Not just another shopping mall...

For all of our guests and locals, there are quite a few opportunities for unique gift hunting in St Paul this weekend.  Grand Ave and Selby Ave each have their own shopping districts that are filled year round with local gems, but this weekend, we have even more options for you!  Our recommended highlights are:

The Handmade Christmas - Trinity Church (1849 Marshall Ave, St Paul), a quick bus ride or drive from the hotel, will be bursting at the seams with handmade, quirky, 100% locally made gifts.  Only open on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 7pm.  Get there early for the best selection and chances to win prizes.  Shopping with prizes?  I'm in.

CVA Art Sale - The College of Visual Arts, located within 2 miles of the hotel, is a wonderful local college bursting at the seams with talented artists.  Take advantage of this yearly sale where you can get original works by up and coming artists for a fraction of what you'd pay at a gallery!  Open Saturday 10am - 4pm & Sunday, 12pm - 4pm.  
*Tip, take a walk around the neighborhood - see the beautiful Cathedral of St Paul and visit a St Paul gem, Common Good Books - a local bookstore owned by Garrison Keillor.

XYandZ Gallery - This one, you can walk to!  Take the skyway from the 1st level down to the Union Depot.  Exit to the right and walk NE for 2 blocks to the Black Dog Cafe and XYandZ Gallery.  Tonight (Friday, December 2nd) is the opening of their 2nd Anniversary show, where many local works will be on sale!  Warm up in the Black Dog - they have an excellent selection of coffee drinks, tea, beer & wine!

Landmark Center - EVEN CLOSER :)  Right on the edge of Rice Park, the beautiful Landmark Center creates an amazing backdrop for the WinterSkate (see previous blog entry) but also houses many opportunites and events.  This weekend, enjoy the Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar and Holiday Gift Stroll. 

Of course, if the cold and threat of snow is makes you shake to the core, the Mall of America is a 10 mile drive or bus ride away.  And with THAT many stores - you're sure to find something for everyone! 

Have a great weekend - happy shopping!
Stephanie