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Minnesota Shopping Itinerary
The shopping is great in Minnesota. In Minneapolis upscale brand names line the Nicollet Mall and trendy boutiques located on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul complement the ultimate shopping paradise in nearby Bloomington: Mall of America. And don’t miss the bargains at the outlets, unique crafts and antiques, and outdoor goods retailers throughout the state. With no tax on clothing, shoes, food and medicine, Minnesota is a bargain hunter's dream.
Minnesota is easily accessible by air via most major airlines and their code-share partners into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
DAY ONE (Bloomington)
Mall of America®, the country's largest entertainment and shopping complex is located in suburban Bloomington just 5 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. From the airport there is taxi, bus and light rail service to the Mall. Also all major rental car companies have counters at MSP airport. Mall of America boasts over 520 stores plus Nickelodeon Universe® -- an indoor amusement park, Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium®, restaurants, nightclubs, movie theaters and more.
DAY TWO (Minneapolis)
Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis' pedestrian walkway has an array of elegant, brand name stores in City Center and Gaviidae Common such as Neiman Marcus and Sak's Fifth Avenue. Target Corporation's headquarters store is also located here. The Mall features dozens of restaurants most with al fresco dining. Nightclubs and music venues abound, in particular the Dakota Jazz Club and the Orchestra Hall.
DAY THREE (Saint Paul)
Saint Paul's charming Grand Avenue hosts numerous one of kind shops and boutiques. This X mile stretch of owner operated stores parallels Historic Summit Avenue, the longest street of Victorian homes in America. Plenty of restaurants, eateries and bars punctuate the avenue.
DAY FOUR (Metro Area Outlets)
Don't forget the Outlets! The Albertville Premium Outlets, 20 miles northwest of Minneapolis, is one of the nation's largest and fastest growing with over 100 stores and more opening weekly. And Cabella's, the direct marketer and specialty retailer of hunting fishing camping and related outdoor recreation merchandise, is in nearby Rogers. To the northeast of the metro is Tanger Outlets (50 stores) in North Branch, while 55 miles south is the Medford Outlet Center (40 stores). Just 5 miles further south in Owatonna is another Cabella's.
DAY FIVE (Day Trip)
Stillwater and Red Wing are antique and collectible hunters' paradises. These Victorian river towns on the Saint Croix and Mississippi Rivers are just a short drive from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Both are replete with river side shopping districts, micro-breweries, wineries and Historic Hotels and Bed & Breakfast Inns. South, in the Bluff Country of the Mighty Mississippi on the Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway, lie additional towns with regional products and cultural interest including those of the Amish.
DAY SIX (Duluth - 3 hour drive north)
Duluth's Lake Superior boardwalk and harbor area feature specialty items at Fitger's Brewery Complex, an 1857 brewery filled with unique shops. The Holiday Center Mall & Downtown Shopping District contain 100 shops connected by skywalk with fine apparel, jewelry, quality toys and gift shops. The Canal Park Shops host quaint waterfront shopping highlighting regional art, outdoor clothing & gear, books, toys, gourmet cooking items, candy, antiques, and more. Overnight in Duluth and then explore the North Shore Scenic Drive, an All-American Road, the next day.
DAY SEVEN (Day Trip)
Drive to the Canadian border and back and seek out unusual local wares, including Lake Superior agates and American Indian crafts and food stuffs such as wild rice, en route. Numerous Minnesota State Parks and other geological sites abound. Dozens of streams and rivers flow into the great lake, most with attractive waterfalls to explore and photograph.
DAY EIGHT (Return to Minneapolis-Saint Paul)
Depart for home. If flying out of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport be sure to take advantage of the marvelous shopping opportunities in Terminal 1 in The Mall and throughout the various concourses where over 50 shops await you.
