With its casual ways and cultural sophistication, ethnic diversity, historic traditions and newly constructed buildings, Saint Paul offers a unigue blend of past and present. This Capital city is often recognized for its charm, European look and friendly people. When snowflakes glisten on the turn of the century Landmark Center in downtown, the building resembles Cinderella's fairy tale castle. Visitors can breakfast at places like Mickey's Diner, an authentic 1930s dining car ( Shown in the Movie Jingle all The Way ), enjoy a leisurely dinner at upscale Kincaid's, or sample a locally made microbrew at Vine Park or Great Waters Brewing Companies.

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Did you Know? Saint Paul has more riverfront - nearly 29 miles - than any other city along the entire length of the Mississippi River

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Visitors in search of real wildlife can visit the admission free Como Zoo, adjacent to the zoo and Como Park is the Como Conservatory, warm with colr and scent, no matter what the temperature is outside. The Conservatory's holiday show, featuring poinsettias and other blooms, begins in earl December.

Downtown Saint Paul is transformed into a Winterwonderland with more than two million twinkling lights from November through February. On December 31, the city's Capital New Year event hosts indoor and outdoor activities such as live music and ice skating amidst this festive backdrop. The nation's oldest winter festival, The Saint Paul Carnival, is an annual 10 day celebration that starts the last weekend of January. A stroll through Rice Park to view the glistening entries in the carnival's ice carving contest is a must.

For History Lovers From the Copper dome of the Cathedral of Saint Paul to gangster tours detailing the hang outs and hide outs of crime legends, Saint Paul is steeped in History.

The historic Cathedral of Saint Paul is currently undergoing a massive restoration. A new dome and a cleaner exterior are part of the $35 million plan to preserve the Holy Landmark. Inside, massive stained glass rose windows, frecoes and mosaics of the four virtuesleave visitors with a sense of wonder.

Visit F. Scott Fitzgerald's old stomping grounds along summit Ave, a tree lined boulevard home to the country's longest span of residential Victorian architecture. Tour railroad baron James J. Hills spectacular mansion or drive by the Governor's Residence, currently the home of Jesse Ventura. You can also tour the State Capitol Building where the Governor spends his work week. At the Minnesota History Center, you'll find three free exhibit galleries, a theater, two gift shops and a cafe. One Block south of Summit Ave. is Grand Ave, a bustling urban artery lined with eclectic shops, ethnic resturants and diverse business, every year in June Grand Ave puts on a festive parade with Music and family fun for all.