Mall of America

Jim and I drove directly north about an hour today from our RV park to Minneapolis to see the "Mall of America"-the largest mall in America!  Along the way the weather threatened rain and it was chilly, really giving us impetus to head south on Saturday when we leave Minnesota for Des Moines, Iowa.  The leaves are starting to change color with a few glimpses of red and yellow here and there. The farmers have fields and fields of corn and soybeans to harvest here and other that the city, the countryside here is all about farming, with red barns, white houses and steel or cement block silos.  It is a contrast from the horse and cattle ranches of our last stay-over.

The Mall of America is three levels with an amusement park in the middle of it.  You can ride several roller coasters, a ferris wheel, a carousel or a zip line.  There are Legos to see and build or toy stores to browse plus food courts to visit for treats or meals all within the center of the mall.

There is every store here you could possibly imagine from Nordstrom's to Macy's or Sears to Hallmark and every size and specialty store you have ever seen.

If you walk the circuit of any level you have covered a mile.  We did all three levels and ended up with about three and a half miles.  Mayo Clinic even has a "heart trail" measured out within the mall.  On winter days this would be an ideal walking venue.  But I would have to stop for a Cinnabon and coffee after!

If you are ever in the area, this is a worthwhile excursion.  I just left my credit card at home, because it would be easy to spend money here.  We controlled ourselves (except for lunch) and I am proud of us.  We did walk through the Apple Store hoping to see their new computer watch, but it won't be in until January.  I sat in a Brookstone massage chair about two-thirds of the way through and it was so nice I seriously hope I win the lottery one of these days!  That or the VW would be one my first purchases!