Girls weekend....what is there besides MOA to do?

Hi,

My sisters and mom and myself will be going to Bloomington Nov 14-16. I have been TripAdvisor under Minneapolis and Bloomington and searching for things to do, but thought I would just start a topic.

Are their any recommendations of things to do besides MOA for a girls weekend?

Also, any good AFFORDABLE restaurants than anyone would recommend...with maybe a fun atmosphere? One of my sisters and my mom would probably both have a bit of sticker shock over spending $40-50 per person on a meal and a glass of wine....from some other recommendations I have seen. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated! THANK YOU!!!

Girls weekend....what is there besides MOA to do?

I grew up in Bloomington, and I know it well. There%26#39;s a reason I live in Minneapolis (and have for many years now), let%26#39;s just say that!

Not much to do there. Akin to maybe Brookfield, WI, in terms of suburbia with the standard chain options for bars and restaurants (a few exceptions, of course).

I really think you%26#39;d be best served hopping the train and heading into Minneapolis. The train is easily and cheap but make sure you get a ticket -- it is the honor system but people do get checked occassionally and you don%26#39;t want to pay the fine.

You can drive, too, of course, which opens up your options to south minneapolis, which will be cheaper than downtown but more spread out.

Downtown is spendier but has a far greater range of places to eat and drink -- options for all tastes. But I think you%26#39;d have to go pretty upscale to find a place that will set you back $40 for a meal and a glass of wine.

I really think Solera sounds like a good spot. Wine will cost about $7 a glass, unfortunately, but the selection is great. Where you can make up your cash is the a la carte ordering (tapas style) that lets you order as much or as little as you want so you don%26#39;t pay for what you won%26#39;t eat. And it qualifies as a fun environment in a fun area to walk around -- near the State and Pantages theater and near a good nightlife area for any age. The bar is usually pretty well attended at Solera -- you could even hang out there a bit.

If you give a little info on what kinid of nightlife you like or what%26#39;s a fun environment to you, we can provide more options.

(If you do choose Solera, I would call for reservations; and you would get off at the end of the line on the train. Go to Hennepin Avenue, which will be the last street the train crosses before making its final stop (Warehouse District) and turning around. Walk back to Hennepin, turn right and walk 4 blocks or so. Solera will be on your right.

Girls weekend....what is there besides MOA to do?

I can think of a myriad of things to do for girls weekend, but what do you like to do? And it sounds like you have a car, is that correct?

As far as inexpensive restaurants with fun atmospheres:

Downtown, unfortunately, not many inexpensive supper options, better for lunch or happy hour:

112 Eatery - this is by far one of the top restaurants in town with really good prices, call now for reservations.

Solera - The tapas are excellent, but it can get pricey. Don%26#39;t order the paella, really disappointing. Last week, I paid $90 for 2 of us with tapas, paella %26amp; cocktails. Might not be in your supper budget, but I%26#39;d stop there for a drink.

Palomino - if you%26#39;re eating early (4-6) this place has the best happy hour in town. Special price wine/beer/mojito/margarita, and all half price appetizers. Their mushroom salad, pizzas and shrimp are killer, we often do this for supper.

Joes Garage - great burgers, but this is really a great place on a warm day, so you can sit on the rooftop.

The Guthrie or The Walker - both of these places have less formal/expensive cafes onsite. The Walker is a world famous modern art museum/sculpture garden. The Guthrie is a world famous theater and in a cool area for walking if you%26#39;d like (St Anthony Bridge, riverfront, Mill City Museum)

Dinkytown area near the U

Loring Pasta Bar - I think I%26#39;ve taken all my visitors here - really fun, unique atmosphere. It%26#39;s not known for the food, but I%26#39;ve never had a bad meal there. Often some fun event happening later in the evening. (I always go to the Refinery Spa next door, the Kitty Kat Club and Varsity Theater have great live music)

Kafe 421 - this place is small %26amp; quaint, serving Eastern European, often has flamenco guitar for supper

Uptown, just south of downtown

Chino Latino - fun place, good people watching, served family-style. I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;ve ever paid over $30 pp with a group, including a drink.

Famous Daves - local BBQ chain with live music at night, best brisket I%26#39;ve ever had.

Chaing Mai Thai - dark %26amp; romantic, very yummy

Town Talk Diner - down the street a ways on Lake, it%26#39;s a loud old fashioned diner know for it%26#39;s ice cream cocktails, kitchen sink burger, great people watching

Northeast - north of downtown

Nye%26#39;s Polonaise Room - this is a Mpls institution. The dining room serves Polish food and has live piano: the bar has the worlds most dangerous polka band, riot!

Bulldog NE - this is newer but has a really proven bar menu, their burgers are killer

The Sample Room - small plates, great food, more affordable than Solera but nothing else nearby within walking distance.

Erte - our favorite, kitschy and affordable steak place, love going here. 331 Club across the st has fun live music.

Modern Cafe - little diner serving comfort food, basic and good, also next to 331 Club. The area galleries might have shows up, as the gallery crawl will have just occurred a week prior.

Intelligent Nutrients - travel a ways up Hennepin and you%26#39;ll find Horst Rechelbacher%26#39;s latest incarnation (he invented Aveda). Not only is it an alternative food/supplement store, but also an organic cafe and a fancy funky restaurant, like a scene out of Europe.

WHEW - hope that gets you started... and give us some ideas of what you like to do as a group.