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Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul

Escape the heat at a lakeside beach

Minneapolis-St Paul may be a long way from the sea, but that mean you can't escape the city heat by hitting the beach. Head to Lake Calhoun (www.minneapolisparks.org), part of the Chain of Lakes, for three great beaches: 32nd, North and Thomas. Both 32nd and Thomas have lifeguards during the summer.

Grab your poles for a spot of cross-country skiing

During the winter, instead of residents waiting for Minneapolis-St Paul to thaw out, they embrace the cold. Cross-country skiing is a popular pursuit, join the hoards as they power through the powder at Wirth Winter Recreation Area (tel: +1 612 230 6528; www.minneapolisparks.org). It has 25km (15 miles) of dedicated trails and offers equipment hire and ski passes too.

Keep your balance on a paddleboard

It may take a few attempts to keep your balance but once you're standing it's easy to fall for paddleboarding. Stand up MN (tel: +1 612 399 6081; www.standupmn.org) are the local purveyors of the sport and offer three paddleboard adventures on the Mississippi River. Plump for the tranquil sunset tour during the summer months.

Lace up your boots and walk to a waterfall

Minneapolis and St Paul have an abundance of lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests and grassy prairies right on their doorstep. The best way to explore the landscape is on foot. Seek out the waterfalls: lying between the twin cities are Minnehaha Falls, which make for a delightful walk down to the Mississippi.

Test your angling abilities with some ice fishing

Surrounded by lakes, Minneapolis-St Paul has plenty of great fishing spots (www.minneapolisparks.org) but it is during the winter months, when the waterways have frozen over, that locals like to challenge themselves. For ice fishing you will need warm clothes, an ice auger and scoop, and you should obey all 'thin ice' signs.

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Graves 601

A sophisticated modern luxury hotel, Graves 601 is located in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, on top of the Block E complex. Rising 22 stories above street level, the hotel's stylish rooms include large plasma screen TVs, high-speed Internet and other high-tech amenities. Bathrooms have five-head power showers. The hotel has two restaurants--the acclaimed Cosmos, and the pre-prohibition-styled Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant.

W Minneapolis-The Foshay

W Hotels took a 1929 art deco structure and whipped it into a hip hotel with a roaring 1920s theme. The lobby's original arcade ceiling has been restored as has the 27th floor boardroom - the Prohibition Bar. Rooms are stylishly modern with the signature W bed, W pillow menu, plus a state-of-the-art entertainment system, high speed internet access and weekday newspaper delivery. Other amenities include in-room spa services and a fitness centre.

Hilton Minneapolis

Housed in an elegant, 25-storey Victorian brick building, the Hilton Minneapolis is located in the centre of Downtown with convenient skyway connections to the nearby business, shopping and entertainment areas. Guest rooms are well appointed with rich colours, oak furnishings, a 'Serenity Bed' with down comforter, large HDTV, MP3 connection and high speed wireless internet. The health club includes an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. For regional and international cuisine, the hotel offers the Skywater restaurant.

Saint Paul Hotel

A St Paul landmark saturated with old-world charm, this sophisticated hotel offers newly renovated rooms with comfortable mattresses, lighting with dimmers, high speed internet, mini bar and a finely appointed bathroom. Dining options include The St Paul Grill featuring an American dinner menu and M ST. Café for breakfast and lunch. The Lobby Bar, a popular meeting place, serves lighter fare as well as cocktails. A rooftop fitness centre, business centre and free internet in the lobby are nice touches.

Holiday Inn River Centre

This comfortable hotel is conveniently located near Downtown St Paul's attractions. There are 194 spacious guest rooms. The hotel also offers free high-speed Wi-Fi internet, fitness centre with indoor pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel includes an authentic Irish pub, The Liffey, with several other restaurants within walking distance.

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Cleveland is a business hotel located near Jacobs Field and Playhouse Square. The hotel has 240 guest rooms (eight of which are two-room suites), and among its amenities are complimentary high-speed internet access and indoor pool with whirlpool and a fitness centre. The hotel also offers two 24-hour business centres.