The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are located just 45 minutes north of Northfield, making them an easy destination when you need a dose of urban life.

More than anything else, Carleton students go up to the Cities for its restaurants. It may be with a group of friends or people from your floor, or with a class after a show or lecture. Do Italian, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, or even Ethiopian food get your mouth watering?

Like sports? You have Twins baseball, St. Paul Saints (minor league baseball), the Vikings, the Timberwolves, soccer and, of course, hockey, the Wild. Or check out a less expensive sporting event at The University of Minnesota (just say "U of M"). Ticket prices vary, but periodically groups go up and receive discount rates.

Speaking of tickets, there are plenty of theaters with Broadway shows and local productions. The Ordway and Orpheum are the premiere musical theaters in town while the acclaimed Guthrie Theater is a prime venue for major and experimental productions. The Fitzgerald (in Saint Paul) hosts National Public Radio's "Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor. For film buffs, the Uptown and Lagoon Cinemas show independent and art films.

Like music, dance or art? You'll love the Cities. The American Ballet Theater, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera Company, and the Minnesota Orchestra should keep you busy.

The Cities' indie music scene is one of the best in the country with venues like First Avenue, the Varsity Theater and the Cedar Cultural Center regularly hosting national acts.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Walker Art Center, and the Weisman Museum at the U of M, accommodate both standing collections and touring exhibits. Across from the Walker is the outdoor Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Warehouse District of Minneapolis is a mecca of small funky galleries hosting both local and national artists.

Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul are both great for shopping. There's always the Mall of America. It's big (more than a million square feet of shopping and entertainment.) It's crowded. You don't have to buy things, just wander around and play with the free Legos at the Lego Store.