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Step 1
Where to stay? Well, you can stay across from the Mall of America at the Days Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Hilton Homewood, but Bloomington is not that big. The Fairfield Inn is about a block away and many of the area hotels offer a free shuttle.
Other hotels that would are the Holiday Express, Coutryard, the Radisson Grand Lodge WaterSlide Park, Holiday Inn Express, Residence Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and one of my favorites the Staybridge Suites. -
Step 2
Getting there. You can take a free shuttle from your hotel. Most hotels offer them or drive or take a taxi. Once there you can take the rail system to downtown if you are so inclined to venture further into the city. It is an easy drive through Bloomington, or you can take Interstate 494 for a little quicker access.
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Step 3
Where to Eat. The Mall of America offers about 40 fast food options in 2 food courts and in the Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park. The multi-choice counter in the amusement park is really good for a reasonable price. From McDonald’s to Chinese, the food court has a wide selection, but if you want to spend more you can go to my favorite Tucci Bennuch (italian), Tiger Sushi, or Tomy Roma’s. There are more throughout the Mall.
On a special note – IKEA is across from the Mall and offers really cheap meals and place to watch your kids will you shop there. Oh and it is a huge IKEA! -
Step 4
Shopping. The Mall is anchored by four superstores, Macy’s, Nordstroms, Sear, and Bloomingdales. In between there is a little bit of everything, from Coach to Legos, Burberry to Abercrombie, Old Navy to QVC, you can find it here. But, this Mall is overpriced for shopping (how do you think they pay the rent).
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Step 5
Fun Stuff. Nickelodeon Universe is one of the highlights of the Mall. Formerly, Camp Snoopy, this has been converted to a fun, Nick themed park. Kids love it here. Other fun things include Underwater Adventures in the basement, 3rd Floor Mini golf in the food Court and Celebrity visits on special days.
