GLBT Points of Interest

With no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota, it's no wonder people are bursting out of the closet! Named one of the "top 10 U.S. gay shopping cities" by PlanetOut.com, Minneapolis Saint Paul is shopping nirvana, from neighborhood boutiques to downtown shops.

Fashions and Gifts and Arts, Oh My

Hit downtown and stroll down Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Target and Off Fifth. StyledLife is an accessories powerhouse for men and women's accents, and Kuhlman and Len Druskin Man in Gaviidae Common are two of the area's best spots for hip, trend-right clothes. Sleek, style-savvy guys flock to Ivy Men's + Design, and for gay gifts, club gear and more, head to Rainbow Road in Loring Park.

In the city's Northeast neighborhood, explore the galleries and shops of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. For a taste of the tropics, Key North offers organic and eco-friendly women's clothing, gifts, and more.

The trendy Uptown neighborhood is the spot to shop, eat, play, then shop some more. Stylish shops, spas and tasteful boutiques line the streets here. From funky-fresh vintage spots like Tatters and Ragstock to hip, mod furnishings at Go Home, you'll find something tickle your fashion fancy. And don't leave for the club without a trip to Saint Sabrina's or Lava Lounge first.

Mall of America is the largest mall in the country and it’s just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. More than 500 stores including Macy's, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's bring in millions of shoppers every year.

Bookstore Browsing

Minneapolis Saint Paul is home to some unique spots to hunker down with a good read. The lesbian-owned Amazon Bookstore, the oldest feminist bookstore in the U.S., is a great place to browse. Get your comics fix and so much more at DreamHaven Books in Uptown, and peruse the stacks at Quatrefoil Library in Saint Paul.

For the latest local fashion and shopping news, check out Lavender magazine.