Minneapolis'''Minneapolis''' is part of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul. At approximately 380,000 people, it is the largest city in Minnesota. Image:800px-Minneapolis_skyline_daytime_2.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Minneapolis Daytime Skyline ==Understand== Minneapolis was born as a center of grain commerce due to its location on the banks of the Mississippi. The river cuts through the downtown, formerly dividing Minneapolis from the city of St. Anthony. What was St. Anthony is now NE and SE Minneapolis. The city calls itself "The City of Lakes" because of five fair sized (2-4 mile circumference) lakes. The city's excellent parks department maintains walking and biking paths around the lakes, offering residents a place to exercise or stroll. Personal sailboats may be buoyed on three of these lakes. The Lake Harriet Bandshell offers seasonal concerts. The city has done an excellent job fostering developed neighborhoods each with a distinctive feel. Linden Hills for families, Uptown and Lake Calhoun for twentysomethings, and downtown for high-rise suits, sporting events (Timberwolves, Vikings, and Twins all play downtown), and nightclub scene. Lyn-Lake offers an edgy, cool twist. City Pages (see www.citypages.com) gives a good review of what is going on and is available for free in shopping centers, cafes, groceries and bookstores. ==Get around== The city streets have a grid system that's helpful if you take the time to learn it. Minneapolis is divided into four quadrants: North, South, Northeast and Southeast. Hennepin Avenue forms the divider between streets labeled N and S near downtown. This division continues through the smaller portion of Minneapolis that lies east of the Mississippi River, dividing it into Northeast (NE) and Southeast (SE). Further to the west of downtown, this division lies along Linden Avenue, which is just north of the I-394 freeway. In North, Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis, all roads will carry the N, NE, or SE prefixes on street signs. In South Minneapolis, the north-south running avenues are marked with an S. The east-west running streets are marked with a W or E, depending if you are west or east of Nicollet Avenue. Even though the street signs show these directional designators before the street names, most locals will read the addresses with them at the end. Thus "York Avenue South" appears on street signs as "S York Ave" and "N 33rd Ave" is pronounced as "33rd Avenue North". Minneapolis also is one of the few cities to use multi-colored street signs. These colors were originally developed to indicate the priority of plowing during winter storms. Although the plowing system has since changed, they can still be helpful to indicate what sort of street you are on. Blue signs indicate major roads which are "Snow Emergency Routes" in winter. These are still the first streets to be plowed after a storm. Rust colored signs indicate roads that run primarily east-west. Light green signs indicate roads that run primarily north-south. Dark green signs indicate scenic parkways that ring the city and the lakes. '''Downtown''' Although most of the city's grid is along a strict north-south/east-west layout, the area near downtown on both sides of the river lies at an angle to the rest of the city's grid to better align with the river. Here streets run parallel to the river, and avenues run perpendicular. Downtown contains mostly numbered streets and avenues, although a few important ones are named. Most of Downtown is within South Minneapolis, although the Warehouse District extends into North Minneapolis. Keep in mind that this is the only part of town where you will encounter streets as well avenues designated "South". The intersection of S 2nd Ave and S 5th St is many blocks from the intersection of S 2nd St and S 5th Ave! '''South Minneapolis''' Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Ave. divides the streets south of downtown. Append the direction at the end of avenues such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it simply starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue (18, 19, ... 32) to the Mississippi River, where you reach St. Paul. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. '''North Minneapolis''' North of downtown, the same alphabetic north-south avenue names are used west of Lyndale as South Minneapolis. Here the east-west numbered cross streets are also called avenues, however, and ascend numerically as you go north from downtown. Intersections in North Minneapolis are thus of the form N 42nd Ave & N Penn Ave. A few numbered streets from downtown also extend northward into North Minneapolis between Lyndale Ave and the Mississippi River. '''Northeast Minneapolis''' Similarly to North Minneapolis, numbered avenues run east-west. Due to the geometry of the river, these numbers are lower than the numbers of the North Minneapolis avenues opposite them. This only comes into play when you are crossing one of the bridges. Plymouth Ave is equivalent to N 13th Ave, but becomes NE 8th Ave. Lowry Ave is equivalent to N 32nd Ave, but NE 25th Ave. N 42nd Ave crosses the Camden Bridge to become NE 37th Ave. Except for a few numbered streets near the river, the north-south running roads are called streets are named after U.S. presidents in chronological order heading east. '''Southeast Minneapolis''' Almost all streets and avenues in SE Minneapolis are numbered, except for a few named on or around the University of Minnesota campus. Most of this area follows the same river-aligned grid as downtown. Like downtown, streets parallel the river and avenues are perpendicular to it. '''Public Transit''' Buses and light rail are run by [http://www.metrotransit.org Metro Transit]. The light rail line serves downtown, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the airport and the Mall of America and makes it very easy and convenient for visitors to reach these places. The bus system's routes and fares are notoriously confusing to non-natives. While some improvements have been made recently, you should still carry a schedule and map for any bus route you are riding. Bus stops are located very nearly everywhere throughout the city, but some are served only very infrequently, and most are not labeled as to which routes serve them at which times. ==See== ===Museums=== Museum listings are on the Twin Cities regional page. ==Do== * '''Jungle Theater''' [Lake & Lyndale] * '''Theatre de la Jeune Lune''' * [http://www.heartofthebeasttheatre.org/ '''In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre'''], 1500 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407, tel. 612 721-2535, fax 612 721-7174. Stage and touring productions, educational programs, school residencies, and an annual May Day Parade and pageant the first Sunday in May with huge puppets and lots of community involvement. *'''Mixed Blood Theatre''', 1501 Fourth St. S., Minneapolis, MN 612 338-6131. http://www.mixedblood.com * Younger people might have fun visiting the famous '''Dinkytown''' area and hanging out at a coffee shop. It's located nearby 14th Ave and 4th St SE. *'''Walk, bike, drive, swim or paddle''' around the chain of lakes running north to south along the western side of Minneapolis proper. Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach and an informal swimming area, Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months; Lake Calhoun has a large public beach and boat rentals (and lessons), and Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its '''bandshell'''. *[http://www.mnorch.org '''Hear the Minnesota Orchestra'''] in downtown Minneapolis. ==Buy== ===Mall of America=== *While not in Minneapolis, the monstrous '''Mall of America''' at 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 (952) 883-8800 is a dizzying shopping experience, and also technically the 4th largest "city" in the state. It has hundreds of stores and an '''IKEA''' nearby it. You can get there by Light Rail or bus. It is nearby the airport. Several books and directories say that it is in Minneapolis, but it is actually roughly southeast of the city, although not far out. ===Clothes=== *Try '''Lava Lounge''' for fashion wear, it's located by Lyn-Lake. The clothes are fitted and range from hip hop to techno-industrial wear. '''Ragstock''' is a local chain of used clothing stores. If you have a lot of money (and patience), you can always go to the '''Mall of America'''. ===Bookstores=== The Twin Cities are a hotbed of independent presses and bookstores. *'''Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction and Uncle Edgar's Mystery''' bookstores. 2864 Chicago Avenue South @ Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Uncle Hugo's tel. 612 824-6347, fax 612 827-6394; Uncle Edgar's tel. 612 824-9984, fax 612-827-6394. M-F 10a-8p, Sat 10a-6p, Sun Noon-5p. These two stores (which share one building) are a treasure trove of used and new SF/fantasy and mystery books, respectively. Uncle Hugo's is the oldest SF/fantasy book store in North America, and has a well-earned national reputation for its vast selection. The prices are reasonable and you can get an extra 10% off all purchases by buying a $4 discount card. If you're buying more than $40 worth of books, it pays for itself with the first purchase. It is located in a shady part of town, so it's best to arrive with plenty of daylight left. http://www.unclehugo.com/ *'''Dreamhaven Books and Comics''', 912 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55409. tel 612 823-6161, fax 612-823-6062. M-F 11a-8p, Sat 11a-6p, Sun Noon-6p. New and used SF, Fantasy, horror, film and art books, comics, an adults-only room. Mail order and in-store readings. http://www.dreamhavenbooks.com/ *'''Orr Books & Cards''' 3045 Hennepin Avenue at Lake, Minneapolis, MN 55406. 612 823-2408. regional and national poetry, journals, arts, cookbooks, and course reading lists for local small graduate institutes. Splendid little bookstore in Uptown. * The aptly-named '''College of Comic Book Knowledge''' and '''Nostalgia Zone''' are located together in the same building at 3151 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55414. 612-822-2309/612-822-2806. The former is great for newer and more mainstream comics, the latter is best for hard to find old comics and independents. You can also sell comics here, and the dealers are great... the establishment is over 30 years old. http://www.nostalgiazone.com * The '''Amazon Book Store''' at 4755 Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis, was founded in 1970--well ''before'' the online book retailer of the same name--and boasts the title of the oldest independent feminist book store in North America. The store is practically a Minneapolis institution. 612-821-9630 http://www.amazonfembks.com/ ===Record Stores=== *'''[http://www.landspeedrecords.com/ Roadrunner Records]''' at 4304 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409 phone 612.822.0613 has a great selection of independent LP's, CD's and DVD's. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. *'''[http://extremenoise.com/ Extreme Noise Records]''' at 407 West Lake St. Minneapolis specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for over ten years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CD's, LP's and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of said scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. *'''[http://www.efetus.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv Electric Fetus]''' at 2000 4th Ave. S (on the corner of Franklin Ave and 4th Ave, near 35W) has possibly the most complete selection of CD's in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. (Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale.) Buy four CD's and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. ==Eat== Minneapolis is renowned for its restaurants, ethnic or American. It would take a good half a week or so to sample just a part of what it has to offer. It's all about the locals when looking for a great place to eat. Here are some gems that earn frequent top kudos from Minneapolis' locals: ====Areas For Dining==== * Don't miss Nicollet Avenue South's "'''Eat Street'''" centered on East 27th Street for a variety of ethnic fare. Highly recommended are '''Quang Restaurant''' and '''Jasmine Deli''' for Vietnamese, '''Yummy''' for Chinese, '''Big E's''' for African-American, and the so-called '''Black Forest Inn''' (which is not a hotel) for German cuisine. '''Little Tijuana''' is a nice stop for alluring punk/goth waitresses and Mexican plates. The Vietnamese restaurants are incredibly cheap ($5-$10 per person) and have received consistently exuberant reviews since their openings (Quang was even positively reviewed in the New York Times). The latter four are standard $8-$20 dollars per person except during lunch. * The '''Dinkytown''' and '''Stadium Village''' areas nearby the University of Minnesota have great offerings. For pasta and an eclectic, very romantic atmosphere, try the '''Loring Pasta Bar''', descendant of the now-defunct Loring Cafe which is located in Dinkytown (around 14th Ave and University Ave SE in Minneapolis), not the Loring Park area. Also in Dinkytown is '''Shuang Cheng''', a surprisingly authentic Chinese restaurant, the swanky nightspot '''Kitty Cat Klub''', and '''Annie's''' for burgers and malts. If you can find it hidden nearby the above mentioned intersection, '''Al's Breakfast''' diner is perfect for mornings. Delightfully crunchy hash-browns and greasy egg-dishes will take care of that American diner breakfast craving. In Stadium Village, located closer to Oak St and Washington Ave SE, you will find '''Bona''' and '''Village Wok''' for great Vietnamese, '''Peking Garden''' and '''Hong Kong Noodle''' for Mandarin-character-menu-authentic Chinese cuisine. The former is great for families, the latter is good for cheap eats. '''Stub and Herbs''' is a great bar/restaurant for those seeking standard American fare. Vegetarians are well accommodated at all of the above establishments. Prices range from $5-$15 a person. ====Bakeries and Bistros==== *'''Bakery on Grand''' - [http://citypages.com/databank/26/1258/article12842.asp Voted among Top Ten 2004] Authentic French bistro fare. This place is one for the record books - and a must see for locals and visitors. They cure their own meats, bake their own breads and sweets, and their dishes are among the best I've ever had in Minneapolis. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner - you'll be blown away. 3804 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.822.8260 *[http://www.frenchmeadow.com/ '''French Meadows Bakery'''] 2610 Lyndale Avenue South at 26th, Minneapolis, MN 55406. 612 870-4740 and 1-877-NO-YEAST; fax 612-870-0907. Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. $4-$20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning. ====Chinese==== *See '''Dinkytown''', '''Eat Street''', and '''Stadium Village'''. ====Diners==== *'''Perkins''' forget Denny's, Perkins is a family-trad local area chain of restaurants serving plain old good food at all hours of the day and night. Several locations. ====French==== * '''Cafe Barbette'''. Nearby Lake St and Hennepin S in Uptown, $15-$30. * '''Cafe Lurcat'''. Highly recommended. $18-$30. Chic establishment with French/Fusion offerings. *'''Cave Vin''' - [http://citypages.com/bestof2004/restaurants/bestof2215.asp Voted Best French Restaurant 2004]. Pane's sister French restaurant - Blocks from Pane - it features a Mediterranean/French menu. Again, tons of charm, great food and wine. 5555 Xerxes Ave. S. Minneapolis. 612.922.0100 ====Fusion or Modern American==== *'''Chino Latino''' is popular for yuppies. Located in the Uptown area at Hennepin Ave and Lake St S, you might want to avoid this restaurant if you are offended by controversial advertising (such as "Cheaper than a Bangkok Brothel"). Still, the food is a nice fusion mix of Thai, Mexican, and Japanese. $20-$30 per person with drinks. It is very loud and busy, but the inside is snazzy. You'll also find better deals at happy hour. * '''Restaurant Alma''' 528 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 379-4909, has amazing food which can best be described as a combination between French, Fusion, and small-town Minnesotan. They use almost exclusively organic ingredients. $20-$40 per person for a three-course meal with wine. Cheaper, but not by much, at lunch. ====Indian==== *'''Taste of India''' 5617 Wayzata Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 541-4865, in a suburb, is unbeatable for its service and Indian dishes. $8-$20 dollars a person. ====Italian==== * '''D'Amico's Cucina''' 100 North Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 338-2401 - One of the areas most expensive restaurants, serves amazing Italian cuisine with international and fusion touches. Expect to spend over $60 for two people. Absolutely gastronomical. Call for sure for reservations and directions. It is a little hidden. * '''Pane Vino Dolce''' - [http://citypages.com/dish/detail.asp?CID=12817 voted several times over] as the best authentic Italian joint in town. There's no sign, but you'll find a hand written menu taped in the window each day. There are only about 15 tables - small, romantic, and plenty of charm. 819 W 50th St, Minneapolis * 612-825-3201 ====Japanese==== * Japanese cuisine is highly competitive. The best showings are probably '''Nami''' at 251 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 333-1999 for its lunch specials, decor, and very modern and relaxing atmosphere, and '''Origami''' 30 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 333-8430 for the sushi itself. Both are located in the Warehouse District nearby 1st Ave, which runs parallel to Hennepin. A meal for one generally runs $10 per person plus tip at lunchtime, and $20 per person in the evening. Prepare to spend more at either establishment for sushi, which runs $5-$8 at both places per serving. ====Mexican==== *See '''Dinkytown''', '''Eat Street''', and '''Stadium Village'''. ====Middle Eastern==== *Lovers of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean/Greek cuisine simply must try '''Holy Land''' Deli and Bakery, located at 2513 Central Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55418 (612) 781-2627. The gyros are some of the best in the United States, and the chicken curry gyros are very original and tasty. It's hard to go wrong with their menu, which is especially friendly towards vegetarians. The lunch/dinner buffet also is good and cheap, but call to make sure that the gyro meats will be served with it. $6-$10 dollars per person. It also sports a full-sized market. The bread, hummus, imports, and other specialties are wonderful, but call ahead to make sure that you get fresh produce on a delivery day. ====Thai==== *'''True Thai''' - arguments about the best Thai food in the Twin Cities area can be as heated as the food itself, but True Thai stands as the current champion. 2627 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (612) 375-9942 The Chili-Tamarind, Rama Spinach Curry, and Pad Thai are amazing at this establishment. $9-$17 dollars per person for an entree and drink. ====Vietnamese==== *See '''Dinkytown''', '''Eat Street''', and '''Stadium Village'''. ==Drink== Minneapolis certainly accommodates those seeking a good drink. There are over a dozen Irish, German, or British pubs, such as '''The Local''', '''Black Forest Inn''', '''Brit's Pub''', or '''Kieran's'''. Local dining, clubs, pubs, and bars in general compete for the best Happy Hour specials. It's a good idea to pick up a '''City Pages''' or to do an internet search to find the best deals. Most liquor stores in the general metropolitan area close at 10:00PM. This is true for all areas on Fridays and Saturdays. The exception is in the Minneapolis city proper - stores there close at 8:00PM on Monday through Thursday. You can save more money by purchasing your own supply. Be sure to check out the yellow pages for liquor stores which specialize in wines or beers. *A good places to go to purchase liquor is '''Surdyk's''' at the crossing of University and East Hennepin just northeast across the river from downtown. They have an amazing wine selection and an impressive amount of international specialties like sake and plum wine, beers(dozens of English microbreweries are represented), port wines, champagnes, vodkas, whiskeys, and others. ==Sleep== There is a good variety of hotels to stay at. Avoid straying too far away from town without a car. In downtown, the '''Doubletree''' hotel is a great value. There is a good '''Radisson''', '''Marriot''', and many '''Holiday Inns''' around the area. The University of Minnesota '''Radisson''' is a good place to stay during times when sports and school are quiet. Refer to the '''Qwest Dex''' yellow pages for more ma and pa lodgings or for special luxury suites. ==Get out== Minneapolis on the surface seems like a pretty but rather quiet tourist destination. If you properly do your research though, there is plenty to do. *It's a great theater town. Check out '''Theatre de la Jeune Lune''' for new takes on classic and original plays. '''The Guthrie Theater''' is probably the most famous around town, and their Shakespeare shows have been magnificent. '''Brave New Workshop''' is a good place for those seeking comedic relief during a business trip. Check local listings to see what is going on at the '''Orpheum''', '''Historic State Theater''', and the '''Pantages'''. *For music shows, check out the famous '''[http://www.first-avenue.com First Avenue]''', '''[http://www.finelinemusic.com The Fine Line]''', '''Quest''', '''[http://www.triplerocksocialclub.com Triple Rock]''', '''The Cabooze''', '''[http://www.terminalbar.com Terminal Bar]''', '''Hexagon Bar''' and '''[http://www.400bar.com The 400 Bar]'''. The '''[http://www.citypages.com City Pages]''', '''The Onion''', and local '''[http://www.startribune.com Star Tribune]''' often carry listings, and the former two are free. *The nightlife in general can be vibrant in several areas. The '''Warehouse District''' is great for clubbers, '''Dinkytown''' is good for college partygoers, '''Uptown''' is good for those with a bit more money, and '''The Mall of America''' has several spots for the middle aged and sports fans. Minneapolis is not the 24 hour city that New York is, but bars close at 2AM - so that is still plenty of time, especially if you find a party to go to afterwards (it is best to be accompanied by friends and to know someone either through a reliable acquaintance, friend, or client who knows your host's social status). *As mentioned earlier above, Minneapolis has beautiful lakes and riverfronts that the local residents work hard to keep clean. It is also easy with a car, the proper permits, and necessary equipment to go camping two hours and more out of town. And it can be delightfully cheap. Try [www.exploreminnesota.com Explore Minnesota] for more info. *In the daytime, there is plenty to see. The museums, natural parks and waterfronts, malls, shopping districts, dining zones, and amusement outings like '''Valleyfair''' in nearby Shakopee or '''Camp Snoopy''' at the Mall of America should give you several options no matter what your age. ==External links== *[http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ Official City Website] *[http://www.metrotransit.org/ Metro Transit, Buses and Light Rail Info] *[http://www.mspairport.com/msp/ Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport] *[http://www.startribune.com/ The Star Tribune, Major Local Newspaper] *[http://www.citypages.com/ The City Pages, great "To-Do" guide, articles, restaurant reviews, and much more weekly] *[http://www.pulsetc.com/ The Pulse. Great for concerts, music, and other happenings] *[http://www.artsmia.org/ Minneapolis Institute of Arts, a classical through modern art museum. Well funded] *[http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac Walker Art Center, a modern art museum] *[http://www.minneapolis.org/ Minneapolis.org, decent travel site] First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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