4 replies to this topic

[ORLANDOJBBOY]

I will be visiting Minneapolis next week for a day or two, and i need a couple things to see, cool buildings, neat things downtown, cool photo spots to take some pictures, not really into museums.  If anyone has an idea for me that would be great i have never been there and have no idea.  I will probably visit the Mall of America just to see it but i dont know what else there is to do, thanks.

[MplsTodd]

I just noticed your request today.  You've likely already completed your trip.  If so, hope you had a good visit.  If its still coming up, here's a brief overview of places to check out:
1.  Uptown/Lyn-Lake -- Centered along Lake St & Hennepin Ave and Lyndale & Lake St (very busy streetlife, used bookshops, good restaurants and bars)
2. Eat Street (S. Nicollet around 26th Street) for ethnic restaurants  (The Mpls Inst of Arts is also nearby)
3.  Lakes District:  Just west of Uptown--includes Lakes Calhoun, Isles, Harriet and Cedar lake:  Each lake has its own personality :  Calhoun is mostly 20s-30s age group, Harriet is more family oriented (with a trolley, Rose garden and Bandshell), Isles is lined with mansions, and Cedar is more remote
4.  Downtown:  Warehouse District or S. Nicollet Mall for restaurants and nightlife
  The IDS Ctr is the 100% heart of dwtn (see the Crystal Court)
  Nicollet Mall:  Interesting pedestrian/transit mall lined with retail stores and restaurants

5.  The Riverfront:  Great views of the skyline and historic mills from the Stone Arch Bridge

[Temeteron]

Will be visiting MPLS Nov. 29-Dec 1!!! Cant Wait!!!  

[cheshireguy]

My wife and I will be in Minneapolis in March for a long weekend - we are flying in from Grand Rapids and are looking for a unique hotel downtown near rail lines or transit routes for a moderate price.  I HATE the Expedias and Hotels.coms so I am leaning on YOU Minny to tell us where to stay and why - also looking for a good Greek or Turkish restaraunt in DT as well.  Suggestions??? Thanks

[MplsTodd]

cheshireguy, on Nov 12 2007, 12:28 PM, said:

My wife and I will be in Minneapolis in March for a long weekend - we are flying in from Grand Rapids and are looking for a unique hotel downtown near rail lines or transit routes for a moderate price. I HATE the Expedias and Hotels.coms so I am leaning on YOU Minny to tell us where to stay and why - also looking for a good Greek or Turkish restaraunt in DT as well. Suggestions??? Thanks

Regarding hotels, several additions have been completed to downtown Mpls in the past year.  Unfortunately, they are not moderately priced--instead they are all upscale, high-end hotels like The Chambers, The Ivy, and The Westin.

Moderately priced Hotels I'd recommend in dwtn would include:

The Millenium (at 13th & Nicollet)  (close to the south end of Nicollet Mall, which has great pubs (Brits and The Local), as well as great jazz clubs (The Dakota and Rossi's)
Holiday Inn Express:  3rd Ave S & 11th Street:  this is also close to S. Nicollet
Crown Plaza Northstar:  Located at 2nd Ave and 7th Street, this is in the core of downtown
Embassy Suites:  5th Ave at 7th Street, this is a fairly boring part of downtown, lots of office buildings and not much more, but its about a four block walk to Nicollet Mall
Best Western Downtown Inn (or something like that):  this is close to the Embassy Suites
Residence Inn/Renaissance at the Depot:  On the edge of the downtown core, but one block from the riverfront, this complex includes a nice waterpark, and is close to the historic Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum and The Guthrie Theater.
Doubletree:  A great location at 11th St just off Nicollet Mall--very busy S. Nicollet Mall area

Other hotels in the core to check out if any specials are offered:

The Marquette (at IDS Center)
The Radisson
Marriott City Center
Hilton

I'm unaware of any Turkish or Greek Restaurants in downtown, but there are three excellent Greek restaurants near downtown:
Its Greek To Me:  at Lyndale Ave and Lake Street (Lyn-Lake area, SW of DT)
Christo's:  26XX S. Nicollet Ave (on Eat Street)
Gardens of Salonica:  on 5th St NE, in the trendy St. Anthony area across the river from DT

Good Luck!!