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City VIP Blogger Meet Minneapolis

Welcome to the Insider blog. The City VIP section will feature posts straight from the minds of Minneapolis celebrities, as well as some cool inside information from us. Also, the Insider Post area will spotlight a random member of the Minneapolis community, allowing them to share their unique perspective on the city. Read on and become an Insider.

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Friday April 26, 2013

Mom-entous Day: 10 Best Mother’s Day Spots in Minneapolis

Cell phones. NASA. Adrian Peterson.

What do all these things have in common?

Moms had a hand in creating them.

Yes, moms are responsible for pretty much everything in this world. Which is why you should A) Return their calls that you’ve been meaning to do for a while but just never got around to it because….reasons and B) Take them out for a great mother’s day in Minneapolis. They definitely deserve it.

Check out our 10 Best Mother’s Day Spots in Minneapolis.

1. Pinstripes

Honestly, you could really spend the whole day at Pinstripes and not even notice. Not only do they have this great deal on dining for Mother’s Day, but they’ve got bocce ball AND bowling. Add in the scenic view on their large patio and you’ve got yourself a surefire hit.

2. Mill City Museum

What’s a museum doing on this list? Well, you should know two things about this place. First, they’ve got one of the best historical tours in Minneapolis, which includes their widely-acclaimed video “Minneapolis in 20 Minutes Flat.” Second, they’re nicknamed “The Most Explosive Museum in America,” and we’ll let you find out why. Plus, we’ve got a solid deal on reduced-price admission.

3. Nicollet Island Inn

Skip breakfast in bed. You’re not exactly Wolfgang Puck in the kitchen, and we’re pretty sure that lady deserves an hour or two of extra sleep. So sleep in and take her to Nicollet Island Inn’s Mother’s Day Brunch, as their five-course breakfast and beautiful riverside view make for the best way to start this day.

4. Ivy Spa Club

Oh yes. Really, we don’t even need to explain this one, because we’re pretty sure the word “spa” sold you on this idea. But, if you need another reason, then check this out: you and mom can enjoy a 50-minute Ivy Signature Massage and gel color polish manicure for a big discount.

5. The Depot Hotel

If you want a full day of Mother’s Day fun, you’re going to need to spend the night in Minneapolis. You’re in luck, as The Depot Hotel has this great deal for the whole family to stay and play at this excellent downtown hotel.

6. Mall of America

A shopping spree at the largest mall in America? Sounds good to us, and we got our hands on an exclusive coupon for a 50% discount on their savings booklet so you can rack up some huge savings while you’re there. The best part? You can hop on Metro Transit’s light rail in downtown Minneapolis and ride it all the way to the entrance of the mall.

7. Murray’s Steakhouse

Need a classy place to go for dinner? Murray’s is one of those “you need to dress nicely” type of places, because the atmosphere is just as elegant as the food. They’ve been in business since 1946, so it’s safe to say they’ve got the recipes down to perfection.

8. Minnesota Twins Game

Nothing beats outdoor baseball, especially when you're watching it in the home of the 2014 MLB All Star game. Target Field is a gem, and watching the Minnesota Twins play under the sun in 70 degree weather vs the Orioles is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon on Mother's Day.

9. Union

The casualness of rooftop dining meets the sophistication of high-class dining at the new UNION Restaurant. Located in the heart of downtown, you can enjoy their signature Gourmet Brunch Buffet while soaking in the absolutely stunning Minneapolis skyline from every direction.

10. Above the Falls

You might have read this list and thought, “These are all great, but my mom and I need THE PURE THRILL OF ADVENTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS MOMENTUS DAY OF MOTHERHOOD!” To which we reply, “Even though you just yelled at us in all caps, we get what you’re getting at and we’ve got you covered, but please lower your voice.” Enter Above the Falls, where you and mom can hop in a kayak and take a guided tour of the Mississippi River. How’s that for adventure?

Let us know in the comments below which one of these you’ll be doing!

Insider Blog Post
Monday December 10, 2012

Catch Me if You Can

It’s no secret that Minneapolis is a city that’s known for its theatres. With all those theatre seats to fill, there is nonstop entertainment from the Guthrie to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and everywhere in between. This time of year, many of us look to the holiday classics like “A Christmas Carol” or the “Nutcracker,” but Hennepin Theatre Trust is offering something completely different this season with a Minnesota debut of “Catch Me If You Can” at the Orpheum Theatre Dec. 11-16.

Frank Abagnale Jr. is an expert on fraud, scams, deception and beating the system. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he forged and cashed $2.5 million worth of bad checks in the United States and 26 other countries, while successfully passing himself off as an airline pilot for Pan Am, a doctor, a college professor and a lawyer. He was ultimately caught, as he always knew he would be, and served time in French, Swedish and American prisons.

Abagnale’s adventures were immortalized, and somewhat fictionalized, in Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” with Leonardo DiCaprio starring as the young con man and Tom Hanks playing the FBI agent who pursued him. The movie, based on a ghost-written autobiography, inspired a 2011 Broadway musical of the same name – score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book by Terrence McNally, direction by Jack O’Brien and choreography by Jerry Mitchell – is touring the country, and lucky for us, stopping in Minneapolis.

Abagnale himself will be doing a question and answer session after the opening night performance for all ticketholders who wish to stay and hear more from the man himself. 

Abagnale’s life on the lam is the most entertaining part of his story – but it’s not the best part of his story. It may not even be the most remarkable part of his story. What Abagnale has done since leaving behind his life of crime is both mind-boggling and inspiring. He has used his knowledge as a counterfeiter and scam artist to stop criminals and protect law-abiding citizens, initially working with the FBI – which was part of his parole agreement – and then by developing a host of fraud prevention programs that are used by more than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies.

Put your holiday traditions on hold for a night and spend it entertained by a musical straight from Broadway here on Hennepin Ave. Gift yourself as an early present. Make it a girlfriend’s getaway or a chance to break from the hustle and bustle at home by staying in Minneapolis for the night with a great hotel deal from www.go.minneapolis.org (shameless plug).

Individual tickets for Catch Me If You Can are on sale now. Tickets start at $34 depending on performance time and seating preference. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls., 55402, no service fees), online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org or through Ticketmaster by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Ticket Center. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Groups of 10 or more save, and should call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations.

Performance dates for Catch Me If You Can are Tuesday–Sunday, Dec. 11–16, 2012 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls., 55403).

Performance times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

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