Day 1: Breakfast and Baseball
Our journey started early, with a 6:30 am flight to Minneapolis. After landing, we checked into the Renaissance, a Marriott hotel located at the Depot in downtown Minneapolis. The hotel’s fantastic location put everything we needed within walking distance, making our stay extremely convenient.
Breakfast was at the Hen House, where we were treated to a delightful meal. I opted for the corned beef hash, which was absolutely scrumptious. We were lucky to have family in Minneapolis who joined us for breakfast, adding warmth to our visit.
The weather forecast wasn’t in our favor, with two days of predicted thunderstorms. We planned to stay an extra day, just in case our scheduled game got rained out, but luck was on our side, and the rain held off for our 1 pm game.
Suffice it to say that it was an epic day of baseball. In a low-scoring pitcher’s duel, Jo Adell provided the spark the Los Angeles Angels needed with a crucial home run off Sonny Gray in the fourth inning. Adell’s blast, a 428-foot drive to center field, marked his third homer of the season and ultimately proved to be the game’s deciding factor. The Angels’ Kenny Rosenberg, making only his fourth MLB start, was in top form, allowing just five hits and two walks in five innings while striking out five. Carlos Estévez came in as the fourth reliever for the Angels and secured the win with his 31st save of the season, ensuring a 1-0 victory over the AL Central champion Minnesota Twins. This nail-biting contest showcased the resilience of both teams, with Gray’s strong performance and Adell’s clutch hitting defining the day’s action.
Post-game, we headed to EaTo, an Italian restaurant conveniently located near our hotel. We spent hours there, savoring delicious bruschetta, a delightful beet salad, and a mouthwatering mushroom pizza. The bartender, who was a great conversationalist, added to the wonderful experience.
Day 2: Exploring Minneapolis
Our final day in Minneapolis began with a self-guided walking tour along the waterfront, appreciating the city’s rich history and modern development.
But our trip wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the renowned Mall of America.
Pro tip: the mall is conveniently located next to the airport. Visit the mall before your flight and store your luggage in a locker at the mall. Then take a quick Lyft or Uber ride to the airport, saving time and hassle.
While the mall is famous for its shopping, we took a different approach. Instead of shopping the seemingly thousands of brands, I opted for some adrenaline by riding one of the mall’s roller coasters. It was an exhilarating experience and a unique way to cap off our Minneapolis adventure.
Next stop: Seattle!