Never been to Minneapolis before.

Hi.

My husband and I are trying to plan a vacation for August. We like to visit a city that we can explore on foot. We like quaint and interesting streets we can walk along, and do some shopping and eat in nice restaurants. How does Minneapolis fit into that scenario?

Also, can anyone recommend a nice Boutique Hotel? And last question how has the weather been in August in recent years?

Thank you so much for any help with these questions or any other suggestions or thoughts anyone may have on visiting Minneapolis.

Never been to Minneapolis before.

I think you%26#39;ll like the Chambers Hotel -

http://www.chambersminneapolis.com/

Try walking up/down Nicollet Mall for restaurants %26amp; shopping, and also St. Anthony Main - along the river.

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

Weather in Minneapolis in Aug is hot. Probably in the 90%26#39;s but still comfortable.

Never been to Minneapolis before.

I think DowntownMinneapolis is spot on about the Chambers.

It%26#39;s walking distance to many restaurants and a stone%26#39;s throw from a cluster of theaters on Hennepin Avenue.

If you wouldn%26#39;t be averse to hopping a city bus to get to Uptown MInneapolis (just down Hennepin), then you can discover even more walking opportunities for a nice stroll and interesting shops.

(There are really no hotels in Uptown and even if there were, I still would say you should stay downtown).

Downtown has its own nice walking areas too, but for more green space options in addition to the downtown walks including the Stone Arch bridge and Flour Mill loop on the MIssissippi waterfront, hop the bus or a taxi to Lake Calhoun -- and don%26#39;t forget to check out the even prettier Lake Harriet.

wonderful views, people-watching and house gazing. There really are some picturesque homes to stare at and there will be sailboats on the lakes. That should get you a start to your research.

I would definitely stay in Minneapolis, but explore areas outside of it...

Additionally to what%26#39;s been mentioned, Grand Avenue is a great afternoon of strolling, as is 50th %26amp; France, Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka and Stillwater. There are also many great art shows during the 1st weekend in August. Also, The Ivy is a newly-opened boutique hotel, supposed to be top-of鈥搕he-line.

While early August is usually the hottest time of year, the past few years have faded to cool days and often the rain coming back. It%26#39;s a real toss-up closer to the end of summer. But late July-early Aug are hot and humid. It%26#39;s awesome. Consider maybe catching a gondola ride in Stillwater or canoing/kayaking on one of the rivers or lakes.

I think minneapolis is a great city - but it is not full of quaint and interesting streets.

Having said that I think it is the healthiest (as in vibrant) us city that is not on a coast.

Minneapolis is a great place if you like urban parklands and good theater. We also have some good restaurants, but not like Torornto would.

The Chambers is a greta idea - but it is expensive - others might have some suggestions. I woul dalso check out the Grand Hotel.

Look at a map of downtown minneapolis while you read this

hennepin ave runs right through downtown. On one side (west/north) is an entertainment district. East/south is the primary business district - Nicollet Mall is the ';main'; street downtown. It is bus/taxi only and is very very pedestrian oriented.

East of Nicollet is Marquette (think 1st). Then come second and third street - To me third street marks the beginning of the edge of the core business district.

The cross streets (all are Streets not aves) can help you mark off the center of town. Most of the activity downtown takes place south of 4th street.

Also be careful in planning - you should do it soon and plan on the beginning to middle of August - the Republican Convention will be here starting sept 1

Sorry, but I%26#39;d have to disagree with happytogo... If you know where to visit, there are great little streets all over the place. Yes, we are a large metropolitan area, but not lacking the charm that I think you%26#39;re seeking. I also forgot to mention the farmers%26#39; markets - Minn is large and like a bazaar, St Paul is small and completely local.

I would also disagree.

There are streets here to seek out, even if not in abundance like Paris.

St. Anthony Main area, along the riverfront, part of the Flour Mill loop walk including the Stone Arch bridge. Even has a nice brick street and Pracna, Minneapolis%26#39; oldest restaurant (or so it%26#39;s advertised). Great Bloody Mary, by the way.

Also, Summit Hill and Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

And the Minneapolis river parkway from Franklin down to Minnehaha Park.

Or Minnehaha Parkway anywhere from Lake Harriet to Minnehaha Falls. Quaintness and picturesque hoses all along the pedestrian pathway.

And of course, Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. House gazing, pedestrian paths, bike trails, car parkways (one-way to increase saftey, views of the Mpls skyline.

In addition to the Chambers (which is great), there are a couple of other hotels to look into:

The Hotel Ivy is recently opened and is creating some buzz in town:

starwoodhotels.com/luxury/鈥?/a>

Also, scheduled to open July 28 is the new W Minneapolis. You might get a pretty good rate during August, as it will be brand new, and probably working out some kinks, as it were:

starwoodhotels.com/whotels/鈥?/a>

When, exactly, are you planning to visit? As mentioned, the Republican National Convention will be across the river in Saint Paul from September 1st through the 4th, but hotels will probably be very hard to come by during August. I would try to get a room as soon as possible.