Your guide to: High art in Minneapolis…Midcentury architecture in Palm Springs…Minimalism in Beacon…Good grooves in Austin

From the Midwest:
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Why: A slew of high-profile architectural projects—from Jean Nouvel's stunning Guthrie Theater on the Mississippi to Cesar Pelli's luminous Central Library—have people flocking to the Midwest's cultural capital. A rich theater scene and fantastic food seal the deal.

What You'll Need: Brutal winters give way to glorious late-spring weather: 70 degrees and sunny during the day, and just chilly enough after dark to warrant a light jacket. Minneapolis is a casual town—jeans are appropriate even for a night at the theater—but you're more likely to see wrap dresses than flannel at hot spots like the Chambers.

How to Get There: Northwest Airlines accounts for more than 80 percent of the traffic at Minneapolis–St. Paul airport, with daily nonstops to Chicago (1.5 hours), Detroit (2.5 hours), and Indianapolis (2.5 hours). Unless you're planning to head to the far-off suburbs, you can get around very well using public transportation: The Hiawatha Line light-rail makes for a quick (15 minutes) and painless ride from the airport to downtown, and buses are constantly streaming up and down Hennepin Avenue, the city's main drag (metrotransit.org; airport train, $1.50). Where to Stay: By far the city's hippest hotel, the Chambers is the brainchild of art collector Ralph Burnet, whose extensive collection of contemporary pieces—by artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin—is on display. Jean-Georges Vongerichten's bilevel Chambers Kitchen attracts scenesters with its artfully plated rice cracker–crusted seared tuna. From here, it's an easy walk to many downtown theaters and music venues (612-767-6900; doubles, $305–$450; entrées, $18–$34). The Graves 601, also downtown, is set inside the kitschy Block E shopping center but has a glossy look and efficient service (612-677-1100; doubles, $229–$489).

What to Do: Ever since it unveiled its futuristic Herzog & de Meuron expansion in 2005, the Walker Art Center has been the city's hottest ticket. Get there by 11 a.m. to beat the crowds (or better yet, come on a Thursday or a Friday, when it stays open until 9 p.m.). Pick up an iPod loaded with guided tours at the front desk, or use your cell phone to dial in to the museum's Art on Call system. On your way out, stop by the slim, well--edited gift shop that has such goodies as I AM ART baby suits (612-375-7600). Leave time to wander around the expansive Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—don't miss Frank Gehry's Standing Glass Fish in the Cowles Conservatory (garden.walkerart.org). Head across the street to Loring Park, where you can get a wide--angle view of the shimmering silver Walker Art Center; locals love the lamb burgers and open-air balcony at Joe's Garage, on the perimeter of the park (1610 Harmon Pl.; 612-904-1163; entrées, $8–$12). Just a few doors down, Lunalux stocks vintage letterpress stationery and cheeky greeting cards, many by independent Midwest designers (1618 Harmon Pl.; 612-373-0526). See at least one show while you're in town; the Guthrie Theater recently relocated to a stunning Jean Nouvel–-designed compound on the Mississippi River, with three separate stages. Whatever tickets you get, be sure to grab a drink at the fourth-floor Target Lounge and stroll out onto the building's 175-foot cantilevered "Endless Bridge." Backstage tours let you poke around the costume and prop workrooms (612-377-2224; tickets, $24–$69; 45-minute tour, $10). Or you can head over to the Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Housed in an old warehouse, it's known for its dynamic, commedia dell'arte–style productions (612-333-6200; jeunelune.org; tickets, $25–$30).