January 25th, 2010 by admin

Minneapolis, the larger of Minnesota’s Twin Cities (Saint Paul is its little sister) is usually known for its cold winters. However, this mid-sized metropolis is also home to one of America’s most exciting local music scenes, a modern arts and theater renaissance, and plenty

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Minneapolis, the larger of Minnesota’s Twin Cities (Saint Paul is its little sister) is usually known for its cold winters. However, this mid-sized metropolis is also home to one of America’s most exciting local music scenes, a modern arts and theater renaissance, and plenty of urban nature.

It is not cold year-round. Temperatures reach the eighties during the summer afternoons with the nights only slightly cooler. Because there isn’t even a hint of the cold, snowy wintertime weather, summer is the best time to visit underrated Minneapolis.

Getting In

Most people reach Minneapolis by car on Interstate 94, a cross-country, east-to-west highway. Those arriving from the south use Interstate 35. Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport is one of the Midwest’s busiest airports. It welcomes direct flights from most cities in the US as well as international flights from Canada, Europe and East Asia. The airport is a hub for Delta and, recently, a focus city for Southwest Airlines. Taxis, buses and a light rail line connect the airport with the city center.

Getting Around

Like many mid-sized cities, Minneapolis has a decent, but not universally useful, public transit system. There is a single light rail line that connect the airport with Downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. This might be convenient for people who are staying in these areas, but it does little for those who want to explore the city’s lakes, restaurants and museums in depth.

Eating

Minneapolis is an eaters’ city. There are plenty of choices from high-end, cutting-edge restaurants to authentic, family-owned ethnic eateries and neighborhood bistros. During the summer, various farmers markets take place around the city, selling the freshest possible produce for reasonably low prices.

Nicollet Ave. in South Minneapolis is often called “Eat Street” because of the high concentration of ethnic eateries: Vietnamese, Mexican, Thai, Cantonese and Ethiopian are just a few of the options.

Uptown Minneapolis (just south of Downtown) and Downtown itself, are where most high-end dining experiences can be found. However, most locals will tell you to try popular low-key spots like Punch Pizza, Manny’s Steakhouse and Nye’s Polonaise Room instead of opting for haute cuisine.

Nightlife

Minneapolis has always been known for its live music. Famed venues like First Ave. (former home of Prince during his Purple Rain days) host nationally known acts almost nightly as well as providing a place for up-and-coming talent to take the stage. Larger shows and sporting events take place directly across the street from First Ave at the Target Center Arena. Downtown Minneapolis is also home to a glut of nightclubs and bars, ranging from quiet lounges to thumping dance venues complete with high cover charges and top DJs.

Other Attractions

The Mall of America is a temple to shopping. The gigantic mall features four floors of shops that circle around an indoor amusement park, movie theaters and night clubs are found on the top floor. Despite the high concentration of shops, there are few shops offering bargain prices, though.

The Minnesota Zoo, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Apple Valley, is a quality park featuring sharks, dolphins and Siberian tigers, as well as a series of habitats dedicated to Minnesota’s wildlife.

Minneapolis does not have the notoriety of Chicago, but it is a more pleasant, people-friendly city, and a reasonable alternative to other, busier regional destinations. For art, culture and food lovers, there is never a bad time of year to visit the larger of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

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