It might be cliche, but when in Minnesota, one must take advantage of the lack of a clothing tax. The Mall of America is only about 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul and right next to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Besides hundreds of stores, the Mall also has an aquarium, theme park and multiple mini golf courses. There is something for everyone at the Mall.

Marly and her sister, Celia, have many fond memories of the Children's museum. While some exhibit have changed, it remains a great place to take kids in downtown St. Paul.

Another Museum near downtown St. Paul, The Minnesota History Center has great exhibits for all ages.

Located in downtown St. Paul, this hole-in-the-wall candy store has been open since the 1930s. When Marly attended high school at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, she and her friends would stop here to get a sweet treat. They offer various candy, nuts and popcorn.

Although a little farther from St. Paul, the MIA is a great art museum with a range of art from around the world.

Offering "Award winning, contemporary American Cusine"- W.A. Frost is a great place for a "treat yourself!" dinner. Located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, if you walk around Summit avenue, you can expect to see the turn of the century mansions that make up one of the fanciest St. Paul neighborhoods.