4 day visit in May

I am very excited about spending 4 nights in Minneapoolis May 15-19. We are staying close to MOA but want to see some sites downtown. We understand transportation is great. What 3 things would you recommend a tourist should see when visiting? We have already spent a few days a few years ago doing the MOA so is not necessary to see this time. Can you recommend any interesting restaurants? You should all be so pround of your city.....we think it is beautiful.

4 day visit in May

walk along the Minneapolis Riverfront

- Stone Arch Bridge

- Guthrie observation perch

- St. Anthony Main

- maybe take in paddleboat ride

saintanthonymain.com/mplsriverfrontdistrict.鈥?/a>

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

http://www.twincitiescruises.com/

see if there%26#39;s a play or show at one of the three theaters on Hennepin - State/Orpheum/Pantages Theaters

http://www.hennepintheatredistrict.org/

check if there%26#39;s an interesting exhibit at one of the several museums

www.museumspot.com/cities/minneapolis.htm

as for restaurants - so many to choose from -

but maybe one of these

Cafe Havana

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Azia

鈥itysearch.com/profile/35722969/minneapolis鈥?/a>

and if good group playing - Rossis Blue Star Jazz

鈥itysearch.com/profile/38060994/minneapolis鈥?/a>

there are two areas to eat - formal steakhouse in the back, or up front by the stage - the jazz room.

enjoy!!

4 day visit in May

The previous suggestions are great!

In addition, spending some time in the uptown area would be really fun if it is nice outside. There are 3 lakes in this area - Calhoun, Isles, and Harriet. You can rent kayaks and canoes, or just walk around the lake. There are a few pretty good restaurants in that area too - I%26#39;d recommend Barbette, Amore Victoria, or Chino Latino. There is also shopping in this area as well.

Thanks to all, these are great suggestions and will help us plan our days. I am getting very excited and really hope the weather is nice. Thanks again.

it was a perfect balmy day yesterday - I think you%26#39;ll have good weather

I hope so........it snowed all afternoon here yesterday and was cold with a very bitter cold north wind. The last time we were in Minneapolis, it was April and it was beautiful. We walked and walked and fell in love with the city. We are hoping to make it an annual trip each May. You really should be so pround of where you live. Have a great day and thanks for all the info.

Val

If you%26#39;re not already booked, you really should consider staying downtown. It%26#39;s a little spendier but you spend less time (and $$) taking the light rail downtown and back, like you would have to staying near the MOA. Staying near MOA is great if you are here primarily for the mall, but it sounds as if you%26#39;er ready to see a little more of downtown than Bloomington.

At any rate, you%26#39;ve been advised well so far. I would piggyback the Uptown/Lakes suggestion.

I would take a wander around Uptown near Calhoun Square and then stroll west to Lake Calhoun and be sure to visit the prettiest lake in the chain (Harriett). On Calhoun you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle under Excelsior up the lake chain.

Go take in the sailboating on Harriett. If you can arrange bike rental, that%26#39;s a fantastic way to see all the lakes and the magnificent architecture surrounding them.

And, of course, it wouldn%26#39;t be me if I didn%26#39;t suggest a stop off at Minnehaha Park for a picnic to break up that long train ride from MOA to downtown.

If you did arrange bikes, load up a backpack with lunch and drinks and you can have lunch at Harriett or Calhoun. There is a Kowalskys at about 24th and Hennepin. Lots of good cheeses, breads, fruits and meats to take out in boxes. Pop them in the backpack and head over the lakes.

The parks are, after all, this city%26#39;s crowning achievement, IMO. Followed closely by the theater scene. Maybe take a look at what%26#39;s playing at the Guthrie, and then you can combine that with a wander over the nearby Stone Arch bridge and get a pre-show drink at Pracna on Main.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We have already made hotel arrangements and is probably too late to change them so for this time we will have to stay near MOA. We enjoyed the train rides last time we were there and didn%26#39;t find them that long. I do think we will look around downtown and find a hotel we like there for next year. Now lets all cross our fingers the weather is nice. :)

Generally you have until 24-48 hrs before your check in to cancel hotel arrangements is you want. check with your hotel to be sure first of course.

I like the suggestions so far, but thought that I would toss in a few more. The Mill City Museum (next to the Guthrie) is very cool. I was skeptical but impressed. On a nice late spring night, I love sitting outside at Britt%26#39;s Pub and having a beer either overlooking Nicollet Mall in front or the Lawn Bowling court in back. This is an unusual urban experience. If you can get in 112 Eatery is still one of the best, and most affordable high end places in town. Another favorite is Sapor (both are downtown in the Warehouse District).

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