well be able to get a room with two beds, but Priceline only promises one bed, big enough for two people, and from what I understand, even that can be a bit dicey, what with giving people a room with a full bed for two. Granted, that is big enough for two, but it would be crowded for most.

If you are going through the more traditional side of Priceline, then you have more options, although I would imagine most of the places available would not be two bedroom suites. I just wanted to point this information out to you, in the event you were not aware of the restrictions in place at Priceline.

As to areas to select, if you really want to stay within 15 minutes of the MOA, I would recommend you only bid on the MOA/Airport area. Any of the other areas you could end up quite far away; there is just no way of knowing. If you bid on the Name Your Own Price site, both the Southwest and Northwest areas could put you outside the 494 beltway. Easily more than 15 minutes away from the Mall.

Hope this clarifies things for you.

domain web hosting

Looking for weekend get-away location.

My husband and I are looking for a weekend get-away in March/first part of April (Fri-Sun). We are from eastern South Dakota so we are looking for something within driving distance. We are looking for some R%26amp;R plus a little siteseeing and something fairly reasonable in price.

We are open to anything - from a cabin on the lake to staying in a hotel in the city.

If you have any suggestions please post them. Thanks.

Looking for weekend get-away location.

My first instict would be to tell you to get to the North Shore of Lake Superior, but that might be too far of a drive. How about something in the Brainerd Lakes area?

Looking for weekend get-away location.

My parents live in Crosslake, MN which is a beautiful part of the ';up north'; lakes area and I always recommend a visit to a resort in that general area. However, given that you are going so early in the year, it will likely be pretty chilly still.

Unless you are looking for a place to hole up by a fireplace (which can be nice!), I would recommend sticking to Minneapolis....or taking the trip up to the North Shore (about 2 hours north of the Cities) where they will be more sights to see that early in the year if the weather is cold. Don%26#39;t forget, Minnesota can still get snow through late April!

How about Minnesota River Valley, basing yourself in Mankato? Might not be as scenic as it in the autumn colors or full foliage, but nicely rolling or hilly drives.

Both Mankato State Univ. and Gustavus Adolphus have offerings of plays and concerts. The arena downtown could have a show or convention on (e.g. first WE of April, the Southern Minn. Home %26amp; Builders Show). Minneopa State Park could has a chance of being in snow-free/early spring mode. Multiple lodging options, incl. B%26amp;Bs

One or part of the days could be spent in New Ulm, with a tour of the Schell%26#39;s Brewery (lovely grounds and brick buildings). Good German food... also several lodging options, incl. B%26amp;Bs. Flandreau State Park is on the south end of town.

Going in the other direction, you could shop at the Medford outlet malls and Cabela%26#39;s between Owatonna and Faribault.

Search for Greater Mankato and New Ulm tourism sites.

We went to Duluth and Grand Marias areas for our honeymoon. And it was great. Of course our honeymoon was in July so it was a bit warmer. I realize we could still be hitting snow when we go.

We may stick to Minneapolis. I guess it depends on our mood and what we all want to do. I know my husband doesn%26#39;t want to stay cooped up in a hotel room for a couple days so we will need to get out. We are outdoorsy people so some cabin by the lake would be nice too.

My brother inlaw lives in St Cloud and we were just up in the Brainerd area ice fishing a couple weeks ago. Nice area.

Thanks for the input.

I would recommend somewhere south like Lanesboro. It%26#39;s in a beautiful, scenic area with lots to do outside since it should be a little warmer down there.

Another place we really enjoyed was Cannon Falls. See my post for the Quill %26amp; Quilt B%26amp;B. Northfield and Red Wing are just down the road, great biking, canoing, relaxing.

Ski near Mineapoliss

We%26#39;re going to Minneapolis on Feb 20-25, does anyone know of ski facilities, near Minneapolis. Thanks!

Ski near Mineapoliss

I assume you mean downhill. There is Afton Alps and Buck Hill.

Afton is better, but Buck Hill is closer to Minneapolis.

http://www.buckhill.com/winter/main.shtml

http://www.aftonalps.com/

Ski near Mineapoliss

Yup, those are the closest.

If you%26#39;re willing to drive (like, up to an hour) you may also want to consider

Trollhaugen

Wild Mountain

PowderRidge (actually, I haven%26#39;t been there in a couple years....not sure how well it%26#39;s doing now).....the other two are just over the border in WI.

Welch Village, near Red Wing, is also not too far. However, the best skiing in Minnesota is at Lutsen, which is on the North Shore of Lake Superior (north of Duluth) about 4 hours or so north of Minneapolis, not sure if that distance would fit in your plans though.

hand cream

Coffee houses

Hi! Does anyone know of any coffee houses around Minnetonka that has live music?

Coffee houses

Three that come to mind are these:

318 Cafe, Excelsior

Munkabeans, Hopkins (Mainstreet)

The Depot, Hopkins (Excelsior Blvd. just E of Hwy 169)

Munkabeans is the only place I%26#39;ve been. Reasonable coffee drinks and a so-so acoustic guitar duo when we were there in %26#39;04. I personally like the smaller-town downtown vibe, prices, and parking of Hopkins.

An initial reference source for more:

tcmusic.net/venuecategoryCoffee_Houses.html

Fitzgerald theatre and surrounding area

Going to a concert at the Fitzgerald theatre. What is the area like? Is this a nice area to stay in or should we think about downtown Minneapolis. Like nice restuarants and nightlife.

Only there for the weekend so need ideas for activities on Saturday.

Like a variety of things,,, the arts, just walking around exploring, main attractions,

We are going the May 2 weekend

Thanks

Fitzgerald theatre and surrounding area

There are some nice hotels in downtown St. Paul. I don%26#39;t believe there%26#39;s one close enough to the Fitzgerald to be considered in the area. But not too far.

It really depends on what kind of nightlife you are looking for. Maybe you can describe what you like and we can suggest some spots. Minneapolis has a little more variety, but St. Paul has some very good restaurants and bars as well, maybe a bit more subdued, which might be right up your alley. The bars along West Seventh Street are really the only concentrated area for nightlife in downtown SP. The rest are scattered about downtown. I find the best St. Paul bars to be off in the neighborhoods. Like Selby and Dale neighborhood.

In Minneapolis, there%26#39;s a bit livelier downtown than SP. SP%26#39;s downtown is very quiet at night with the exception of West Seventh.

I also think for someone looking to do some walking and sightseeing, there is more to see downtown Mpls -- theaters, museums, shopping on Nicollet Mall. And you can take the light rail down to Minnehaha Park, which will be beautiful in may. As I said, not as much to walk to in downtown St. Paul, in my opinion. But a walk along Grand Avenue (which is a little ways out of downtown SP) would be lovely. Lots ot see, lots of places to eat. Quaint.

Fitzgerald theatre and surrounding area

There are a few hotels withing (what I would consider) walking distance of the Fitz. The first and best is The St. Paul Hotel. 1st class all the way. The hotel has a nice restaurant and bar and at least some Saturdays, they do an afternoon tea if you%26#39;re into that. There%26#39;s a Radisson and a Crown Plaza that I would also consider walking distance. Otherwise, there is a Holiday Inn which wouldn%26#39;t be a huge walk and an Embassy Suites which is in a deserted part of downtown St. Paul. My two favorite downtown St. Paul restaurants are Sakura (Japanese) and Pazzaluna (they call themselves an ';urban trattoria'; - I%26#39;d say new Italian). Pazzaluna has a pretty nice late night happy hour. Great Waters Brewing brews some great beers on premises as has fantastic Happy Hour deals. There is an Irish restaurant in the Holiday Inn which can be hit or miss for food but has a nice whisky selection. Things also depend on what%26#39;s going on at the XCel Center. If there%26#39;s an event, downtown will be hopping (for St. Paul). If not, it will be dead. Also know that many of the downtown restaurants serve an ';event menu'; on event days so if you care to have a large menu selection, hope it%26#39;s not an event day. Also, the first weekend of May is high time for high school proms. If there%26#39;s a restaurant you want to try, you might be wise to call for a reservation (and request a table away from the prom-goers!).

As for things to do, the Science Museum of MN is really nice. They have some amazing traveling displays and their permanent collection is first rate. You might enjoy the Wabasha Caves tour. Gangster, Al Capone, bullet holes in the wall - the whole deal. There%26#39;s a nice Mexican section of town if you%26#39;re into that sort of thing. I%26#39;d recommend Boca Chica for lunch or dinner. If you want to spend some of your Canadian money, the Macy%26#39;s in downtown St. Paul has a smaller collection compared to the Mpls and suburban stores, but has fantastic customer service on the weekend (because there%26#39;s nobody there!).

There is definitely more of a ';scene'; in Minneapolis but I think most people could have a good time for a weekend in St. Paul.

Stay in Minneapolis

taxi or drive to the Fitz -

check out the Minneapolis riverfront while you%26#39;re here

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

I would recommend staying at the Crowne Plaza or the HolidayInn by the Rivercenter. Both are within fair distance of the Fitzgerald (the Crowne Plaza would be closer). As for things to do, there is the history museum, the science museum, an art museum right next to the science museum, and if you have a car you can always go up to Grand Ave and shop. If you just want to walk around there is the riverwalk by the Mississippi river or Summit Ave. is always fun to walk down.

Also on Saturday and Sundays there is a farmer%26#39;s market in Lowertown that is worth going to, they not only have produce, but also flowers and other things. It is a wonderful event that supports local farmers.

As for places to eat, 7th street offers a good selection at resonable prices. For breakfast I would recommend the M street cafe in the St. Paul hotel. If you want something more upscale there is Kincaids, Pazzaluna%26#39;s, or Meritage, all right on St. Peter Street. All three are very delicious.

Minneapolis might offer more restaurant choices but really a person could find plenty to do in a weekend in St. Paul.

Memorial Weekend

Friend and I (late 30%26#39;s) are taking a trip to the MOA area over Memorial Weekend. Have any suggestions on what to do besides shop? Places to go / areas to stay away from... Whats the average temp. late May?

Memorial Weekend

Temperature should be about the same as Illinois.

What we recommend would depend a lot on what your group likes to do, whether you have a car and where you are staying (near mall, mostlikely?).

May is a beautiful month up here. Everything in full bloom.

Are you guys interested in small-scale shopping too (boutiques, etc), nightlife, museums, theater, parks, etc?

Memorial Weekend

Quiet things prefered.

Enjoy the sites, taking pictures, walking, food. Not interested in bars or %26#39;nightlife%26#39;... Like to learn about the city and the treasures it holds.

We%26#39;re driving up, will have car.

Staying near MOA, looking at Staybridge suites or Embassy Suites perhaps...

Not interested in kid-related items, won%26#39;t be bringing them with us. Interested in a spa treatment also!!

When I think of Minneapolis%26#39; treasures, I think of its park system. There are a chain of lakes in south Minneapolis connected by a creek that runs all the way from the western suburbs of Minneapolis through those lakes and over a 50-foot waterfall and into the MIssissippi river. It%26#39;s a wonder ful bike ride (beautiful, easy bike path the whole way from Lake Harriet to the Mississippi) if you%26#39;re active. There are places to stop along the way to rest and eat and take in the sights (there are countless sights).

If you%26#39;re just up for a walk, I would wander Lake Harriett and take a peek at the gorgeous homes surrounding it. A path connects Harriet%26#39;s parkway to Lake Calhoun (3/4 mile apart). Another beautoful lake and a little bigger. Harriet is 2.8 miles around; Calhoun 3.2. It%26#39;s simply the prettiest part of MInneapolis in my opinion.

Another treasure lies at the end of that bike path -- Minneahaha Park (where I live). Home to the aforementioned waterfall: Minnehaha Falls. Countless walking trails, many leading to the river that the creek that runs over the falls connects to a mile or two downstream. Beautiful limestone and sandstone bluffs. Bike rental available at the park, although mostly gimmicky bikes like quads and g0-cart style.

www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp…

Bikes would be handy if you can rent some or bring them. Minneapolis has more bike trail distance per capita than anywhere in the US.

Gotta hit up a meeting. Maybe I%26#39;ll weigh in later with non-park options.

Oh, and if the Mall of America somehow doesn%26#39;t scratch your shopping itch, there%26#39;s more pedestrian friendly shopping downtown Minneapolis, with restaurant options galore and a generally scenic strip of boulevard blocked off to all but buses and taxis -- called Nicollet Mall. I much prefer that to the Mall of America. Not a fan of malls.

Downtown has a lot to see with the stone arch bridge and the riverfront. You could take the light-rail train from the mall (in Bloomington) to downtown and back to avoid parking hassle. It%26#39;s cheap, safe and easy. Maybe walk the riverfront, see a show at the Guthrie and have dinner at one of the hundreds of great spots downtown. The dining options in Bloomington are almost zero.

(In fact, have you considered staying in Minneapolis and taking the train to the MOA? So you don%26#39;t have to eat at Applebee%26#39;s or Friday%26#39;s every night? Just a thought.)

Sounds like you know what you%26#39;re talking about! :)

I am going to consider staying downtown, more expensive, but may be worth it.

Thanks, the more info i get, the better!

I%26#39;ll second the idea of seeing a show at the Guthrie. During your visit the Shakespeare comedy A Midsummer Night%26#39;s Dream is playing. The Guthrie is in a beautiful new building on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis.

http://www.guthrietheater.org/

Don%26#39;t forget about the sister city, St. Paul. It may not offer as many art museums or theaters as Minneapolis, but it still should be a place to stop.

St. Paul offers the old city charm that Minneapolis is missing. IF you have a car you should drive down Summit Ave. and take in all of the old architechture. Plus there is a history museum and the capital is there.

Grand Ave. in St. Paul also offers more shopping if you haven%26#39;t gotten enough at MOA, and there are plenty of eating places on this street as well. If you are looking for delicious deserts Cafe Latte has you covered.

And I know that you mentioned you don%26#39;t need anything kid friendly, but the science museum is wonderful even without children. There are tons of interesting things to see and the museum offers an Imax theater that usually shows something amazing. I don%26#39;t have any children but frequent the science museum quite often.

Hope you have a great time in MN, the weather hopefully will be rather nice!

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Outdoor Skating

We%26#39;re going to Minneapolis on Feb 16-18, does anyone know of outdoor skating facilities, preferably free;) Thanks!

Outdoor Skating

I don%26#39;t know of any outdoor skating downtown, but the city lakes will have it.

Lake Harriet is the prettiest area for it. They should have a skating area out on the lake again this year. I know Nokomis does.

Downtown St. Paul has a small rink across 5th from Rice Park.

Outdoor Skating

If you have your own skates and a car (or are willing to pay for a cab), you can visit any of the skating areas in Golden Valley, about ten minutes from downtown Minneapolis: www.ci.golden-valley.mn.us/parks/skating.htm

Scheid Park is very easy to get to from downtown Mpls.

Langford Park in St. Paul is a jewel of a park that has one pleasure rink and one hockey rink. It%26#39;s just a few minutes from downtown Minneapolis and is located in a wonderful neighborhood and traditionally has some of the best outdoor ice in St. Paul.

It%26#39;s just south of Como Ave, east of Hwy 280.

stpaul.gov/depts/鈥angford.htm

I saw the outdoor rink at Rice Park in Downtown St. Paul and I wonder if that is just part of the Winter Carnival? If so, it won%26#39;t be set up Feb16 -18.

zeebo, no it%26#39;s not part of the Winter Carnival; it%26#39;s been open since November. It will, however, close after this coming Sunday, February 3rd.

capitalcitypartnership.com/events/winterskat鈥?/a>

The outdoor rinks are getting a little bit rough since it has been warmer the past week. Lake ice is much harder to skate on due to somtimes large cracks. A good option is the John Rose Oval in nearby Roseville is a giant refrigerated rink the size of a football field. The ice is in great condition, Zambonied daily. It does cost $5 but is worth it. Here is the link:

http://www.skatetheoval.com

I coach kids and spend a lot of time on the ice.

camping

any decent campgrounds in the Duluth AREA that may be on a lake. 4 families are looking for a summer vacation.

camping

Lots of nice campgrounds around Duluth. Some on Lake Superior, some on inland lakes. Are you tent camping or travel trailers? How far from Duluth do you want to be? Two harbors has a great campground on Lake Superior.

camping

2 families in travel trailers and 2 families looking to rent either cabins or travel trailers.

Jay Cooke State Park is just outside Duluth and on a beautiful river. They may have a rustic camping cabin if you can catch it online - they reserve fast but are awesome!

I agree with creason, J. Cooke is a great place to camp just outside Duluth. On the north side of Duluth, along the scenic highway between Duluth and Two Harbors, there are several places that rent cabins. Most are on the Lake. Some also offer camping.

Bar on hgwy 169

There is a bar on highway 169 that has a stagecoach in front near the highway. There is a Suzettes dinning place right near it. I am trying to find a phone number but am unable to find it listed anywhere. Anyone know if they still serve Sunday brunch? Or, know what the address or phone number would be? Thanks.

Bar on hgwy 169

I%26#39;m fairly confident it%26#39;s the OK Corral in Jordan.

OK Corral Restaurant %26amp; Saloon.

20201 Johnson Memorial Dr, Jordan, MN

(952) 492-6700鈥?/p>

Don%26#39;t know about their present menu.

Bar on hgwy 169

Thank you for the info. I think that is the one I am looking for.

hand cream

Cottage for rent in Lindstrom or Chisago City?

I%26#39;ll be in the area March 6th through 9th and would like any info I can get on renting a house or cottage for those days.

Cottage for rent in Lindstrom or Chisago City?

On a cursory check of VRBO, I didn%26#39;t find anything in the immediate area, but did find listings for somewhat-nearby Scandia and St. Croix Falls, WI.

Or, how about options in Wild River State Park to the northeast? They have these:

(MN DNR State Park has 2) Camper Cabins and one Guest House available for rent year-round at the park. For reservations, call 1-866-85PARKS or reserve online at www.stayatmnparks.com.

Winter Sight Seeing?

What are some places you don%26#39;t want to miss in Minnesota to see during this weather?

Winter Sight Seeing?

What parts of MN are you referring to? Is there a particular area or areas you%26#39;ll be visiting?

web hosting plans

Romantic getaway

We%26#39;re looking for a nice cabin or cottage with a private outdoor hot tub where we can relax au natural. Anyone have suggestions?

Romantic getaway

The only place I know of is Sweet Grass Cove (sweetgrasscove.com). It is amazing, and it books up way out, so I%26#39;d contact them ASAP. It is heavenly - north of Grand Marais, in Grand Portage.

After Theater Dining

I have 7:30PM tickets to Jersey Boys at the Orpheum Theater in March. Where is a good place to dine after the performance? I won%26#39;t have a car so preferably it should be within walking distance or a short taxi ride. I%26#39;ll be staying at the Marquette so it could be close to there too.

After Theater Dining

Closest place would be Solera. I%26#39;m personally lukewarm on the place (Spanish/tapas) but most of my friends think it%26#39;s the cat%26#39;s pajamas.

What kind of food do you like? And are you by yourself? Looking for intimate seating, casual, high end, etc ...

After Theater Dining

Plenty of options all in a few block radius.

the newest restaurant is R.Normans -

http://www.rnormans.com/

Otherwise here%26#39;s a short list -

Fogo (Brazilian steakhouse)

Murrays, Mortons, Ruth Chris, or Capital Grille for steakhouses

Melting Pot if into fondue

Palomino

Rock Bottom

Mission (inside the Marquette Crystal Court)

Manhattans

- or taxi to Nicollet Island Inn - farther north on Hennepin

You have the perfect opportunity to dine at my favorite restaurant in town, the 112 eatery. It is next to impossible to get reservations at a normal dining hour at 112, but you won%26#39;t be dining till around 10:00 p.m., and the kitchen is open until Midnight Monday through Thursday and 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. It%26#39;s the perfect place for after theater dining.

http://112eatery.com/

I%26#39;d definitely second the recommendation for 112. Although truth be told, you%26#39;ll need a cab or willingness to walk a pretty good distance. It%26#39;s not terribly far, but usually women dressed for the theater prefer walks ranging from short to none.

Cab would be $5. The fare to 112 will be worth it. Food is fantastic. Atmosphere is cozy and the wine pours are generous. Seems like a place that should be more expensive. To me, that%26#39;s high praise.

I really like the lamb chop appetizer.

Oh, and even at that late hour, you still should make a reservation.

Across the street from Solera which by the way is great is the Chamber%26#39;s Kitchen in the Chambers Hotel. Even if you don%26#39;t eat there you should check out the amazing art work and the outdoor bar made of ice. This place has one of the best vibes in Mpls. I plan on bringing all my out of town guest there just to experience the place.

Susangal, while people have given you very good suggestions, I just realized you won%26#39;t be getting out of the theater until around 10:00 p.m., and looking at the Orpheum schedule, I see that you have tickets for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Most of the places listed will be closing at 10:00 on those evenings, except for bar food. Given all that, I would like to give another shout out for 112 eatery. Since they are open until Midnight on those evenings, you won%26#39;t be rushed to finish your meal. After the show, go out the front door of the theater, and take a cab. It%26#39;s about a six block drive down the street, so it should just take a few minutes. As already suggested, I would call the restaurant now and make a reservation for 10:15 or so. Tell them you%26#39;ll be coming from Jersey Boys.

Lockers at the Mall of America

This will be my first trip to the Mall of America, and I have a few questions.

1) Are there lockers at the MOA?

We are flying into Bloomington next weekend for the annual ';Knit Out and Crochet Too'; at the MOA. We might be at the mall for a few hours either Saturday (while waiting to check into our rooms) or Sunday (waiting for our flight to take off).

2) Their websites state that their hotels are directly across the street from the MOA. But are the Country Inn Suites and the Days Inn really within good, safe, walking distance from the MOA. I don%26#39;t want to be walking a quarter to a half mile in ten below temperatures and crossing six lanes of traffic.

As of right now, I don%26#39;t know where I%26#39;m staying, and I probably won%26#39;t make reservations until the last minute..I worry about making reservations I can%26#39;t cancel with a big snowstorm hitting the Twin Cities.

3. I read your postings from late last year, and saw something about a coupon book. Yet, when I checked the mall%26#39;s website, they just said ';coming soon.'; Does that mean there%26#39;s no coupon book for 2008 yet?

As always, many thanks. :)

Lockers at the Mall of America

Lockers: mallofamerica.com/about_moa_guest_services.a…

As for hotels, yes, the Country Inn %26amp; Suites, the Days Inn and the Homewood Suites are all literally across the street from the Mall. They are, however, probably about a quarter of a mile walk from the front door of the hotel to the front door of the Mall. Also, you will have to cross at least six lanes of traffic. After all, this is the largest shopping/entertainment complex in the United States, so we need enough roads to get people in and out. Of course, there are marked crosswalks with proper traffic signals. The Mall does its best to make things user friendly, even getting across the street.

If it makes you feel any better, the long term forecast for next weekend calls for no snow and temperatures in the 20%26#39;s. Have you checked to see if any of the hotels are even available on such short notice? If they aren%26#39;t, make sure wherever you stay has a shuttle to take you to the Mall. Or you could stay in downtown Minneapolis and take the light rail right to the door at the Mall.

Lockers at the Mall of America

Thanks for your reply, Rocco.

I%26#39;ve checked and the Days Inn definately has rooms right now. I%26#39;ll see if I can make reservations for there and see if I can cancel on 24 hour notice.

1) You could see if you can check in early at your hotel, and then you can check your bags early at the airport. I do believe they have small lockers available at tha mall though.

2) Days Hotel, Country Inn and Suites and Homewood Suites are located directly across from the mall, but you would have to cross a very busy (but signaled) road. Many hotels in that region have mall shuttle, so you won%26#39;t have to limit your choices to them. For their route times, you%26#39;ll have to contact the hotel directly, but most of them run on the hour, every hour.

3) Yes the Mall of America has a coupon book every year

There are lockers available for rent at all the major entrances (North, South, East, West) but not the Macy%26#39;s, Bloomingdale%26#39;s, etc. entrances. They aren%26#39;t very big, if I remember correctly

Wild Game and then partyin after?

hey there

one canadian comin down for the wild game vs the islanders on feb 9....anyone have any tips or hints on where to party afterwards and if the people are generally friendly?

Wild Game and then partyin after?

People are friendly here! I%26#39;ve heard some of the Wild are regulars at Sakura Japanese restaurant after games. Tom Reid%26#39;s bar (west on W. 7th from the XCel) is supposed to have a good post-game scene. There are several bars on W. 7th so take your pick of places. It%26#39;s supposed to be cold this weekend!! Bring your warm clothes.

Wild Game and then partyin after?

blaze, if you%26#39;re still checking this, you may want to quickly post it on both the St. Paul and the Minnesota forums. You may get a couple of quick answers. Otherwise, just ask the people around you at the game tomorrow; they should have plenty of ideas. You%26#39;ve already been warned, but the wind chill tomorrow night is supposed to get down to about -30 or so. Be prepared.

hand cream

Hotels in Fargo/Moorhead

What hotels do people recommend in Fargo/Moorhead? We have stayed at 3 different ones and would definitely not go back to Best Western Kelly Inn- terrible noise from heating system and Rodeway Inn- also not a great place. The Doublewood was ok- but there must be a better option.

Hotels in Fargo/Moorhead

The holiday Inn, the Marriot, and the Hilton, branded places are good places to check out. I%26#39;ve stayed at the Fairfield before, and though it was nice, for what little times I was there.

~JS

Hotels in Fargo/Moorhead

We just returned from a couple of nights at the Super 8 in Moorhead. If you just want a basic place to sleep, it is pretty quiet. It%26#39;s about a half mile off I-94 on south US 75, far enough to be away from the truck noise on the interstate and no railroad nearby. Free internet, basic continental breakfast, clean.

ittwit

Fourth of July in Minneapolis

Our family of four is going to be in Minneapolis for July 4 %26amp; 5. Are fireworks scheduled for downtown? If so, is there a hotel that is near the fireworks location? We plan to go to MOA and possibly a baseball game as well, so staying in another location and traveling somewhere for firworks is an option as well. What would be some good choices for us? Thanks.

Fourth of July in Minneapolis

St. Paul will have fireworks as part of the ';Taste of Minnesota'; festivities. These are held on the riverfront in St. Paul. Lots of fun and a nice show!

Fourth of July in Minneapolis

downtown Minneapolis may not have the fireworks - but you may enjoy staying there.

the Hilton has awesome rates - July 3 - 6

Hilton Minneapolis Lowest avg rate $129.00

Minneapolis, MN

Downtown hotel across from Orchestra Hall

This 25-story downtown Minneapolis hotel is located 1 block from Nicollet Mall, 2 blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center, and 10 miles from the Mall of America

check out the Minneapolis riverfront -

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

If I understand the responses so far, St. Paul will have fireworks, but Minneapolis may not (budget problems? is this a definite no or is this because St. Paul has them instead...can you help me understand status). If our primary plans are for the MOA and baseball game, what%26#39;s the best location to stay in if the only fireworks are in St. Paul? What would be the best way to travel to our various locations based on a hotel recommendation? Car, Light Rail, Bus, etc. Thanks so much.

if you have a car - you can travel to St. Paul for fireworks %26amp; Mall of America.

There%26#39;s also bus to St. Paul %26amp; Light Rail to Mall of America if you won%26#39;t have a car.

I live/work in downtown Minneapolis - and I personally think St. Paul is just not as lively %26amp; things to do there. It%26#39;s pretty quiet after 5 p.m. during the week, and on the weekends.

I did some checking and found that Mpls should have fireworks

this site might be from 2007

http://www.mpls4thofjuly.com/

Yes, downtown Minneapolis does have fireworks. The previous poster provided a website address with information about the event.

How old are your kids? There is a hotel quite close to the fireworks location, within walking distance, in fact. It is actually a complex with a few hotel choices, built in an old railroad depot. In addition to the hotel choices, there is also a waterpark within the complex your kids may enjoy. It is called, oddly enough, The Depot:

www.thedepotminneapolis.com/default.asp

A great place for watching the fireworks in the Stone Arch Bridge, within a few blocks of The Depot:

nps.gov/archive/miss/maps/model/sabridge.html

The Metrodome, where the Twins play baseball, is within walking distance from The Depot, although, depending on the age of your kids, you may want to walk a couple of blocks to the lightrail and take a short ride to the Metrodome:

http://metrotransit.org/rail/index.asp

From The Depot, you can take the lightrail and go to the Mall of America; the trip takes a little over half an hour. Along the way, you could stop at Minnehaha Park and see the beautiful Minnehaha Falls. A waterfall right in the city!

Finally, you mentioned a baseball game. If you have access to a car, you may want to consider attending a Saint Paul Saints game; they will also be playing in town over the Fourth of July. They play outside, unlike the Twins, who are stuck in the Metrodome for two more seasons. They don%26#39;t have anything on their website at this time, but I seem to recall they usually have fireworks after the game if they play at home on the fourth. You could certainly contact them to see if that is the case; see fireworks and baseball at the same time!

http://saintsbaseball.com/

Hope this helps.

Yes, the Depot would be perfect. Easy walking access to the fireworks, with a nice walk across the Stone Arch bridge.

And as stated, walking distance to the Metrodome and the light rail station to go to the mall. Light rail will also take you to Minnehaha Park, which I personally think is a better destination than a giant mall. But to each his own.

Be warned that the crowd is huge for the fireworks. Bring bug spray, water and a blanket. and get there early. I brought a backpack with a picnic once, so I could get there early with my wife and enjoy my time instead of being bored. Pretty area. The fireworks go off over the water, but you need to find a good sightline because there are trees.

Suggestions on Easiest Flights into Rochester from Houston?

Any suggestions?

We see that Southwest does not go into Rochester. Also American Airlines and Delta all have two stops on the way (through Dallas or Atlanta, then Chicago).

Is there an easier way? Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Suggestions on Easiest Flights into Rochester from Houston?

Northwest has a one-stop flight from Houston (IAH)

to Rochester (RST), connecting in Minneapolis (MSP).

http://www.nwa.com/

Suggestions on Easiest Flights into Rochester from Houston?

Given that it is only 75-80 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul airport to Rochester, if I were renting a car anyway, and if I wanted some flight alternatives, I would fly to Minneapolis and drive to Rochester.

That would give you hundreds of flight options instead of just one.

You can also take a shuttle from Minn./St Paul to Rochester.

www.gorochesterdirect.com

Schwanns soccer tourney in Blaine in July

We have 14 families coming for the tourney. Any suggestions for eating, evenings after games. Anyone who has attended the tourney for the week have any advice? What to bring, what to expect? Most of us are staying in hotels.

Schwanns soccer tourney in Blaine in July

As someone who has coached in that tournament and played (back in %26#39;89!!), I can tell you to bring sunblock and willingness to stay hydrated. For some reason, the tourney always falls on the hottest weekend of the summer. We%26#39;re talking 100 degrees and up. Lots of outstate and international teams come thinking it%26#39;s Minnesota -- how hot can it get?

Well, not just high temperatures but brutal humidity usually up here.

El Loro is a good Mexican place not too far. Otherwise, not too much that I like near the NSC.

El Loro is in the next twon over, called Coon Rapids. Off Highway 10.

In Blaine, there is Figaro%26#39;s, a pizza place.

In Coon Rapids, there is Sammy%26#39;s Pizza. Gotta get those carbs, right?

2 bedroom hotel near MOA

I want 2 beds in 2 seperate rooms, one bed NOT being a pullout sofa / sleeper.... is there such a hotel? Neither one of us want to sleep on a sofa bed and we don%26#39;t want to sleep in the same room together either.

It seems that the suites there only have one bedroom and the 2nd room is just a living room with a sofa sleeper.

2 bedroom hotel near MOA

I know Residence Inns have two bedroom situations, because I have used them. There is at least one Residence Inn close to the Mall:

marriott.com/hotels/鈥?/a>

Hope this helps.

2 bedroom hotel near MOA

Sounds like a great possibility!

We stayed in a two-bedroom suite at the Staybridge Suites in Bloomington near the Mall of America last year (www.staybridge.com, and look for hotel in Bloomington, MN).

I found Staybridge to be newer and better than most of the Residence Inn hotels I%26#39;ve stayed at in the past. The best part of the two bedroom suite is it has two separate bedrooms AND bathrooms, and one bedroom had two beds. Great staff, and the hot breakfast is wonderful.

Check them out!

Here%26#39;s the link to the Staybridge Suites:

ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sb/1/en/hotel/mspbl鈥?/a>

Since your interested in going to the MOA, I thought I would let you know that that last time we stayed at the Residence Inn close to the mall (Bloomington) they had a free shuttle to the mall every 30 min. It worked well with the group we were with because everyone was on a different schedule.

MN in late December, tell us your ';cold weather'; stories

I have never experienced really cold weather and never thought I would until I booked a flight to Minnesota to visit relatives who just moved to that State.

As a Washington DC resident, I see some cold days. One time it got down to 10 degrees but that was in the middle of the night and I was sleeping. Most days are above freezing.

I was told that in Minnesota it can get to 40 below zero, with a wind chill that goes to 90 below. Exposed skin is frost bitten if is out for more than a few seconds.

What did I get my self into?

MN in late December, tell us your ';cold weather'; stories

it%26#39;s rare, but occassionaly it does get down that cold.

We experienced it in Jan 2005, on a ski trip in Northern MN - along the North Shore at Lutsen.

It was so cold, no one in our group skied. And on the last day, one of the cars wouldn%26#39;t start, with out that fuel additive HEAT and lots of patience.

Usually if it%26#39;s just cold out, and you%26#39;re going to be outside for any period of time, just dress in layers - and don%26#39;t forget cap %26amp; gloves.

MN in late December, tell us your ';cold weather'; stories

Oh--I got one--I got one.

We were staying in Grand Portage--on Lake Superior, just south of the Canadian border. It was COLD. I%26#39;m not exactly sure but in the minus 20 range (temp not wind chill).

A life long MN resident, I tried all the tricks to get my car started, but no luck. So I gave up and called the nearest tow truck, which was in a little town just down the road. I explained my problem, and the woman expressed some sympathy, and said that they%26#39;d be there to help.

As soon as they could get the tow truck started.

I grew up in Minnesota and do recall some do recall some 60 below windchill temps. I remember being so excited when the temps rose up into the 30s! We%26#39;d go out in just our sweaters! It was like ';spring is here!';. Now I live in Arizona and complain that I%26#39;m freezing to death when its in the high 60s. My parents - who still live in Minnesota - come out to Arizona for Christmas and wear shorts and t shirts, while I sit bundled in my sweats and a blanket. I guess your body really does adjust to the climate!

It%26#39;s really not that bad. HAving lived in both MN and DC, I actually prefer the cold in MN to the winter in DC. Why? Humidity. The cold in MN, even when it is -40 F, is a dry cold and is actually nice. You can walk around and while you are cold, you don%26#39;t feel like you%26#39;re suffering.

The humid stuff in DC, even when 25 or 35 F, sinks into your bones and makes me feel miserable.

It%26#39;s actually fun to be in extreme cold, kind of like skydiving, you%26#39;re not sure if you will make it, but when you walk inside, you%26#39;re okay and you look forward to another day.

I don%26#39;t know if you have visited yet, but keep in mind that it rarely gets that cold, even in the northern part of the state. When it does, you stay inside! Having also lived in the DC area, I%26#39;ll take the cold any day over those muggy 100 degree August days in the District. Much worse than a little cold, windy air, as far as I%26#39;m concerned...

Its amazing living in Minnesota because right now it is in the 20%26#39;s and it seems like a heat wave has gone through here. It is very rare that we will get the 40 below days and yes it can get really really cold when the wind starts to blow. As stated before, when that happens you just stay inside. In the past ten years we have had more days missed from school for it being too cold and its rare that we will actually get a snow day.

It%26#39;s a dry cold. ;)

When I was a kid we lived in the Balt-DC metro area and my dad would often travel back to MSP for business. He always said it could be ~30-40 degrees in metro DC yet he would feel really cold. When he landed in MSP it could be -10 below and not feel nearly as cold as he did in DC.

Cold is cold.........

Dress in layers..couple pairs of socks.......gloves, etc.

You gotta love winter sports to be happy here...

Winter most of the year...

Well, well, well, Conversationalist. Welcome to Minnesota. Yep . . . it gets cold here (not like Vegas, my man!) but 90 below windchill is a bit of an exaggeration. When are you visiting?

hand cream

dog hair

fort ripley

Expect to be in Fort Ripley this coming summer.

Looking for information pertaining to hotels restaurants activities etc.

fort ripley

Are you coming with a Guard unit, Schotsey? You%26#39;ll find the best accommodations, restaurants and entertainment in the Brainerd lakes area (about 15 minutes north of Fort Ripley).

Visit explorebrainerdlakes.com for lots of info.

toddler travel

Anybody have any ideas about where to go with a toddler in June. Live in Rochester so do not want to go to far from home. About 3 hours away would be far enough.

Thanks

toddler travel

When our kids were young, we often made annual trips to Duluth. They enjoyed watching the ships come in, time spent at the beach out on Minnesota Point, trips to the zoo, tormenting the sea gulls and an ice cream cone down at Canal Park.

Depending upon how young your toddler is, he/she might enjoy the aquarium or whatever is showing a the Omni Theater.

We made great family memories in Duluth. It remains one of their favorite vacation spots.

Traveler's Inn

For our second visit to the Mayo Clinic, we need to stay for more than a week. My daughter is getting surgery. Has anyone ever stayed at the Traveler%26#39;s Inn? If so, how is it? Clean?

Any other suggestions?

Traveler's Inn

There are several hotels/suites that do have rates based on weekly stays. Depending on which hospital--Methodist or St Marys--would help in deciding where to stay. I%26#39;ve not heard of the Travelers Inn. There are new places going up all the time. If you are downtown, the Kahler is good. The Radisson, Holiday Inn Express, Marriot, Clinic View Inn and Suites are all downtown and have shuttle service.

Traveler's Inn

My daughter is having surgery at the Methodist. I was looking also at the Best Western Soldgers Feild because they have a shuttle to 10pm and free breakfast. Has anyone stayed there?

Thanks for your suggestions. But, we are trying to find a hotel under $100 with breakfast. We stayed at the Springhill. It was wonderful. But, the shuttle only runs until 6 pm.

I have not heard anything bad about Soldiers Field. When I worked at Methodist, several of my patients stayed there. I think you would be happy there.

The Kahler Executive Inn downtown is ';OK'; and last I recall under $100 (I think like $79-84). Always ask for ';Clinic Rate'; in Rochester. It is on the subway so very convenient to Methodist. We%26#39;ve stayed there a couple times pre %26amp; post-op. Pretty plain but clean and the breakfast was OK. Parking is limited but included in the rate and underground.

Most all the hotels/motels in Rochester are on the shuttle service to Mayo locations but the concenience of the subway connected hotels is great if not going to St. Mary%26#39;s. When we go there we usually stay at what used to be the Travelodge but is now renamed something else (Guesthouse something or other). For a $59 clinic rate is has been really good and is on the shuttle service too.

Minneapolis clubs?

Planning a visit May 18-21 to Minneapolis. Anybody have some information on some clubs--prefer hip hop, dance music.

Names, location, prices would help alot.

thanks in advance,

Canadian lady

Minneapolis clubs?

The clubs in Minneapolis are all downtown in the Warehouse District.

How many do you have in your group and what are the ages?

I can direct you to semi-clubby places early on for very cheap drinks and to the more upsclae clubs later on if you like. Just let me know what you%26#39;re thinking.

There is quite a range, from lower brow dance bars like Drink and Harvey%26#39;s and Lone Tree (20-somethings, loud, crowded) with no cover to upscale be-seen places like Escape, Bellanotte and The Lounge.

Let me know ....

Minneapolis clubs?

mntoathens:

didn%26#39;t know how to reply to you im responding to my own post...

there are 2 of us so far!

mostly just want to have a good time, dance, drink a little.

we are in our mid 20%26#39;s. Basically want to check out clubs that play hip hop or dance/techno music.

:)

i guess that%26#39;s the way it works, sorry new to this!

Are you staying downtown? If so, all the clubs are within walking distance to one another, which will help.

If you%26#39;re in the market for cheap drinks early on, head to Harvey%26#39;s from 9-10. The drinks are $2 for whatever you want, anything on the shelf. The music is hip-hop, though often more of the old-school stuff. But not a bad place if you want to get a few drinks in you at a good price. Harvey%26#39;s (no cover) is at 3rd Street and First Avenue North. (All of the places I%26#39;ll tell you about are either on First Avenue or no more than 2 blocks off of it.

If you want a place that%26#39;s loud and crowded (and big) and has a less-formal dance floor than the upper-scale, dark clubs, check out Drink, which is at 5th Street and First Avenue. No cover usually, but I%26#39;ve been charged no more than $3 if there is a cover. Lots of pretty people, but younger.

If you want really loud -- at times pulse -- follow 5th Street Away from First Avenue (if you%26#39;re coming out of the Drink, take a left) and check out Spin. This place is dark, with crazy lights and very loud music. There%26#39;s usually a small cover, maybe $5.

For the more upscale places, there is Club Escape in Block E. I haven%26#39;t been there in years, so I don%26#39;t know what the cover is. But I can assure you there will be one. This is pretty chic, where you might see some pro athletes.

For a slight step down, a little more mellow, check out The Lounge on Second Avenue North (one block off First Avenue in the other direction). Many different rooms with different types of music. Lots of pretty people from mid-20s to mid-30s. You%26#39;ll get a cover there too. No more than 10 bucks.

There%26#39;s also Fahrenheit, which is small and has about a $8 cover. It%26#39;s right on First Avenue. All ages in here.

For really young crowd and cheap drinks and big crowds, there%26#39;s Lone Tree/Annexx on 6th Street and First Avenue.

Sorry about the delay----- i forgot my password and had to register again!!!!

yes, we are planning to stay downtown.. hopefully able to get an affordable hotel..

we don%26#39;t like the old music... and definately not looking for all ages clubs....

Club Escape as you mentioned sounds good and seems like it would be fun.

thanks again

Then I think your best options to check out would be Escape, The Lounge and Spin.

I think you%26#39;ll like Drink, too, if you want less of clubby atmosphere during the night. It%26#39;s the biggest place downtown, and you can%26#39;t miss it. It%26#39;s crowded with good-looking people. I%26#39;d call it more of a dance bar than a club.

For hip hop I like Visage which is downtown Minneapolis.

Karma is fun, very diverse ethinically and on the new side.

Club escape is fun but make sure you are not going on 18 plus night.

what do you mean by not going to Escape on 18+ night? hopefully thats not all ages night i dont want to be hanging around 18 y/o. haha

We are in our mid 20%26#39;s.

thanks for the tip and suggestions on clubs!

none are over 10 dollars, most are 5 ish. check their websites to see when 18 plus night is. Spin is huge and gets very crowded but I liked it the first so many times I went. I would go there on a Sat. I would do Viasage on Fri. Good luck!

Don%26#39;t worry about Spin%26#39;s 18-plus. That%26#39;s only on Thursdays. Lots of clubs do it to bring in some type of crowd on a slow weekday night.

safe to walk?

I%26#39;m going to be staying at the Marriott Towneplace Suites Downtown for 4 days at the end of March and will be going to a conference at the convention centre while I%26#39;m there. From the map, it looks like a walkable distance but I%26#39;m wondering if it%26#39;s considered safe to walk (single woman, etc. etc.) Also, any recommendations about best bets to check out for eating, entertainment close to the hotel?

safe to walk?

I would say it%26#39;s safe, but like anywhere, anything can happen.

If it%26#39;s during the day, you might want to get to Hennepin Ave, then walk south, til you can hook up with the Skyway (Block E, CityCenter, etc.).

Here%26#39;s a skyway map -

www.stthomas.edu/mpls/visitors/skywaymap.htm

Otherwise, it%26#39;s just a quick $5.00 taxi ride each way I%26#39;d imagine.

Near your hotel is Origami sushi - one of the best in town.

If you cross the bridge on Hennepin heading north, there%26#39;s a Lunds grocery store, with a pretty good hot / cold - ';to go'; section %26amp; salad bar. You could stock up there too.

Near there is also Nye%26#39;s Polonaise (fun bar %26amp; food too), the Times (for awesome fondue), Chipotle, and other places to eat.

safe to walk?

I would say that it is not walking distance. It%26#39;s pretty far. Taxis are plentiful and not expensive. I would guess $6-7. Minneapolis is safe, but even in the safest places you can be seen as a target when you%26#39;re by yourself. I would just eliminate any anxiety and hop a cab.

For entertainment, yes, Nye%26#39;s is absolutely the best bet near you. You have to cab over Hennepin Bridge, past St. Anthony Main. Will be on the right side a few blocks past end of the bridge. I was there Saturday night, maybe my zillionth time there. Every time there is a treat. Make sure you don%26#39;t miss the Ruth Adams polka band (with 90-some-year-old Ruth!) and Lou the pianist on the other side of the bar. She%26#39;s a sweetheart. Those two and the bartenders and the lovely hostess are institutions there.

For eats, I agree with Origami. You could also make your way up to Washington (about 2 blocks) and head southerly toward 1st Avenue north. Before you get there you%26#39;ll see Cafe Havana. Cuban-style food in a beautiful setting. Maybe do that for dinner and hit up Nye%26#39;s afterward.

The convention center is 1-1/2 miles from your hotel. Walkable in my opinion if you have the right shoes and it is not too cold. I am single, female and live downtown. I feel comfortable walking downtown alone at night but choose certain routes over others. Nicollet Mall is better than Hennepin Avenue or 1st Avenue. I%26#39;d suggest taking Washington Avenue to Nicollet on your way to the Convention Center. The skyways are nice when it is cold but can be confusing if you are not familiar with the routes and buildings and hot if you are walking a longer distance and dressed for the cold.

As for eating near the hotel, I%26#39;d suggest Monte Carlo or the Loop. There are also many places along Nicollet Mall that you could stop at on your way back to the hotel and if you didn%26#39;t want to walk, could easily pick up a cab.

Yeah, it%26#39;s relatively safe.....kinda far, though. ; )

A cab would probably only be $5-$6.....then again, it makes a huge difference if the weather%26#39;s actually nice by then.

The hotel is close to the Warehouse district, which has the citie%26#39;s highest concentration of nightclubs, along with some good live music venues (Fineline, First-Avenue, Shouthouse duling pianos. Bunkers is also close, up washington).

Yep, safe to walk but I agree with the suggestion to head down Nicollet Mall if you%26#39;re alone. If you walk indoors there are a number of maps of the skyway system posted in the skyways, although it isn%26#39;t a straight shot and can be confusing. For a quick lunch, check out the lower level of Macy%26#39;s (variety of food counters - deli, salads, Lee Ann Chin, soups, pizza, etc.) or the Skyroom on Macy%26#39;s 12th floor (cafeteria-style).

I lived downtown for many years and still work downtown... I walked at night for years (convention center was on my way home) and had a few scary episodes but nothing major. I agree - walk Nicollet Mall during the day - it%26#39;s just easier to navigate and it%26#39;s nice and bustling. Take a cab at night. It will be $6 max. Also agree with Bunkers - live music every night for a small cover charge. The crowd there is really fun and diverse. The Depot is also right by where you are staying if you want to ice skate indoors - that can be fun if you%26#39;re that type of person. If you like Thai food go to Sawatdee on Washington (OR the one in warehouse district for that matter but Washington will be closer for you). Awesome recommendation to go to Nye%26#39;s. The Local is a great bar on Nicollet Mall - great crowd there too (and a kissing room!). The Guthrie Theater is also on Washington if you are into theater. I don%26#39;t recommend seeing Peer Gynt however if it is still playing there. First Avenue is a great place too for live music/DJ%26#39;s/salsa depending on the night www.first-avenue.com I hear Fogo de Chao is amazing if you are hungry for a ton of meat. Block E has a movie theater that is usually pretty dead but a nice escape. Solera is also a great tapas restaurant/bar.

natural hair

March Visit

We will be staying near MOA for a few night in mid March. We have a few days to see the sights before we transfer to our downtown hotel for our convention. We wanted a cheaper place to stay pre conference.

Is there an inexpensive way to get to get to Stillwater from Bloomington for a day trip besides renting a car? I%26#39;d like a plan ';B'; for how to get around if the snow is bad.

March Visit

None I can think of. It%26#39;s about a 35- to 40-minute drive from Bloomington to Stillwater -- more if you go during rush hour. So a taxi would be really spendy. And there%26#39;s no public transportation to Stillwater. Maybe someone else knows of something I haven%26#39;t heard of.

March Visit

If we still had streetcars, those used to go to Stillwater. Unfortunately, the mobsters had those torn up years ago!

Renting a car would be the (by far) least expensive solution. If you will be staying near the Mall, your hotel may have a shuttle to get you to the airport, where you could get to your car rental company. Or, depending on the company, they may deliver it to your hotel.

Hi Travelanne,

Not sure from your message if you already found a place to stay near the MOA. If not check out this link to a newer hotel, 10 mins. from the MOA but also near city of Edina.

Link: http://www.lebourgethotel.com/index.html

Edina is just North of Bloomington. It is home to the country%26#39;s first enclosed mall, Southdale, has a Galleria Mall, many restaurants and a great shopping district called ';50th and France'; with great unique boutiques and restaurants.

I would also suggest the Grand Ave. area of St. Paul. A quaint street 2 blocks from historic Summit Ave, lined with mansions from lumber barons, govenors and writers, Grand Ave. host a broad array of shopping and eating opportunities. (20 mins. from MOA).

A couple other nice places to visit while in town would include, Wayzata on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior also on the lake and finally Red Wing home of Red Wing Shoes and Pottery.

Hope these are helpful or at least interesting.

Sausage321

hand cream

fun & romantic day trip

I%26#39;ll be in Minneapolis next week. I would love to plan a surprise day trip for my fiancee. We love art museums, music, the outdoors, basically we are up for anything. Any ideas since I hear it is freezing out there right now. I will be there from the 26th to the 11th of March. Thanks!

fun %26amp; romantic day trip

Do you ski?

The cold snap is breaking today -- not sure how it will be when you%26#39;re here. But Afton and Trollhaugen are day-trip distance and nice for skiing. If you%26#39;re ambitious you could head up to Lutsen or Spirit Mountain. Very scenic up there, particularly Lutsen with views of Lake Superior. One a nice day, it%26#39;s hard to tell where the lake ends and the sky begins.

In town, you could stop by the Minneapolis Institute of Art which is not far from the intersection of Nicollet Ave and 26th Street. Free! Stunningly large colleciton for a free museum/art institute.

Then combine that with dinner somewhere on Eat Street. Azia, King and I (Thai) come to mind. King and I is not technically on Nicollet but a block off at LaSalle and Grant. (Sit in bar area, not dining room).

My favorite place for nie atmosphere and great wine seleciton (and unique beer list) is Riverview Wine Bar at 42nd Ave and 38th St. Just 3 blocks from my house! Their Italian-style hand-made pizzas are unbelievable and not expensive at all. Combine it with a nice Bordeaux and some dessert. All the food is fantastic. You might have to wait afew minutes as they don%26#39;t take reservations. ut you can sit on the bench by the door until a table opens up and they%26#39;ll serve you there if you want as you wait/

fun %26amp; romantic day trip

Maybe check out Mill City Museum, then a show %26amp; walk around and check out the ledge at the Guthrie Theater -

http://www.guthrietheater.org/

Then romantic dinner %26amp; overnight stat at Nicollet Island Inn -

http://www.nicolletislandinn.com/

And if you can time it with Sunday Brunch there - that%26#39;s a bonus.

You%26#39;re close to Nye%26#39;s Bar - that%26#39;d be an fun / entertaining place for a few drinks later in the evening.