By Anna Berend

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world, but then wake up to reality knowing you have neither the time nor money to undertake such a trip? Well, don’t fret because inside the old Sears building on Lake St. in Minneapolis is a multicultural world for you to explore. What is the magical place? Why, it’s the Midtown Global Market.

(credit: Anna Berend)

No matter how many times I visit the MGM there’s always more to marvel at, taste, learn about and discover. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, a unique gift, locally made items, ethnic groceries, beautiful scarves, bags, jewelry and more, or simply wish to view a mix of cultures coming together in a community space, the Midtown Global Market is for you.

On a recent trip, I got a decadent Café Miel from Mapp’s Coffee, a tuna sandwich from Grass Roots Gourmet on fresh made bread from Salty Tart, located just on the other side of the market and made from scratch chocolate and coconut crème custard from Grand Italian Ice and Custard. I also came home with locally produced honey, pancake mix and maple butter from Grass Roots Gourmet, sweet smelling soaps from Rituals, two plastic toy swords from Café Finspang and lots of knowledge about bitters, green sausage, African instruments and Greek olives.

(credit: Anna Berend)

At MGM you’ll find Hmong, Tibetan, African, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Mexican, Scandinavian, American, Asian, Indian, South American and local items and foods. There’s even a small grocery vendor with a large fresh produce area. Additionally, there’s a florist, a deli, a number of bakeries, several meat markets and even a fresh seafood business. If you want to know how to prepare the goodies you discover throughout the market, stop in at the Kitchen in the Market for a schedule of cooking classes and events.

(credit: Anna Berend)

There’s often live music in the central plaza and every Friday night is Family night with balloons, specials, family friendly music and the children’s play area (always open). All businesses validate parking in the lot across the street for up to three hours of free parking.

The MGM is such a treat to have in our midst. So, travel to Lake St. and find a world of culture that awaits you.

Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-872-4041
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org/

Anna Berend is an attorney and the author of Motherly Law Blog. On Motherly Law, Anna writes about legal issues that affect families and offers tips and resources that pertain to those legal topics. On occasion, inspiration strikes and Anna writes about something totally unrelated to the law.You can find Anna at www.motherlylaw.com, on Facebook at Motherly Law and on Twitter @MotherlyLaw.