2 day visit over Xmas (Minneapolis: where to stay, hotel, restaurants)

[Gehrs]

Hi,
My wife and I will take advantage of free child care from family over the holidays, and will spend Dec 26-27 in the Cities. Any suggestions on places to stay, eat, or visit would be appreciated. We did this last year and stayed downtown Mpls (can't recall- Nicolet Av). We had a nice time. Walked the skywalks and went to Macy's. We like nice places, coffee shops, quaint shops, etc.. Nothing hectic, just a quiet short getaway.

Thanks in advance.

[uptown_urbanist]

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, I'd go with the W hotel the Foshay -- haven't been in their rooms, but they've really done a great job with the (historic) Foshay building. Even if you don't stay there, I'd recommend going to their observation deck/museum; I think it costs a couple of bucks, but the view is AMAZING. Can't beat it. It's outside (so bundle up!), but I think the view is even more magical on a crisp winter day. Or better yet (would love to do this sometime when we have some evening childcare lined up!), go to their bar, Prohibition, and enjoy some classic cocktails while taking in the view.

On the other side of the river, NE Minneapolis has a lot of nice little shops and restaurants, both old and new. Nye's is fun and is a local classic for dinner. Do some shopping, have some coffee, then head down by the river and walk across the Stone Arch Bridge. That's nice any time of the year.

[Gehrs]

This all sounds perfect. Just what we have in mind.
Thanks. I appreciate it.