2008 Woodie Awards
Tips for taking the road less travelled
Ryan Pierce
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Iowa City
Common spring break destinations usually consist of warm weather, bodies of water and lots of sun. Whether it's Florida, Mexico or some other warm weather destination, most students taking trips during spring break will probably try to avoid the cold weather climate that has produced more than 60 inches of snow this winter.
For those looking to take the road less traveled, a trip to Minneapolis might be a less expensive option. Within driving distance, Minneapolis provides plenty in the way of night life in the downtown district including the State Theater, the Target Center and various national chain restaurants and establishments.
Located in the heart of the downtown district, the Hard Rock Café is a common stop in destination cities. Known for its music memorabilia and eclectic items mounted on the walls, the Hard Rock Café sits across from the Target Center and provides a dining option for those attending events in the area at any of the various venues.
Attached to the Hard Rock Café via a skywalk is a smaller cluster of restaurants that includes Gameworks, Pancheros, Hooters, Cold Stone Creamery and others. Gameworks is an arcade geared toward adults with a full bar downstairs, a bowling alley and a large selection of classic and current video games.
Also accessible via the skywalk system is the State Theater, a location in which various comedians and off-Broadway plays take place. Acts play every night and the theater is attached to a pair of upscale restaurants that provide for a quiet and intimate atmosphere. The State Theater is an option if looking for dinner and a show near downtown.
Outside of the downtown district there are other areas of interest, such as the Mall of America and the larger shops that aren't found in Iowa, such as Ikea. Designed to attract tourists, these places are more than likely going to be busier during the weeks designated as spring break for the local schools.
If trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of the shopping scene, two restaurants in the area are recommended stops. The Nook, as featured on the Food Network, is a small restaurant located across the street from a high school in suburban St. Paul. Featuring massive burgers, greasy fries and cold drinks, the food quality is going to be different than a typical chain restaurant.
Another restaurant located in the suburban twin cities area is Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge. Suzi often greets customers as she looks over the paperwork in the dimly lit pizza place. With a menu of fried items and types of pizza rarely found in the Midwest, Suzi's offers a variety of options that aren't common in Iowa.
There are several places in Minneapolis that make the five hour drive worth while if looking to avoid the usual spring break hotspots. For those looking for a new spring break experience or to avoid traveling down the same old beaten path try taking a trip north to the Twin Cities where the experience is customized to personal tastes.
For those looking to take the road less traveled, a trip to Minneapolis might be a less expensive option. Within driving distance, Minneapolis provides plenty in the way of night life in the downtown district including the State Theater, the Target Center and various national chain restaurants and establishments.
Located in the heart of the downtown district, the Hard Rock Café is a common stop in destination cities. Known for its music memorabilia and eclectic items mounted on the walls, the Hard Rock Café sits across from the Target Center and provides a dining option for those attending events in the area at any of the various venues.
Attached to the Hard Rock Café via a skywalk is a smaller cluster of restaurants that includes Gameworks, Pancheros, Hooters, Cold Stone Creamery and others. Gameworks is an arcade geared toward adults with a full bar downstairs, a bowling alley and a large selection of classic and current video games.
Also accessible via the skywalk system is the State Theater, a location in which various comedians and off-Broadway plays take place. Acts play every night and the theater is attached to a pair of upscale restaurants that provide for a quiet and intimate atmosphere. The State Theater is an option if looking for dinner and a show near downtown.
Outside of the downtown district there are other areas of interest, such as the Mall of America and the larger shops that aren't found in Iowa, such as Ikea. Designed to attract tourists, these places are more than likely going to be busier during the weeks designated as spring break for the local schools.
If trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of the shopping scene, two restaurants in the area are recommended stops. The Nook, as featured on the Food Network, is a small restaurant located across the street from a high school in suburban St. Paul. Featuring massive burgers, greasy fries and cold drinks, the food quality is going to be different than a typical chain restaurant.
Another restaurant located in the suburban twin cities area is Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge. Suzi often greets customers as she looks over the paperwork in the dimly lit pizza place. With a menu of fried items and types of pizza rarely found in the Midwest, Suzi's offers a variety of options that aren't common in Iowa.
There are several places in Minneapolis that make the five hour drive worth while if looking to avoid the usual spring break hotspots. For those looking for a new spring break experience or to avoid traveling down the same old beaten path try taking a trip north to the Twin Cities where the experience is customized to personal tastes.
Be the first to comment on this story