What Are You Into? A Local’s Guide to the Mall of America

In spite of its name, the Mall of America is much more than a magnet for shoppers. Full of nearly every kind of entertainment available, there is something to delight the most particular hobbyist, thrill-seeker, or gourmand. Since we at Open Systems are hosting our Partner and Customer Conferences in August 2014 at the Radisson Blu Hotel attached to the Mall of America, we thought we’d share with you a local’s guide to the Mall.

The MOA (as the locals call it) features a number of world-class entertainment attractions among the shops and stores. The question isn’t “What’s at the mall?” but rather “What are you into?”

Through the air and under the sea

Don’t be fooled by the kid-friendly name of the Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park. In this climate-controlled carnival atmosphere, you’ll find a few rides that will satisfy the most choosy theme-park aficionados. The Rock Bottom Plunge, for example, is a rollercoaster that lifts you so close to the ceiling that you can almost touch the rafters. After that? Let’s just say that you should give your lunch time to settle before taking the plunge.

Our marketing director Carla prefers the mellower fun of the Sea Life Aquarium, where you can stroll underneath the huge tanks of aquatic animals. “I enjoy watching the sharks and the other cool sea life, like the jellyfish,” says Carla. The massive tanks feature over 10,000 aquatic creatures, including sea turtles, eels, seahorses, stingrays, and more.

Bonus round: MOA also has lots of places to get sushi, should the aquarium make you hungry.

Food, food, and then more food

What do you like to eat? Pam in Sales recommends Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. if you want fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, shrimp skewers, shrimp salad… you get the picture. On the other hand, Jason in Marketing favors the third floor food court (Panda Express in particular).

You can dine at Crave either in a romantic, dark setting or grab a seat in the patio overlooking the amusement park. Either way, you’ll be blown away by their unique American-Japanese fusion menu.

Or, if you only eat candy, there is a 2500 foot store devoted exclusively to Peeps. Yes, those little marshmallow things. You read that right.

Bonus round: order State Fair Cheese Curds at the Twin City Grill. Then challenge a local to a game of “Duck Duck Grey-Duck.” Congratulations. You’re an honorary Minnesotan.

Through rain, sleet, snow… or August heat

Minnesota can be a land of weather extremes (both cold and hot). Fortunately for those who like to walk, the climate controlled mall provides miles of track for those avoiding snowbanks or sweltering heat. “My husband and I go there to walk during the winter,” says Wanda in the Open Systems accounting department. “Two laps on each floor equals about 5 miles.”

Human Resources manager Lori Ann agrees. “It is interesting to see that each level and wing has a different feel,” she says. “The flooring changes and so does some of the other decorations. It’s a nice way to get a little exercise.”

“In addition, the people watching is second-to-none,” notes both Jason from Marketing and Sara from Accounting.

Whatever the weather happens to be doing in August, it’s always a bright and comfortable day in the Mall of America.

Bonus round: if nice weather isn’t your thing, eat in the Rainforest Cafe to experience an Amazonian thunderstorm while you dine. For real.

Whatever you’re into

Do you like enjoying a meal while your American Girl doll has a spa day? Very few of you probably do. Nonetheless, this is the first thing that came to Open Systems sales specialist Jill’s mind when we asked about the mall. “You can have lunch at the American Girls café while your doll gets her hair done,” said she. “Best day ever!”

Therein lies the greatness of the Mall of America. Whatever you’re into, there’s probably a store for it. Are you into Macs, like our graphic designer Jeremy? The fourth Apple store built in the world is in the MOA. Do you prefer Windows machines instead? The Microsoft Store is across the hall.

“Paradise Pens on the second floor is the only place around here I can get refills for my fountain pens,” said Marketing and Communications Specialist and pen nerd Scott. “I also like looking at the pens from all over the world.”

Bonus round: inform Jill of any plans to go to the American Girl store, and ask Jeremy for directions to the Apple Store. Avoid Scott, though, or he’ll talk your ear off about the advantages of different pen nib styles.

See you in August

Whatever your thoughts about malls, you probably haven’t seen one like this. Don’t miss your chance! We hope to see you all in August.