Navigating The Mall of America

by Wendy Webb

If you’re interested in taking a quick trip down to the Twin Cities to do some shopping this holiday season, I suggest you visit the Mall of America. Yes, it’s one of the largest malls in the country, but contrary to what you might think, MOA is not unwieldy or difficult to navigate if you know a few tricks.

Trick One: The MOA is basically a very big square, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Sears and Nordstrom department stores in the four corners. Between them, you will find anything and everything that you can imagine, and a few things that never crossed your mind. (A store selling only black and white clothes? Really?) You won’t get lost if you remember to use the four stores as your anchors.
Trick Two: Come early. Don’t even think about showing up at noon on a holiday season Saturday because you’ll be circling the parking ramps forever.
Trick Three: Use Nordstrom as your hub. If you walk from there toward Macy’s and then on to Bloomingdale’s, you’ll encounter upscale shops — Eddie Bauer furniture, Williams Sonoma kitchenware, high end clothing for men and women, elegant restaurants. Walk the other way, toward Sears and then on to Bloomingdales and you’ll find more modestly-priced stores that appeal to teens — affordable jewelry shops, novelty stores, the food court, and other entertainment options.
Here are some of my favorite must-visit places at the MOA.

Shopping

Nordstrom
This is my favorite of the four anchor department stores. The hallmark of this chain is legendary service and a wide variety of brands from casual to the highest of high-end apparel for men, women and kids. Nordstrom is also known for having the best shoe department in the business. Treat yourself to it.

Nordstrom Rack
Love Nordstrom clothes and shoes but don’t want to pay full price? Check out the Nordstrom Rack, where you’ll find clearance items that are at least 50 to 60 percent off. It’s a great way to get Nordstrom looks without paying top dollar.

Ann Taylor
This store features high-end, “updated classic” style that includes career clothing, suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories. These are beautiful clothes for women who want to put their best foot forward in the workplace.

Ann Taylor Loft
Just like Nordstrom Rack, Ann Taylor Loft is the secret that savvy shoppers know about Ann Taylor clothes. Here, you’ll find moderately priced items and more casual clothes than you’ll find at the main Ann Taylor store.

J. Jill
Casually elegant, artistically inspired, flowing, lovely clothes for women. Here, you’ll find beautiful cotton shirts, breezy dresses, great-fitting jeans, sweaters that fit just so and fabulous sales at most times of the year.

Banana Republic
More upscale than J. Jill, less career-y and conservative than Ann Taylor, Banana Republic reflects an effortless elegance paired with high-quality fabrics you’d imagine finding in a much more expensive store. Apparel and accessories for men and women.

Restaurants

Twin City Grill
My undisputed favorite restaurant here is the Twin City Grill. Its dark wood paneling, black leather booths, period fixtures, black-and-white photos of the Twin Cities in the ‘40s, and extensive selection of vintage 1940s drinks make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The menu includes fancy items like blue cheese crusted filet mignon, plus fabulous casual options like home-made macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, burgers and my favorites — excellent flatbread pizzas and a chopped salad that I crave. Kids are welcome.

Crave
Speaking of craving… Crave recently opened at the MOA. This locally-owned hotspot features fresh American food: wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats, pasta, salads and sushi. This is an urbane upscale atmosphere, a place to see and be seen. Parents, be advised: It’s a decidedly grown-up environment. Not the best spot for kids.

The Rainforest Café
Now, this is where to bring your kids for a sit-down meal at the MOA. You’ll be taken on a safari of sorts, and the rainforest sounds — animals, birds, even thunder — will drown out even the noisiest of toddlers. There’s also plenty for older kids to look at and be amused by. While you’ll find great things on the menu for mom and dad, perhaps the best thing about it is: your kids will love the food, too.

Entertainment

Nickelodeon Universe
This is the centerpiece of the mall itself, a full-fledged amusement park with rides for kids of all ages. When my son was small, we spent countless hours here (it was called Camp Snoopy then). This is an ultra-safe, wonderful environment where your child will have a good time, guaranteed.

Underwater Adventures Aquarium
In this gorgeous aquarium, you’ll walk within the exhibits, making you feel as though you’re one with all of the brightly-colored fish, coral reefs, sting rays and even sharks. Your kids will be amazed and you’ll love it, too.

LegoLand
This isn’t just a place to buy Legos. The draw is, kids who are weary of strollers can run free, build their own creations, and even race Lego cars on a track. It’s a godsend for parents who want to quiet fussy kids and wear them out for another round of shopping.

ACES Flight Simulation
ACES is fun for the kid you married. Here, you can climb into the cockpit of a sophisticated slight simulator like those used to train military pilots. Fly modern jets and classic WWII fighters. Bring friends and fly combat against each other or try your hand at landing on an aircraft carrier. Reservations recommended.