Train, Dolce Oak Ridge, and other questions-this weekend.

We%26#39;ll be staying at the Dolce-Oak Ridge Hotel in Chaska for the weekend and will be going to the Renaissance Fest on Saturday. Any comments on this Hotel and the hotel restaurant would be appreciated. I was thinking about driving to the MOA and taking the train downtown. Is there parking right where the train stops at the Mall area?

I thought there must be some good restaurants and bars on the train line as I see people do train pub crawls. Does this sound like an ok plan or more of a pain than what it might be worth? We%26#39;re not looking for the loud high energy dance clubs. Thanks in advance for any advice. Fred

Train, Dolce Oak Ridge, and other questions-this weekend.

I think a pub crawl on light rail is a great idea for out-of-towners. Yes, there is tons of parking as the train goes right into the mall, near Underwater World. Plan to spend a whole if not half day - you can explore downtown and also relax in Minnehaha Park if you%26#39;d like.

Train, Dolce Oak Ridge, and other questions-this weekend.

I%26#39;ve been to a few conventions at that Chaska facility. Meals were buffet for us - so we%26#39;ve never ordered off the menu if there is one. It%26#39;s pretty remote. Have a good map, or you might miss the sign to turn in.

Breakfasts were excellent - made to order omlettes and lots of fresh fruits.

Rooms %26amp; beds were comfie. I think they completely remodled a few years back.

There are walking trails, and even a lake in the back.

There%26#39;s one restaurant I%26#39;d HIGHLY recommend of the ones on the light rail line -

Get off at Lake Street Station - and walk EAST a few blocks to TownTalk Diner. It has earned rave reviews for their food %26amp; infused drink creations.

http://www.towntalkdiner.com/

There%26#39;s a map on their web site to give you an idea where it%26#39;s at. Save room for thier ';adult malts';.

There are two huge parking ramps at the mall. You can park there and take the light rail from there (below main level). If you park in the east side ramp, that will be closer for you.

You%26#39;ve already gotten great advice. I can%26#39;t help with Oak Ridge or the light rail.

But I would suggest that you get to the Renaissance Festival early (gates open at 9:00). There is typically a long line of cars trying to get in, but it does move pretty fast. And make an effort to remember where you parked. Look back before you enter the gate, and picture where your car is.

And take plenty of $$.

There is some online literature these days on the light rail pub crawl, but the ones I see and hear about miss so many great spots.

For example, the Schooner at the Lake Street stop. One of the best bars in town, a true original.

And you can now get a beer at the Minnehaha Park stop -- at Sea Salt (in the park).

Sunrise Inn and 46th Street stop.

Some of them you have to walk a few blocks, but by about Cedar Riverside you really need the time off and the exercise.

As for restaurants along the light rail, Town Talk is a good suggestion. Not the prettiest part of town but the diner makes up for it big time.

If you%26#39;re just looking for a greasy burger, then you can walk the 75 yards to the Cardinal from the 38th Street stop.

I%26#39;ve been on the x-mas light rail crawls before.

The schooner was on the list but is was so cold and windy that Dec eve, we weren%26#39;t up for the long walk so we made a group decision to skip it.

we thought about adding sunrise, but were told that they only serve 3.2 beer... true?

ittwit