What kind of mall has a visitor's kit and guide that you can request to be mailed to you before you arrive? Or outlines a suggested itinerary on their website? Or has a theme park that takes up a huge portion of each floor but still leaves room for over 520 shops? The answer is Mall of America and just like everything else in America- the houses, hotels, and the... people, it is unusually large compared to what Europeans are used to.

I think its safe to say that just about any store you've ever been to elsewhere in America is here as well as those specialty shops like “Love from Minnesota” and “Minnesot-ah!” in case you've somehow confused which of the 50 states you were in. Other good news includes the fact that there is no sales tax in Minnesota so the price you see is the price you pay.

When shopping becomes too overwhelming (and I'll go out on a limb and say it eventually will), take your kids to the nation's largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe and take a whirl on the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge or any of the other 30 rides. The NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway also sounds interesting- you can slide into the cockpit of 195 MPH race car and speed off for an electrifying (and perhaps, terrifying) experience.

There is also a lot of foodie fun- mostly chain restaurants that can be found across the country such as Hooters, Rainforest Cafe and Johnny Rockets. Whatever you're craving, there seems to be just about anything offered in the 20 sit-down restaurants (except mince pies, of course.)

Written by  Mary Kate Alfieri.

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