08-12-2015, 08:43 PM
Speedy wrote:
Mainly Minneapolis is dead-boring. Just the way Minneapolitans like it.
Oh, p'shaw, Speedy - he's just being modest.
Minneapolis has a vibrant (live) theater scene, if you like that stuff (like I do), from oddball to the Guthrie for high class people watching, if not the show. Beautiful old-school Broadway-like theaters for travelling productions too.
A local used-to-be microbrewery (Surly) just opened a new, huge brewery and massive drinking hall for tours eats and beer - think Norwegian Octoberfest. In fact, it's easy to take a microbrew tour in Minneapolis, by pedal pub, bus, bike or car. Lots of day and night life near Target Field (where the Twins play), or if you're looking at a smaller scale, at the new minor league Saints park in Saint Paul.
If you're not looking for a wild time, yeah, shopping, sure. MOA creeps me out personally - too big and barn-like; lots of other places. Visit Garrison Keillor's bookstore - who know, he may be slumming that day. The museum formerly known as the Minnesota Institute of Arts (now just called "mia", yeah, like Mia Farrow) is free, IIRC, and has a large collection. The Walker has edgier stuff, and a nice scupture garden (about to be redone). Como Zoo is (mostly) free, and has a nice Conservatory. Science Museum of Minnesota is great for kids; I've never been to the Minnesota History Museum, but it sure looks impressive. Or tour the James J Hill mansion and stroll around Summit.
Food is plentiful on any of several "Eat Streets"; Central (mixed ethnic), University (Asian/African), Grand or Lyndale (eclectic). Some of my personal faves that are not overly pricy include Cucharacha, Barbary Fig, Day Block Brewpub (new), Holy Land Deli (another ethnic experience), Happy Gnome (if you can get on the patio) or WA Frost, patio or inside - a little pricier, but reeeally beautiful and they have an early prix fixe menu.
But bottom line, like others have suggested, I'd 1) check TripAdvisor and see what strikes you; 2) Google (or get a copy of City Pages) for news on summer festivals; there's almost always one going on, as we Norskys have to compress out celebratin' into 6 months or so; and 3) get out and about; there are few "dangerous" places around here, and some of the ethnic places (like the Midtown Global Market) are really fun and interesting.
PS- The State Fair (Aug 27-Sept 7) usually draws 2 million folks, out of a state population of 5+ million. May be more than you want, but it is an experience all to itself.