We just returned from a pleasant but hectic visit to Minneapolis. First- we did not get to do much of what I planned, but our days and nights were full, so I recommend a longer stay if you plan on seeing most of the recommended sites.
The airport was easy to manuever, and security when we left was uneventful.
We got our bag and rental car (Enterprise) and were on our way to the hotel in less than 40 minutes after we landed. The trip into the city was not as easy as we encountered rush hour traffic and unfamiliar one way streets. It took us 20 minutes to get to the Westin and we were within the block.
The hotel was very nice. Our room was 517- according to the reservations manager, we were to have had a corner- it was not, but the bed was comfortable, the room clean, the bathroom very nice- only the view was lacking. I am not sure that any hotel in the city itself would have much of a view though as all the buildings were high in the vicinity. The lounge/restaurant area was first class (also pricey). The parking was convenient- but pricey and the internet connectivity was also expensive as many other places seemed to offer it complimentary. The concierge was helpful and friendly though she was not always there when I went through. The pool/fitness area was virtually unused both times I was there, but very clean and well kept. The housekeeping was late in the day. I returned at 1:45 and the room had not been made up the first day; she was in the room when my husband arrived at 3:30 and left without taking the trash or placing clean towels though she did hand him several. She also left only decaf coffee, but gave us extra the next morning when we caught her.
We ate breakfasts at Bruegers Bagels each day, we are not big breakfast eaters. For dinners we ate one night at COSI which is a flatbread cafe type place. The food was excellent, the price good. We grabbed a flatbread pizza and went to hear jazz at the Orchestra Hall open air plaza before watching the aquatennial parade on Hennepin. The next night we ate at the 8th St. Cafe. We had a excellent salmon and Fat tire beers (New Belguim brewers in Ft. Collins, CO). The last night we ate at the Rock Bottom Brewpub. The brews and pretzel/cheese dip appetizers were so filling that we had to share an entree (steak, potatoes and veggies). No compliants, but nothing was especially notable either. Had dessert later at Sebastian Joe%26#39;s- I was disappointed that they did not have toasted coconut- had the raspberry chocolate chip instead. Hubby had Pavarotti, which he liked.
We rode the light rail to the MOA late one evening to go see a movie- did not shop, but got the gist of the place (huge). The light rail was impressive though in its efficiency.
Thursday was farmer%26#39;s market along Nicolette. I really enjoyed it, bought several fruits which I enjoyed for lunch. I would have fresh flowers all summer if I lived in the area- gorgeous and inexpensive. I rode the bus to Lake St. where I shopped and then on to Uptown, where I shopped, then walked the Mall to Lake Calhoun. I did not have time to bike and the weather was a bit overcast= so I did not swim/sun either:=( We toured the sculpture and flower gardens and enjoyed the walk as well. We listened to jazz and classical music as well as the street performers and dining musicians.
It is our impression that when the weather is conducive, people from Minneapolis love to be outdoors. I really like the outdoor dining and entertainment options. If I return, I will make it a point to go to Lake Harriett early so I don%26#39;t miss it. Husband went to St. Paul, but I didn%26#39;t; he saw the bridges (under construction and stone), I didn%26#39;t.
All in all a good first visit.
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