Navigating Downtown Minneapolis or styling in the skyway

Sunrise over US Bank Stadium

They are 'skyways' not 'skywalks', if you call them that, you are not from here. And skyways hold the secret to discovering downtown Minneapolis. I know that sounds melodramatic, but when it's -20 outside and you need to get from Target Center to your office, it may take longer, but you will be nice and warm, and can get something to eat along the way. I walk the skyway every morning, sometimes doing a three mile loop (when I'm not climbing 25 flights of stairs). I thought it would be helpful, since we're expecting tens of thousands of people in Minneapolis over the next 10 days, and I'm sure there will be some lost souls. First of all, don't panic if you do think you are lost. A lot of the skyways will take you in a loop, so, be cool, you'll be fine; there are going to be a lot of Super Bowl helpers, but most of us regular inhabitants can help you as well, just ask. There are a lot of signs, so you can always tell at least one of the streets, and usually a couple. If you need to get your 10,000 steps in, just start walking; you can see a lot that way, too.

IDS Crystal Court - Mary Richards ate lunch at Basil's

 Do you need coffee? There are a myriad of coffee shops, local, regional and national (Minnesota's own Caribou has at least a dozen shops). Are you hungry? There are all kinds of places on the skyway level, from bagels to Chinese, pizza, kebabs, salad places and sandwiches, and more. The more sit down type of restaurants on the street level, but you can definitely get to most of them (most of the way at least) via the skyway. There are a lot of local favorites: Murray's for steaks; pubs like Gluek's and Lyon's (both have some amazing beer cheese soup); the Loon, Kieran's (the tomato soup is unreal, as in delicious); Hell's Kitchen for an eclectic mix, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime - I always try to take visitors here at least once; Hen House has some great breakfasts, but also anything, really; Pizza Luce in the Warehouse District for some unique pizza options. There are a lot more, just walk around, check out Trip Advisor or google the menus.

Minneapolis is the home of some fabulous music (and I say that coming from the home of Rock and Roll), and Prince is still near and dear to most of us; you can get to Paisley Park by driving west to Chanhassen, but you can see his star at First Avenue (iconic music club). There is a ton of music scheduled for the festivities, and we have a vibrant theater scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul. We are also the home of Mary Tyler Moore/Mary Richards, and her statue is back on Nicollet Mall, waiting for your selfies (you can have lunch at Basil's in the IDS where Mary did in the opening credits).

If you want to get out of the immediate downtown area, like to the Mall of America, you can hop on the Blue Line (light rail) on 5th street, from Target Field up to the Government Center; you can buy tickets at the kiosks by the stops. It's less than $3 for an off-peak ticket (it's the honor system, but transit police do ride the rails to check for tickets; don't be a gomer, buy a ticket). Ride it all the way to the Mall of America if you like for some tax free shopping on clothes, visit the aquarium, see a movie; if that's not enough shopping, you can take the Red Line to the Outlet Mall in Eagan (that's not why you came here, though, is it?). We have some top notch museums in the Twin Cities, including MIA, our free art museum; the Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden and the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture (you may want to taxi or Uber). In St. Paul, we have the Science Museum, Summit Avenue (not a museum, but the street is home to some of the most beautiful and historic homes around), and the gorgeous Cathedral of St. Paul. If you have the time, do yourself a favor and cross the river.

in warmer times

Enjoy your visit to the Twin Cities. I'll be around, in my Browns jacket. Stop and say hi @tbacker2013