Edina's Galleria. Credit: TJ Turner.
When you stay in Bloomington, you're not only steps away from the nation’s largest mall, Mall of America®, but because of the city’s central location, you’re also within minutes of other great places to shop. And remember, no matter where you go, you won’t pay sales tax on clothes and shoes.
Shop to your heart's content at Radisson Blu Mall of America. Day One:
Upon arrival, check into one of Bloomington’s 45 hotels, most of which offer free shuttles to Mall of America, your first stop. For added convenience, stay at Radisson Blu Mall of America or JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, which are directly connected to the Mall. Then, spend your day shopping the Mall’s nearly 520 stores. Macy’s and Nordstrom anchor the Mall, while everything from clothing, shoes and accessories to beauty products, electronics, toys, decor, gifts and more can be found in stores throughout the four floors. If you’re looking for something high end, the Mall’s South Avenue features brands like Kendra Scott, A|X Armani Exchange, and Michael Kors.
Spend your night on Level 4 of the Mall. Enjoy fair food, axe throwing, go carts and more at Fair On 4 or see top comedians at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy.
Day Two:
Head to the Galleria in Edina, located five minutes from Bloomington, to continue your shopping. Inside this upscale center you’ll find a mix of local and national retailers, offering apparel, shoes, beauty services, entertainment, stationary, home goods, jewelry, luggage and more. Shop brands like Crate and Barrel, Hammer Made, Kate Spade New York, Tiffany & Co. and Williams-Sonoma.
In addition to shops, there are also great restaurants housed inside the Galleria. Dine on chef-driven, American cuisine or sushi at CRAVE, enjoy seafood and chops at Pittsburgh Blue, or enjoy fresh, healthy and sustainable food at Good Earth. Post-meal, head to Pinstripes, just a few blocks south, for bowling and bocce, or walk across the street to Southdale Center for a movie.
Day Three: Make the 10-minute drive from Bloomington to Twin Cities Premium Outlets, where you can shop more than 100 stores all offering a savings of 25 to 65 percent. The half-mile long center features brands like Banana Republic, J. Crew, Loft and Nike, as well as more high-end stores like Armani Exchange, Brooks Brothers and Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth. There’s a food court here, too, if you work up an appetite.
Head back to Bloomington for dinner at FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, located inside Radisson Blu Mall of America, and enjoy meats and fish infused with the flavor of real wood fire. Since the restaurant is connected to Mall of America, make your way back to Level 4 and enjoy an activity you didn’t have time for the first night.
