MILL DISTRICT. Birthplace of the professional American Regional theater movement, the Guthrie bridges the gap between community theater and commercial Broadway productions. The Guthrie's resident acting company presents classic works and promises high professional standards. In its sleek, Jean Nouveau-designed space on the river, the Guthrie boasts three distinct stages, including a thrust, a proscenium, and a black box-inspired studio space. A full-service restaurant and a gift shop are also on the premises.

LORING PARK. When this venue opened in 1974, it received mixed reviews in regard to its architecture. More importantly for audiences, acoustics are nearly perfect, and there's not a bad seat in the house. Sight lines are good except for the back of the third-tier balcony. Not only is Orchestra Hall home to the Minnesota Orchestra, but the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra also plays here occasionally.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. This French theater group formed in Paris about 30 years ago and initially played six months in Paris and six months in the States. Now the company stays in Minnesota year-round, much to the delight of Midwestern audiences. Known for deliberately theatrical, creative, audience-engaging performances, Theatre de la Jeune has strong support from residents here and respect from critics and theater-goers the world over.

LORING PARK. What began in 1927 as a humble public gallery has become a world-renowned arts center that attracts well over a million visitors annually. With its Herzog and de Meuron design, the center is an ideal space in which to exhibit works by modern artists like Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, Roy Lichtenstein, and Pablo Picasso. Interspersed among the galleries are cozy spots for pausing and reflecting or chatting with fellow visitors; the building also houses a restaurant and the McGuire Theater, which offers a complete schedule of film, drama, dance, and music.