From the first moment when you arrive in Minneapolis you will instantly understand why Mary Richards tossed her hat into the air with excitement for seven years every time The Mary Tyler Moore Show, set in this vibrant locale, played on television. There's a feeling in the air that can only be understood by the emotions which surely originate in the strong affinity with arts and culture that are an historic legacy of Minneapolis.
With luminaries past and present on the Guthrie Theatre stage that include Jessica Tandy (Fried Green Tomatoes, Driving Miss Daisy), her husband Hume Cronyn (Cocoon) whom she met at the Guthrie and T.R. Knight (George on Grey's Anatomy) it's not hard to understand the culture that is Minneapolis. Wherever there's a healthy arts community it seems like a thriving GLBT community is only a heartbeat away.
Open minded, vibrant, friendly, safe and forward thinking. However you describe Minneapolis it is an exciting new destination for the gay tourist. With the largest percentage of GLBT population of any city in the United States outside of San Francisco it's not surprising that a gay-friendly welcome is guaranteed in this mid-western metropolis.
The Minneapolis cultural landscape is currently experiencing an arts explosion with almost a half billion dollars being spent recently on new and upgraded infrastructure. With the new Public Library building, the stunning new Guthrie Theater, a new expansion to the Walker Art Center and a new wing at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and more to come in the next few years, this city is a rare treat for cultural aficionados or anyone with curiosity.
Three openly gay men who sit on the City Council and an openly gay Senator have enabled the existence of some of the most progressive same-sex legislation anywhere to be found in Bush country. Although there is no actual gay village it is abundantly clear that the local GLBT community is fully integrated in this cosmopolitan gem of the American mid-west.
Anything and everything you might be searching for on your gay vacation is available in Minneapolis. A vibrant GLBT community, fabulous food, great accommodations, lively nightlife and culture beyond imagination are waiting for you to experience and enjoy.
With the new trend around the world toward boutique hotels not surprisingly Minneapolis is ready and able to offer this type of lodging for the ultimate holiday experience.
The new Chambers Hotel opened in September of this year to great anticipation as a boutique design hotel featuring a multi-million dollar contemporary and edgy art collection of original works from around the world. An intimate, deluxe service, high design, luxury complex with sixty rooms, an open-air courtyard, lobby bar, rooftop lounge and Chambers Kitchen restaurant, this can only be described as an incomparable experience. For art lovers who've ever felt they didn't want to leave a gallery when the doors closed, then the Chambers is like sleeping overnight in that gallery. Whether or not you consider yourself an art lover, the stunning design will leave you breathless. Be sure to check out the fire escape mural-a unique work of art unto itself. Add to this experience the luxurious rooms and friendly, efficient staff and this will prove to be a holiday or honeymoon experience to remember.
The larger twenty-one story Graves 601 Hotel launched in August of this year adding another new landmark to the hotel scene in Minneapolis. Featuring an environment rich in design, modern art and state-of-the-art technology it is located in the centre of town close to shopping, businesses and the Guthrie Theatre. Each room includes a wall mounted forty-two inch plasma screen televison, two ambient light moods, a wireless digital keyboard for internet access, an edge-lit etched glass headboard depicting one of four Minneapolis scenes, a vast library of movie and music selections for download digitally and a top of the line mattress for a decadent night's sleep. In addition you will experience incomparable bathroom elegance which is out of this world for a truly pampered stay in this new brand of hotel.
For a more traditional hotel experience the Marriott City Center offers full amenities in the heart of downtown just a short walk to all that Minneapolis has to offer. Connected to all of downtown by the enclosed Skyways and near the theatres and nightlife this is a location worthy of consideration for your stay. A Sunday breakfast in bed with champagne and orange juice in the newly renovated rooms will help your recovery from the previous night's frivolity and set the tone to explore all that is offered in the heart of this city.
Sparkling lakes, inviting trails and green spaces beautify this landscape where every resident lives within six blocks of a park or open space. It's possible to bike, hike, pedal or paddle all within the limits of downtown.
The mighty Mississippi river courses through the heart of Minneapolis providing spectacular river-walks and skyline views of this urban playground. The city's history revolves around this river and today the local residents and visitors enjoy the historic landmarks along the river banks.
The historic Mississippi Riverfront district has transitioned from industrial to recreational land delighting outdoor enthusiasts with parks, picnic areas, walking trails, landmarks such as the Pillsbury Bakery and the only stone railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi. This history-rich neighborhood is a perfect afternoon retreat with restaurants, patios and shops for a complete escape from the nearby city across the river. You can experience a Segway magical history tour which is as close to a magic carpet ride as you are ever likely to get. If you've never ridden a Segway then you are in for a unique experience and full training is provided before you head out to glide along the riverside trails and pathways.
Returning to the downtown side of the river bank you can visit the Mill City Museum which is the latest addition to Minnesota's statewide network of historic sites. From 1880 to 1930 Minneapolis was considered the "Flour Milling Capital of the World" and this museum rises eight stories from the ground in the original ruins of the Washburn A Mill, a National Historic Landmark. The elevator ride to the rooftop observation deck culminates in a spectacular view of the Mississippi River valley and downtown Minneapolis. In the museum's theatre a twenty minute video provides an excellent fast-paced history of the region which will make you feel like an expert local historian. If that's not enough for a trip back in time then the aroma of freshly baked bread will transport you to the past.
When the past comes together with the present and looks to the future there can be no better example than the historic Guthrie Theater. Back in 1960 an eager invitation from Minneapolis community leaders brought internationally acclaimed director Sir Tyrone Guthrie to the city to consider it as a possible home for his new theatre. In 1963 the original Guthrie Theater debuted with a modern-dress production of Hamlet on a unique thrust stage. Over forty years later the spectacular new multi-million dollar Guthrie Theater complex opened in June of this year. This new performing arts centre with three stages remains true to the original concept with another thrust stage in an 1100 seat auditorium and the additions of a 700 seat proscenium and a 250 seat studio theatre. However, French architect Jean Nouvel has created an entire entertainment structure with restaurants, bars, a view of the Mississippi and an awe inspiring atmosphere worthy of some of the finest performances by actors today and tomorrow. This bold venture is certain to ensure that the prolific Minneapolis theatre community, which is also the soul of this city, will continue to aspire to greater heights now and in the future as this theatre's tradition deserves. A visit to this performing arts centre and a night at the theater will be the highlight of your visit to Minneapolis-guaranteed.
Dining in Minneapolis will be an adventure and will involve some very tough decisions. Wolfgang Puck's 20.21 at the Walker Art Center versus Cue at the Guthrie Theater? No choice you have to try them both! A really special place for breakfast is Hell's Kitchen, so that's an easy decision and a truly unique experience. Even if you're not staying at the Chambers Hotel you'll want to experience a multi-course dinner created by Chef Jean-Gorges at the Chambers Kitchen. An old police station is the setting for a dinner perfectly prepared by chef and owner Stewart Woodman at Five Restaurant and Lounge. Wait for the surprise of a "Boys in Blue" special dessert and when you go to the washroom be sure they don't throw away the "jail" key . At Wild Roast Café you can expect a warm welcome from owners and partners Dean and Tom at their coffee-house where the 1903 fireplace is the centerpiece and their great light fare is a true culinary delight to complement the relaxing at-home atmosphere. And of course there's always dinner on a Mississippi paddle boat night tour for a truly unique dining experience with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Halfway between New York and Los Angeles but all the way out of the closet Minneapolis offers unparalleled nightlife for the energetic gay traveler. After everything this cultural city has to offer during the daylight and twilight hours those with incredible stamina can party into the wee small hours at approximately fifteen gay or gay-friendly bars, clubs and pubs. There's somewhere to drink and dance every night of the week and it's no wonder the locals are always out and about.
For those who enjoy shopping there are several neighbourhoods close to downtown with boutiques and community style shops. For a retail adventure The Mall of America is a must with over 520 stores, an amusement park and aquarium. With no sales tax on clothes this a perfect time to expand your wardrobe.
One of the best and most practical amenities of this city is Metro Transit which includes light rail transit and buses. For just two dollars and fifty cents you can ride in comfort from your airport terminal to the heart of downtown and many places in between. You can save that expensive airport transfer money common to most cities and spend it on fun.
The enthralling culture and soul of this city is only due to the incredible people that call Minneapolis home. The city's biggest asset is the warmth of its citizens. Everyone from bell-hops to waiters, the directors of museums and galleries, actors and people on the street give forth a gay-friendly greeting. It's easy to understand the pride in their city, the pride for their community but their welcome goes beyond that of any other equally proud cosmopolitan city.
Look out Big Apple and Broadway there's a new Mary throwing her hat into the ring !
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