Category Archives: Best of the Twin Cities

Downtown Minneapolis, MN

Downtown Minneapolis is divided into two parts, Downtown East and Downtown West. Downtown West is the heart of Minneapolis, with recognizable high-rise buildings, Nicollet Mall (home to some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping), and the Warehouse district. Also, many notable buildings like the Foshay Tower, built in 1929, are located in Downtown West.

Downtown East is a mix of residential and commercial buildings. Here you will find the Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater, and Gold Medal Park. Many of the one-time industrial properties, such as old mills and factories, are being converted into residential dwellings. For example, the former Pillsbury flour mill complex was recently transformed into the A-Mill Artist Lofts, a 251-unit affordable housing project that serves working artists.

According to DMNA, Downtown Minneapolis was a center of many businesses and financial activity. After the Great Depression, due to businesses moving to the suburbs, the downtown area became dirty and buildings weren’t maintained well enough. It was agreed that rebuilding was needed, and, thus, many buildings were leveled and new buildings and highways were built, resulting in the beautiful city we know and love today.

Many people enjoy downtown living because of the close proximity to entertainment and dining options, parks and bike trails. Most of the homes in the downtown area are apartments, condos, and lofts. Also, there are old commercial buildings and warehouses that have been converted into lofts. According to City Data, the population of Downtown West is 6,187, the median age is between 33-35, and the median rent is $949. Downtown East’s population is 1,274 with the median age of 32-36, and the median rent price is $1,107.

Downtown Minneapolis is full of entertainment options for all ages. That is where the famous Hennepin Theater District is located, which has three historic theaters: Orpheum, State, and Pantages. Guthrie Theater, located on the Mississippi River in Downtown East, is one of the most renowned theaters in the nation. Not only can you see your favorite plays there, but you can also go on a backstage or an architecture tour. The Guthrie also offers great restaurants, a cocktail lounge area and a beautiful view of the Mississippi River (especially from the outdoor observation deck).

In addition, Downtown Minneapolis is famous for its variety of restaurants and wonderful fine dining offerings. 112 Eatery is a very popular spot for dinner with great reviews; Butcher and the Boar is another delicious option. We’d also recommend Vincent A Restaurant, a french eatery known for its burgers with fluffy buns and savory dressings.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, check out Brit’s Pub. It has a great selection of beers to offer and a fun rooftop patio with lawn bowling. This is definitely one of Downtown’s most popular places come summer.

For the live music lovers there is Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, with nightly music, dining and cocktails. First Avenue is also a famous live music venue where the biggest local and national artists and bands perform. In addition, there are a number of nightclubs such as Aqua and Karma.

Nicollet Mall is a great place to shop if you love chain stores, including a two-level Target store (the behemoth retailer is based out of Minneapolis, after all) and Macy’s. There is also Gaviidae Common shopping center, which has department stores and specialty retailers.

One of the things many people like about downtown living is that many places are within walking distance. There is public transportation and many bus routes that serve downtown, and there is also Light Rail that runs through downtown.

Many might think that Downtown Minneapolis is mostly for younger people, but it is changing since many families are moving to the downtown area as it becomes more and more family-friendly. There are more playgrounds being built and other amenities like the YMCA. There are also plenty of parks for early morning jogs or to take your pooch for a stroll: enjoy a walk along the Mississippi River, Stone Arch Bridge or explore Loring Park, just at the outskirts of the Downtown area. Some of our other favorite parks include Gateway Dog Park, Gold Medal park, Triangle park, and Mill Ruins park. And of course you can’t forget the new Vikings stadium that is currently being built! Once it is complete, it will surely be a dream destination for football fans of all ages.

Downtown Minneapolis is rapidly becoming a popular and convenient neighborhood to live in (one of the best in the country) with close proximity to entertainment options, delicious dining, and plenty of family and outdoor activities.

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
The FAIR School	St.Olaf Catholic Church
Emerson SILC	Gethsemane Episcopal Church
	Westminster Presbyterian Church
	First Covenant Church
Entertainment	Local Restaurants
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant	112 Eatery
Orpheum Theater	Pizza Luce
Pantages Theater	Butcher and the Boar
Guthrie Theater	Bar La Grassa
Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater	The Local
The Skyway Theater	Vincent A Restaurant

October Events in the Twin Cities

Trying to find something to do this October? Here is a list of some fun events in the Twin Cities.

The Restaurant Week is back! It starts October 18th and ends on October 23rd. Some of the participating restaurants are 128 Cafe, Black Forest Inn, Coup d’Etat, Fogo de Chao, Haute Dish, Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, Sanctuary, Stella’s Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar, Oceanaire. These restaurants will serve two-course lunches for $10-$20 and three-course dinners for $15-$30. Click here for the full list of the participating restaurants.

: Flickr Creative Commons: Patrick Emerson

Book October 17th from 1pm to 5pm for another fun event, Harvest Beer Festival, where local beers are showcased, and where you can get a chance to try and vote for the best one. Here is more information.

: Flickr Creative Commons: Darren Moloney

Twin Cities Film Fest starts October 21st and ends October 31st. It’s a great event where you can enjoy over a 100 award winning movies. Here is more about the event and ticket information.

: Flickr Creative Commons: Alex

And for all the book lovers out there, the Twin Cities Book Festival, It’s a free all-day event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Here you will find exhibitions, prizes, book signings, and giveaways. Find more information here.

: Flickr Creative Commons: Tony Webster

Anoka, MN

Anoka is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities. It is affectionately known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” It is believed that Anoka was the first city in the U.S. to put on a Halloween celebration in 1920, thus earning its nickname. The name Anoka itself was derived from two Indian words, meaning “on both sides” – because it is located on both banks of the Rum River –and “working waters.”

The first immigrants came to Anoka in 1844, and by the 1850’s it had a school, a store and a mill. Then, a ferry was established to connect Anoka to other cities. Between 1855 and 1884, the city was damaged by multiple fires, and many houses were burned, and the whole section had to be rebuilt.

Nowadays in Anoka, there are many restaurant to choose from. One such popular eatery is Truffles and Tortes Cafe. It is a cozy spot on Main Street that offers a great variety of delicious desserts. They also have a great selection of salads and sandwiches.

Casa Rio is also a delightful lunch or dinner option. The menu has a variety of Mexican cuisine selections and prices are very reasonable, as well.

Another popular place is Cork Wine Bar and Restaurant, where you can select your food and they will choose the wine for you. Also, servers ask about allergies and dislikes and then give food suggestions, which means your meal is catered to your specific wants and needs!

For some nighttime entertainment and live music, there is Nola Bistro and Bar. This is a fun place to talk, relax, and enjoy the evening with friends.

For art lovers, there is Krista Artista Art Gallery featuring Minnesota artists. You can also buy specialized gifts here, such as jewelry, pottery, and wood sculptures. For great acting, singing and directing you should definitely check out Lyric Arts Main Street Stage.

The median age in the City of Anoka is 38 years old: 49.8% of residents are male and 50.2% are female. According to City-Data of 2013, the estimated median household income was $48,792; median house/condo value is $161,612; median gross rent is $786. Anoka might be the right choice for you, with affordable housing/rental prices and plenty of things to do for entertainment.

The city has the “small town” feel with a historic downtown and just a great atmosphere in general. And don’t forget to visit Anoka to celebrate Halloween!

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
Lincoln Elementary School	St. Stephen Catholic Church
Franklin Elementary	First Congregational Church
Wilson Elementary School	Grace Lutheran Church
Anoka Middle School for the Arts	Anoka Covenant Church
Anoka High School	United Methodist Church
Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School	Grace Life Church
Anoka-Hennepin Technical High Schhool	Zion Lutheran Church
Parks and Trails	Local Restaurants
Akin Riverside Park	Casa Rio Mexican Restaurant
George Enloe Park	El Azteca Mexican Restaurants
George Green Park	Billy’s Bar and Grill
John Ward Park	Cork Wine Bar Restaurant
Mississippi River Community Park	Truffles and Tortes
Rick Sorenson Park	G’s Cafe
Rudy Johnson Park	Avant Garden

Dinkytown, Minnesota

Dinkytown is an area to the North of the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. The origin of the name is still being debated. According to one of the theories, it was named after the streetcars used at that time called Dinkys; others say it was named after a Gopher football player Frank “Dinky” Rog in late 40’s.

This neighborhood is famous for its unique history and great variety of apartments, entertainment, and restaurants. In the late 50’s through the 70’s, Dinkytown had the highest student population in the US. This is the place where the legendary Bob Dylan spent his early music career. He used to live in an apartment where the Loring Pasta Bar is now and a coffee house called the Ten O’clock Scholar is where he began to perform. How cool is that!

Dinkytown is a center of campus life. Since it is so close to the campus, a majority of its population are college students, and most of the properties are rental properties. According to Find the Home statistics, 94.5% of properties are likely to be rented out.

With a spectacular view of downtown, Annie’s Parlour is a famous place for burgers, malts and fries. They have been serving malts since the 1970’s! It is a great place to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and a late night dinner.

Another great place is Al’s Breakfast. It is a tiny little diner that is known for great omelettes and mouthwatering buttermilk pancakes. Everything they offer is fresh and delicious, and the food is made right in front of you.

Espresso Royale offers a warm and cozy atmosphere. It is perfect for students to study and enjoy the quiet. It is also a great summer cafe with a covered seasonal patio.

Looking for a place that not only offers a great dinner menu, but also has vegan and gluten free options? Check out Kafé 421 and their Greek influenced Menu.

Another popular place is The Loring Pasta Bar. It is located in the building where Bob Dylan used to live in Minneapolis. If you are looking for a great atmosphere, live music and scrumptious food, this is the place to go.

For those who like biking, there is Dinkytown Greenway, a state bike highway and trail that goes along the Mississippi River. This half-mile trail is also great for evening strolls – you can walk to the Metrodome and Downtown, easily get to University of Minnesota, and enjoy the surrounding neighborhoods.

Dinkytown is, indeed, a “dinky” neighborhood with so many great places and entertainment! Share with us why you love Dinkytown!

Quick Neighborhood Stats

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
PEASE Academy	University Church of Lutheran Hope
	University Baptist Church
	St. Lawrence Catholic Church
	Sojourn Campus Church
Entertainment	Local Restaurants
Varsity Theater	Loring Pasta Bar
Kitty Kat Club	Al’s Breakfast
The Library Bar	Kafe 421
Blarney Pub & Grill	Annie’s Parlour
Burrito Loco Bar & Grill	Mesa Pizza Dinkytown
	Shuang Cheng Restaurant

Eight Things Minnesotans Take for Granted

It is a well known fact that Minnesotans tend to complain about their home state. It’s too humid, the mosquitoes are awful, the roads are too icy.. it seems endless. However all these negative phenomenon are not without their upsides! Despite what you might hear, Minnesota is a wonderful place to live. This northern land offers residents and visitors a unique set of activities, and a convenient lifestyle. Here are eight things Minnesotans take for granted about living in this great state.

Flickr Creative Commons: xmith xmith

1. Lakes

Why are there so many mosquitoes? Well, it’s because there are so many lakes for them to grow in! Lakes offer fishing, boating, tubing, swimming, ice skating, and many more activities. Did you know that numerous lakes are something that most states lack? Minnesota has over 7,000 sq. miles of water! We are lucky; there are twenty states in the USA have less than 1000 sq. miles of water.

2. Quality of Life

In Minnesota, you are never too far away from a grocery store, a biking trail, or a gas station. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and so is the unemployment rate. Relaxing is serious business – it is practically required to spend your summer doing whatever you please in the radiant sunshine. These factors allow for a superb quality of life, and make Minnesota a great place to raise a family.

Flickr Creative Commons: Richie Diesterheft

3. White Winters

Snow is something Minnesotans complain about on a regular basis. But can you imagine having a snow-less holiday season every year? No sledding, no hot cocoa, no snowmen, no fireplaces; it would be a sad sight. Other states have to make fake snow just to make it feel like the holiday season. Next time you want to mention how much you hate the snow, try to remember that many people wish for it!

4. Entertainment Options

Minneapolis and St. Paul are notoriously busy with concerts, art exhibits, parades, and other activities. Minnesotans aren’t always aware that many other states lack this type of culture. People from the Dakotas, Illinois, and Wisconsin often must travel to Minnesota to see their favorite bands and shows.

5. Minnesota Nice

People in Minnesota are genuinely friendly. If someone is lost or needs advice, Minnesotans do not hesitate to ask each other for help, and give warm replies. Unless you have traveled to other states, you might not know that people do not behave this way everywhere. In many other states, if you get lost, you are on your own!

Flickr Creative Commons: Randen Pederson

6. Fall Colors

The four seasons of Minnesota offer year-round beauty, but the fall is a special time of year. Many southern states are the same colors all year round – green and brown. Fall in Minnesota means vistas spattered with red, gold, yellow, purple, and orange.

7. Education

Minnesota has a great education system. In a study done by WalletHub, Minnesota was ranked as the eighth best state to get an education. Additionally, we have the University of Minnesota – one of the top and most affordable Big Ten schools.

Flickr Creative Commons: m01229

8. Safety

Overall, Minnesota is a very safe place to live; TheStreet ranked Minnesota as the 5th safest state to live it. With only 0.02437 crimes per capita, and only .69 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, you and your family can feel safe living in this great state.

Know of any other things Minnesotans take for granted about their state? Let us know!

All photos used under this license.

White Bear Lake, MN

The city of White Bear Lake has a rich history that is full conflict. According to White Bear Township, the first inhabitants of White Bear Lake were Native Americans of the Dakota tribe. The Dakotas’ rivals, the Ojibwe, lived just east of White Bear Lake. Battles over land and resources occurred frequently between the tribes, and as a result, a treaty was put in place that forced Native Americans to give up their land to immigrants.

Native Americans were relocated from the land in the late 1800’s, but their influence on the area still exists today. The city name, White Bear Lake, is taken from the Dakota word “Mahto-mde” which means “Bear Lake.” (Did you notice that the word sounds very similar to the name of the neighboring city, Mahtomedi?) The Treaty brought the first wood frame home in White Bear Lake in 1858 called the Aubrey House. From there, settlers built homes and businesses using the great resources the land had to offer.

Though White Bear Lake has a complicated past, it has grown into a tightly knit community with a lot to offer.

This buzzing city is built on family-owned restaurants, repair shops, car dealerships and more. You will hardly find any chain businesses in White Bear because it is so full of local stores and eateries.

There are many restaurants with awesome patios set on the beautiful shores of White Bear Lake. A popular choice is Admiral D’s Waterfront Tavern (shown below).

Admiral D’s menu includes a variety of reasonably priced items spanning Caribbean Pork Tacos, Strawberry salad, various burger options, and more!

Another icon of White Bear Lake is Cup and Cone. This establishment has been serving delicious ice cream with daily rotating flavors every summer for over 40 years.

In addition to great local restaurants, White Bear Lake is bursting with outdoor activities and green space. There are twenty four public parks in White Bear as well as the Tamarack Nature Center, two golf courses, three beaches, and many walking and biking trails.

Other seasonal activities in White Bear Lake include going to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard and Marketfest!

The Pine Tree Apple Orchard offers strawberry picking in the summer, and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and hay rides in the fall! They also sell a wide variety of apple products during apple season in their main barn. Items include (but definitely not limited to) apple pies, apple butter, apple cider, and apple turnovers! For many families in the area, going to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard is an annual tradition.

Marketfest in White Bear Lake is a summer event that occurs every Thursday evening from mid June to late July. The festival includes food trucks, street performers, arts&crafts, and local vendors. Did we mention that it is free to attend?

Have we piqued your interest in living in White Bear Lake? Here is some additional information that could help you out!

There are many reasons for families to choose White Bear Lake as their home. To start, over 50% of the people living in this suburb are married – that means a lot of other families to hang out with! Additionally, the crime rate in White Bear Lake is relatively low, and the schools are are great! In fact, Niche ranked the White Bear School district as above average in academics, and as one of the safest school districts in Minnesota and the USA.

Out of the 10,629 homes in White Bear, over 60 percent are single-family homes, with an median sales price of $222,957. As reported by Trulia, median single-family home sales price has increased by 3% in the last three months. More people are realizing that White Bear is the place to be!

If you want to live on the large lake that White Bear has to offer, you might have to spend a little more! Lake homes on White Bear Lake start at around $150,000 and reach well into the million dollar range.

If you enjoy sailing, golfing, eating at local restaurants, and knowing your neighbors, White Bear could be the town for you! Below are some quick facts about the neighborhood to help you out!

Neighborhood Statistics

We love White Bear Lake! Are you a resident, or even a possible future resident? Let us know what you think!

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
Birch Lake Elementary	First Lutheran Church
Lakeaires Elementary	Eagle Brook Church
Lincoln Elementary	St. Mary of the Lake
Matoska International IB World School Elementary	St. John the Wilderness
Otter Lake Elementary	White Bear Lake United Methodist
Willow Lane Elementary	Christ the King Lutheran Church
Central Middle School	First Presbyterian Church
Sunrise Park Middle School	St. Pius X Church
White Bear Lake Area High School – North	St. Stephan Lutheran Church
White Bear Lake Area High School – South	Calvary Baptist Church
Early Childhood Program	Redeemer Lutheran Church
White Bear Lake Area Learning Center	South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church
	Community Vineyard Church
	Parkview United Church-Christ
	Victory Celebration Family Church
	Great Hope Church – The Nazarene
	White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church

Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Bossard Park	Eat at Banning and Fifth
Cottage Park Nature Reserve	Acqua Restaurant and Bar
Ebba Park	Washington Square Bar & Grill
Hidden Hollow Park	Cobblestone Cafe
Jack Yost Memorial Park	Donatelli’s
Lakeview Park	Orchid Restaurant
Lakewood Hills Park	Cup and Cone
Lions Park	Keys Cafe & Bakery
Matoska Park	JJ’s Bierstube
McCarty Park	Ingredients Cafe
Memorial Beach	Bear Town Lounge & Restaurant
Podvin Park	Black Sea Restaurant
Railroad Park	Cravings
Ramaley Park	Don Julio Mexican Restaurant
Rotary Nature Preserve	Sam Thai Cuisine
Spruce Park	Ban Thai Restaurant
Stellmacher Park	Ha Long Bay
Varney Lake Park	Pizzeria Pezz
Veterans Memorial Park	C.G. Hooks Eatery
West Park	Pagoda
Weyerhaeuser Park	Red Lantern Sushi
Willow Marsh Reserve	Casa Lupita

Perfect Picnic Dates around the Twin Cities

Looking for a unique date idea? Picnics are a romantic and affordable way to get you and your spouse or family out of the house and closer to nature. We have compiled a list of picnic locations around the Twin Cities, including recipes and restaurants to help you decide what to bring!

1. Como Park, St. Paul

The grounds of Como Park are lush and beautifully landscaped. There are many places within the park to have a picnic, either on the lawn or at a table. After lunch, you can take a stroll through Como Zoo, which is free (with a suggested donation). You might want to come a little early though, parking can be difficult.

What to eat?

If you want to purchase food to bring to your picnic at Como Park, Nelson’s Cheese & Deli is the place to go. They have an extensive salad bar, including build your own and noodle options, and a hefty list of sandwich creations. In addition, they have chips, homemade candies, local cheeses, and various drink options.

Rather pack your own lunch? Try out these veggie hummus wraps!

2. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Bryce Edwards

Minnehaha Falls is a large outdoor space encompassing the Mississippi river and one of its water falls. There is green space surrounding the river to sit and have lunch, as well as a park restaurant called Sea Salt. You could either grab lunch from this restaurant or bring your own.

If you plan to bring your own meal, try out this fresh BLT recipe!

3. Mississippi River Flats, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Michael Hicks

Near the University of Minnesota, there are river flats on both the East and West banks of the Mississippi. They are flat, grassy areas of land set on the river with views of downtown Minneapolis.Try out these scrumptious walleye cakes to eat along the shores of the Mississippi!

Want to buy lunch?

Flickr Creative Commons: Marc Kjerland

A great place to pick up your picnic food near the River Flats is Abdul’s Afandy. They serve fresh and delicious Middle Eastern dishes including falafel, shawarma, lentil soup, chicken options, baklava, and more!

3. Loring Park, Minneapolis

Flickr Creative Commons: Doug Kerr

Loring Park, situated between uptown and downtown Minneapolis, has a dog park, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and walking trails. It is a lovely park for a couple to have a meal, and spend their afternoon.

What to eat?

Loring Park is surrounded by restaurants, some of which are pretty pricey! We recommend checking Groceries & Deli on Harmon to pick up some sandwiches, soup, curry, snacks, and more!

4. Lake Phalen, St. Paul

Lake Phalen in north east St. Paul is surrounded by a golf course and well maintained park areas. They have designated picnic pavilions that are perfect for a picnic with your loved ones. You are sure to see fellow Minnesotans kayaking and sailing around the lake.

If you want to bring a lunch from home, try out this potato salad to take with you!

Purchasing lunch? Try out Plaza Del Sol!

This locally owned Mexican Restaurant has many options for you to take on the go to your picnic meal!

The Twin Cities area is full of great places to have a picnic date! What other places are great for a picnic? Let us know!

Photos used under this license.

Excelsior, MN

Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the 1 square mile neighborhood of Excelsior, MN is a historic and tightly knit community. The 2,397 residents of Excelsior can be seen visiting antique shops, boating on Lake Minnetonka, or going to see a movie at the old Dock Cinema. You’ll see more than residents though; people from all over the Twin Cities come to Excelsior for its many attractions.

Students living in Excelsior can attend Minnetonka Public Schools. The Excelsior neighborhood is home to Excelsior Elementary which is part of the Minnetonka School District. This is a fantastic elementary, offering the state’s premier Language Emersion Program with Chinese, English and Spanish options. From there, Minnetonka middle and high schools offer Immersion continuation in Spanish and Chinese so students can develop their language skills into adulthood. Additionally, there are multiple private schools and preschools to choose from. See a full list of schools at the end of this post!

The Excelsior neighborhood has a lot to offer families. In addition to great schools, the city has a large community center, a life-guarded beach, community gardens, a streetcar museum, and more!

The community center has daily events and workshops for youth, adults, and seniors. Activities include quilting, zumba, book clubs, and more!

Hungry? Head to Excelsior. Like music? Head to Excelsior. Want to stay fit? Head to Excelsior. Restaurants, bike races, farmers markets, concerts, this neighborhood truly has it all! Most notably, in the summer every Thursday from 5-9pm is Girl’s Night Out hosted by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for something to do? Check out this full list of events in Excelsior.

This neighborhood is full of popular eateries, old and new. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating for those lovely Minnesota summer days.

The Patisserie Margo is a bakery with two locations, one in Excelsior and one in Edina. Their bakery items really taste as wonderfully scrumptious as they look. Enjoy a muffin or danish on their outdoor patio. See their full menu here.

Lago Tacos has two locations that are both in Minnesota – one here in Excelsior, and one in Uptown. Keep in mind there is a whole lot more than just tacos on their menu. Check it out here.

The Suburban, owned by a mother and her two daughters, opened in 2014. You will find pizza, burgers, hot dogs and beer on their menu. Be sure to get there in time for happy hour!

For a complete list of local restaurants in Excelsior, check out the links at the end of this post!

Thinking about moving to Excelsior? The neighborhood is eye-catching and beautiful. There are many lakefront homes and apartments to choose from.

Quick Facts!

As you can see, more than half of the residents of Excelsior rent their home rather than own it. This could be due to the fact that the average house in Excelsior sells for $650k! The solution for people who are not able to afford those luxury homes, but still want to live in Excelsior, is to rent!

Excelsior is a great neighborhood with many walkable amenities. You will never run out of things to do, or places to be.

Share with us why you love the Excelsior neighborhood!

Neighborhood Resources

Excelsior Schools	Faith Communities
Excelsior Elementary	Excelsior United Methodist Church
St. John the Baptist School	Excelsior Covenant Church
Minnetonka Montessori	Congregational Church of Excelsior
Minnetonka West Middle School	Westwood Community Church
Minnewashta Elementary	Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
Excelsior KinderCare	Lake Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists
Clear Springs Elementary	Faith Lutheran Church
Minnetonka Preschool & ECFE	Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Our Savior Lutheran Church & School	Trinity Episcopal Church
	Minnewashta Church
	Christ Community Church
Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Excelsior Commons	Jake O’Connor’s Public House
Badger Park	Joey Nova’s
Excelsior Parklands	Olive’s Fresh Excelsior
Freeman Park	B Grizzly’s Pizza
Cathcart Park	Happy Garden II
Herman Field Park	Hazellewood Grill & Tap Room
Pleasant Hill Park	Patisserie Margo
	Caribbean Marina
	Victor’s on Water
	The Suburban
	Coalition Restaurant
	Bayside Grille
	Yumi’s Sushi Bar
	Maynards

Macalester-Groveland, St. Paul

Macalester-Groveland, or Mac-Groveland as it has come to be called by many, lies on the western side of St. Paul with the Mississippi River serving as its western border. Home to the University of St. Thomas, Saint Catherine University and Macalester College, the Mac-Grove neighborhood has proven to be an ideal place for students or professors looking to stay within walking or biking distance of their campus.

A great local restaurant is also just a quick walk or bike ride away for residents. Groveland Tap – just one of the many hangouts on St. Clair Ave. where you’ll find locals relaxing after work – offers a fantastic selection of burgers and an extensive assortment of 34 beers on tap. Groveland Tap also offers a great happy hour for those wanting to go out without spending too much money.

The shops along Grand Avenue provide residents and visitors with some of the best shopping in Minnesota. With easy access to a variety of unique shops that offer everything from shoes to books to furniture to pianos, Grand Avenue is a hotspot for commerce in the community.

The Grandview Theater, built in 1933, can also be found on Grand Avenue. Offering just two screens (one smaller screen upstairs and a larger screen on the main floor), the theater is a must for those looking for a unique movie-going experience that’s different from the mall multiplex.

Another favorite destination can be found here every year on the first Sunday of June, which brings the largest one-day festival in the Midwest to the Mac-Groveland neighborhood. The annual “Grand Old Day” festival provides fun and entertainment for the whole family, offering over 150 food vendors, several stages for live music and the “Grand Old Day Parade.” The event, now in its 42nd year, has grown into a keystone tradition in kicking off a Minnesota summer.

The Edgcumbe Recreation Center provides access to baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts and an ice rink. Inside, the center offers a play area for children, a game room, a gym, racquetball courts, a weight room and warming room for the winter months.

The homes in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood provide a great look into the history of the town. Thanks to the expansion of the streetcar system, residential building saw a rapid increase in the first two decades of the 20^th Century, filling the area with homes and apartment buildings that still stand today on the tree-lined streets. Single-family homes offer an arresting display of unique architectural designs fitting for anyone seeking out a home with a classic style.

Those looking to discover the scenic beauty that the neighborhood offers will find it by taking a trek along the riverside trail on South Mississippi River Boulevard where there is a row of stunning homes and mansions. While many of these homes were built in the late 1800s, it’s clear that the proud owners have been diligent about keeping them in pristine shape.

Macalester-Groveland is a great and historic Saint Paul neighborhood where you’ll find a blend of families, educators and students who enjoy living in a lively and vibrant neighborhood with a strong sense of pride. Check it out today!

Neighborhood Resources

Macalester-Groveland Schools	Faith Communities
Cretin-Derham Hall High School	Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friends School of Minnesota	El Mision El Santo Nino Jesus
Groveland Park Elementary School	Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church
Holy Spirit School	Holy Spirit Catholic Church
IHM St. Luke’s School	Immaculate Heart of Mary
Jean Lyle Children’s Center	Immanuel Lutheran Church
Laura Jeffrey Academy	Kehilat Sar Shalom
Lubavich Learning Center	Macalester-Plymouth United Church
Macalester College	Mount Zion Temple
Mounds Park Academy	Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church
Nativity of Our Lord School	Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Ramsey Junior High School	Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church
Randolph Heights Elementary School	St. Paul’s Church-On-The-Hill
St. Catherine’s University	St. Paul First Seventh Day Adventist
St. Francis – St. James United School	Twin Cities Friends Meeting
St. Thomas Academy
Summit School
Talmud-Torah of St. Paul
University of Saint Thomas
Visitation School
Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Groveland Park	Acme Deli
Mattocks Park	Carbone’s Pizzeria
	Carmelo’s Ristorante
	Coastal Seafoods
	Everest on Grand
	Grand Shanghai
	Grandview Grill
	Green Mill
	Groveland Tap
	Khyber Pass Cafe
	La Patisserie
	Luci Ancora
	Mavericks Pizza
	Pad Thai
	Palumbo’s Pizzeria
	Plum’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
	Ristorante Luci
	Scusi
	Snuffy’s Malt Shop
	St. Clair Broiler
	Twisted Fork Grille

Plymouth, Minnesota

Plymouth, Minnesota is a beautiful city located about 15 miles west of Minneapolis. It is the fourth largest suburb in the Twin Cities metro area, with a population of more than 70,000. With a rich history, wonderful schools, popular restaurants, and many beautiful parks, Plymouth sure does have plenty to offer everyone!

This land was originally inhabited by the Dakota Indians, who called the area Medicine Lake (derived from the word “Mdewakanton,” meaning “Lake of the Spirit.” Once settlers began to arrive in the mid 1850’s, the city was reorganized and renamed Plymouth. Since then, the vibrant suburb has continued to grow and develop into the community we know and love today. In fact, a recent study showed that 97% of the current residents rated their quality of life as “Excellent” or “Good”. We’d say that’s pretty impressive!

One of the main reasons Plymouth has been able to enjoy continued growth and high levels of satisfaction is the exceptional public school system. The city is currently served by four highly regarded school districts: Wayzata School District 284, Osseo School District 279, Robbinsdale School District 281, and Hopkins School District 270. Education is certainly important when it comes to determining a community’s quality of life, and Plymouth makes sure to provide great learning opportunities for all of its residents – young and old! Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming adult community education classes taught by our very own broker, Nene Matey-Keke.

Worried that living in a suburb might put you too far from the center of the big city? Not a problem! Plymouth is well-connected to Downtown Minneapolis, by the freeway system as well as Plymouth Metrolink (made up of 11 different bus routes!).

Plymouth’s convenient location and accessibility make this suburb a budding destination for business, and many companies, such as Smiths Medical and Polaris, have recently expanded here. Currently, the city provides over 50,000 jobs for residents and commuters. Some of the top employers include Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the Twin Cities’ largest non-profit hospital, and Christopher & Banks Corporation, a retailer of women’s specialty apparel.

One of the perks of living in a ‘burb like Plymouth? Residents have access to a ton of green space! Not only does Plymouth have 56 city parks and 145 miles of walking/biking trails, but it is also a part of the Greenway system, which provides space for recreation while also preserving natural resources and wildlife. Anyone who visits Plymouth must check out Medicine Lake and the adjacent French River Park. Other fun family destinations include Plymouth Creek Center and the Millennium Garden. Plymouth is also home to a water park, ice rink and dog park. With so many wonderful outdoor options, Plymouth is definitely the place for summer family fun!

Plymouth is perfect for every stage of life. There are housing options for large families, small families, couples seeking starter homes, apartments, elderly living – whatever you’re looking for, Plymouth has it! Some areas of the city have more mature neighborhoods, while other areas are brand new and growing developments. But there is no denying that this suburb has something to fit everyone’s lifestyle needs.

Restaurants

1. Latuff’s Pizzeria
2. Creekside Cafe
3. Truffles and Tortes
4. Sakana Sushi and Asian Bistro
5. Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill
6. Ketsana’s Thai
7. Jake’s City Grille

Attractions

1. Plymouth Playhouse
2. French Regional Park
3. Millennium Garden
4. Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

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Do you live in Plymouth, MN? Let us know your favorite things about living in the sensational suburb in the comment section below!

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