<p>Does anyone have suggestions of where to stay during orientation in September? I looked at the Best Western, that the school recommends, and they jack their prices up during this time. Has anyone else had a good experience at another hotel/motel that they would like to recommend?</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have any suggestions about things to do around town, during the off times? I have never been to Minnesota so any suggestions are welcomed!</p>
<p>Well, if you’ve never been to Minnesota, and you’ll be there in later August/early September, there’s one thing that you have to do!</p>
<p>[Minnesota</a> State Fair | Twelve Days of Fun Ending Labor Day](<a href=“http://www.mnstatefair.org/]Minnesota”>http://www.mnstatefair.org/)</p>
<p>Not sure about lodging near the Mac campus, but if you expand your search to St. Paul or even Minneapolis, you should be able to find plenty of options.</p>
<p>Thanks! I have never been to a State Fair before. Is there anything in particular I should do at the State Fair besides eat? Is this where you get funnel cakes? What other delicacy should I check out?</p>
<p>It seems like everyone in Minnesota goes to the State Fair. Of course you have carnival rides and a variety of foods (usually on a stick), but it really is, as they say, the “Great Minnesota Get-Together.” My parents would always take us to the agricultural barns first to see the award-winning animals (good for kids who haven’t been on a farm) before heading out to the rides. There is eveniing entertainment at the grandstand, and a lot of uniquely Minnesota things, like butter carvings of beauty queens, talent shows, arts and crafts, campaigning politicians, milk-drinking contests, and so much more. A lot of it is free with your admission. Sure, some of it is hokey, but it will give you an understanding of Minnesota like nothing else. Have fun!</p>
<p>I recommend the Courtyard by Marriott in Roseville, MN. It is practically a straight shot down Snelling Ave. to Macalester; takes about 15 minutes. Rates are typically lower on weekends because it is located in a business park area and weekends are less busy times. You may find that many hotels raise rates due to the Fair. I stayed once at the Best Western when my daughter and I were visiting Macalester and I would not recommend it. My husband and I enjoyed most of the parent activities during Macalester’s exceptional Parent Orientation. We came away from the experience very enthused not only about the school but about the involvement of parents and the efforts made to welcome them to the Macalester community. I suggest you attend as many of the parent activities as sound interesting, informative and appealing to you. We also valued the opportunity those activities provided for us to meet and talk with other new Macalester parents.</p>
<p>Don’t forget the Mall of America! You gotta visit once!</p>