by Victoria Trast

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: November 02, 2009

If you're planning a trip to St Paul, MN, you'll be happy to know that this richly historic capital city has the best of everything whether your tastes tend toward the finer things in life, the great outdoors or exploration.

Minnesota weather can get extreme. One thing that sets St Paul apart from other cities in the United States is it's extensive skyway system. The downtown areas of both St Paul and it's "twin city" Minneapolis are equipped with climate controlled, elevated enclosures that connect many of the buildings to each other. This enables pedestrians to walk from one building to another without so much as a jacket even on the coldest Minnesota days. Most buildings do have skyway access, although in some cases this may mean traveling slightly out of your way. Skyway maps are available online at

http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=1549.

A Minnesota landmark, The Saint Paul Hotel is as elegant and historic as they come. All 254 rooms were renovated in 2005 while still maintaining the old-world European charm and luxury for which The Saint Paul Hotel is known. Of course it offers every amenity and luxury. If you have other lodging plans, at least stop in for a luxurious meal The Saint Paul Grill.

For award winning, authentic Mexican cuisine served since 1964, try Boca Chica Mexican Restaurante located just a few minutes south of downtown. Don't be fooled by what may seem an unglamorous neighborhood; this is a treat for the taste buds. Pazzaluna Urban Italian Restaurant & Bar is a hip, trendy spot that was voted Best Italian Restaurant by both Minnesota Monthly and Minneapolis-St Paul magazines in 2009. Pazzaluna is located at the corner of 5th and St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul. For a more familiar taste, you'll find Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steak House also on St Peter Street in the downtown area.

Saint Paul is the Arts and Culture Capital of the Midwest and boasts over 52,000 theater seats so consider indulging yourself with live theater while you're in town. The Ordway is located in the Rice Park district of downtown St Paul and hosts stage performances of all types including many of the familiar touring productions. Park Square Theater, also located downtown, is on a pedestrian mall that runs parallel to and between 6th & 7th Streets and St. Peter & Wabasha. Park Square Theater enjoys "a stage large enough to create boundless imagery, but small enough for perfect sight lines, crisp acoustics, and immediate connection."

Interested in adventure? The Wabasha Street Caves are located along the Mississippi River just south of downtown St Paul. They offer not-to-be-missed tours that will entertain, fascinate and educate you about the history of this famous area. Be sure to look into the Historic Caves Tours and the St Paul Gangster Tours along with other seasonal events. Call ahead because in some cases you may want to reserve your spot early.

Museums are yet another example of St Paul's varied cultural options. In the heart of downtown, you can visit the Minnesota Science Museum which in addition to being an entertaining and informative science resource is also is the home to the Mississippi River Visitor Center which offers tips on canoe trips, biking and hiking trails and more. Also in St Paul are The Minnesota Children's Museum and Minnesota History Museum .

Minnesota's capital city is a fabulous blend of culture, history and entertainment and whatever your interests there's something for everyone in St Paul.

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