ROBUST RETAIL W
Malls abound around the Twin Cities By Terri Peterson Smith
A giant shopping experience awaits groups in Minnesota, and it’s concentrated in a small area just outside Minneapolis. From high-end retailers to outlet stores, shopping here means added value because Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing and shoes. These attractions include a huge array of dining and entertainment experiences to round out the trip. And what’s even better, there are more than 50 hotels within 10 minutes of the area.
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February 2022
Mall of America
Start in Bloomington, Minnesota, with the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, the Mall of America (MOA). With 520 stores, ranging from Nordstrom and Macy’s to the small local vendors found in MOA’s new Community Commons, this mall pro-
vides a distinctive shopping experience with the flair of Twin Cities culture. When it’s time to put down the shopping bags, MOA visitors may take a break at any of 50 dining options and enjoy blockbuster entertainment opportunities after that. For example, groups may stroll through a 300-foot glass underwater tunnel at SEA Life Minnesota Aquarium which has over 10,000 sea creatures on view. The rides offer a thrill at Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park. And, Flyover America provides a fully immersive flight simulation ride that uses virtual flight technology to take guests through an aerial tour of the United States. Other activities include miniature golf courses (one glows under black lights) and the new M&M’S Experience offers a