Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/593532
20 G O I N G P L A C E S | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 laura cullen (top), courtesy mall of america Mall of America Girls' getaway to Minnesota's shopping mecca by Lea Currie WEEKENDER THE ESCAPE Maybe it sounds cliché to spend a girls' weekend in a mall, but there's more than just shopping to be found here, and we plan to enjoy every inch of Mall of America's 5.62 million When we find out there are no sales taxes in Minnesota, home to the mammoth Mall of America ( www. mallofamerica.com), my girlfriends and I need no further incentive to pack up the SUV (a car just won't be big enough for all of our planned splurges) and hit the road. Like most high school friends, Jenesia, Laura, Kelly and I haven't spent more than a few hours together since gradu- ation, so this is a fun excuse to reconnect. We begin with a seven-hour drive filled with tunes from our youth, friendly banter and arguments about where to stop for lunch. It feels like old times, but with slightly larger allowances and no curfew. (from top) Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor family theme park in the U.S.; the Avatar Airbender half- pipe coaster. The rides don't disappoint as we whoop, holler and laugh in delight. It's easy to forget I'm in a mall, especially as I fly 17 metres over people's heads and past roller coasters on the Barnacle Blast Zip Line, the longest indoor zip line in North America at 243 metres on a return trip over the theme park. But, of course, shopping is still the main attraction, particularly for me and Jenesia. We ensure no rack is left unchecked, specifically in stores not available back home, such as White House Black Market, DSW, Ann Taylor and Kate Spade. Thanks to the duty limits – Canadians can bring back up to Cdn.$800 in purchases during a 48-hour stay – my spending is kept in check. I can't say the same for Jenesia though. square feet, which could fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside. It's my first visit, but Manitobans who make regular trips down will find even more to enjoy thanks to the mall's recent 750,000-square-foot expansion – look for the new entrance, updated food court and even more retail space. Bloomington's Mall of America is the largest mall in the western hemi- sphere – yes, even bigger than West Edmonton Mall when you factor in the theme park, Nickelodeon Uni- verse. We're ready to conquer the biggest, meanest rides at this family- friendly adventure zone. While themed for Nickelodeon shows and characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, there are plenty of thrills for those young at heart too. Get special offers for your trip to Minnesota with your CAA membership. Save at Mall of America, Macy's, Albertville Premium Outlets and more. www.caamanitoba.com/ minnesota