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)

Shopping in Stillwater Minnesota

Stillwater Lift Bridge

Stillwater is about a 30 minute drive East of Minneapolis on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River.  Shoppers are attracted to the many shops and cafes that line the picturesque main street of Stillwater.  Beyond the downtown area, there are several vineyards and apple orchards that are also popular destinations.  Tourists can also enjoy the St. Croix river by renting a boat or taking a river cruise.   

What to Expect
The shops of downtown Stillwater do not appeal to a younger male crowd (including myself).  My mother-in-law, on the other hand,  loves the antiques, crafts, and eateries of the area.  I am told it is a great place to spend an afternoon "with the girls."  This post is dedicated to "the girls" or those trying to score big points with their mother-in-laws.  

Wine makes any shipping trip better.  Northern Vineyards winery has a shop downtown where you can taste and purchase wine.  Wine-tastings are free if you purchase a bottle or $5 if you just want to sample their wine.  Next store is the River Market Community Co-op, an excellent place to purchase organic and gluten-free foods.

Downtown Stillwater, Minnesota

Antique and book collectors will also love to shop downtown Stillwater.  I won't claim to be an expert on which shop is the best.  However, an excellent website for more information on the shops of Stillwater is http://www.stillwatertraveler.com/town/shopping/. 

Beyond the shopping, you can cruise the river, take a hot-air balloon ride, or simply grab a seat at one of the cafe's while enjoying your favorite cold beverage.  There is an excellent fireworks show, with music, on the 4th of July.  If you visit in the Fall, make sure you go one of the area apple orchards.

Just the Basics

• How to get there:   From I-694 take MN-5 East (exit #55)
• When to go: Summer and Fall are the best time to visit for access to the St. Croix River, local vineyards, and apple orchards.      
• Cost: Free to walk along the river!  Most of the cafes are in the $10-$20 for an entree.  
•  Website including Stillwater Stores:    http://www.ilovestillwater.com/