Highlights of Minneapolis’s Five Neighborhoods
Downtown Minneapolis is essentially broken down into five neighborhoods: Central Core, EastTown, Loring Park, North Loop, and Northeast. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and specialities and plenty of places to appeal to tourists and owners of MN new homes alike. From quirky and artsy to cozy and sweet, here are some of the highlights of each neighborhood.
Central Core is where you can go to find some old-school elegance and a taste for the traditional, but it’s far from stodgy. Nicollet is where you’ll find plenty of Minneapolis history in some of the shops that have a combined tenancy of more than 200 years. If you’re looking for fine jewelry, JB Hudson is a must-see. For bespoke suits and fine menswear, make sure you visit Hubert White. For a less-expensive taste of the traditional, check out The Local, an Irish pub with pretzels and burgers you don’t want to miss. Finally, leaving Nicollet and heading to Hennepin Avenue, visit Nosh for pre- or post-show drinks and dining. From oysters to an amazing pastrami sandwich, you can’t go wrong. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, try their Dining in the Dark experience.
EastTown is full of fun. The renovated Armory is a great place to see concerts that come to town. The Commons, on Portland Avenue, is a park for the people and it offers everything from book carts to blue foam blocks that children and adults alike enjoy playing with and building from their imagination. Finally, release your inner Viking and head to Erik the Red for some Nordic BBQ with a touch of finesse.
Let Loring Park bring out your appreciation for the arts. The Walker Art Center always has fascinating exhibitions, parties, and more, including Skyline Mini Golf going on through the end of September, where you can play a round of artist-inspired mini golf for the price of a gallery ticket. For those who appreciate artisan goods and good deeds, stop by Smile Network International and purchase some unique goods. The proceeds go toward surgeries for kids in developing countries. Finally, don’t miss Lakes and Legends for delicious Belgian ales and lawn games in the airy taproom.
North Loop is ideal for fashion-forward women looking for stand-out clothing thanks to D.NOLO. For menswear, as well as home and interior design shopping, don’t miss MartinPatrick 3. With all that shopping, you might work up an appetite, so check out The Freehouse, which also happens to have parking, a rarity in the North Loop.
Finally, Northeast — across the river but still part of downtown — is where you’ll find great views, great tastes, and great shopping. Aster Café is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and a charcuterie board as you take in the river view. If you’re in the mood for Eastern European food, head to Kramarczuk’s, which has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its historic significance. Finally, indie gift shop I Like You is the best place to find locally made gadgets and gizmos. Plus, they have a playhouse in the back for the kids!
Minneapolis offers something for everyone and it’s why so many people are moving to the area and looking for MN new homes. Whatever your interests, there’s a shop, restaurant, bar, or neighborhood perfect for you.
