First Visit to the Twin Cities

[Ben Around]

Just a few comments to add on to the previous:

Asian restaurants: Yes, they are all over the metro area, but you'll find the most authentic ones concentrated along University Avenue between Snelling and Rice in St. Paul. It's the closest thing the TC has to a Chinatown (though most of the people who live there are Hmong, Vietnamese, Cambodian--not Chinese) Some are pretty dumpy looking, but all are authentic. I agree that Eat Street (Nicollet) would be a great destination. But also, some great ethnic restaurants along NE Mpls.'s Eat Street, Central Ave NE.

Do not leave the Twin Cities without having the quintessential Twin Cities experience, walking around a lake. Lake Calhoun is the most lively with lots of 20 somethings there, Harriet is almost as lively, but more family oriented. Lake of the Isles is quieter but surrounded by beautiful houses. You can rent a canoe at Calhoun Beach and paddle among all 3 lakes, as someone else mentioned above.

If you are not tired out from canoeing, rent a bike (places to do so near Calhoun Beach) and ride for miles in any direction on the bike trails that encircle the lakes, then go off in various directions.

If you find yourself in downtown St Paul, go to Kellogg Park at Kellogg & Minnesota. It's on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi with beautiful views. Then go about a mile east to Mounds Park and you'll catch the best view of downtown St. Paul skyline.

[f1000]

thank you everybody for the great information. Leaving next week, we're very much looking forward to visiting a part of the country (Upper Midwest) we've never been to.