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
souvenir shopping bag. There’s easy drop off and pick up for groups, plenty of motorcoach parking and two hotels, Radisson Blu and JW Marriott, connected to the mall. To register a group, email tourism@ moa.net at least two weeks in advance.
Eagan shopping
MALL OF AMERICA, BLOOMINGTON PHOTO: MALL OF AMERICA
colorful taste of heaven for chocolate lovers. In contrast, some folks may prefer to simply stroll the mall and take in the sights in this giant tree-filled and skylit space, which is 70 degrees year-round. New at MOA, behind-the-scenes tours of the mall show visitors what it takes to make this extraordinary place run. “With such a wide variety of retail, dining and attractions found at Mall of America, there is truly something for everyone,” said Samantha Sommers, tourism account executive for Mall of America. “We are continually launching new retail concepts, dining experiences and unique attractions to make sure guests have something new to discover every time they visit.” Groups of 15 or more may receive a VIP shopping coupon book and a
Groups will find even more great shopping in nearby Eagan, Minnesota. For example, at Twin Cities Premium Outlets savvy bargain hunters enjoy more than 90 stores, mainly outlets for high-end brands. Visitors walk outdoors between shops under covered walkways, but the mall features a food court with indoor dining and a big fireplace. Another shopping center, Central Park Commons, has an open-air style with shops that include Home Goods, Sierra Traders, Hobby Lobby and more with many fast casual dining options. Both Eagan malls offer easy drop off and parking for motorcoaches and area hotels
also provide shuttles to the shopping destinations. Enjoy Eagan, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, provides a “one-stop shopping” service for group tour planners and is happy to coordinate visits to Twin Cities Premium Outlets and Central Park Commons as well as the Mall of America. “Groups should contact me directly,” said Denise Olsen, Enjoy Eagan’s senior sales director. “I put options together for hotels, groups rates and discounts. I can meet the bus at one of the malls with gift bags and other fun things.” n Mall of America tourism@moa.net mallofamerica.com/groups Enjoy Eagan 651-675-5542 denise@eaganmn.com eaganmn.com Twin Cities Premium Outlets premiumoutlets.com/outlet/ twin-cities Central Park Commons shopcentralparkcommons.com
TWIN CITIES PREMIUM OUTLETS, EAGAN PHOTO: ENJOY EAGAN
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