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Explore My Twin Cities

Cityscape at Dusk emoji 33 items
This list is for visitors (and residents) that would like a quick guide to some of the area's highlights.
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Favorite Grocery

 
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I am so fortunate to live close to this store. They carry an amazing selection of spices, fresh fetas, olives, and much much more.
Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant Hummus - Holy Land Brand
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Coastal is my go-to for seafood. They also carry my favorite Ortiz Bonito del Nord tuna and many other fine products.
Coastal Seafoods
 
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United Noodles is a tremendous resource for all things Asian. I try to get there monthly to stock up on things I like to keep on-hand.
United Noodles

Stay

I live here, but I have stayed in all of these hotels for special occasions. 

 
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A touch of the north woods in a historic building in the North Loop.
Hewing Hotel In Downtown Minneapolis | Boutique Hotel Minneapolis
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Alma's hotel is quite small with well-executed rooms (also rather small). The coffee and croissants in the restaurant below are great!
The Hotel — Alma - Restaurant, Cafe, Hotel
 
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This hotel has great views of downtown, and also beautifully executed rooms and suites. Their bar is great.
Loews Hotels: Luxury Hotels | Luxury Accommodations
 
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The Marquette has been around for years. It's a perfect choice for the downtown experience, it's connected to the skyway system.
Marquette Downtown Minneapolis Hotel Curio by Hilton
 
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Located in the theater district, the Chambers has beautiful suites, a lovely bar, and it's in the middle of downtown activity.
Official Site | Minneapolis Boutique Hotel
 
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The newest jewel in the Minneapolis crown, the Four Seasons has a swanky roof-top pool and restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis | Downtown Luxury Hotel
 
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The Saint Paul Hotel is in the heart of downtown St. Paul. It's across the park (1 block) from The Ordway theater and 2 blocks from Meritage. The restaurant and bar are an elegant throw-back.
The Saint Paul Hotel: Luxury, Historic, Deluxe, Elegant, Premier Hotels Twin Cities | Staycation Saint Paul
 
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Airbnb has extensive listings in both cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Find homes on Airbnb
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Vrbo has extensive listing in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Vrbo | Book your vacation rentals: beach houses, cabins, condos & more
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Eat

Sadly, I closed my restaurant, or it would be on this list. Here, though, are some of my favorites. 

 
Chef Laura Bonicelli profile picture
112 Eatery is a tiny little restaurant with consistently great food.
112 Eatery
 
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The cafe is order at the counter style, but the food is really good. The restaurant has a prix fixe menu with vegetarian options. Very enjoyable!
The Restaurant — Alma - Restaurant, Cafe, Hotel
 
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I love the space and the wine list. The kitchen is visable and run in a French Brigage “yes chef” style. The food is consistently good and creative.
Spoon and Stable - Minneapolis, MN
 
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A French jewel in Minneapolis's North Loop. Beautiful outdoor seating.
Maison Margaux Mpls • Paris in the North Loop.
 
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Casual and fun. The woodfire pizzas are great!
Chef Ann Kim's James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis Restaurant | Young Joni
 
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Classic well-executed French food in a beautiful little space.
Meritage
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Classic and consistent with a beautiful bar. It's right across from The Ordway theater.
St. Paul Hotel Restaurant: Fine Dining, Catering & Room ...
 
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Cafe Latte is a perfect lunch spot for Grand Avenue shopping. Their coffee and deserts are absolutely beautiful.
Cafe Latte
 
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The Monte Carlo has a beautiful bar and is a throw-back to old Minneapolis. The warehouse district around it has turned into the “North Loop”, but the Monte Carlo stays the same.
The Monte Carlo

Play

Lots to do in both of our cities. 

 
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Visiting MIA is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. It's also home to The Children's Theater and attached to MCAD - The Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
 
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Located on the edge of downtown, the Walker specialized in modern art with an extensive sculpture garden.
Walker Art Center | Contemporary Art Museum | Minneapolis
 
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World-class theater!
Homepage | Guthrie Theater
 
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The Arboretum is a 1,200 acre public garden owned and operated by the University of Minnesota. It operates year-round and is always worth a visit.
Home | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
 
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The Northrop King building is the largest artist collective in the state of Minnesota. You can meet artists, view and buy work throughout the building.
The Northrup King Building - Home
 
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The “Great Minnesota Get-together” runs in the end of August. It features the best of Minnesota with rides and grandstand events. We LOVE it!
Aug. 22 – Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2024
 
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The Ordway provides an elegant setting for musicals, opera, plays, and orchestral performances.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
 
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The Science Museum has great interactive exibits and films.
Science Museum of Minnesota
 
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There are over 185 park properties in the Minneapolis area. Many have lakes, or the Mississippi River.  Some have activities and  restaurants. The website has a lot of information.
Home - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Shop

We have a thriving artist community and some good shopping areas - and of course, The Mall of America 

 
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The North Loop is in what used to be known as our warehouse district. It has some of the best and most eclectic shopping in the area.
North Loop
 
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The Galleria is just south of Minneapolis in Edina. It features some of our best shopping with an extensive number of stores and restaurants.
Galleria
 
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You guessed it, it's huge! So huge that it has an amusement park in the middle of it. It's best to decide where you're going before you park. Check the website for shop map.
Home | Mall of America®