What to do 

Fitzgerald Theater Built in 1910, the 1,000-seat theater is Minnesota Public Radio’s largest studio and the home of A Prairie Home Companion. (651) 290-1200; fitzgeraldtheater.org [1]

Grand Avenue High-end restaurants and shops, including Golden Fig Fine Foods and F&B Specialty Linen, line this street. (651) 699-0029; grandave.com [2]

Science Museum of Minnesota On the riverfront, engaging permanent exhibits mix with top traveling shows and breathtaking Omnitheater movies. (800) 221-9444; smm.org [3]

Where to eat

The Blue Door Pub You’ll find 12 variations on the classic Juicy Lucy (a fresh-ground burger stuffed with cheese). We love the Blucy, filled with garlic and blue cheese. (651) 493-1865; thebdp.com [4]

Cafe Latte Legendary chocolate turtle cake tempts diners at a gourmet cafeteria-style bakery cafe. (651) 224-5687; cafelatte.com [5]

Heartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market High-end gastronomy meets sustainable-food ethics in Lowertown. The changing menu may include rainbow trout with curried goat cheese and microgreens. For dinner, consider one of the prix fixe options. (651) 699-3536; heartlandrestaurant.com [6]

W.A. Frost and Company Local ingredients shine in the unique menu items, such as cocoa-crusted elk strip loin. (651) 224-5715; wafrost.com [7]

Where to stay

The Saint Paul Hotel Elegance endures in the 254 rooms and suites at this renovated downtown landmark known for its European-style furnishings. From $169. (800) 292-9292; saintpaulhotel.com [8]

Hotel 340 Occupying three floors of the soon-to-reopen Saint Paul Athletic Club—a 13-story brick building in downtown—this hotel offers classy rooms and a big stone fireplace in the lobby. From $99. (651) 280-4120; hotel340.com [9]

Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America Kids love the ginormous Minnesota-theme water park. A free shuttle takes guests to the mall. From $119, not including water park passes. (800) 333-3333; radisson.com/bloomingtonbymoa  [10]