Details
The wedding and reception will be held at Day Block Event Center in downtown Minneapolis, MN (1103 Washington Ave. S).
The ceremony will begin at 4pm, and the reception at approximately 5:30pm.
Complimentary wine and beer will be available.
Limited parking is available in the rear of the building. Overflow parking is available in the lot at the southeast corner of the block, by 3rd St South and 12th Ave South. If your hotel is near light rail, you can save yourself the hassle of parking by taking the Blue line to Downtown East (next to the new Vikings stadium).
Planning a trip to Minneapolis
As far as the bride and groom are concerned, Minneapolis is the best city in the world (that we've visited or lived in). There is a ton to see and do, and mid/late May is a great time to be here, so if you /can/ turn this into a bit of a vacation, we'd highly recommend it.
Getting here
Arriving by air? Fly to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). You can take the light rail from MSP to downtown Minneapolis via the Blue line at virtually any time day or night.
Where to stay
For hotel information, please see the "accommodations" section.
Weather
By mid-May, the average temperature in Minneapolis is between 60-70 degrees F. That said, rains are a distinct possibility, thus our choice of an indoor ceremony/reception facility. Check the forecast before you arrive as morning lows could be in the 40-50 degree F range.
Getting around
The Metro light rail is your friend. There are 2 lines: the Blue line, which travels between downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and the Mall of America, and the Green line, which travels between downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and downtown St. Paul. For reference, the wedding/reception will only be a few blocks away from the Downtown East station, both of which are stops along the Blue and Green lines. For schedule and route information, please visit the Metro Transit website. Bus schedules can be found there as well.
Minneapolis also offers a comprehensive bike share program called Nice Ride. It's an extremely convenient way to get around when you don't want to wait for a train/bus, or just want to ride around the city to take in the sights and sounds. There are stations all over and they all take credit cards.
Renting a car is also an option, but not strictly necessary. There is still ample parking in most parts of the city, but rates can vary widely.
We would not recommend taking taxis. They are incredibly expensive.
Things to do, places to see
Downtown Minneapolis - (Green and Blue line: several stops) There are miles of skyway (interior elevated sidewalks) in Minneapolis to explore. Don't miss the top floor of Macy's and the MN Orchestra Hall on Nicollet Mall. Downtown Minneapolis is also home to many theaters on Hennepin Avenue, and the famous First Avenue nightclub on...well...
University of Minnesota - (Green line: West Bank, East Bank, Stadium Village) The Green Line will take you to the East and West Banks of the University of Minnesota, which is almost a city unto itself. Kati and Colin have completed 4 degrees and spent a total of 26 years working here. Weisman Art Museum located on the River is free with rotating exhibits. It is a great place to take a walk and look at all of the architecture, and one of the most beautiful parts of the city overall. No visit is complete without having walked its grounds.
Mall of America - (Blue line: Mall of America) We don't spend a lot of time here, but it is one of the largest malls in the world and conveniently located on the Blue line. If you need something while you are visiting, you will probably find it here. Also not far from the Water Park of America, which has the tallest indoor water slide in the country at 90'.
Riverfront / Stone Arch Bridge - Visitors always seem astonished that the Mississippi is so accessible from downtown Minneapolis. On the downtown side visit the Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Farmers Market, the Guthrie Theater, the Central Library and walk along the river on the dedicate walking paths. Stroll northerly across the Stone Arch Bridge to Saint Anthony, the oldest section of Minneapolis. There is also a unique residential neighborhood on Nicollet Island with historic Queen Anne homes dating back to the late 19th Century.
Minnehaha Falls - (Blue line: 50th Street/Minnehaha) As the Minnehaha Creek nears its confluence with the Mississippi, it dramatically tumbles down into a calm pool at Minnehaha Falls. You can rent 4-wheeled bicycle surries, enjoy seafood from the Sea Salt Eatery, or hike around along the Creek above and below the falls.
Grand Rounds - The nation's only urban scenic byway and crown jewel of the undisputed best park system in the US. Enjoy all 37 miles by bicycle, visiting the Mississippi, Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Creek, Lake Hiawatha (home to the bride and groom), Lake Nokomis, Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, Wirth Lake, Theodore Wirth Park, Bassett Creek, Victory Memorial Drive, Webber Park, Shingle Creek, and the gorgeous Minneapolis riverfront. Yeah, we have a ton of lakes. And where ever there is a bicycle way, there is a pedestrian way along side. It is great for running or walking too.
The Midtown Greenway - A 4 mile bike highway that goes from the Mississippi river through Uptown Minneapolis and connects to trails beyond. You can literally ride your bike from the Mississippi to Lake Minnetonka all on a dedicated bicycle highway. Plus it is just blocks away from the Maid of Honor's home.
Target Field - (Blue or Green line: Target Field) Home of the Minnesota Twins. Inspired by the pocket stadiums out east, Target Field is nestled into the North Loop in the space of a city block. A beautiful and environmentally-minded ballpark, it is equipped with innovative landscaping and structural design that conserves water and energy.
The new Vikings stadium - (Blue or Green line: Downtown East) Currently slated for a 2016 opening, it is being built by Mortenson Construction with the best man as one of the lead superintendents.
Little Somalia - (Green line: West Bank) Near the West Bank of the University of Minnesota is where many Somali and other East Africans call home near the intersection of Cedar and Washington, and is located in one of the most eclectic, interesting, and diverse neighborhoods in the city.
Little Mekong - (Green line: Western) During the summer months, this neighborhood puts on a vibrant night market on Saturday nights with Hmong food, music and retail.
Downtown St. Paul - (Green line: several stops) The sister city and longtime rival of Minneapolis, and the other "twin" in "Twin Cities", downtown St. Paul is home to many attractions of its own, including the State Capitol, Science Museum, Children's Museum, Minnesota Historical Society, Xcel Center, the Fitzgerald Theater (home of A Prairie Home Companion), beautiful architecture, Union Depot, and Mickey's Diner.
American Swedish Institute - This beautifully-restored castle mansion on Park Ave is more than just a museum offering an in-depth exploration of MN's Scandinavian heritage, it also offers classes in Swedish language and crafts and has one of the finest lunch spots in Minneapolis - Fika.
Midtown Global Market - This multi-function complex in the restored Sears Building at Chicago and Lake offers visitors 40+ culinary options from around the world via new and emerging entrepreneurs representing a large array of diverse backgrounds from all parts of the globe. A favorite of the bride and groom's, and one of the single-best food locations in the city.
Eat Street - (Bus routes south from downtown: 18 or 17) Stroll down Nicollet Ave from 24th Street to 28th Street to experience one of the first culinary corridors in Minneapolis. This agglomeration of eateries includes Pho 79 and Quang's where Kati first learned of pho and the best German restaurant for Abendessen (they have herring salad!), the Black Forest Inn.
Walker Art Center - One of the top modern art museums in the US, along with MOMA, SF MOMA, Guggenheim, and Hirshhorn, the Walker is a multidisciplinary powerhouse of arts programs in Minneapolis. Directly across the street is Cowles Conservatory and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the latter of which is home to the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry" fountain.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts - An 8 acre campus dedicated to fine art, with nearly 80,000 pieces from Delacroix, Lorrain, Matisse, Poussin, Leger, van Gogh, Rembrandt, and many others. Free admission (except for special exhibitions).
Eat & drink
There are countless places to have an awesome meal or grab a drink in Minneapolis, no matter what your preferences are. Here are a few favorites:
The Republic - Ranked as one of the best beer bars in the US. 100+ taps, excellent food and service. The go to bar of the bride and groom, given its proximity to the University of Minnesota and the 22 bus.
Dayblock Brewpub - One floor below the ceremony/reception is a brewpub of exceptional quality. The beer is excellent, and the pretzels are amazing. Also: bacon flight. BACON FLIGHT.
Brasserie Zentral (Green or Blue line: Nicollet) - Austro-Hungarian inspired cuisine with a dedicated foix gras menu, you say? Yes, please. Current favorite restaurant in Minneapolis of the groom's.
Bachelor Farmer / Marvel Bar - New Nordic/Minnesotan. Consistently excellent, beautiful interior, great service, and economical. The cozy Marvel Bar is downstairs.
Heyday - If you find yourself in Uptown, then consider this place for dinner. The food is part New Nordic, part Minnesotan, and part mad scientist. Chicken liver tart with shallots, cranberry jam, and pickled vegetables? Somehow it all works.
Eat Street Social - This gem at Nicollet and 26th is well known for its in-house bitters and cocktail expertise, courtesy Bittercube, and excellent food. A great place to while away the evening with friends, in the heart of Eat Street.
Taqueria Los Ocampo - Getting a chicharron prensado taco here, with all the fixins, is just about one of the most perfect lunch options, in bride and groom's opinion.
El Taco Riendo - These guys make tacos that'd be considered great even if it were in Mexico City. But it's not, it's on Central avenue in NE Minneapolis.
Wally's Falafel and Hummus - In a town with many excellent options for falafel and hummus, Wally's stands tall.
Al's Breakfast - One of the most famous and loved breakfast joints in the US. Situated in a tiny shack in the alley between two buildings, and having only 14 seats, you're going to have to enjoy your neighbor's company if you want to have one of their standard-bearing blueberry, walnut pancakes, or (as is the groom's preference) a perfect eggs benedict.
Pupuseria la Palmera - We love pupusas and so should you. This is the best pupuseria in Minneapolis and, for better or worse, not far from the bride and groom's house.
A Baker's Wife - One block from the bride and groom's house is this neighborhood gem. Every day, lines run out the door as customers wait patiently for their turn to order obscenely-cheap, expertly-prepared donuts, pastries, and bread.
Kabob's Indian Grill - This one is in Bloomington in the mid-Century Modern Town & Country strip mall just south of I-494 on Portland Avenue. They know the bride and groom well because we can't stay away from their masterful South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties for more than a fortnight.
Fasika - Over in St. Paul near University Avenue on Snelling is a cozy, friendly Ethiopian restaurant with all of the traditional favorites.
Harriet Brewing - At the vanguard of the TC microbrew renaissance is Head Brewer Jason and his considerable skills in Belgian-style brewing. The Divine Oculust, a Belgian strong, is a perennial favorite of the groom's. Fun fact: Janis, the officiant, is the architect for this brewery.
La Fresca - Nouveao Mexican with Yucatan influences nestled away in Minneapolis's Tangletown neighborhood. Ceviche...panuchos...yummmm.