Established in 1853 and originally housed in a two-story brick building, St. Paul's first public market stayed open year round. Operated by the St. Paul Growers' Association, Inc., the current Saint Paul Farmers' Market is open seasonally and includes many satellite locations throughout the Twin Cities. The main downtown market has been at its current location since 1982. Used as a parking lot during the off-season, this quaint covered market still caters to all who crave freshness. From 167 open-air stalls, local growers offer items including apples, broccoli, eggs, honey, jellies, pumpkins, soaps, syrup, tomatoes and much more. Prices vary, since each grower is independently offering their products to the public.  

As one of the nation's leading customer electronics retailers, Best Buy is committed to bringing its customers the latest in home theater, small appliances, CDs, DVDs/Blu-rays, computers, cameras, HDTVs and much more. This Minnesota-based chain markets everything you need for home entertainment as well as Geek Squad home-installation and help for all your technology queries.

As one of the nation's leading customer electronics retailers, Best Buy is committed to bringing its customers the latest in home theater, small appliances, CDs, DVDs/Blu-rays, computers, cameras, HDTVs and much more. This Minnesota-based chain markets everything you need for home entertainment as well as Geek Squad home-installation and help for all your technology queries.

This expansive, totally enclosed mall boasts over 1.3 million square feet of retail shopping space. Retail giants Dayton's, Sears, Mervyn's and JC Penney anchor its two levels housing over 170 stores. Other notable stores include Bombay Company, Casual Corner, Eddie Bauer, The Limited, Disney Store, Gap Kids, Lane Bryant, American Eagle Outfitters, Wilson Leather, Radio Shack and Victoria's Secret along with a variety of specialty gift shops, toy, jewelry, music and shoe stores. The center is bright and airy with magnificent courtyard areas. The mall has an appealing food court featuring fast food chains, along with restaurants like Applebee's, Chuck E Cheese Pizza, Macaroni Grill and Mervyn's Malibu Beach Café. Parking is more than adequate. Baby stroller and locker rental are available, along with cash machines, an 8-screen movie complex, and fax and copy service. Most stores accept credit cards or personal check.

As one of the nation's leading customer electronics retailers, Best Buy is committed to bringing its customers the latest in home theater, small appliances, CDs, DVDs/Blu-rays, computers, cameras, HDTVs and much more. This Minnesota-based chain markets everything you need for home entertainment as well as Geek Squad home-installation and help for all your technology queries. Visit website for additional information.

This small chain of stores offers a delightful selection of jewelry, decorative and stationery items. If you are looking for a thoughtful gift, then look for a Bibelot Shop near you. The sales people here are gracious and helpful and will assist you in finding exactly what you need.

This place is not big, and it is not fancy, but it is packed with enough sci-fi to make a Trekkie's mouth water. Occasional author signings and other festivities are held. A good selection of fantasy and science fiction gift items are available. Comics, paperbacks and glossy retrospectives crowd the shelves. The clerks are into it as much as the customers. Sell your used science fiction here.

This expansive shopping center serves the ever-growing northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Northtown provides a one-stop shopping experience. Shaped like a T, this one-level enclosed mall is anchored by Mervyn's, Kohl's and Montgomery Ward, with Best Buy and Homeplace forming the T's base. Other stores of note include Structure, Casual Corner, Lechters, Maurices, Victoria's Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, Wilson Leather, Radio Shack and Sam Goody, along with a mixture of specialty gift shops, toy, jewelry and shoe stores. There is an appealing food court featuring fast food chains along with restaurants like Applebee's, TGI Fridays and Pasquale's. Northtown sponsors numerous events throughout the year ranging from craft and hobby shows to collector car and horticulture displays. Parking is more than adequate, and stroller and locker rental are available. Most stores accept credit cards or personal checks.

Step past the black bear into the fanciful world of Red Balloon. This locally owned independent bookstore has been setting the standard for children's literary events in the Twin Cities for 16 years. Almost every weekend there is a special event of some kind. Red Balloon has a great assortment of character toys, as well. An abundance of knowledgeable clerks are always available. Books for all ages, including young adult fiction, are well stocked. See website for on-line shopping, event announcements and more.

A pioneer of the underground music scene in the Twin Cities, Treehouse Records is located at the site once occupied by the hugely popular rock music store, Oar Folkjokeopus. Apart from cassettes and CDs, this store also has a wonderful collection of vinyl and music-related reading material. Though all this may seem like a lot, this store has even more to offer music lovers- the chance to catch the occasional live performance. Bands like The Blind Shake have performed here in the past.