At ADORE we love highlighting travel because often the reason people are traveling is to celebrate something. So you could say we are a bit biased being that ADORE is based in Bloomington MN, however Bloomington has shifted to become the highlight of the Twin Cities and destination in the Midwest to travel to for any type of celebration. Often ADORE is called on to provide accessible yet elegant and vibrant entertaining experiences in various settings around town.
You are probably familiar with Mall of America located in Bloomington MN. When the events following the death of George Floyd happened in Minneapolis in 2020 much of the Minneapolis ( and St Paul) social offerings and landscape changed. Business began opening new and upscale concepts in and around the cities surrounding Minneapolis and Saint Paul over the years and have taken advantage of the opportunity. Keepimg not just travelers in Bloomington but those new to the area as well.
Much of Bloomington has river and lake views and all within 5 - 15 minutes of the airport, which is a large draw. There is even a Metro Blue Line train that will take you from (MSP) airport directly to The Mall of America which also has two hotels connected.
Whether you are staying at a hotel and need decor to celebrate a engagement proposal or if you need a full picnic set up for a corporate meeting ADORE has created some amazing celebrations and helped people celebrate incredible milestones in the town of Bloomington and therefore we want to share with you some of our fave spots as residents and as a business that often take part in hospitality and staycations right here in Bloomington.
Restaurants
-Lunch or Dinner
Hazelwood - Vibe: Casual Elegance
Live the variety on menu. Reservations suggested.
Kids Menu Yes but if you can go sans kids, it’s a great date spot.
Fave Dish Peppercorn Crusted Salmon and Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Ciao Bella Vibe: Upscale Cozy - romantic. Reservations suggested.
Italian
Fave Dish : Ciao Baby Salad and Short Ribs
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Crave (MOA) - Vibe:
Asian Fusion
Fave Dish: Crave Salad with Shrimp
Veggie or Tempura Roll
And Fillet
Cedar and Stone ( MOA)- Vibe: Chicago Style Modern Trend
Traditional Steak house Offerings
Fave Dishes : Fingerling Potatoes to Share with Amish Chicken
Woolley’s (In Embassy Suites)- Large and puts on amazing buffets around holidays and occasions
Great for Buffets or Brunch
Regular Menu : Crab Cake and Wedge Salad
Easter or Mothers Day Brunch is always great.
Luna Di Luna - Small Family Owned Cozy Adult dining locals hang at.
Amazing Bread with oil!
Traditional Meatball in Marinara
Nine Mile Brewery - Of Course there are Drinks and Food Trucks often frequent this location.
Breakfast / Coffee -
Mug Shots - cozy fireplace. Tables and comfy chairs.
West Side Perk - Neighborhood Coffee spot nice selection of continental breakfast items
We already know the all day breakfast restaurant soon to open by owners of West Side Perk will be a hit. Perk Up Kitchen. https://www.perkupkitchen.com
Rise Up Nutrition - Juices and Smoothies https://www.facebook.com/p/Rise-Up-Nutrition-100063588729971/
Capital One Cafe - The coffee is good but the space is nicely appointed and that’s what will make you want to sit and enjoy your coffee here.
Things to Do in Bloomington
*Normandale Japanese Garden
*Normandale Lake - Pretty walk with ski hill in background https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/parks/normandale-lake-park
*Hyland Chalet Skiing - Great spot to take part in chair lift over fall colors in 1st week of Oct. Skiing in the Winter. If you like a pretty place to take a walk or jog this this fantastic. https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/splash.html
*Old Cedar Avenue Bridge and hiking Trails along Minnesota River -https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-10/exploring-connection-old-cedar-avenue-trailhead-minnesota-valley-national-wildlife
*Mall of America
Check rotating attractions and events on their web site. There is also an app you can download. https://www.mallofamerica.com/entertainment/events
Nickelodeon Universe
*Hyland lake & play area- Free very large play and picnic area. Lots of trails. Kanoe and kayak rental.
*Continental Ballet Company at Bloomington Center for the Arts https://www.continentalballet.com
Where to Stay
JW Marriott MOA https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mspjw-jw-marriott-minneapolis-mall-of-america/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
Radisson Blu MOA https://www.choicehotels.com/minnesota/bloomington/radisson-blu-hotels/mn292?mc=llgoxxpx
Element Mall of America
Holiday Inn and Suites Bloomington Airport West - Has Airport Shuttle
Great Wolf Lodge
FOR KIDS! But fun for adults as well. Indoor Water Slide Park.
Fully Immersive experience close to Mall of America. With onsite restaurants, activities, arcade, theme rooms, and more.
At first thought of putting on a swim suit in the winter in MN makes me want to cringe. Especially when I tell you how cold it is on this day that I’m writing this. ( Frigid -2 with a -25 windchill). However Great Wolf Lodge did a cyber Monday special and we thought we’d give it a whirl. If you have never been the Great Wolf Lodge is an immersive experience hotel in Bloomington MN ( and several locations across America).
Similar to what you’d find in a hotel at Disney from the second you walk in the staff engages you with wolf ears for the family, a planned activity board that you can choose to partake in or not that includes exercise classes, dance parties, character appearances, and crafts for the kids. On site there is a fulls service restaurant, a separate bar, a large gift shop, arcade, coffee and ice cram shop, a bowling alley, rock climbing wall and a magic quest treasure game experience.
The water park has great slides and beverage and snack bars in a comfortable warmer temp to make it easy to forget the ground outside is covered in snow and ice.
At night when the slides close the other attractions get very vibrant and busy flowing with families of all ages.
Spaces for having a meeting or event in Bloomington MN:
Mall of America Meeting Spaces (varies) https://www.mallofamerica.com/visit/meetings-events
Radisson Blu ( to 200)
JW Marriott
Nine Mile Brewery ( to 150)
Embassy Suites MOA
Cowboy Jacks
Hyland Park ( to 75)
Hyland Chalet ( to 300)
Old Cedar Ave Bridge Park ( all outdoor overlooking lake)
Mugshots ( to 50)
For all things celebration and lifestyle make sure to to read ADORE magazine, subscribe to our blog /newsletter and contact ADORE for anything you need to have accessible celebrations.
