When shopping in the Twin Cities there's no denying that most people head first to the Mall of America. With over five hundred stores selling everything from patio furniture Toronto-made to aquariums, a Nickelodeon theme park, wedding chapel, and an underwater aquarium, it's no wonder this one shopping center sees 35 to 40 million visitors a year. But that is not the end of the list of where you can shop on either side of the river. This guide will tell you a little more about the mall and alternative places where you can find some great items, whether it's a unique license plate cover for a Christmas gift or just something for you to brighten your day.
With so many stores and sights to see, the Mall of America can be a little overwhelming for those visiting for the first time. Luckily, you don't have to be visiting from across the country to take advantage of the visitor's guide available on the mall's website. While that family from Florida might be interested in spending the whole day in this retail palace, you could just be looking to pick up a women's sweater from your favorite store. This guide will help you find that store easily among the four floors of the mall. The website can also help you with offers and promotions from individual stores and the mall as a whole.
For those that don't want to spend their entire shopping experience indoors, there is the Warehouse District, which is located on the northwest side of Minneapolis. This area used to be a deserted industrial zone and was recently rejuvenated to include art galleries, restaurants and a number of unique shops. You could find some of the best locally made natural baby products or get a bite to eat before seeing a game at the nearby Metrodome.
Calhoun Square is a funky and posh neighborhood in uptown Minneapolis. If anything has been labeled as trendy in recent months, you can bet that you'll find it here. You'll see an interesting collection of shops and restaurants for the environmentally conscious who insist on cloth diapers to those looking to push the envelope. This is an excellent place to find something unique for a new home or a great original gift for a friend or relative.
The Mall of America is of course not the only mall in the district. Nicollet Mall was made famous when it was featured in the opening credits of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and has survived until today as one of the best places to shop in downtown Minneapolis. It is a great combination of brand name stores and specialty shops and is worth a window-shopping stroll. Come and explore the shopping possibilities in Minneapolis and your wallet might never be safe again!
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