DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO MINNESOTA
One city, three price points: A weekend in Minneapolis
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, July 05, 2009
BUDGET
Getting there
minneapolis.org
Want to see the Stone Arch Bridge? You can if you stay at Nicollet Island Inn, which is on the Mississippi River.
minneapolis.org
A special package at Hotel Chambers offers two tickets to the Walker Art Center.
minneapolis.org
Visitors to the city who stay at Hotel Minneapolis can take advantage of the city’s 8-mile skyway system.
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One-way rates from $74 during frequent sales; 10-day advance; AirTran, Delta/Northwest.
Stay
The Hotel Minneapolis, a downtown Doubletree Hotel, is connected to the city’s 8-mile skyway system, a network of glass tunnels leading to 80 blocks of specialty shops, restaurants, attractions. From $104 a night (Music in the City package) or from $129 with a $20 per stay dining credit for the restaurant’s award-winning restaurant Max (two-night minimum stay); thehotelminneapolis.com.
Eat
Broders’ Pasta Bar serves nearly two dozen traditionally tossed pastas, risottos, gnocchi. This charming neighborhood spot offers its wine and appetizer menus alfresco and daily specials. Entrees $9-$16; broders.com, 5000 Penn Ave. S., 612-925-9202.
Experience
Over 100,000 items are on display along with one of the country’s top collections of Asian art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; free daily admission; closed Mondays; artsmia.org. Road trip (rent a convertible) along the 52-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.
MODERATE
Getting there
One-way, 7-day advance rates from $249; AirTran, Delta/Northwest.
Stay
Located on the Mississippi River, the Nicollet Island Inn offers romantic stays with over-the-river views of downtown and Stone Arch Bridge. Guestrooms feature Sleep Number beds, Aveda products, Egyptian cottons, robes. Weekend rates in a corner room with a four-poster bed and park/river views from $189; nicolletislandinn.com.
Eat
Broders’ Pasta Bar serves nearly two dozen traditionally tossed pastas, risottos, gnocchi. This charming neighborhood spot offers daily specials and alfresco seating for wine and appetizer choices. Entrees $9-$16; broders.com, 5000 Penn Ave. S., 612-925-9202.
Experience
The second biggest state event, the Uptown Art Fair, features 400 artists Aug. 7-9; free; uptownminneapolis.com. The oldest basilica in the country, the Basilica of St. Mary, offers free docent-led tours after 9:30am and 11:30am Masses (meet beneath the pulpit); mary.org.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way, walk-up Business Class from $448; AirTran, Delta/Northwest.
Stay
Two landmark buildings mark the location of The Hotel Chambers with modernistic rooms, suites and original artwork. Natural lit guestrooms feature high ceilings, large windows that open, walk-in rain showers, spacious closets, custom beds, Wi-Fi. One package includes two tickets to the Walker Art Center, an art tour within the hotel, a token for the Art-O-Mat machine (a converted cigarette vending machine that dispenses original art; artomat.org), valet parking. Stays in Junior Suites range from $425-$575; chambersminneapolis.com.
Eat
Cozy, yet chic Mission is a top choice for power lunch, romantic dinner or appetizers and small plates during the cocktail hour. Upscale American entrees from $22-$32; missionamericankitchen.com, 77 S. 7th St., 612-339-1000.
Experience
Enhance a long weekend to attend a one-night Loggins & Messina concert, Sept. 1, State Theater; $53-$103; hennepintheatredistrict.org, 824 Hennepin Ave. Relax on a four-hour Lunch and Lock Cruise from Harriet Island across the Mississippi from downtown St. Paul with top scenery and historical narration while passing through one of America’s deepest locks; every other Saturday through Oct.; $40; riverrides.com.
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