Happenings About Town
While you’re visiting Minneapolis, be sure to check out these destinations recommended by our travel partners, Riverside Travel. They’ve pulled together a list of must-sees and hidden gems to truly fill out your weekend at THE CREATIVE CONNECTION!
Nicollet Mall
Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian street and the place where things are happening in downtown Minneapolis. The Mall stretches for several blocks between Washington Avenue and South 13th Street. The street has very wide sidewalks and a two-lane roadway on which only buses and taxis are allowed.
Along the way are numerous shops, hotels, and restaurants with outside dining. Weather permitting, street entertainers and vendors help to create a festive atmosphere. In the 1100 block, Peavey Plaza provides a nice place to relax with fountains and shade trees. Additionally, the Mall hosts a farmer’s market every Thursday between May and October. The Minneapolis Central Library at the north end of the Mall holds the largest per capita library collection of any major city in the United States.
Mall of America
The Mall of America is in Bloomington, 11 miles due south of the Hyatt Regency. Visitors can access this shopping landmark using the Metro Transit Bus/Light Rail system directly across from the Hyatt Regency.
Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is less than 2 miles from the Hyatt Regency, making the trip walkable; it is also accessible by the Metro Transit Bus/Light Rail system and by taxi cab. The area holds numerous dining options, from award-winning chili and burgers to sushi and pizza, and from fine dining to casual. The Target Center and the Theatre District provide the opportunity to enjoy live music and sporting events. You’ll also find a variety of specialty shops and even yoga classes.
Riverside Travel’s Secret Finds
Guilded Salvage
An absolute “don’t miss” for altered artists, scrapbookers, jewelers, and anyone else who loves vintage iron and architecturals. Lots of smaller items such as interesting keys, locks, key plates, knobs, bits and pieces. Proprietor Scott Rogers is planning a second building by September that is particularly geared towards junkers, antiquers, and crafters, with small salvaged collectibles offered in “multiples.”
4430 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-789-1680
Hunt & Gather
Aside from being the most darling and eclectic antique mall in MSP, H&G is the premier location for tons and tons of interesting smalls perfect for crafting. One whole room houses thousands of numbers and letters, ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 feet across, in paper, plastic, metal, and everything in between! Also find vintage medallions, French papers, and lots and lots of small items.
4944 Xerxes Ave., Minneapolis; 612-455-0250
Cottage House
Open only five days a month (and the September 2010 dates fall during the Creative Connection!), Cottage house is truly a vintage lover’s gem! It used to be a Riverside Travel secret, but a lot more people are discovering the unique and quirky items featured by talented collectors and artists. Lots of painted cottage-style furniture and interesting smalls.
French Market Sale, Sept. 15–19
4304 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-825-4934
Medina Entertainment Center Flea Market
Get down and dirty starting at 6:00 am on Sunday morning only and find lots of hidden treasures at unbelievable prices. Located 20 minutes west of Minneapolis.
500 Hwy 55, Medina; 763-694-5994