On a recent scouting trip, I picked up a couple brochures for other events and places of interest in Minneapolis. The first that really caught my attention was from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. They have a ticketed exhibit Arts of Japan: 900 years of seductive beauty which runs Feburary 24 – May 25. The flyer notes that the exhibit includes a variety of media. I have not been there yet, but the museum is south of downtown (on the other side of I-94) and is probably a cab ride/short drive away. If you are staying over Saturday night it could be worth a Saturday afternoon visit. Tickets are $8 and are available online. The flyer notes that tickets may sell out at certain times including weekends.

The second place I recommend is the Walker Art Center which is west of the Convention Center. It is adjacent to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (which is free.) The Walker has a dramatic building and permanent exhibition space. They also have traveling exhibits. I saw the Frida Kahlo exhibit earlier this year. The current special exhibit is Worlds Away: New Suburban Landscapes. I recommend that you also visit the rest of the museum.

On a less high brow nature, I picked the brochure from the Twin Cities Tourism Attractions Association of Minnesota which includes a variety of activities in the area. Their web site is search able and has a variety of options (including some of the cultural sites like the Guthrie).

There were three fat, free guides which I picked up and have not perused. They are:

• Where to Stay and Dine (www.hospitalitymn.com)
• Mpls St Paul: Your Guide to Vacations in our Cities (mspmag.com)
• Minneapolis & St. Paul Official Visitors Guide to the Twin Cities Area (no web site)

I make no representations, since I have not browsed them very much. (But they are handy references for me.)

Next a series of bar/restaurant reviews.