What are some good area for visiting providers to stay in your beautiful state?  Would love an area that's public trans friendly, able to walk in & convenient for hobbyists to visit..  I've been wanting to venture to Minnesota for awhile now.  I also love to be a tourist on my down time so recommendations on Restraunt's, shops, bars/clubs would be appreciated also..  

Near the airport/Mall of America area.  Plenty of very nice hotels and the light rail is right there if you want to visit downtown.  There are plenty of very nice restaurants, bars, shopping, etc. that would allow you to really experience Minnesota.  Take it from a recent transplant, stay away from the tourist stuff and really absorb what Minnesota has to offer and is.

You can take light rail from the airport. There are plenty of good restaurants and shops to walk to and if the weather is bad you can use the skyways. Downtown is also centrally located for the metro area and easy to navigate.

Great advices & recommendations, I can't wait ... Def will be my first time at the Mall of America (checklist-check) I'm into art so museums around the area would be lovely..