We’re not shy when it comes to our true feelings for Sbarro at the airport, so we’re happy to report that we recently spotted one that has recently departed its airport location. You know that we’re already in love with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for plenty of reasons, and the exit of the pizza place is just another reason we’re singing its merits.

On a recent layover at the airport, we almost stopped in our tracks—on the moving sidewalk—when we discovered that Sbarro was on its way out in favor of Pei Wei Asian Diner. Sure it’s one chain restaurant for another, but we’ve always thought of PF Chang’s little brother as one of the best mass produced faux-Asian cuisine options around. ]]> kjb 2011-09-22T09:00:06-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/7/15/161424/089

A note before the weekend: if you're traveling through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this weekend—or really any time through the rest of the summer—we encourage you to stop for a moment and smell the roses, as it goes. MSP is quickly becoming our new favorite airport. Not for departing from or arriving to so much, but definitely for tranferring through.

First, that's sweet (and hidden) observation deck, then they've got vintage pinball machines and arcade games, and of course we cannot forget about the infamous Larry Craig bathroom. But now, during yet another layover, something else caught our eye: little laptop/phone charging trays affixed to poles near windows where the tarmac view is especially nice.

MSP knows they've got serious #avgeek numbers amongst their daily traveler population, and why not encourage them to do what they love best? That is, chilling out and just watching planes take to the skies. You'll find the majority of them hanging out between the bajillion Delta gates, but you know what? We'll go the extra mile for an outlet and a view.

[Photo: Jaunted]]]> JetSetCD 2011-07-15T18:13:35-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/14/85347/4538

In the midst of all the Weinergate 2011 talk, it's important to step back and realize that America has a fine history of sexual political intrigue, and that sometimes we come closer to the history of it than we expect. Take, for example, the infamous Senator Larry Craig bathroom at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

It's been almost four years to the date (June 11, 2007) when Idaho Senator Craig was arrested for "lewd behavior" after making the foot-tapping signals to initiate a gay sex encounter in one of the numerous men's restrooms at the airport. As the story goes, the man he was signalling to was actually an undercover cop, and Larry was cuffed and booked.

The bathroom still exists just as it was, and just this morning was watched as travelers unwittingly passed by or through it. If you'd not like to miss out on the chance to note this odd little landmark in American Political History, we'll help you find it:]]> JetSetCD 2011-06-14T08:57:36-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/5/18/039/38140
Our pic of Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain at a past Travel Channel event

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport is gearing up to blow your mind...in terms of airport food. Just when travelers get used to running in to a Sbarro's, Cinnabon, or—if it's a fancier airport, a Starbucks with pastry case—great news like this comes along to brighten the day: MSP and Delta will begin work in January on whole new restaurants and dining options inside Concourse G.

All in all, it's to be a $2 billion renovation, states BizJournals. Hopefully sooner rather than later, we'll get to add a restaurant from Andrew Zimmern to our list of things to do on your layover at MSP. It's to be called Minni Bar, with a menu of globally-inspired sandwiches and who doesn't love sandwiches? Minni Bar will join Minnesota Beer Hall (with 48 brews on tap), Mill City Tavern from a James Beard-nominated chef, a modern Japanese restaurant and a local bakery outpost in the new terminal arrivals. ]]> JetSetCD 2011-05-18T08:27:19-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/4/15/92326/0540

It’s Friday, so we’ll try to keep things nice and light around here. What better way to welcome the weekend then a little trip to one of the country’s newest candy shops, and best of all, this one is located right at the airport.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has added Sugar Pop to The Mall section of Terminal 1-Lindbergh—that’s where most of the Delta flights do their thing. It’s colorful, fun, and a good diversion to all the cranky business travelers that are usually crowding the terminals and concourses. ]]> kjb 2011-04-15T10:56:29-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/2/2/8287/23119

When you have a tight layover there’s often some important choices to make. Like missing lunch—or skipping a trip to the bathroom—in favor of catching the flight and scoring some hard-to-get overhead bin access.

Going hungry might not be the case at Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport in the future, as it looks like the airport is thinking about a new delivery service for those waiting at the gates. The best part of the new idea is that all the ordering will come via cellphone—or even iPad—so you can make your selection while you’re taxiing into the gate. ]]> kjb 2011-02-02T10:49:00-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/1/16/235425/624

We've recently been introduced to the gayest country to travel to, which, oddly, is Nepal, but what about the gayest US city? We use the superlative as it relates to the most gay-friendly city, as judged by The Advocate magazine using the most highly scientific criteria:

For each city, The Advocate added up numbers for Gay.com profiles, listed officiants for gay weddings within a 50-mile radius, openly gay elected officials, performances by lesbian sisters musical duo Tegan and Sara over the past five years, lesbian bars, gay and gay-friendly religious congregations and entries in YellowPages.com with "gay" in the business name or description.

And the winner of Gayest City to Visit in the USA is...Minneapolis, Minnesota! Congratulations, MN—you beat out other apparent shoe-ins, like New York City, Portland, Provincetown, and San Francisco. Time to put up some celebratory street signs!

[Photo: jimmywayne]]]> JetSetCD 2011-01-17T17:51:19-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/