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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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City VIP Blog Posts
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
Wednesday November 30, 2011

The Prince of Northeast Speaks

Insider Perspectives is a blog entry that features a citizen of the city as they shed a different light on Minneapolis. This week’s entry comes from the "Prince of Nordeast" Michael Rainville, as he shares his secrets on the best night in northeast Minneapolis.

One of the nice benefits of being a fifth generation French Canadian living in NE Minneapolis is the high level of social life that has always been part of the community. While this “joy of life” has been a staple for decades, the new influx of restaurants continues this entertainment tradition.

This weekend, I will walk to the East Hennepin area for some quality time with friends and family. Walk with me as I try to navigate this great hospitality district.

My first decision comes on the corner of 4th Street and East Hennepin…will it be Whiteys for a quick roast beef sandwich and a chat with Whitey himself? Whitey saw the potential in this 150 year old business district and bought his saloon 20 years ago, restoring an 1880’s building into a popular watering hole for the 30-something crowd.

Or, I could head across the street to the Bull Dog, ask Amy what specialty beer is featured and peruse the menu. Bull Dog is famous for its homemade hamburgers; my teenage son recommends a good old fashioned cheese burger. On the other corner of 4th and East Hennepin is Masu Sushi & Robata. Housed in a former Bank building (look for the beautiful white columns on the outside), Masu is the newest restaurant on East Hennepin. Featuring both a Sushi bar and Robata style (grilled) Japanese cuisine, I have enjoyed some great meals and stories there.

Once dinner is accomplished, it’s time for some music. On the corner of 2nd Street on East Hennepin is Ginger Hop and Honey’s. Ginger Hop is located in the old Surdyk’s liquor store (Jim had some great Halloween parties in the basement after his Dad opened the new store on University and East Hennepin) and features a unique menu of American and Asian food. As the chef says so well, “It’s where East meets NE.” Honey’s is the music venue downstairs and features some great jazz. Reminds me of some of the clubs in Chicago; it’s been a great addition to the neighborhood.

A night out in NE is not complete without a stop at Nye’s. Voted the best bar in America by Esquire magazine, the Rainvilles have been customers since Al Nye opened the doors in 1952. When Al allowed me to open a house tab, I knew I had arrived in the world! For 37 years Lou Snyder held court playing at the Piano Bar; can you image the fun times she had?  The new “Piano Man” has big shoes to fill, but he is doing great…..I suggest requesting Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind.  If you hear music wafting in from the side bar, it’s just the ‘World’s Most Dangerous Polka band…grab a partner and do a little dancing.

Life is good on the River.

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