Photo of the Week: Dawn Transformation

Dawn and dusk are magical times. What is ugly by day is beautiful at sunrise and sunset.  

Minneapolis at dawn

This photo of Minneapolis's industrial park was taken just as the sun began to rise over the Mississippi.  Ugly by day with smokestacks, power lines, and grime, the area seems vibrant in the early morning light.  

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit to check out other amazing photos! 

Best Coffee in the Twin Cities

J Arthur's authentic Italian Cappuccino

I haven driven to the far ends of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to spend a few hours at my favorite coffee shops.  After scouring dozens of popular Twin Cities coffee houses, I can announce the clear-cut favorite.  The best coffee in the Twin Cities can be found at J Arthur's Coffee in Roseville.  J Arthur's serves up authentic Italian style coffee that is rarely made in the metro area.  

What to Expect
The secret to J Arthur's success is not a secret at all; it is in their authentic Italian artisan coffee.  Order a cappuccino, and you will not get the large fluffy creation created by the corporate chain coffee shops. J Arthur's cappuccino is small, intensely flavorful, and nearly identical to cappuccino I've had in Italy. J Arthur's even serves their espresso drinks with a side of mineral water to complete the Italian experience.  Besides coffee, espresso, and tea, J Arthur's also serves up soups, sandwiches and baked goods. You can also feel good about your purchase; J Arthur's strives to offer sustainable, organic, fair-trade, and/or local products.  

J Arthur's Coffee

Most weekends J Arthur's has live music and plenty of seating, making it a great alternative to the bar scene. They have over a dozen tables, a comfortable lounge area around a fireplace, and a wall devoted to showcasing work from local artists. There are also two meeting rooms perfect for  business meetings, showers, or church groups.  The rooms can be reserved by purchasing a gift card ($25 for the smaller room, $50 for the larger). There is also a great patio out front (when Minnesota weather decides to cooperate).  For those on the go, J Arthur's has a drive up window (located on the back of the building).

Just the Basics

• Locations: 2441 Rice Street, Roseville, MN 
• Hours:
• Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm
• Friday-Saturday 6:30am-10pm
• Sunday 8am-8pm 
• Website: http://jarthurscoffee.com/ 
• Advice: For an authentic taste of Italy, order the cappuccino.

Light Rail to the Mall of America

It is easy to get to the Mall of America (MOA) from downtown Minneapolis by taking the light rail train. The Mall of America is located about 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis (in Bloomington, Minnesota).  A ride on the light rail is cheap, quick, and brings you directly to the east parking ramp at the Mall of America. 

What to Expect

Transit station Mall of America

All trains leaving downtown Minneapolis on the Hiawatha Line go to the Mall of America.  If you are going to the mall from the airport, you will take the same rail line. It will take about 30-40 minutes to travel from downtown to the Mall of America.  There are several points in downtown to catch the train, from Target Field to the Metrodome (Mall of America Field).  Click here for a schedule of pickup points on the Hiawatha Line. 

NOTE: Unlike metro buses, you must pay for light rail passes before boarding the train from one of the fare boxes located at each platform.      

Metro Transit Fare Ticket Box

Just the Basics

• Cost: $1.75 ($2.25 during rush hour)
• Time: 30-40 minutes
• Advice: If you are going to be in town for more than a couple of days, consider buying the 7 day unlimited "go pass" that you can use on all metro-area buses and trains 

Best Sites for Travel Out of Minneapolis

I have an obsession with finding great travel deals.  Unfortunately, Minneapolis is not a major market for airlines, and it can be hard to find "rock bottom" deals out of the Twin Cities.  The major travel booking sites such as Priceline, Kayak, and Orbitz are good for finding deals, but they don't catch everything.  If you live in Twin Cities metro area, or are traveling to Minnesota, take a look at these sites to find a great travel deal.  To visit each site, simply click on the heading! 

Sun Country Airlines "Wing It" Tuesdays

Sun Country is a Minnesota based airline with flights to warm-weather destinations and tourist meccas like New York City.  They are my favorite airline because all flights out of Minneapolis are direct to the final destination and depart from MSP Terminal 2 (which is much less chaotic compared to Terminal 1).  Every Tuesday they post "wing it" fares, which are last minute flight deals.  The "Wing It" fares are only available on Tuesday and sell out quickly.

Visit Duluth "Hot Deals"

The north shore of Lake Superior is the favorite getaway for many Minnesotans. However, lodging can be expensive, especially for properties located directly on the shore of Lake Superior.  The website visitduluth.com has a "hot deals" page that is constantly updated with lodging deals for the entire north shore area.  There are often deals posted for resorts that do not work with the major booking sites.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airline flights can only be searched from their webpage (and not sites such as Orbitz).  It takes a little bit of time to search for flights but you can often find a great deal.  While looking for a spring break flight to New Orleans, I found that Southwest's tickets were over $100 cheaper than any other airline.  Unfortunately, most destinations out of Minneapolis require at least one connection.  They also have a downloadable "Ding" app that sends alerts of travel deals to your smartphone.

Rovia

Rovia is operates much like other travel booking sites, with a few significant advantages.  If you sign up as a preferred member (which is free), you get access to some members only deals.  I have booked both flights and vacation packages through Rovia that were hundred's of dollars cheaper than rates published on competitor sites.  

Minnesota's Best Free Museum

Lost in the MIA=Perfect Afternoon

Minneapolis's best free attraction might also be it's best overall attraction.  The Minneapolis Institute of Arts displays top-notch art from around the globe without charging a cent for it's permanent exhibits.  This is not your typical free museum with so-so displays; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has masterpieces from the likes of Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol.  It also boasts the nation's best Asian art collection and keeps a definition of art open to include furniture, weapons, and architecture.  Did I mention that it is free to visit?

What to Expect

I visited the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (often called the MIA) as a respite from a cold February afternoon.  I should have planned a full-day visit.  The Institute is much larger and better than I had expected.  The Institute stretch over three floors and three wings and are divided between regions of the world and time periods.   There are free tours of the museum available every day.  If you miss one of the free tours,  recorded audio tours are available for $5.  If you have a smart phone, many of the exhibits have a QR code that you can scan for more information.  The Institute also has a cafe on the main level and a D'Amico & Sons restaurant on the second floor.  

Van Gogh Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun

I took the Institute's size for granted, didn't take a map, and immediately became lost.  Getting lost in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts turned out to be a blessing in surprise.  Rather than make a beeline for the pieces by Monet and Van Gogh, I became fascinated by other collections.   There is a section devoted to painting and drawings of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Lake Superior made well before Minnesota was even a state.  I was also impressed by the exhibit on the architecture design of Frank Lloyd Wright that included a full-sized section of a house he designed on Lake Minnetonka.  Before making my way to the European collection, I also was shocked to see Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe on display.  I had no idea such a famous piece was made it's home in Minneapolis!

By the time I had reached the impressionism collection, I though I was in for a let down, but I was not.  Van Gogh's Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun did not disappoint. However, by the time I was through the European Art section, it was nearly closing time!  I never even got a chance to view collections of art from Africa and their world-famous Asian art collection.  I'm planning another visit to the Minneapolis Arts Institute next week just to catch up on all that I missed!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Just the Basics

• Location: 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Website: http://www.artsmia.org/
• Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday, Closed Mondays
• Cost: Free, optional special exhibits may charge a fee
• Parking: Ramp/lot parking available off of 3rd Avenue for $3 for 4 hours, street parking is free
• Advice: Art lovers should split their visit into two.  The Institute holds too many treasurers to be viewed in one rushed blitz of the galleries.  

Best Rides at Nickelodeon Universe

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is a theme park that is open year-round and offers rides to suit thrill both thrill seekers and young kids.  But what are the best rides at the Mall of America theme park?  To compile a list of the top rides, I put together a team of experts and conducted extensive research.  The expert team was made up of myself, my wife, and two family friends, aged six and nine.  Our research was conducted over two summer weekdays at the Mall of America (MOA).  Please note: Some rides didn't make the list because the kids would not go on them because they looked too scary.  

5. Fairly Odd Coaster 

Fairly Odd Coaster

On this coaster, riders are sent around dips and curves in an individual four person car that spins while speeding down the track. The Fairly Odd Coaster was actually the favorite ride of my wife and I, but it scared the six year old to death and she refused to ride it again, so it can't be ranked any higher than five.   

4. Pepsi Orange Streak 

The Pepsi Orange Streak is one of original rides from when the Mall of America was opened in 1992 and the theme park was still known as Camp Snoopy.  The ride is a traditional roller coaster that "streaks" around much of the theme park, going fast enough for thrill seekers, but not too fast to scare the younger kids.  

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ride

One of the park's newest attractions, riders can try to flip upside down by using their body weight and momentum.  Though the nine-year old was hesitant to try the ride because it looks intimidating, he declared "it wasn't that scary" afterward and wanted to go again.  The six year old was too small for this ride, but she thought it looked fun.   

2.  Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge

The Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster features a track with fast drops and an upside down loop.  This ride was far-and-away the favorite ride of the nine-year-old.  However, it doesn't top the list because the six-year-old was again too short to ride and it made me feel sick after the four consecutive rides. 

1.  Log Chute

Log Chute

The Log Chute is another classic ride that has been around since the theme park opened.  The ride combines two fast plunges with the thrill of possibly getting splashed with water. This was the one ride that all four of us liked, and as a result, we went nearly twenty times in two days.  

Just the Basics

• Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
• Cost: You can either buy individual ride tickets or purchase an unlimited ride wrist band for $30.  Check their website for for ways to purchase discounted wrist bands.  
• Advice:  If possible, visit the MOA weekends, as mall, theme park, and parking lots are crazy busy.   
• Website:  http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/

Sharks in the Mall of America?

Sea Life Aquarium shark, Mall of America

The Mall of America can be a scary place. Overzealous tourists, chaotic parking, and a general over-stimulation of the senses can break down even the most seasoned shopper.  Visitors to the MOA may be unaware of another danger in the mall. Sharks, giant octopus, jellyfish, and various other sea creatures lurk just below their feet!  Formerly known as Underwater World, the Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America is located below the first floor of the Mall of America. 

Just the Basics

My wife and I decided to visit the Sea Life Aquarium because teachers get free admission.  We were required to show our school ID at the ticket counter to get the educator discount.  In return, we were both given a year membership to the aquarium which also allowed each of us to bring in a guest to the aquarium at half-price admission.    

Jellyfish, Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America

After descending an escalator to the depths of the MOA, the view that greeted me made me skeptical about what we would find in the Sea Life Aquarium.  The first exhibit, which feature an aquarium of stingrays and another shallow tank filled with starfish was underwhelming to say the least.  The tanks were small and the whole area seemed sparse of anything to view.  To make matters worse, the entire room was painted in a cheesy ocean theme more appropriate for a bad sea-food restaurant.  Despite the underwhelming start, the aquarium got better the further I explored.  

The next exhibits of small tanks feature jellyfish of all colors, a giant octopus, and sea horses of all sizes.  I had never seen any these marine animals in person and was impressed by the way Sea Life showcased the exhibit.  By using circular tanks and low room lighting, Sea Life allows visitors to get a 360 degree view of the vibrant color and detail of each creature.  The highlight of the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a 300 foot ocean tunnel that is stocked with sharks, sea turtles, and countless other marine life.  Shark swam right above and beside me as I walked through the tunnel, which is designed to look like the lost city of Atlantis. I felt like a little kid giddy with excitement as I tried unsuccessfully to get the sharks and turtles to pose for pictures.  As we left the ocean tunnel, we walked through a yet-to-be completed exhibit on the rainforest, which seemed set to be a great addition to the aquarium. 

Ocean Tunnel, Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America

Is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America worth the price of admission?  For educators and those that plan ahead for discounted admission, yes.  For die-hard marine life nuts, yes.  For a family on a budget, probably not.  I enjoyed my time at the aquarium and was wowed by the up-close and personal views it offered of marine life.  Had I paid full-price admission, I would have left wishing for more out of my $20. 

Just the Basics

• Cost: Adults $19.99, Kids 3-12 yrs $15.99, Under 3 are free
• Hours: 10am-7:30pm weekdays, with varied hours on the weekend
  
• Location: Mall of America, Bloomington Minnesota
• Website: http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions/view/sea-life-minnesota-aquarium
• Advice: Educators with school ID get in for free! Discounted tickets can also be purchased from their website. 

Photo of the Week: America's Pastime

As we move into the "Dog Days" of summer, it's time to slow down and enjoy some great American summer traditions, like baseball.  This photo was taken at Target Field, a new baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis, on a sultry Sunday afternoon.  While our team (the Minnesota Twins) has performed poorly this season, it hasn't made attending the games any less enjoyable.  I love the sites and sounds that you only catch at baseball games; sunflower seeds, organ cheers, $7 beer, and fans from age 1 to 100. 

Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Best Ballpark in America

Target Field, Minneapolis Minnesota

"There is not a bad seat anywhere in the stadium."  You've probably heard that overused cliche said of sports stadiums where there are indeed plenty of bad seats.  Target Field, however, lives up to that claim.  Target Field was designed to fit over a mere 8.5 acres of land in downtown Minneapolis, leaving it with the smallest footprint among major league stadiums.  Despite the small base, Target Field seats nearly 40,000 fans meaning that wherever you sit, you will be close to the action.  The only other ballpark with such an intimate feel is Fenway Park in Boston.  But unlike Fenway Park, Target Field has wide concourses, modern amenities, and no obstructed view seats.  Simply put, Target Field is the best baseball park in America.    

What to Expect

If you plan on buying single game tickets to a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, buy your tickets well in advance.  Twins games regularly sell out, and if you wait until the last minute, you'll likely have to overpay a scalper to get seats.  Because it is an outdoor stadium, consider weather conditions when buying tickets.  It is possible to get blizzards in Minnesota in April and October.  You may also want to avoid afternoon games in July and August, when temperatures routinely top 90 degrees with high humidity.  If you are like me, and want to spend your time checking out all the views of Target Field, consider buying a standing room only ticket.  The stadium edges are lined with countertops perfect for standing and enjoying the game. 

3rd Baseline Seats at Target Field

It is easy to get to Target Field by any mode of transportation because of it's location in downtown Minneapolis.  There are numerous parking ramps and lots located around the stadium. Both light rail and buses stop just outside park entrances.  There are even bike paths and bike racks around the stadium to make it easy to bike to a game. I would suggest arriving about 30 minutes prior to the start of a game to allow time to find your seat and buy concessions.

Though the fan experience at Target Field is great, it isn't cheap. A hot dog is $4, beer is $7, and some of the fancier sandwiches cost over $10.  Luckily, you can bring your own food into Target Field to save money.  A guide to Target Field's policy on bringing in food and drink to the ballpark, and other fan policies are located here. 

Just the Basics

• Target Field Location: 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403 
• Target Field seating chart and ticket prices.  
• Parking Costs: $5-$13 depending on the lot 
• Minnesota Twins Information: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com

View of Downtown Minneapolis from Target Field

Minnesota History Center

Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center is one of Minnesota's best museums that is often overshadowed by the Walker Arts Center and Science Museum of Minnesota.  Located on the edge of downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota History Center offers exhibits on a wide range of local and national historical events.  Sometimes referred to as the Minnesota History Museum, the History Center is my favorite Minnesota museum because exhibits are always informative, interactive, and relevant to today's society.  Beyond their permanent exhibits on Minnesota, the Minnesota History Center attracts some of the best rotating exhibits about topics ranging from Ben Franklin and George Washington to the Beatles and chocolate.     

What to Expect

The Minnesota History Center is located on the edge of downtown St. Paul, a few blocks from the Xcel Energy Center.  Metered parking and a $5 parking lot are available on site.  If you plan on staying less than two hours, the parking meters are a better value.  There is also a great cafe in the museum, as well as storage lockers, if you plan a more extensive visit.  The museum costs $10 for adults, but is free on Tuesday evenings.

Mural at the Minnesota History Center

There are several excellent ongoing exhibits at the Minnesota History Center.  Two of the best exhibits are "Minnesota's Greatest Generation" and "MN 150."  Minnesota's Greatest Generation let's you see and experience the trials and triumphs of Minnesota's that grew up during the Great Depression and fought in WWII.  For me the highlight of the exhibit was a multimedia program about D-Day that takes place in a C-47 plane.  MN 150 explores the people, places, and events that have shaped Minnesota.  As part of the display, you can listen to the wide range of influential Minnesota musicians including Bob Dylan and Prince!   

There are always special exhibits and programs at the Minnesota History Center.  On my last visit, "Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon" was on display.  The exhibit featured 3D models of Washington, artifacts from his life (including Washington's false teeth), and a model of Mount Vernon.  It was comprehensive enough that I, a high school American History teacher, was able to walk away with a great deal of knowledge.  The exhibit was also able to capture the interest of my wife, who has little interest or background in colonial America. 

The Minnesota History Center is also home to a library, 314-seat 3M Auditorium, and classrooms.  The Minnesota History Center is available to rent for meetings, weddings, and other special events.  More information regarding facility rental at the Minnesota History Center is available at http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/facility-rental. 

Just the Basics:

• Cost:
• $10 Adults
• $8 Seniors/College Students
• $6 Children age 6-17



Exhibit Minnesota History Center

• Free for teachers and children 5 and under
• Location: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Parking: $5, Meter parking is also available which is a better option if staying for less than two hours.
• Hours:
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesdays: 10am-8pm
• Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
• Sunday: noon-5pm
• Website: http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/
• Advice:  The Minnesota History Center free to everyone Tuesdays from 5-8pm!

Essence of Minneapolis



Minneapolis... NOT the essence



Could you capture the essense of your favorite city in just one photograph?  That challenge was put forth by Laurel at Expat in Germany.  There are many cities that I consider as favorites, including Prague, London, and New York City.  Since I could only choose one, I couldn't stray from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  I was born and raised in Minnesota, and currently live only 30 minutes outside of the city of Minneapolia.  It is the city I know best.  But the more I get to know Minneapolis, the more I find to love. 



Minneapolis Art, but still NOT the essence



 Essence means the attribute or set of attributes that make an object or substance what it fundamentally is...that's tough to do in just one shot!  Minneapolis, a city built upon the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, prides itself on the arts, education, and being active.  I hope the photo I chose will captures some of those qualities.  See the photo at http://myexpatgermany.com/city-photograph.

Mill City Museum Tour

Gold Medal Flour sign Minneapolis

Is it possible to make a museum about milling flour interesting?  On the surface, I thought the Mill City Museum might rival the National Linoleum Preservation Center for interest level.  I was wrong.  The Mill City Museum has much to offer visitors of every age and level of familiarity with Minnesota history.  The museum is tucked neatly into the ruins what used to be the world's largest flour mill.  By visiting the museum, I learned much more than just the history of mill factories in Minneapolis.   To top it off (literally), the Mill City Museum has the best bird's eye view of the Mississippi waterfront.   

What to Expect

I parked in Mills Ruin Park along the Mississippi River.  The beauty of the area surrounding the museum took me by surprise.  The Mill City Museum is situated next to St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the Guthrie.  For about 50 years in the late 1800 and early 1900's, Minneapolis was known as the "Flour Milling Capital of the World."  The mills and factories of Minneapolis depended on the Mississippi river to provide energy and transportation, which is why the four mills were built next to St. Anthony Falls.  The Mill City Museum is built into the ruins of a mill that was destroyed by a fire in 1991.

Mill City Museum factory ruins, Minneapolis

Upon entering the museum, I was immediately drawn to a sign that proclaimed the Mill City Museum to be"The Most Explosive Museum in the World."  I later learned that flour dust is extremely combustible.  In fact, the first flour mill built in Minneapolis was completely leveled by an explosion!  The tour of the museum begins on the first floor.  There are several interactive exhibits where kids and adults can learn about the machines used to mill flour.  Other exhibits teach about the power and importance of the Mississippi River to Minnesota history.  As a history teacher, I especially liked the displays of old pictures and descriptions of downtown Minneapolis during the late 1800s.  There is even a kitchen where staff members teach about the different grains and flours, and then let you sample freshly baked examples.   That's what I call "hands on" education. There is also a theater that shows a short film about Minneapolis history made by local humorist Kevin Kling. 

Mississippi waterfront in Minneapolis from Mill City Museum

The highlight of the museum is the "Flour Tower" exhibit, which is an elevator ride through eight floors of the old factory .  The ride mixes video clips, taped interviews, and real-life milling machines to teach about the history of milling in Minneapolis.  Everyone in my group was impressed by the moving exhibit, which isn't a small feat considering that my group consisted of first grade students, teachers, and a retired couple.   After getting off the elevator on the eighth level, you get a chance to view the Mississippi riverfront from the museum's observation deck.   It was the perfect end to a museum that surprised me with it's ability to make history interesting and relevant to today's society. I gained a sense of how great of an impact the entire region had on the world during the Industrial Revolution.     

Mill City Museum baking lab

Just the Basics

• Location: 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN
  
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday, noon-5pm
• Cost: Adults $10, Seniors/College Students $8, children 6-17 $5, children under 5 are free
• Website: http://www.millcitymuseum.org/
• Advice: Park in Mill Ruins Park lot on W. River Parkway.  The lot costs only $1 per hour, instead of the $6 minimum in the museum ramp.
• More advice: Visit the museum on the weekends or late afternoon to avoid school groups filled with screaming elementary students. 

Battle Royal: Mall of America

Mall of America

Shopping is not one of my hobbies.  I rarely purchase anything beyond basic necessities, even if I am traveling to a destination known for it's shopping.  Living in Minnesota places me near the largest shopping mall in the United States, the Mall of America.  The Mall of America, also known as the MOA, is Minnesota's top tourist destination (which is scary considering all Minnesota has to offer).  Despite my misgivings, the Mall of America is a great place for passionate shoppers, families, and even engineering buffs!  If that doesn't convince you to visit, also consider that the state of Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing.  Be warned, however, shopping in the MOA during peek holiday season and busy weekends is only advised for battle-hardened shoppers!

Just the Basics

Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America

It's no wonder that this is biggest mall in America.  A person would have to shop non-stop for 86 hours if they wanted to spend just ten minutes in each of the mall's stores.  If you want to buy something, anything really, this mall has it.  My best advice for passionate shoppers is to come early and pace yourself.  Despite over 12,000 parking spaces, parking is still at a premium in the mall during peak season and weekends.  The last time I went to the mall, it took me over 20 minutes just to find a parking spot!  Once you are done shopping, it can also be a challenge to find where you parked.  Each lot is assigned a state name, letter, and number (such as "Arizona P4").  I would suggest writing this information down as soon as you park.  The MOA is serviced by both bus and light rail service, which is a great option to avoid traffic.

What makes the mall special, beyond it's sheer size, is all the entertainment options available beyond shopping.  The MOA's huge seven acre atrium features an amusement park known as "Nickelodeon Universe."  Patrons can either purchase per-ride tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband.  Besides the theme park, the MOA is home to a wedding chapel, movie theater, seven acre, 4,5000 creature "Underwater World" aquarium, and a comedy club.  It is possible to make an entire vacation out of a MOA visit.  A popular options for families with young children is to stay in the nearby "Waterpark of America" (which claims to be America's biggest indoor waterpark hotel).

Just the Basics

Minnesota Love at the Mall of America

• Location: 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota
• Cost: Free---at to least look around
• Website: http://www.mallofamerica.com/home/
• Advice: If possible, completely avoid the holiday season and weekends or you will be battling crowds in the mall or parking lots.
• Mall of America Hours: 
• Monday-Thursday: 10am-9:30pm
• Friday-Saturday: 10am-10pm
• Sunday: 10:30am-7:30pm
• Fun Fact: Despite Minnesota's harsh winters, there is no heating system in the Mall of America.  It is heated through body heat and skylights!
• Money Saving Tip:  A Mall of America Coupon Book can be purchased at http://www.mallofamerica.com/visit/ (the same site also has a Mall of America Map)

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Spoonbridge and Cherry, Minneapolis

One of Minneapolis's iconic images is the Cherry and Spoonbridge sculpture.  With a backdrop of downtown Minneapolis skyline, it is one of the most photographed locations in all of Minnesota.  The sculpture is located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, at the Walker Arts Center.  The Sculpture Garden has dozens of other sculptures to view.  The garden itself has a perfect central location between downtown and uptown, making it a great Minneapolis attraction.


What to Expect
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was first created in 1988, and later expanded in 1992.  Currently, there are more than 40 permanent exhibits on display, with temporary exhibits also showing throughout the year.  Though I think that spring and summer are the best times to view the garden, the garden is open throughout the winter.   Allow yourself an hour to explore all that the garden has to offer, including the conservatory.  A visit to the garden is best paired with a visit to the nearby Walker Arts Center.      

Without Words, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

If you are looking for a different location for you wedding, consider the sculpture garden.  Nearly every locations in the garden can be reserved for events through the Minneapolis Park Board.  My wife and I held out wedding in the sculpture garden, in front of the Arbor and Flower garden.  The location was so beautiful that we didn't have to order any other flowers or decorations.    

Just the Basics

Cost: Free!
Location:
Across from the Walker Arts Center Building, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Website: http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac