Twin Cities 411

Hotels

Northeast and Central Minneapolis

Taking its cues from the neighboring galleries, Chambers is Minneapolis's first boutique hotel that boasts its own commendable contemporary art collection. While the sleek, modern design and Jean-Georges Vongerichten–run kitchen (room service, too!) are more South Beach than Midwest, the hotel welcomes families with that signature Minnesota friendliness.
901 Hennepin Ave., (612) 767-6900,   from $265-$345 for a studio room queen/king and $315-$355 for a deluxe studio king.

We know, it's a Westin, but it's also retrofitted into Minneapolis's historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank building and is connected to the skyway system, Minneapolis's above-ground system of glass tunnels and walkways. The pool is the perfect place to unwind after a day at the museums and galleries.
88 South Sixth St., (612) 333-4006,  from $129 for a double room.

St. Paul

Nearly 100 years old, the Saint Paul Hotel is one of the Twin City's most elegant places to stay, with its old-school decor and huge four-poster beds. It's also a few minutes' walk from the Minnesota Children's Museum and the Minnesota Science Museum, right in downtown St. Paul.
350 Market St., (651) 292-9292,  from $199 Monday-Thursday for a double room and $159 Friday-Sunday.

MORE RESTAURANTS

Linden Hills/ Lowry Hill

Go global in this palace of worldly street food with everything from family-size portions of jerk chicken to fish-taco platters. Get there early. The twentysomethings start to overrun the place around seven or eight.
2916 Hennepin Ave. S., (612) 824-7878

Superhero-costumed servers will save your day by dishing up pies made with all-natural, mostly organic ingredients. Try the Galactic (homemade hemp pesto, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes) or the Paul Bunyan (tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, morel mushrooms, wild rice, and bison sausage—all Minnesota sourced). If you'd rather have your pie delivered to your hotel, rest assured that your hero is jumping into an electric car to make the trip.
2917 Lyndale Ave. S., (612) 824-9100

This neighborhood Vietnamese restaurant serves its pho the way it should be done—a bowl of steamy, fragrant soup with all of the garnishes (cilantro, chilies, sprouts). Loud and bustling, the restaurant's service is quick, and the whole menu is inexpensive and satisfying.
2719 Nicollet Ave., (612) 870-4739

Northeast and Central Minneapolis

The city's most celebrated new boîte shines with simple, exquisitely prepared food with interesting quirks. Try the fabulous brie-topped cheeseburger or the tangy bacon, egg, and harissa sandwich. Kids will devour the cauliflower fritters and the panfried gnocchi.
112 North 3rd St., (612) 343-7696

Transport yourself to Bavaria, where lederhorsen-decked performers serenade you with accordions while you wash down excellent bratwurst and schnitzel with steins of Paulaner Hefeweizen.
2300 University Ave. NE, (612) 781-3860

Just across the street from the Guthrie Theater, Spoonriver takes advantage of its proximity to the Farmer's Market to feature all fresh and locally produced food. Dinner is a more formal affair, so head to this Minneapolis darling for a more kid-friendly brunch or lunch.
750 South Second St., (612) 436-2236

St. Paul

Reminiscent of an Italian grandma's kitchen, Cossetta's, which opened in 1911 as a grocery, started serving food deli-style a few years later and has become loud, clamoring, full of food and warmth. The award-winning pizza slices are gigantic, and the homemade sausage pizza is delicious.
211 W. Seventh St., (651) 222-3476

Sebastian Joe's in Linden Hills might have more devotees, but this homemade artisanal ice cream shop—located next to Choo Choo Bob's—might be even better. Try the chocolate dulce de leche, or the Irish Moxie flavors. For 20 dollars per person, families can take a tour of the factory in St. Paul and sample desserts.
2034 Marshall Ave., (651) 603-1458

MORE STORES

Linden Hills/Lowry Hill

This toy store has everything from Cheeky Chick ride-on grasshoppers, to Olli Clek Booster Seats and Puzzibits. The staff is superknowledgeable, and the hands-on shop is perfect for antsy little ones.
4313 Upton Ave., (612) 927-0653

Pick up dried fruits and nuts from the bulk bins (filled by the 50-year-old Bergin Nut Company) for when little tummies rumble while biking around Lake Harriet.
2813 W. 43rd St., (612) 922-1159

Northeast and Central Minneapolis

The giant sacks of sesame seeds, bulk dried fruit, and lots of bustling make this family-run shop fun for kids and adults. Pick up some fresh feta, olives, and honey-drenched baklava for an impromptu snack.
721 West Lake St., (612) 827-2892

St. Paul

Go old-school at this retro toy store, which holds a huge collection of teddy bears and handmade toys, but the real joy is the massive collection of marbles.
1783 St. Clair Ave., (651) 698-7611

Visit Peapods for classic wooden toys (stacking rings, embossed alphabet blocks, and Haba rugs), as well as natural baby products and cute clothes.
251 Snelling Ave., (651) 695-5559

ACTIVITIES

Linden Hills/Lowry Hill

If you're in the area between mid-June and October, check out the country's second-oldest rose garden. On the northeast corner of Lake Harriet, it has unusual hybrid and tea blooms and rivals the White House Rose Garden's display.
4124 Roseway Rd., (612) 230-6400

Northeast and Central Minneapolis

One of Northeast's most popular galleries, Icebox welcomes families and encourages kids to explore the photography and kids' galleries.
1500 Jackson St. NE #443, (612) 788-1790

St. Paul

Modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, the building, which dates back to 1915, is impressive enough with its 3,000 seats and bronze and marble work.
239 Selby Ave., (651) 228-1766

With more than 520 stores (there are repeats of the big ones to cut down on walking time), an aquarium, a Lego Imagination Center, a flight simulator, an entire indoor amusement park, and more than 60 restaurants, your family might not be able to pass up a trip to the country's largest mall. Take the light rail that shuttles between the mall and the warehouse district near the Nicollet Mall every 10 to 15 minutes.
60 E. Broadway, Interstate 494 and Highway 77, (952) 883-8800