Tag Archives: neighborhood feature

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

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

Roseville, MN

Nestled between the Mississippi and the Minnesota Rivers, Roseville was first home to the Dakota and Ojibway. Because of its prime location between two rivers, the Dakota believed “it was immediately over the center of the earth and beneath the center of heaven.” Today, it still remains a central location as it is one of two Twin Cities suburbs that is adjacent to both Saint Paul and Minneapolis. With a ten-minute commute to either downtown area, it offers residents a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles.

Additionally, Roseville offers an abundance of recreational activities including shopping, skating and a variety of outdoor activities. For example, playing a round of Golf at Cedarholm Golf Course or Midland Hills Country Club is a popular activity for a sunny afternoon.

Or, with the mega mall Rosedale Center as well as six other shopping centers it’s easy to shop ’til you drop! Fun Fact: the first Target was built in Roseville in 1962. How awesome is that?! But if shopping isn’t your thing, lucky for you the AMC Rosedale 14 is adjacent to the Rosedale Center. There, it’s easy to sit back and relax with an icy cold drink and hot buttery popcorn while you check out the latest Hollywood flicks.

On the other hand, bibliophiles – aka book lovers – will delight in the Ramsey County Library- Roseville. Impressively, it is the largest library in Ramsey County and busiest library in Minnesota. With more than 340,000 volumes in its collection, nearly three times that of any other branch in the county, it is no wonder why!

Another popular attraction is The Roseville Skating Center, which is sure to accommodate all your skating needs both on and off the ice. It features an indoor arena, banquet center as well as an outdoor skate park for skateboarding and inline skating. The Roseville Ice Arena is a year-round ice arena used for hockey, figure skating, skating lessons and general public skating. Included in the Roseville Skating Center is the John Rose Minnesota Oval. The Oval, an outdoor ice rink features a 400 meter speed skating track that surrounds an infield ice area used for hockey or bandy.

Roseville offers nature lovers the beautiful Harriet Alexander Nature Center, a beautiful place for your next reception or special event as well as 34 other spectacular parks.

With a staggering 19 K-12 public schools and 7 private schools there certainly no shortage of options for parents when it comes to finding a nearby school. While Roseville is divided between two school districts, Mounds View School District 621 and Roseville Area School District 623, they are both consistently ranked among the best in the state.

In terms of restaurants, Roseville certainly isn’t lacking. Two of our favorites are La Casita and Grumpy’s Bar and Grill. La Casita serves authentic Mexican food made with only the freshest ingredients. Be sure to check out the Twin Cities’ best frozen margarita or the happy hour appetizer bar with free chili con Queso, bean dip and salsa (with a minimum $4.95 purchase).

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill is another spot not to pass up. It features a dining room, patio and separate bar. Plus they offer everything from bingo to karaoke so it is sure to please your entire crew.

Moving on, more than half the homes in Roseville are single family homes at moderate prices, making this an ideal spot for younger families. Additionally, Roseville boasts that their taxes are consistently among the lowest in the Twin Cities area.

Overall, Roseville provides a unique blend of suburban and urban lifestyles to its residents. It encompasses both vibrant residential and retail areas, making it an ideal place to raise a family or start a business. Additionally, the safe neighborhoods, spectacular parks, friendly business environment and prime location make this Ramsey County suburb hard not to love.

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
Concordia Academy (Private HS)	Advent Lutheran Church
King of Kings Lutheran School (K-8)	Bethany Baptist Church
North Heights Christian Academy (K-8)	Calvary Baptist Church
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School (pre-K-8)	Christ Temple Apostolic Church
Mounds View School District 621	Centennial United Methodist Church
Roseville Area School District 623	Church of Christ Roseville
	Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Public Parks	enCompassChurch
Acorn Park	Galilee Lutheran Church
Central Park Dale East	Grace Church of Roseville
Lexington Park	King of Kings Lutheran Church
Reservoir Woods Off Leash Dog Park	Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Tamarack Park	North Como Presbyterian Church
Villa Park	North Heights Lutheran Church
	Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Local Restaurants	Rose Hill Alliance
The Good Earth	Real Life Church
Grumpy’s Bar & Grill	Roseville Baptist Church
Maverick’s Real Roast Beef Restaurant	Roseville Covenant Church
Snuffy’s Malt Shop	Roseville Lutheran Church
Aurelio’s Pizza	St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
Digby’s	St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
J. Arthur’s Coffee	Saint Rose of Lima
D’Amico and Sons	Vietnamese Buddhist Association

Bloomington, MN

Of course you already know that Bloomington, MN is home to the largest indoor shopping center in the country – ahem, Mall of America – but did you know that the city is also a true winter wonderland? With plenty of cold weather activities to keep you entertained through the loooong Minnesota winters, you might even begin wishing that spring would hold off just a little bit longer…then again, maybe not.

Winter Fete is an annual weeklong celebration held at the end of January, which features a bevy of everyone’s favorite frosty activities, including ice skating, sledding, and an International Ski Jumping Competition. Prefer to just wrap yourself in a warm blanket and relax? Then we recommend taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the Pond-Dakota Winter History Festival.

Hyland Park Ski and Snowboard Area is one of Minnesota’s premier winter sports destinations. The park includes both designated snowboarding slopes and Nordic ski jumps, the latter of which are maintained by the Minneapolis Ski Club. The Club has produced several U.S. Olympic ski jumpers and it even hosted the 2013 Junior National competition. The Hyland Lake Park Reserve grounds are also occupied by the Richardson Nature Center, and the Hyland Greens Golf and Learning Center is located just down the street.

Normandale Community College’s Japanese Garden is a beautiful oasis located in the heart of Bloomington, open to the public year-round. Although the garden reaches its peak of loveliness and full blooming glory in the spring and summer, it is still absolutely stunning during the winter. A Twin Cities favorite location for weddings and photo sessions, it’s a can’t-miss snow-covered haven!

Who knew gardens were the place to be during the winter? The Bloomington Ice Garden (known affectionately by locals as BIG) holds three skating/hockey rinks, one of which is Olympic-sized. This fact made it a clear choice to act as one of the hosts for the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. If you’re a fan of ice skating, this will be a must-see, once in a lifetime opportunity!

Speaking of “big,” Bloomington is probably most well-known for its largest travel destination – the Mall of America. If you’re not a fan of outdoor activities, then this is the place for you. You could spend a day (probably a week, in actuality) exploring all that the world-famous shopping center has to offer. With nearly 5 million square feet to cover, remember to bring your comfortable shoes to check out the hundreds of stores, vendors, and restaurants. If you visit anytime from Black Friday through New Year’s, make sure you take the time to listen to some carols and other festive jingles, during the Holiday Music Festival. It’s the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit and tick off all the items on your holiday shopping list!

Before the MOA opened in 1992, the land was the site of Metropolitan Stadium, home to all of Minnesota’s major sports teams until the Metrodome and Target Field were built in the 1980s. Twenty-two years later, the Mall of America is now home to a different form of recreation: shopping ’til you drop. If whipping out your credit card in one of the 500+ stores sounds less than ideal, the mall is also home to the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Nickelodeon Universe – at seven acres and with more than thirty rides it’s the country’s largest indoor amusement park – and the nearby Water Park of America, the ninth largest indoor water park in the country.

Still suffering from Black Friday shopping fatigue? (Happy Cyber Monday, by the way!) Skip the Mall and show out-of-town visitors the more cultured side of town by bringing them to the Bloomington Historical Museum, the Bloomington Theater and Art Center, Northwest Airlines History Centre, or The Works museum – a favorite for the kiddos.

Winter is not the only time that Bloomington really shines; there are tons of things to do for warm-weather lovers, throughout the spring and summer. The city offers more than eight thousand acres of parks and open space, including the Pond-Dakota Mission Park and Gideon Pond House. Located on the southeastern edge of the city, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge caters to nature lovers, offering fishing, hunting, birdwatching and more recreational activities. This upcoming July, the city will host the 10th Annual Bloomington CVB Foundation Golf Tournament, which draws more than 150 yearly participants. Additionally, the Dwan Golf Club is one of the most popular courses in Minnesota and it’s home to the new FootGolf course as well. Also a summertime favorite among locals and visitors alike is the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center, open mid-June through Labor Day. Lastly, across town is Bush Lake Beach, one of the state’s most popular beaches, with more than 100,000 annual visitors.

One of the largest suburbs in the Twin Cities metro area, Bloomington is fully accessible from both Minneapolis and St. Paul via large highways and public transportation. Light rail’s Blue Line brings passengers directly to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and Mall of America stations, so you never even need to set foot outside during the most frigid months of the year.

Because of its proximity to both of the Twin Cities, many companies chose Bloomington to house their headquarters, including Ceridian, Donaldson Company, HealthPartners, Holiday Stationstores, Thermo King, and Toro. The Mall of America itself employees more than 11,000 locals, and 13,000 during the peak of holiday season. Residents of Bloomington also love giving back to their community, with one of the largest volunteer fire departments in the country. The city also holds multiple annual charity events, including the Thanksgiving Walk to End Hunger at the Mall of America and February’s upcoming Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Expo.

Boasting award-winning schools and lots of local amenities, Bloomington attracts families with small children and adolescents, while also providing enough recreational opportunities for young, active couples. With a variety of single-family homes, small apartment complexes, and gated communities, the city has a median home value of around $200,000 which is higher than Minnesota’s average. Bloomington truly has something to offer everyone!

Neighborhood Resources

Bloomington Schools	Faith Communities
ABC International Montessori Academy	Bloomington Covenant Church
Beacon Preparatory School	Bread of Life Church
Bethany Academy	Calvary United Pentecostal Church
Bloomington Lutheran School	Cedar Valley Church
Bloomington Public Schools	Crosspoint Church
Life Academy	Divine Unity Church
Nativity of Mary School	Emmaus Free Lutheran Church
Ramalynn Montessori Academy	Evergreen Church
Seven Hills Classical Academy	Eden Baptist Church
Public Parks	Family Fest Ministries
Bloomington Family Aquatic Center	Grace Lutheran Church
Bloomington Ice Garden	Hillside Church
Bush Lake Beach	Jesus is Lord Church
Dwan Golf Club	Muslim Community Center
Hyland Greens Golf and Learning Center	Normandale Baptist Church
Off-Leash Recreation Area for Dogs	Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church
Pond-Dakota Mission Park and Gideon Pond House	Oak Grove Presbyterian Church
Smith Park	Oxboro Evangelical Free Church
Valley View Skate Park	Redemption Lutheran Church
Local Restaurants	Southcross Community Church
5210 Restaurant and Onyx Bar	St. Bonaventure Church
Blue Point Restaurant	Riverside Reformed Church
Bubba Gump	St. Edwards Catholic Church
Ciao Bella	The Gate Church
Chick-Fil-A	Unity South Church
Crave	Others
Dick’s Last Resort	Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area
Johnny Rockets	Ikea
Lucky’s 13 Pub	Mall of America
Osaka	REI
Parma 8200
Rainforest Cafe
RedRossa Italian Grille

Robbinsdale

Located just 15 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale has a small town feel with the convenience of a big city. Nestled in the northwest corner of Hennepin County, this city offers a variety of single-family homes, plenty of green space and two area lakes. While the city may be small, the spirit of this community is evident to anyone who passes through.

As you stroll along the downtown sidewalks, the height of the buildings allows you to peer inside shop windows while the street is just narrow enough for you to say hello to the person passing by on the other side. Overall, the close layout reinforces the tight-knit vibe of this community.

Speaking of a small town vibe, the city is able to maintain its charm by being selective about which businesses they allow downtown. For instance, Hackenmueller Meats is an old-time meat market that has served the residents of Robbinsdale with choice cut meats for more than 120 years. Known for their specialty sausages, this hometown business has built a reputation as one of the premier butcher shops in the metro area.

Likewise, the mural found in Robbinsdale Plaza adds a splash of color to this historic downtown. However, the city has plans to update this mural with a design by local artist, Shawn McCann, at the beginning of September.

Hungry? Well, you won’t find any chain restaurants in this historic district. Luckily, Robbinsdale offers a variety of unique restaurants including Pig Ate My Pizza, a pig-themed pizza pie shop and Nonna Rosa’s, a classic Italian restaurant with some famous fans (we ran into the mayor of Robbinsdale, Regan Murphy, enjoying a late lunch). However, if you are seeking a more upscale experience you may want to give Travail a whirl. While the menu is written on a simple chalkboard, the culinary experience to be had is quite the opposite. At the restaurant, which was recently named one of Bon Appetit’s nominees for America’s Best New Restaurant, you can embark on a culinary adventure while sampling a ten-course tasting menu. Though Travail may be on the pricier side, they do offer date nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the tasting menu at a reduced price.

The citizens here are so passionate about their local fare that they even started “The Birdtown Club.” On the first Friday of each month, residents meet at one of Robbinsdale’s bars or restaurants as a way to connect and reinforce their love for the city.

If you are in search of something more leisurely, you should check out one of the 14 parks in the city, including Lakeview Terrace Park. This sunny park adjacent to Crystal Lake lends itself to a variety of recreational activities with its baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground, numerous walking paths and opportunities for boating and swimming.

Additionally, the schools in Robbinsdale are known to be both dynamic and diverse. Both Robbinsdale Armstrong and Robbinsdale Cooper high schools repeatedly earn national acclaim for academic excellence. They offer one of the largest AP programs in the state, in addition to boasting a state and nationally recognized orchestra program.

If an unexpected accident happens, look no further than North Memorial Medical Center. Featuring a Level I Trauma Center as well as cancer treatment, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, and women and children’s services, you are sure to be in good hands. Accordingly, they have won numerous awards including the Patient Safety Excellence Award for five consecutive years. Moreover, North Memorial Medical Center was the only hospital in Minnesota to receive Healthgrades’ recognition as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2014.

For those looking to become a part of the community, the housing market in Robbinsdale offers a variety of options. From charming historic homes, town homes and newer two-story homes, this town suits a wide variety of styles and budgets. Even more, it is evident that Robbinsdale is a place were many choose to plant their roots as 72% of the 14,000 who live there are homeowners. Overall, Robbinsdale is a city that prides itself on their high quality of life and works hard to promote relationships among its residents that last a lifetime. If you are looking for small town charm with big city convenience, Robbinsdale is the place for you.

Neighborhood Resources

NEIGHBORHOOD Schools	Faith Communities
Lakeview Elementary School	Elim Lutheran Church
Robbinsdale Middle School	Faith Evangelical Free Church
Sacred Heart Elementary School (Private)	Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church
Spanish Immersion School (K-5)	Olivet United Methodist Church
	Peace Lutheran Church
	Pentecost Church
	Redeemer Luthern Church
	Robbinsdale United Church of Christ
	Sacred Heart Catholic Church


Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Grazier Park	Athen’s Cafe
Hollingsworth Park	Birdtown Cafe
Humphrey Park	Canton Garden Restaurant
Kelly Park	Eagles Nest
Lakeland Office Park	First Crack Cafe
Lakeview Terrace Park	Lodge of Robbinsdale
Lee Park	Mai Thai Restaurant
Lions Park	Nonna Rosa’s
Manor Park	Pig Ate My Pizza
Mielke Park	St. Petersburg Restaurant
Parkview Park	Travail Kitchen and Amusements
Robbinsdale Park	Wuollet Bakery
Sanborn Park
Sochacki Park
Sunset Park
Triangle Park

Edina

Although Edina is most well-known for its status as the wealthiest suburb in Minnesota, the city of almost 50,000 people has many other great aspects that are often overlooked. Committed to maintaining a tight-knit community feeling, the city puts on many popular annual events, such as the Edina Art Fair and Taste of Edina, as well as weekly and monthly gatherings that bring together people from all walks of life in fun and relaxed settings.

For starters, Edina is a good place to express your creative side. Each year, the esteemed Edina Art Fair is held in the 50th and France district, and it draws 300+ artists and more than 165,000 visitors alike. The annual event is celebrated as Minnesota’s first official art fair of the year (and an unofficial kickoff of summer festival season), and it holds the distinction of being the second largest art fair in the state (the biggest is in Uptown). The city also hosts the Fall into the Arts Festival each September at Centennial Lakes Park, with 200 exhibitors and crowds that can reach 20,000 Metropolitans.

To further fulfill the city’s goal of beautifying the community through displays of public art, several sculptures can be found around the city year-round, including the popular bronze piece “Reflecting on Friendship,” which depicts two young children chasing bubbles. The Edina Art Center, conveniently located adjacent to the Edina Aquatic Center in Rosland Park, offers classes to students of all ages in mediums ranging from painting to pottery to ceramics, helping to foster the community’s creativity.

Edinans are fortunate enough to experience a high quality of life, with more than 1500 acres of park space for children and families (including four-legged members) to enjoy. Van Valkenburg Park has a designated off-leash area, where playful pooches are free to run to their little hearts’ content. Lewis Park, meanwhile, is home to the city’s only “Edible Playground,” a communal vegetable garden that is tended by volunteers and is meant to inspire children to be active and to promote healthful living. Residents also have access to a community garden, located in Yorktown Park.

Speaking of a high quality of life, the city has not one, but two upscale country clubs – Edina Country Club and Interlachen, the latter of which occupies a coveted spot along the new stretch of premier Interlachen Boulevard. Over the years, Interlachen has played host to several major professional tournaments, most recently the U.S. Women’s Open in 2008. In addition to the renowned golf course, the Club also offers top-notch amenities, including a pool, clay and hard surface tennis courts, and a wellness center. For those who prefer to spend less green to play on the green, there is the Braemar Golf Course, located in the southwesternmost corner of the city. Braemar Park also houses the Golf Dome, a facility that’s open during the winter months for golfers who won’t let a little bit (okay, a lot) of snow stop them from perfecting their swing, and the Braemar Ice Arena.

Within the 16-square miles of the city, there are 45 (count ’em!) distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique flair. Morningside, for example, was previously a “streetcar suburb” and was a separate village until its reincorporation into the city in 1966. Now it is home to some of the most beautiful (and expensive) houses in the area. The Country Club District, unsurprisingly, is known for its huge, extravagant homes. It is also a historic district, recognized as one of the nation’s first planned communities and for its majority of homes that are nearing 100 years old. While most of Edina’s homes are much younger, the median listing price for homes throughout the city is steady at almost $500,000. This is actually quite reasonable considering the median household income is over $80,000 per year.

Edina boasts some of the top public schools in the state, with Edina High School repeatedly being ranked among the best academic and athletic institutions in the nation. Having won more than 100 state championships and spawning the careers of numerous professional athletes, Sports Illustrated ranked the school as having the 8th best athletics program in the country in 2005. 95% of the school’s seniors go on to college, which contributes to the 86% of Edina residents who have completed some form of post-secondary education. These numbers help explain the city’s low unemployment rate and high concentration of those in healthcare and other professional and technical industries.
With so many doctors around, it is fitting that Edina would be home to Fairview Southdale Hospital, a facility that has received numerous national awards for its excellent service. Fairview’s emergency wing is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation that is expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.

Shopping is superb in the suburb, offering the universally-pleasing Southdale Center, the ritzy Galleria, and the 50th and France neighborhood. The latter, which serves as Edina’s downtown, is known for its trendy and chic retail stores as well as its wide array of one-of-a-kind restaurants, such as Red Cow and Pig & Fiddle, both local favorites. Edina is serviced by multiple bus lines, most notably Route 6, which brings riders from the University of Minnesota and Downtown to all of the city’s hotspots, including a major transit hub at Southdale Center. But with multiple automobiles per household and an average work commute of 20 minutes, it is safe to say that most Metro Transit users are probably out-of-towners looking to get a taste of the vibrant and diverting city that Edinans are lucky enough to call home.

Neighborhood Resources

Edina Schools	Faith Communities
Concord Elementary	Calvary Christian Reformed Church
ALC Edina High School Alternative	Calvary Lutheran Church
Calvin Christian School	Christ Presbyterian Church
Cornelia Elementary	Christian Science Churches
Countryside Elementary	Church of St Patrick of Edina
Creek Valley Elementary	Colonial Church
Eagle Ridge Academy Lower School	Edina Community Lutheran Church
Edina Extended School Year	Edina Morningside Community Church
Edina High School	Good Samaritan United Methodist
EHS Summer School	Jehovah’s Witness Edina Congregation
Excel High School	KTC Minneapolis Tibetan Buddhist
Highlands Elementary	New City Covenant Church
Normandale Elementary	Normandale Lutheran Church
Options at Edina High School	Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Our Lady of Grace School	Pilgrim Center – Reconciliation
South View Middle School	Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran
Special Ed – Non Public	Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Hindu Temple
St. Peter’s Lutheran School	St Albans Episcopal Church
Valley View Middle School	St Peters Lutheran Church
VET- STS School	St Stephens Episcopal Church
West Campus	Wooddale Church – Edina Campus
Public Parks	Local Restaurants
For the full list of Edina parks and recreation areas, please click here.	Arezzo Ristorante
Attractions	Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro
Arneson Acres – Edina History Museum	Big River Pizza
Braemar Arena	Biryani
Braemar Golf Course and Golf Dome	Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolates
Centennial Lakes Plaza	Brew Crew
Courtney Fields at Braemar Park	Cheetah Pizza
Dog run at Van Valkenburg Park	Cocina del Barrio
Edible Playground at Lewis Park	Convention Grill
Edina Aquatic Center	Eden Avenue Grill
Edina Art Center	Edina Creamery
Edina Cahill Historical School	Edina Grill
Edina Country Club	Hello Pizza
Edina Promenade	Imperial House
Edinborough Park & Amphitheater	Makers Cafe
Galleria Edina	Mozza Mia
Interlachen Country Club	Nakamori Japanese Bistro
Landmark Theater	Patisserie Margo
Southdale Center	P atrick’s Bakery & Cafe
Wind Horse Tours	Pig and Fiddle
Yorktown Park Community Garden	Pittsburgh Blue
50th and France	Q. Cumbers
	Raku
	Red Cow
	Rice Paper
	Salut Bar Americain
	Tavern on France
	The Neighborhood Ice Cream Shoppe
	The Sweet Retreat

Minnetonka

Whether it’s exploring the waters of colossal Lake Minnetonka or shopping at one of the 140 retail stores at Ridgedale Center, it’s no wonder why an increasing number of Minnesotans have chosen Minnetonka as their place to call home.
Besides serving as an entry point to the massive Lake Minnetonka, Gray’s Bay, the only part of Lake Minnetonka within the City of Minnetonka, is also the source of the Minnehaha Creek. The site is also a shoreline restoration are where invasive plants have been removed and replaced with boulders, logs and native flora to act as a natural filter to help preserve wildlife and water quality. This entry point is a great destination for those with canoes looking to get away from any motors, acting almost like a metro-area boundary waters for anyone feeling up to a winding and scenic 22 mile trek to Minnehaha Falls.

Those looking to keep their feet on land will find plenty of beautiful scenery as well. A drive or walk along the coast of Gray’s Bay acts as a tour of some of the most stunning homes in the metro area. With residential property on the lake at such a commodity, buyers are more than willing to shell out some extra money to be in such a prime location on one of Minnesota’s most famous lakes. Not that the homes themselves need any more reason to be on the pricier end. With many of the lake homes valued at over three million dollars, the opportunity to find luxury real estate is there for those diligent enough to snag one of these gorgeous homes.

A local favorite, the Gold Nugget Tavern and Grille, offers an interesting blend of a down-home bar and fine dining. The food is all made from scratch and presented with as much care as you’d see at an expensive fine restaurant. The history of the Gold Nugget is also very telling of how valued it is in the community. It was only reopened after some convincing by the neighborhood after the owner died. After a change in location and an upgrade to what the waitress says was considered “a dive,” the Gold Nugget continues to live on, offer great food and serve as the only bar in the Glen Lake neighborhood.
A great resource for residents is the Minnetonka Script, a newsletter that offers a wide variety of programs and services for those over the age of 55. From a wine making class to practicing Tai Chi to extended trips to Chicago and New York for the holidays, there’s no shortage for those looking to learn something new or plan a fun outing with friends.

Minnetonka’s 49 community parks and 81 miles of sidewalks and trails also offer plenty of running room for residents. Among the most unique of these parks in Bennett Family Park which offers eight baseball diamonds of varying sizes and holds league games for baseball players of all ages.
With the majority of Minnetonka’s land being used for residential housing, there is certainly no shortage of homes to choose from. Whether you’re in the market for a starter home with close proximity to parks and trails or a fortress of luxury on the lake, Minnetonka’s spectrum could be considered for just about any type of buyer.

Neighborhood Resources

Minnetonka Schools	Faith Communities
Hopkins School District	Adath Jesherun Congregation
Minnetonka School District	All Saints Lutheran Church
Wayzata School District	Bet Shalom Congregation
International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA)	Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Immaculate Heart of Mary	Cross of Glory Baptist Church
Minnetonka Christian Academy	Fairview Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sleepy Tigers Chinese Learning Center	Faith Presbyterian Church
	Good Shepherd Presbyterian
	Immaculate Heart of Mary
	Jehovah’s Witnesses
	Lutheran Community of Grace
	The Mills Church
	Minnetonka Lutheran Church
	Minnetonka Seventh Day Adventist Church
	Minnetonka United Methodist Church
	Oak Knoll Lutheran Church
	Old Apostolic Lutheran Church
	Redeemer Bible Church
	Ridgewood Church
	Sharei Chesed Congregation
	Slavic Baptist Church of Transfiguration
	St. David’s Episcopal Parish
	St. Luke Presbyterian Church
	St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
	West Oaks Community Church
Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Big Willow	Bacio
Civic Center	Pairings Food & Wine Market
Lone Lake	Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille
Meadow	Spasso
Purgatory	Redstone American Grill
Crane Preserve	Christos Greek Restaurant
Hilloway	The Marsh
Jidana	Ham’s Sandwich Shop
Kinsel	Living Waters Market & Cafe
Lake Charlotte
Lake Rose
Victoria-Evergreen

How To Do Miami Up Big On A Small Budget

How To Do Miami Up Big On A Small Budget (via Wicked Good Travel Tips)

Miami has a reputation for being a sultry and expensive vacation destination, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet to have a great time in this chic city. The key to a low cost vacation in Miami is embodying the lifestyle of the locals and embracing…

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Shoreview, Minnesota

Upon crossing into its borders, it doesn’t take long to notice that Shoreview likes to take things a little bit more leisurely than its neighboring cities.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities, Shoreview’s welcoming atmosphere offers relaxation for residents and visitors. The city’s seven lakes provide spacious, scenic getaways to fish, boat and swim in peaceful settings. The 85 miles of uncongested park trails and sidewalks, nine city parks and three county parks also provide plenty of room for dog walking, jogging or an afternoon picnic. Residents of Shoreview have also been known to rave about The Shoreview Community Center. Inside its doors waits a state-of-the-art facility where visitors can swim in a tropics-themed water park, run on the indoor track, get a workout in at the fitness center or have lunch at The Wave Café. The center also features an outdoor pavilion, meeting rooms and banquet center for hosting events like weddings or class reunions. Shoreview Parks and Recreation hosts a wide arrange of programs for all ages to keep healthy, active and engaged. Plenty of activity can be found outdoors at the Community Center as well; from soccer, baseball and sand volleyball to skateboarding in the aptly-named, “Sweet Roll Park.” Those looking to play hockey or ice-skate will also stay busy in any season thanks to the Shoreview Ice Arena. Every Tuesday afternoon, residents of Shoreview flock to the community center to buy and sell produce at the local farmer’s market, a sustainable alternative to large grocery chain stores. At the farmer’s market, members of the community have the opportunity to mingle with their neighbors and try something new and healthy in a lively marketplace. Recently, the popularity and success of the farmer’s market prompted the community center to continue operations through the winter months, moving the market indoors and providing year-round local produce for shoppers. With sustainability on the mind of so many residents, it came as no surprise when The City of Shoreview was awarded the Blue Star Award for excellence in Community Storm Water Management. The award was given for the city’s efforts to protect the water quality of local lakes, streams and wetlands by conducting rigorous assessments of storm water management practices. As far as dining goes, the German-themed Meister’s Bar and Grill has become a local staple over the years. The smoked-bacon topped Burgermeister comes highly recommended and would be a great pairing with one the many German beers on tap. The bar also hosts open-mic nights for hopeful comedians or those feeling inspired to share a funny story.

With a high rate of homeownership (around 84 percent) and the median home value at $249,000, it isn’t hard to see how invested the residents of Shoreview are in its city and each other. Another notable observation is the strong sense of pride found in many of Shoreview’s residents. One of these proud residents is Rotary Club member and retired school district worker, Richard Rademacher. A devoted member of the community since 1956, Rademacher proudly spoke about an upcoming Rotary Club event to raise money to award a college scholarship to the Mounds View High School student with the best improved GPA from junior to senior year. Rademacher, a longtime resident of Shoreview, has lived in one of only three original houses on his now-full block since 1967. When asked what was so appealing about Shoreview, Rademacher cited the city’s close sense of community and the respectable people in his neighborhood. Rademacher, like many of Shoreview’s residents, has decided that Shoreview is the ideal destination for those looking for a quieter, family-orientated place to call home. With the open option of a 20 minute drive to downtown Minneapolis, Shoreview conveniently provides the perfect hiding place for those looking to find a quieter, peaceful, tight-knit community, offering an open invitation for those looking to reside within its borders.

Neighborhood Resources

Shoreview Schools	Faith Communities
Roseville School District 623	St. Odilia Catholic
Mounds View School District 621	Peace United Methodist
Oakhill Montessori School	Incarnation Lutheran
Emmet D. Williams Elementary School	Living Waters Lutheran
Island Lake Elementary School	River of Life
Turtle Lake Elementary School	Hope Christian
St. Odilia School	Presbyterian Church of the Way
	Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran
	Ambassador Baptist
	Emmanuel Covenant
	New Life Evangelical Lutheran
	Rice Creek Covenant

Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Bobby Theisen Park	Kozlak’s
Bucher Park	Red Ginger’s China Bistro
Lake Judy Park	Fresh Picked Pizza
McCullough Park	Meister’s Bar and Grill
Ponds Park
Rice Creek Fields
Shamrock Park
Shoreview Commons
Sitzer Park
Wilson Park

Hopkins, Minnesota

Tucked into the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Hopkins has managed to capture a small town feel, despite being a short 15-minute commute to the metropolis of Minneapolis. This local charm combined with modern design and a youthful, upbeat energy has something to offer everyone. Whether it’s a diverse restaurant selection, activities for children, live music, a vibrant nightlife or boutique shopping, fun for all ages can be found on Main Street, which serves as the center for downtown Hopkins and provides a focal point for residents and visitors.

In the quaint downtown Hopkins, new condominium developments coexist with a vibrant antique culture and rich local art scene. A clutter of five antique shops (Hopkins Antique Mall, Ann & Jacks Vintage Jewelry, Bl ake Antiques, Antiques on Mainstreet & Auntie M’s Antiques), restaurants ranging from Curry N’ Noodles to Samba Taste of Brazil, as well as art and community centers provide a diverse and enriching place to shop, eat, drink and be entertained. Peppered with provocative pieces of art on wide sidewalks, stroll through downtown Hopkins and you might hear live music being played late into the weekend evenings at Mainstreet Bar & Grill or the Wild Boar. During the day, entertainment can be found at the Mann Hopkin’s Cinema 6, weekly farmer’s markets held on Saturdays on 9^th Street, The Depot Coffeehouse that features local music talent and the Stages Theatre, which included two performance spaces, a dance studio, an art gallery, and an art classroom.

The Hopkins community hosts a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year highlighting the importance of local art and produce. The weekly farmer’s market is held from June to October, where locals gather under the downtown clock tower to buy and sell local produce while promoting a healthy and sustainable community. The Raspberry Festival, an annual event founded during the Great Depression and held in July, has become one of the most highly anticipated gatherings each year in Hopkins. The festival hosts a stunning variety of events including sports tournaments in Central Park, art showcases, the Flat City Bike Race, activities for families, parades down Mainstreet, dances at the Hopkins Community Center, live music at Downtown Park, blood drives, open houses, the Hopkins Lions Club Beer Fest, fireworks at Central Park, and even a pig roast hosted by the Hopkins VFW.

Often serving as a centerpiece for local festivals and events, the solar panel topped Depot Coffeehouse acts as a venue for amateur musicians looking to perform in a safe and welcoming environment. The Depot Coffeehouse is also a central meeting place for cyclists throughout the Twin Cities due to residing where three major bike trails converge, making it the perfect place to regroup and refresh before heading downtown, to the lakes or deeper into the western suburbs.
Residents of Hopkins, in a study published in 2013, boasted about their city, noting that they enjoy living in Hopkins because of the small town feel (39% of residents) and its convenient location (21% of residents) with access to Minneapolis/St. Paul. The small town atmosphere in Hopkins can be attributed to its thriving youth programs, which range from art classes, to drama clubs, to language immersion programs, to math and science camps. Hopkins also has many prosperous little league programs, and the younger residents can be seen playing in football, volleyball, fencing, cross country, soccer, dance and kung-fu league programs in the many parks found in Hopkins, including Maetzold, Burnes, Harley Hopkins, Valley and Buffer Park.

First-rate schools and adult education is also a major source of pride for Hopkins. With access to eight public schools, two charter schools and six private schools, the city serves as an outstanding source of learning and growth. Hopkins also boasts a healthy religious community, with thirteen congregations spread throughout the city, supplying a spiritual outlet and religious teachings for faiths of all kinds.

Hopkins has a lot to be proud of – safe neighborhoods, good schools, a centrally located downtown area, extensive nature trails, parks, and a happening nightlife. It is the ideal place for a young family to raise children in or an elderly couple to retire to. Close enough to downtown for easy access and far enough away to maintain its small town integrity, Hopkins has truly found the sweet spot in the Twin Cities suburbs where residents are hopeful for the future and welcoming to new neighbors.

Neighborhood Resources

Hopkins Schools	Faith Communities
Alice Smith Elementary	Church of St. Joseph
Eisenhower Elementary	Church of the Cross
Gatewood Elementary	Cross of Glory Church
Glen Lake Elementary	Emmaus Road
Harley Hopkins Family Center	Faith Presbyterian Church of Minnetonka
L. H. Tanglen Elementary	Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Meadowbrook Elementary	Grace Ministries Fellowship
XinXing Academy	Korean Evangelical United Methodist Church
Hopkins North Junior High	Lutheran Community of Grace
Hopkins West Junior High	Mizpah United Church of Christ
Hopkins High School	Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA)	St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Main Street School for Performing Arts	West Oaks Community Church
The Blake School	Zion Lutheran Church
Hopkins Montessori School
KinderRead Montessori School
Sleepy Tigers Chinese Immersion Preschool
St. John’s Catholic School
Public Parks	Local Restaurants
Buffer Park	Hopkins Tavern
Burnes Park	Aji Japanese Restaurant
Central Park	Star Wok
Cottageville Park	Big 10 Restaurant
Downtown Park	Curry N’ Noodles
Elmo Park	Samba Taste of Brazil
Harley Hopkins Park	Mainstreet Bar & Grill
Hilltop Park	Wild Boar
Interlachen Park	The Depot Coffeehouse
Maetzold Field
Oakes Park
Oasis Park
Overpass Skate Park
Park Valley Playground
Shady Oak Beach
Valley Park

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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