Minneapolis Travel question

gjbassist · #1 04-03-2011, 06:33 PM

Planning a family vacation for this summer. Thinking of going to the Minneapolis area to do Mall of America and such. Like it because in the summer when it is in the mid to upper 90's here it will only be in the upper 70's there! Having a hard time finding a place to stay that we like. Need something larger than a typical hotel room. Prefer a condo/apartment we can rent by the week or for several consecutive days. Also, what is there to do in the area for a family with teenagers? Any input from those who live or vacation in the Minneapolis area would be greatly appreciated!

Mooch · #2 04-03-2011, 07:59 PM

Well I live about an hour away, but I have been to MOA about a million times. There are a couple hotels right next to it. One even has a huge water park in it. As far as other things to do, Twins game? The new park is amazing and very very cool to watch a ball game. Along with that there is the Minnesota Zoo or Como Park Zoo. All within 30min of MOA.

There is also a place called Valley Fair on Shakopee. About 30mins from there as well I think. Its like a 6 flags, very big lots of fun! Those are the big attractions around the area, there is a lot more to do.

If you throw out specifics I can help you out more.

Klopp18 · #3 04-03-2011, 08:02 PM

Walker art center is a fun place to go on a nice summer day here.

Mooch · #4 04-03-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjbassist

Planning a family vacation for this summer. Thinking of going to the Minneapolis area to do Mall of America and such. Like it because in the summer when it is in the mid to upper 90's here it will only be in the upper 70's there! Having a hard time finding a place to stay that we like. Need something larger than a typical hotel room. Prefer a condo/apartment we can rent by the week or for several consecutive days. Also, what is there to do in the area for a family with teenagers? Any input from those who live or vacation in the Minneapolis area would be greatly appreciated!

Oh and remember its usually about 90 degrees here come July and a hell of a lot more humid than KC. My bro lives there so I know its hot in KC but its humid here. Also if you come end of August we have The MINUTE state fair. Best state fair in the country hands down. Best fried food on Earth, everything on a stick.

superbassman2000 · #5 04-03-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooch

Also if you come end of August we have The MINUTE state fair. Best state fair in the country hands down. Best fried food on Earth, everything on a stick.

^^this^^

I live in minneapolis, but as a wisconsin native, I thought a state fair was no big deal...a few cows, a few tractors and fried cheese curds, but this is a whole new ballgame...you really should go

gjbassist · #6 04-03-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooch

Oh and remember its usually about 90 degrees here come July and a hell of a lot more humid than KC. My bro lives there so I know its hot in KC but its humid here. Also if you come end of August we have The MINUTE state fair. Best state fair in the country hands down. Best fried food on Earth, everything on a stick.

Really? I was under the impression that it was cooler there in the summer than it is here! What is it like in early to mid August?

superbassman2000 · #7 04-03-2011, 10:12 PM

terribly humid lol

go to duluth--that's the one in the high 60s in the summer

skwee · #8 04-03-2011, 11:02 PM

MPLS will be hot in the summer, 80s. As far as stuff to do: Minneapolis Art Institute (FREE!), Walker Art Center, sometimes free, lots of theatre, and lots of good music in town. Canoeing and paddle boats on Lake Calhoun is also fun.

gjbassist · #9 04-05-2011, 09:23 AM

What about the food? To me, part of a vacation is getting to experience different food from that region. I have seen the stuffed burgers (Juicy Lucy, etc.) on Food Network and Travel Channel. Gonna have to have one of those for sure! Not sure which one but I'm leaning toward the Blue Door. Any other recommendations as far as food goes?

superbassman2000 · #10 04-05-2011, 09:54 AM

go to Matt's bar for the Jucy Lucy (yes, that's how it's spelled) and go to gasthof zur gemutlichkeit for some german food. If you get to the state fair, eat everything there.

Minneapolis is also considered a strong frontrunner in the Pho battle--check out some Vietnamese places here.

There are some cool places in uptown to eat, like amazing thailand and the uptown diner.

superbassman2000 · #11 04-05-2011, 09:55 AM

I always have fun at Buca Di Beppo for Italian--they really play up the atmosphere there

The Anchor Bar is supposed to be good for some fish 'n chips, but i've never been there