Things To Do
Lake Como
We have spent a lot of time at Como Lake over the years. Taylor proposed to Mandy near the waterfall. Enjoy some time at the park or take a walk around the lake. The botanical gardens and Como Zoo are within walking distance. Be sure to check out the Streetcar Station at Lexington & Como. We love the gangster history behind it and were considering having our reception here.
Bell Museum
The Bell Museum of Natural History is right across the street from Gibbs Farm.
Science Museum of Minnesota
There is so much for people of all ages to do at the Science Museum!
Minnesota History Center
We love walking here from our home. Mandy especially loves the gift shops inside-especially the books!
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
We try to make it to one play each year. Most recently we saw Westside Story here. The area around the Ordway is so beautiful. Be sure to check out some of the great restaurants and spend time in Rice Park.
Summit Avenue
There is a lot of history along this famous avenue! If you enjoy architecture and history, be sure to take a walking tour on your own or join a guided tour led by staff at the J.J. Hill House.
Minnesota Children's Museum
If you're traveling with children, be sure to stop at the Children's Museum! Taylor enjoys playing in The Scrambie with our niece.
Where to Eat
We love our neighborhood for many reasons. One of them being we live right between two dining districts in St. Paul. One is Selby Ave & Dale and the other is Grand Ave. You can find just about any cuisine you're looking for in one of these districts. We hope the weather is beautiful so you can enjoy one of the many lovely patios. If you're looking for a specific recommendation we'd love to help!
Guthrie Theater
There is so much to see and do in and around the Guthrie! Take in a show and then enjoy a stroll along the river near the Stone Arch Bridge. We have a special bench near the bridge where Taylor told Mandy he loved her for the first time.
Mill City Museum
If you enjoy history you'll appreciate this museum. It tells the story of the flour mill that once operated along the Mississippi River. Even though we think St. Paul is the superior city, it's still nice to learn about Minneapolis history. :)
Pike Island
Enjoy some nature in the heart of the city. You can park and then walk the trails (no bikes) to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers.
Fort Snelling State Park Entrance Office
One of our goals is to go to all the state parks in MN. We appreciate that we have several so close to us. If you're up for a drive (about 30 minutes) Afton State Park is also quite beautiful in the fall. We collected leaves at Afton to use for some of our table decorations.
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a nice way to enjoy nature without leaving the city. While the waterfall is what the park is known for, many folks also enjoy the trails, Sea Salt Eatery and the picnic areas. One spring a few years back, someone kayaked down the Falls. Yikes! You can see the Falls and creek up close for yourself by following the walking path.
Bookstores
We love to read and are fortunate to have so many great bookstores in the Twin Cities. Two of Mandy's favorite bookstores for children are The Read Balloon in St. Paul and The Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis. She's been known to buy "too many" books on more than one occasion. She thinks there is no such thing as too many books. Taylor really melted her heart when he told her she didn't have to donate her books and that they could instead buy another bookshelf. Subtext, Common Good Books, Magers and Quinn and Birchbark Books are some lovely independent stores in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Coffee Shops
There are lots of great, independent coffee shops in our neighborhood. Claddagh on West 7th has a sweet, tiny shop called Wee Claddagh on Selby and Dale. Hygga in Lowertown St. Paul is a space where you can lounge comfortably for hours.