Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

We enjoyed walking through downtown. We stopped at coffee bars, a restaurant with outdoor tables, and did a lot of people watching. We enjoyed the local Mom & Pop shops that had more charm than the chains. We even took a picture in front of the statue of Mary Tyler Moore.

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Nicollet Mall (is not a shopping area, but a pedestrian friendly section of Minneapolis) is the perfect place to take a stroll in downtown Minneapolis as it is rich in shopping, people watching, nightlife, restaurants, and is ultimately very safe! A great way to pass time exploring a new city.

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On summer Thursdays, Nicollet Mall becomes a Farmer's Market. Vendors peddle masses of colorful flowers, fresh vegetables and fruits, honey and other produce for downtown urban dwellers. Don't miss the spiced nuts - they're really yummy!

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Nicollete Mall, a pedestrian street, is the place where things are happening in downtown Minneapolis. The "Mall" stretches for several blocks between Washington Avenue and South 13th Street. The street has very wide sidewalks and a two lane roadway on which only busses and taxis are allowed.

Along the way are numerous shops, restaurants with outside dining, hotels, etc. Weather permitting, you may see street entertainers and vendors which help to create a festive atmosphere. In the 1100 block, Peavey Plaza provides a nice place to relax, with fountains and shade trees.

On the beautiful spring day of our visit to Minneapolis the street was loaded with people. Street entertainers and vendors helped to create a festive atmosphere. It certainly seems to be the place to see and be seen in Minneapolis and no trip to the city would be complete without taking a stroll through Nicollete Mall, whether you're shopping, looking, or just stretching your legs.

From May 1 - Oct. 31 on every Thursday, there is a Farmers Market along Nicollet Mall. Much of the produce sold are homegrown and organic. You can buy fresh vegitables, fruits, flowers and meats.

Best time to go is around Noon or around 5:00 PM when many downtown workers flood onto Nicollet Mall either for a lunchtime stroll or after getting off work.

When I was little I thought Minneapolis was a big as New York, and I loved going for a ride downtown.. I loved looking at the tall buildings, and fountains.. it made me feel sophisticated.. as I got older I started taking the bus or riding my bike downtown... for the same reason.. although with the knowledge of New York dwarfing Minneapolis´ splendor.
I suggest walking up the pedestrian/bus only Niccollet Mall.. which is what happens to this avenue after 12th street.
You can look at Orchestra Hall and Peavey Plaza, see all the buildings, and there are plenty of restaurants here.

Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it's you girl, and you should know it.
With each glance and every little movement you show it.

Love is all around, no need to waste it.
You can have a town, why don't you take it.
You're gonna make it after all.
You're gonna make it after all.

For those from lands outside the U.S. and who don't know what I am on about with this tip--The Mary Tyler Moore Show is perhaps the best loved AMerican comedy show of all time. It was set in Minneapolis and had the best cast ever with the grumpy Lou Grant (Ed Asner), the staunch Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), the bumbling Ted Baxter (Ted Knight) and the girl next door, Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore).

Often times, I am accused of being grumpier than Mr. Grant--I take that as a compliment.

Nicollet Mall is one of the primary shopping destinations for downtown Minneapolis. There are no automobiles allowed (except buses), which makes it a pleasure to stroll down the street or eat at a cafe. It runs for 12 blocks between 13th Street South and Washington Avenue South, between LaSalle Avenue to the west and Marquette Avenue to the east.