my friend and i are having a girls weekend in Minneapolis the last weekend of june. neither of us has ever been! we plan on enjoying some good food, spa, shopping, etc.
can anyone recommend a good spa and somewhere central to stay? maybe a few must-see's or must do's? thanks!

I'm heading to Minneapolis next week and am staying at The Grand. http://www.grandhotelminneapolis.com/ I've heard wonderful things and I know it is centrally located. I'll be happy to report back next weekend after my trip!

The Grand is newly owned by Kimpton group. They are wonderful. Good choice and a great location downtown. Aveda is a very good spa. If you want a super value, spend a day at Aveda Institute. The school offers exceptional values for facials, massage, make-up applications, mannies and pedies. While the work is done by students (ready to graduate) it is all supervised heavily. Not much can go wrong with a manicure, so what's to loose?

http://www.avedainstitutemn.com/cmsd...nu_May2010.pdf

The Grand was wonderful. I'd highly recommend it!

There are alot of wonderful hotels downtown, and the Ivy has a beautiful spa that is included in some of the room packages. I would suggest staying downtown as it is central and the rail is convientantly located for you to hop on and head to shopping and other sights. You will also be close to uptown/lake calhoun which I suggest you visit as the area has a ton of spas and the lakes are just beautiful to see this time of year!

You picked a wonderful time to come here, the weather will be beautiful and Im sure you will enjoy your time!