American Adventure! Our Expert’s Trip to Minneapolis

One of our top travel experts, Sandra, took an American adventure to Minneapolis in Minnesota – Minneapolis is probably not the first place you think of when planning a trip to America but there is so much to see and do here. So don’t overlook this part of the USA as a destination for your next trip!

The Flight

I was recently given the opportunity to go on a trip to Minnesota, Minneapolis  with Aer Lingus on their new direct route from Dublin going 5 days a week taking just under 8 hours flying time, Aer Lingus upgraded us to business class on our outbound flight to experience what they had to offer on-board checking in, in the premium check –in with no queue, we were then treated to the  beautiful and modern, 51st&green lounge with brilliant amenities to relax and enjoy prior to your flight to the US with luxury shower facilities, local Irish food, coffee or alcoholic beverage as well as free Wi-Fi  all while sitting back and enjoying the views of the Dublin mountains a plane spotters ideal area for watching aircraft take off and land and all for only €35pp and can be added on to make a trip more memorable and special.

The Hotel

We stayed in the great wolf lodge in Bloomington in a great location, ideal for families with the mall of America within an easy ten-minute walk with complementary shuttle transfers to and from the hotel as well as complementary transfer into Minneapolis.

The hotel itself is a well-known brand in America and has every amenity you could possible think of to keep children entertained, from a water park within the hotel, bowling alley, arcade entertainment, and tons of games. The hotel had delicious restaurants onsite, fun shopping and themed party rooms. The rooms were comfortable and perfect for bedding down after a long day of exploring the locale.

The Shopping: The Mall of America

If you love New York, Orlando or Las Vegas for shopping you will love the Mall of America it’s the largest shopping mall in America with 520 stores under one roof from high street to designer brands, beauty brands and so much more. It takes almost 3 days to see all the shops! Families will love the Lego Shop, the Sea Life Aquarium and the Crayola Experience. Beyond Mall of America there’s plenty of outlet stores nearby where you can grab more bargains and Minnesota is a tax free state on clothing and some beauty items. Savings!

The Tours & Sights

If shopping isn’t what you want to do then don’t worry there is enough to do and see without ever going near a shop! I loved visiting Paisley Park to see all about the great music produced by Prince over the years. There’s a tour of his memorabilia in his house and recording studio and movie studio – you don’t have to be a huge fan of his music to find it fascinating! Sports fan will love the 12 golf courses in Minnesota, the baseball, ice hockey and tons more. Minnesota has 6 months of winter weather so you’ll love all the skiing facilities and the other wintry wonders! While you’re exploring, check out the local distilleries like The Flying Dutchman. Historical sights include St. Paul’s Cathedral, a replica of St. Peters in Rome. 7^th Street is the place to be for pubs and shopping. The Sculpture Garden was a great thing to see, and you can take in a Broadway-style show too.

Get inspired for your American holidays here with Cassidy Travel.