10 great places you won't forget in the Twin Cities

— -- Politics won't be the only game in town when Minneapolis-St. Paul hosts the Republican National Convention next week. Local resident Rudy Maxa, host and executive producer of the public television travel series Rudy Maxa's World (rudymaxasworld.com) has a whole list of must-dos in the Twin Cities. He shares his favorites with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Chambers Hotel

"Rooms were booked up months ago, but visit this swanky Minneapolis boutique hotel for the modern art," Maxa says. "Chambers' owner, Ralph Burnet, displays millions of dollars worth of his contemporary art collection 'everywhere there's a wall,' including in the downstairs restaurant that's run by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten." Tour the new, politically charged Important If True (Hootenanny in E) gallery exhibit, then soak in the sights along with a cocktail on the rooftop bar. 612-767-6900; chambersminneapolis.com

Mill City Museum

In the late 19th century, flour mills built Minneapolis — 2 million pounds of flour were made daily at just one mill during the industry's salad days between 1880 and 1930. Some of those original mills still line the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls. "While most are pricey condos, the Mill City Museum offers a fascinating look at an industry that grew a city," Maxa says. "The region is a leader in the manufacture of prosthetic devices, an industry born long ago from the number of industrial accidents in the mills." 612-341-7555; www.millcitymuseum.org

Restaurant Alma

The region serves up a cornucopia of fresh produce and game in the summer that local chefs are increasingly incorporating into their menus, making Minneapolis-St. Paul a great gourmet destination. "This is the top of the top, perhaps one of the best restaurants in the entire Midwest, including Chicago," Maxa says of Restaurant Alma in Minneapolis. Among Maxa's other favorites are Meritage and Osteria I Nonni, both in the St. Paul area. 612-379-4909; restaurantalma.com