When it was first built in 1992, the Mall of America was the largest shopping mall (in total area) in the world.  Fourteen years later, Mall of America is still going strong.  While now ranked in the back end of the top ten of the world’s largest shopping malls, it still draws the most visitors, a whopping 40 million each year.  The inside of the mall contains two roller coasters and, just in case the marriage bug strikes, a wedding chapel.

While Mall of America (or MOA as it is known) is in Bloomington, MN, a short drive from St. Paul, there is shopping to be found in St. Paul proper, the best of which is located in the downtown area.  The Saint Paul Farmer’s Market has food that has all been grown within fifty miles.  Other St. Paul shopping plazas include Bandana Square, Carriage Hills Plaza, Galtier Plaza, Norwest Center, Town Square, and World Trade Center.

If you want to steer clear of shopping malls and plazas, Grand Avenue might be your best bet.  Grand Avenue, a twenty-five block area that weaves its way from the Mississippi River to downtown St. Paul, is lined with stately homes, small storefront shops, ethnic restaurants, ice cream parlors, and coffeehouses.