Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, MN 55407

A lot of hopes are pinned on this midtown market with an international flair. It's located on the first floor of the old Sears building - now rechristened the Midtown Exchange - and is part of a large multi-use redevelopment project featuring both lofts and lofty goals.

The market is designed to build a sense of community and ownership among the many diverse ethnic groups that call Minneapolis home; to provide hard-to-find and unusual groceries, prepared foods, and craft items in a family-friendly environment; and also to build wealth and see it reinvested locally. Our verdict: Go. The place is welcoming, interesting, and fun - though there are some empty booths - with weekly offerings including live music, dance classes, Family Night Fridays, and chess, along with kid-friendly events for many holidays. Best of all, with all the food options, there's sure to be something to please everyone in the family!

The market is anchored by Latino and Asian grocery stores (including a United Noodles offshoot), a farm market, and a Holy Land Deli outlet, so visitors can find ethnic ingredients and prepared foods, cheeses, tortillas, pastries, fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, delicacies, cut flowers, craft goods, and more. Several cafe and seating areas invite visitors to dine in and hang out. Some of the vendors sell items good for spicing up birthday parties, such as pinatas and unusual candies to add to goody bags.

There's a children's play area with a padded floor and plastic play structures; shelves with boxed games for customer use; and tables for backgammon, chess, and checkers in a couple of places. The bathrooms, equipped with changing tables and sinks set apart from the rest of the stalls, almost make diaper changing a pleasure.

Some market vendors also offer services, including watch and jewelry repair, dry cleaning and alterations, and massage.