Arriving in Minneapolis on Friday 3/21

We%26#39;ll be in Minneapolis next Friday and could use some help.

What%26#39;s the snow like right now, do I need to pack snow boots? We will be staying a few days in Bloomington visiting the MOA, traveling to Stillwater for a shopping day and looking around a bit. How%26#39;s the driving right now, am considering renting a car while staying in Bloomington.

Then moving to downtown Minneapolis for a 5 day conference, have access to skybridge but I want to make sure we can get around.

I%26#39;m interested in seeing doing some shopping and seeing some interesting sights. Not necessarily into art gallerys or museums.

Arriving in Minneapolis on Friday 3/21

There is a pretty good chance the snow is gone by the end of the weekend. Temp in the 40s and 50s now so the snow is melting quickly. My guess there will be little to none and you won%26#39;t have to use the skyway (unless you really want to).

Driving should be fine outside of rush hour, which I would avoid at all costs. 7:30 - 9 and 4 - 6. It usually surprises visitors how much gridlock forms during those times on weekdays.

I would direct you to the Flour Mill walk on the Mississippi riverfront, including St. Anthony Main and the Stone Arch Bridge. Perhaps a glimpse of the bridge construction.

Otherwise, Nicollet Mall is good shopping. If you%26#39;re interested in restaurant recommendations, we can do that too.

Arriving in Minneapolis on Friday 3/21

I%26#39;d agree- down by the river would be a good walk- St. Anthony Main - Stone Arch Brige.

You can go into the new Guthrie Theater just to catch the views of the river on the outdoor observation deck.

The Salad Bar at the Macy%26#39;s 12th Floor Skyroom is very impressive - M-F over the lunch hours.

I was at the Mall of America today and it was crazy busy! The new ';Nickelodeon Park'; opened today. It%26#39;s the updated version of the Camp Snoopy theme park. They had all kinds of special events going on today to celebrate; I%26#39;m not sure how long those celebration activities will go on but you might check into the schedule if you like those sorts of things (Ashley Simpson was the best headliner today)

Thanks for the tips!

One more question...what is the best light rail stop for the Marriott City Center from the airport?

There is almost no difference in getting off at either the Nicollet Mall station or the Warehouse District station, but I guess I would ride to the last station on the line, which is the Warehouse District, located between 1st Avenue North and Hennepin Avenue on 5th Street. When you get off the train, walk back toward where the train was coming from; this will be toward Hennepin Avenue. When you get to Hennepin Avenue, turn right (south) and head two blocks to 7th Street. Take a left (east), and the Marriott is about half a block on the left side of the street.

This map from the hotel website shows both the location of the hotel and the location of nearby lightrail stations:

marriott.com/hotels/…

I would take Nicollet Mall stop and just walk south to 7th street for the Marriott.

If you%26#39;re not into museums, then I would say shopping, eating and some live music are the way to go. Since you have a car:

Uptown - beautiful lakes, great restaurants %26amp; lots of interesting shopping - Figlios, Chino Latino, Famous Daves BBQ

50th %26amp; France in Edina - even more so but larger variety %26amp; upscale

Grand Avenue in St Paul - esp if it%26#39;s a beautiful day

The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove - while I%26#39;m not a fan, people seem to love this area, suburban with more chains

Albertville Outlet Mall - I love this place, but it%26#39;s almost an hour outside of town and is HUGE

If you%26#39;re walking along the river by St Anthony Main, I love checking out Northeast - cross the river at Hennepin, hear the World%26#39;s Most Dangerous Polka Band at Nye%26#39;s Polonaise Room, sample the wine %26amp; cheese at Surdyks, get a cheap spa service from a student at the Aveda Institute (avoid pedi/manicures) and eat at Whitey%26#39;s Saloon, Pizza Nea, Mairin%26#39;s Table, Brasa Rotisserie or Wilde Roast Cafe

Also while in town, you should seriously try to get in at 112 Eatery. And catch some live music, a couple great places near your hotel are 1st Avenue and The Dakota - pick up a City Pages for more listings.

We were looking at spring yesterday, but right now (Monday) its snowing again. Forecast is 2'; to 5'; ending at midnight tonight.

But you should not have a problem getitng around by the time you get here. Driving will be fine, dragging a rolling suitcase a few blocks might be more of a challenge.

You should check back in a couple of days.

Thanks everyone, I%26#39;ll keep checking back for my weather update!

game for some fun Fri night -

check out Nye%26#39;s Polonaise Room

just up Hennepin Ave - across the Mississippi River

';world%26#39;s most dangerous polka band'; on one side

and Lou at the piano bar - and karaoke flowing on the other

nothings changed from the 40%26#39;s

great mix of people to spend a few hrs