First trip to the cities

[bigwuphan]

Hi there, I just wanted to pitch in with my two cents. I used to live in MN and am now in Phoenix (but I am moving back this summer!), so here are things I love about the Cities (perhaps other posters can add to or clarify some of my suggestions, as it has been awhile).

Even though you plan to move to the suburbs once you get to MN, from your post I understand that you're looking for some "city" stuff to do while on vacation.
*I recommend the artsy/theatre district near Downtown.
*There is also a very cool little street called Nicollet Mall right downtown that is full of sidewalk cafes and stores that is very pedestrian-friendly.
*Dinkytown is unbelievably fun, full of bars, restaurants (my fave is the Loring Pasta Bar and the Kitty Cat Club), shops, etc. It is the college area and a little grittier, but not unsafe.
*Uptown is boring to me, but maybe I haven't explored it enough. It just seems like there are only a few blocks on which you can find stuff to do, and then it ends. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.
*The Walker Art Museum/Sculpture Gardens are awesome.
*Cedar/Riverside area has some great multicultural restaurants and trinket and clothing stores. Avoid at night, though.
*The Seward neighborhood has some cool cafes and co-ops.
*Also, grab a City Pages when you're in town and look for local music shows, plays, things happening in various parks and lake areas, etc. One thing I've always considered Minneapolis superior in is its propensity for arts and culture. After living in Arizona for several years, I can't wait to get out of this Land of Nothing Happening and getting back to a city where I no that something quality and fun is going on almost every night.

Hope you have a fabulous time in MN!

[Eco84]

I would recommend looking for a hotel in downtown Minneapolis rather than near the MOA.

Also, you don't need to move to the suburbs to get a property with a yard. The residential areas in Minneapolis mostly consist of detached single family homes, and the space between the homes is probably wider than what you are accustomed to. Those rowhouses you're seeing out in Baltimore are virtually nonexistant here (something I actually wish we had more of in Minneapolis).