Okay, technically I’m not moving to Minneapolis, but my GF just got a sweet job with General Mills and has to move up there for the month of February for training/acclimation/indoctrination/brain washing etc. She’s found a condo to rent around 44th and Upton. I’ve never been to Minneapolis, so I have no idea what there is to see or do in the city and specifically in the vicinity of her new abode. It’s in the ‘Golden Valley’ area if that helps at all. We’re packing up and heading out this Saturday morning without a clue. Any Minneapolis/St. Paul dopers (or people familiar with the area) willing to lend suggestions?
Also, any tips on breaking up the monotony of a seven hour drive from Chicago to Minneapolis? With a dog in the car? Any cool spots to hit along the way?
Thanks in advance.
BW
Well, depending on whether her apartment is on 44th Ave. or 44th St. she either lives in a nice neighborhood or a crappy neighborhood.
Not a whole lot to do in Golden Valley this time of year (where I used to work until this past month) but they do have some nice parks, golf courses, and trail system.
Otherwise it’s a lot of typical midwest retail strip malls with bigger malls near by.
There’s a few older “what to do in Minneapolis” threads floating around here somewhere.
When driving up from Chicago your only main stops are Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and EauClaire. Wisconsin Dells may be fun in a completely tacky way but again it’s the down season.
If in town for a while you probably will want to hit the Mall of America, Mystic Lake Casino, Maple Grove for pleasant shopping, restaurants, movie theaters all in one place.
Finding cool spots will present no difficulties.
This isn’t really Cafe Society material. I’ll move it for you.
The drive from Chicago has some nice scenic spots, roadside, just to stop and smell the flowers. Or let the dog smell the trees. If you want entertainment, there’s the Wisconsin Dells (don’t miss the clown museum.)
It’s not a bad drive, around 7 hours depending on where in Chicago you’re coming from. iPods are great, or books on tape.
BTW, 44th & Upton is definitely a nice neighborhood. It’s the center of a nice little commercial district in the Linden Hills neighborhood. And hopefully this doesn’t make you want to reconsider you plans, but you’re just a few blocks from me.
I guess you’re right, she could be up in north Mpls. SW Mpls seems more likely though. That intersection has a bunch of condos.