Once you arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, take a free shuttle to one of Bloomington’s 45+ hotels, check in, and get ready to shop. Not only is there no sales tax on clothing or shoes here, but with Bloomington being at the center of the cities’ best shopping, you’ll be able to pack a lot into one visit.
Day One: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Take a free shuttle from your hotel to Mall of America. With more than 500 stores, 50+ restaurants, and numerous attractions, you’ll need a whole day to experience the Mall. And remember to wear your most comfortable shoes for walking — but you can always pick up a cuter pair while out. At Mall of America you’ll find everything from clothes, shoes, and accessories to beauty products, electronics, toys, decor, and gifts. Shop upscale brands like A|X Armani Exchange, Canada Goose, CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Kate Spade New York, and Michael Kors on the Mall’s first floor, or check out some of the newest stores like Alo Yoga, Love Your Melon, POP MART, and SKIMS. Along the way, take a break to check out attractions like Nickelodeon Universe®, FlyOver America, and SEA LIFE at Mall of America.
5-7 p.m. Enjoy dinner at one of these standout Bloomington restaurants: FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, where wood-fired steaks, seafood, and locally sourced ingredients come together in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Cedar + Stone, Urban Table, offering farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal regional flavors in a modern, relaxed setting. Both options are perfect spots to relax and refuel after a day of shopping.
7-10 p.m. Head to Level 4 of the Mall for go-karting, video games and axe throwing at The Fair on 4 or see a top comedian at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy.
Day Two: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Make the ten-minute drive to the Galleria in Edina for a healthy, fresh breakfast at Good Earth. Then, grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks and get ready to shop some more.
12-3 p.m. The Galleria offers a variety of shops, including national favorites and local boutiques, plus large home goods stores and even an art gallery. Browse timeless women’s and children’s styles at Sweet Ivy, with a large variety of different brands, or shop sustainable footwear at Rothy’s, known for their recycled-material flats, clogs, sneakers, and heals. If you’re looking for menswear, check out Minneapolis based company, Jaxen Gray, for a curated selection of favorite brands.
3-6 p.m. Walk across the street to Southdale Center, the nation’s first enclosed shopping center, to visit even more stores. Here you can shop department stores such as Macy’s or favorite brands like Banana Republic, lululemon and Madewell. Be sure to check out the new luxury wing featuring Breitling, Burberry, David Yurman, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Moncler, and Ralph Lauren – Tiffany & Co. is coming soon!
7-10 p.m. Return to your hotel and get ready for an entertaining night ahead. Take the short drive to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, the nation’s largest professional dinner theater, for dinner and a show. Every production is top-notch – Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams even got her start here!.
Day Three: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee at Scramblin’ Egg before heading down the road to Southtown Center stores like Kohl’s, Target, and T.J. Maxx. For lunch, head to Mallards Restaurant for a more laid back dining experience. If a pub atmosphere is more your style, try either Lucky’s 13 Pub or Cowboy Jack’s.
1-5 p.m. Drive 10 minutes from Bloomington to Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan. This half-mile long shopping center features more than 100 stores offering a savings of 25 to 65 percent, including many national brands. Save at stores like Calvin Klein, Coach, GAP, Le Creuset, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vera Bradley.
5-7 p.m. Head back to Bloomington for dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants, such as Kincaid’s or Bloomington ChopHouse. If those don’t whet your appetite, check out other Bloomington restaurants to read more about the city’s great eats.
7-10 p.m. View what’s on display at Bloomington Center for the Arts, where professional artwork by local and regional artists in varying media, styles and genres is showcased. The galleries are open until 10 p.m. every day except Saturday. Or if you’re in the mood for live music, head back to either Lucky’s 13 Pub or Cowboy Jack’s, where live performances run Thursday – Saturday nights.
