A winter visitor to Minneapolis-Saint Paul can limit outdoor exposure by seeing the cities via the skyways. Minneapolis has the largest skyway system, linking nearly 80 blocks of downtown attractions, businesses and hotels. The unique steel and glass connections are located one story above street level. Downtown Minneapolis' 8-mile system and downtown Saint Paul's 5-mile system will get visitors most anywhere in climate-controlled comfort. Leaving the hotel room and attending dinner and show are possible without a coat even if the weather is 10 degrees. Native Minnesotans are known not to carry a coat because they can travel from their home garage to work garage and never emerge out of doors.

Jazz is served daily most famously at the Artists’ Quarter in Saint Paul and Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant in Minneapolis both are accessible by skyways. The Artists’ Quarter is musician owned and operated. Tucked in the basement level of the historic Hamm building, the Artists' Quarter has a subterranean, classic vibe evoking a bygone era. It has the mystique of a smoky club without the smoke because all clubs and bars in the Twin Cities are under a smoking ban. The club is owned by working jazz musicians, who …

Over 20 Fortune 500 companies call Minnesota home. Most every elementary aged Minnesotan knows that the Mississippi River should really be called the Minnesota River. Starting in Brainerd, the river divides and unifies Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Fall is an ideal time to visit Stillwater, 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, with its charming Main Street great for enjoying fall leaves in a variety of autumnal shades. Along the way visit Aamodt’s Apple Farm for Minnesota Honeycrisp Apples. Shop the well appointed store for every apple creation imaginable including apple brats, apple cider and their famous sour cream apple pie. Aamodt’s is next door to Saint Croix’s Vineyards housed in restored barn the rustic tasting room is well stocked with samples of oak-aged Frontenac to the semi-sweet Vignoles. During the fall harvest hot air balloon rides are available to view the Saint Croix River valley from a higher vista.

Winter in Minnesota is not for the faint of heart. A swift wind in mid January can literally take ones breathe away. Saint Paul-Minneapolis has perfected the art of living in the cold; rarely a snow day or flight delay stops the cities from their steady rhythm. Streets and …

The Twin Cities is steeped in duality. Minneapolis and Saint Paul each offer its own version of a subject and nightlife is no different. Located in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul Arnella’s at 1183 University Ave, is an institution. Arnella’s offers a classic laid back vibe. Dress up or arrive business casual. Local acts can find stardom on Mondays at open mic night. Fridays are headlined by the Maxx Band. The music at Arnella’s always is soulful and smooth. Patrons can be overheard saying “that’s my song” as a mixture of old and new school emerges from the speakers. The kitchen is unassuming but offers great food and the drinks are generous. The wings are famously Nardie’s the winner of multiple best wing competitions in the Twin Cities. Ever the community staple Arnella’s quickly lends support and offers its venue for local causes and fundraisers.

In Minneapolis the urban professional hangout is The Favor Café. Favor began as a catering service and has quickly grown into a hot spot because of its great food and good music. Self described as homey with service that is over-the-top friendly paying homage to none other …