METRO TOP AREA PICKS

METRO TOP AREA PICKS

SEA LIFE MINNESOTA AQUARIUM

A wonder for all ages, the aquarium is home to more than 10,000

sea creatures in 1.3 million gallons of water. Explore 30 displays

including interactive touch pools, walk through a 300-foot tunnel

and see a blacktip reef shark swimming with graceful rays overhead.

SAINT ANTHONY FALLS

Overlook the falls from Guthrie’s Endless Bridge that juts over the

Mississippi. Be sure to walk to the base. There are 108 stairs, but the

view and trails at the bottom are definitely worth the trek back up.

LORING PARK

Scenic walk through the "Central Park" of downtown Minneapolis.

MALL OF AMERICA

It boasts more than 500 stores and many bars that attract locals

and tourists alike. Take the light rail to avoid traffic.

CELEBRATE FASHION IN MINNESOTA

While we are far away from New York Fashion Week, there are still

a number of talented designers who reside in the Twin Cities. The

University of Minnesota continues to host its Senior Fashion Show,

and resale shops like b.Resale frequently partner with local designers

to put on smaller-scale fashion and trunk shows. Shop the boutiques

in the newly revitalized North Loop neighborhood.

THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY

Visit the oldest basilica in the country.

PAISLEY PARK

Get a rare glimpse of Prince's 65,000-square-foot home, studio

and rehearsal spaces. Throughout the experience, visitors will

see artifacts from Prince’s archives, including his iconic concert

wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, artwork, rare music, and

video recordings and motorcycles.

DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB

See the biggest names in local, national and international jazz.

WEISMAN ART MUSEUM

Explore the 25,000 art pieces dating from the early 20th century to

contemporary America — even the building is a modern American

art piece.

WALKER ART CENTER (AND SCULPTURE GARDEN)

Capturing the visual, performing and media arts.

RIVERVIEW THEATER

Watch an indie film or recent blockbuster at the 1950s-style theater

— tickets are $3!

TAKE A NORTHEAST BREWERY TOUR

They make some great beer in the Twin Cities. Head to Northeast

for the brewery trio of 612 Brew, Indeed Brewing Company and

Dangerous Man Brewing Co.

SEE A SHOW AT THE GAY 90S

If you can manage to make your way through the bachelorette

parties, a show at the Gay 90s is just about the most fun a person

can have in downtown Minneapolis. Each night several performers

take to the stage, performing in drag as such icons as Whitney

Houston, Dolly Parton, Madonna and Lady Gaga.

SEE A PLAY. ANY PLAY!

Minneapolis is the third-largest theater market in the nation, with

venues ranging from big players like the Guthrie and the Ordway to

smaller venues like the Southern, Brave New Workshop and Mixed

Blood. There are festivals and performances for any age and price

range, making the theater scene diverse and entertaining enough to

please even the most theater-averse.

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES

Drama at the dining table at the country's largest dinner theater.

WATCH A LOCAL ACT HEADLINE FIRST AVENUE

First Avenue may get some major talent through its doors, but

watching a local band headline the star-covered venue for the first

time is always a special treat.

RIDE THE FERRIS WHEEL AT BETTY DANGER’S

This kooky “country club” features a giant Ferris wheel overlooking

Northeast Minneapolis.

SHOP LOCAL AT THE MILL CITY MARKET

Whether you’re searching for produce or one-of-a-kind gifts, the

market at Mill City Museum is a must-visit.

GO WILD AT THE COMO PARK ZOO

Where else can you see giraffes, tigers and polar bears in

Minnesota?

HIKE FORT SNELLING STATE PARK

Not just for historical reenactments, Fort Snelling is also home to

Pike Island, which makes for a scenic day trek.

LAUGH AT ACME COMEDY CLUB

The open mic night is the best place to heckle stand-up hopefuls,

but they do get some really great talent in here.

AAMODT'S HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDES

Committed to providing the most intimate and romantic balloon

excursions, with smaller-sized groups and the most beautiful setting.

JOSEPH WOLF BREWERY CAVE TOURS — LUNA

ROSA WINE BAR

The Joseph Wolf Brewery Cave Tour is a walking tour that lasts

about 30 minutes while you learn the historical details of how the

cave was built, what it was used for and how it relates to the history

of Stillwater.

• HOTEL LANDING, WAYZATA

• THE KIMPTON GRAND HOTEL, MINNEAPOLIS

• HOTEL IVY, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL,

MINNEAPOLIS

• HEWING HOTEL, NORTH LOOP, MINNEAPOLIS

• LOEWS MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL, MINNEAPOLIS

• W MINNEAPOLIS — THE FOSHAY, MINNEAPOLIS

• RADISSON BLU, MINNEAPOLIS

• NICOLLET ISLAND INN, MINNEAPOLIS

• THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL, ST. PAUL

• WATER STREET INN, STILLWATER

• OMNI VIKING LAKES HOTEL, EAGAN

• GARY’S SUPPER CLUB

• SOUTHERN SOCIAL

• BOLUDO

• THE CHOCOLATE MOOSE

• DA VINCI PIZZA AND PASTA

• FARMBLOOMINGTON

• CHURCHILL STREET

• SERUM’S

• THE EXCHANGE

• R.J. RICHES

• TEXTILE CENTER

• MALL OF AMERICA

• LINO LAKES MARKETPLACE

• 50TH AND FRANCE

• THE SHOPS AT WEST END

• THE SHOPPES AT ARBOR LAKES

• MYSTIC LAKE CASINO

• THE LAKE HARRIET WINTER KITE FESTIVAL

• THE ESCAPE GAME MINNEAPOLIS

• NICKELODEON UNIVERSE THEME PARK

• SEA LIFE AT MALL OF AMERICA

• MERMAID ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

• FUN LAB

• URBAN AIR

• CROONERS

• MAJESTIC OAKS

• HOLIDAY ON MAIN

• MAGIC OF LIGHTS AT VIKING LAKES

• LOPPET CUP

• THE GREAT NORTHERN

• WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BIG 10 BASKETBALL

CHAMPIONSHIPS

• CANDY CANE INSTITUTE

• FESTIVAL OF TREES

• HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

• SANTA’S WORKSHOP — SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY

CENTER

• HERB BROOKS HOLIDAY CLASSIC HOCKEY

TOURNAMENT

• BRAVE THE BRRR — BRIGHTWOOD HILLS/NEW

BRIGHTON FEATURING THE BARTZ BROTHERS

SNOW SCULPTURE