Ready, steady... shop!
Black Friday sales, Christmas gifts… whatever the reason, what better place to experience the ultimate retail therapy than the largest mall in the US of A?
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
We’re not saying this shopping centre is vast, but you can fit 347 Statues of Liberty inside the Mall of America. It’s the largest one in the country, has more than 500 shops (clothes and shoes are tax-free), contains an amusement park with 27 attractions – including an amazing virtual ride across all the States – and is kept at a constant 70 degrees – the perfect shopping temperature for a bargain queen. The Radisson Blu (see Staying There) is just a short taxi or train ride away from the airport and attached to the mall, so all you need to do is drop off your (obviously) almost empty case, and whizz off to check out one of the on-screen maps.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Minnesotans love the outdoors. Just step outside the mall and you’ll see why. The further out you go, the more you’ll be struck by the greenness of this state and its many lakes. Modern Minneapolis and the charming town of St Paul – known as the Twin Cities – are just minutes away (see visit-twincities.com). Take a coach ride past the early home of Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, and cycle around Minnehaha Falls Regional Park.
DON’T MISS
Prince fan or not, you can’t help but be moved by a tour of the late singer’s home, Paisley Park. Now a museum, you’ll see instruments, costumes and one very special item – his ashes. Opt for a VIP tour and you can enjoy a vegan breakfast prepared by the star’s former chef (officialpaisleypark.com).
FOOD & DRINK
For music fans, the Dakota Jazz Club in Minnesota is a must. The Purple Rain legend would sit at table 299, always on the lookout for new talent. Book dinner there, then grab a nightcap at the W hotel’s Prohibition Bar.