Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian avenue in downtown Minneapolis, has Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and two malls, upscale Gaviidae Common and City Center. Hip galleries and antiques stores abound in the restored Warehouse District, north of Hennepin between North 1st and 7th streets. Uptown, near Hennepin and Lake streets, is the place to find trendy shops and boutiques. In St. Paul, good shopping can be found all along Grand Avenue, just west of the downtown.
The Mother of All Malls
The Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington (tel. 952/883-8800; www.mallofamerica.com), the nation's largest shrine to consumerism, has everything -- restaurants, major department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom, more than 520 specialty stores and boutiques, movie theaters, nightclubs, bowling, even a NASCAR racing experience. The Park at MOA (formerly Camp Snoopy) is America's largest indoor theme park.
The mall is in Bloomington, about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Follow I-35W south to I-494 east, and exit onto 24th Ave. Follow the signs to the mall. To get here by public transportation, take the light rail service from the airport, Nicollet Mall, or a dozen other stops along the Hiawatha Line (Rte. 55) for $1.50 ($2 during rush hour). The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9:30pm, and Sunday 11am to 7pm. During the summer months, the mall opens at 9:30am Saturdays. Hours for the restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters may vary.
