Best activities for a low key summer day

Maren Naegele, manager

The sunshine is here to stay, which can only mean summer is on its way. Summer is a great time to visit some of Minnesota’s best destinations and spend time with friends kicking back in some cool locations. Check out the list we have compiled that is sure to fit anyone’s style.

Brit’s Pub Lawn Bowling (2405, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403): Lawn bowling is a game for everyone no matter the age or athletic ability. Overall, the rules are similar to bocce ball, and it’s a fairly easy game to play. Brit’s Pub hosts open bowling every Saturday and Sunday starting May 19, 2018 from noon to 11 PM, with prices at $10 per hour per person.

Hunt & Gather (4944 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410): Craving a creative and unique antique shopping experience? Hunt & Gather is a groovy two-level vintage shop stuffed floor to ceiling with one-of-a-kind pieces. The store is a feast for the eyes and, frankly, a walk of art. Find your funky treasures at Hunt & Gather this summer.

Isles Buns and Coffee (1903, 1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408): What’s better than an iced coffee and a homemade cinnamon bun on a cheery summer day? Isles Buns and Coffee is the place to be this summer, where your biggest worry is how much cream cheese frosting you can put on your sticky caramel, cinnamon or pecan bun. Made with love, Isles’ is the perfect morning wake up!

Hidden Beach (2000 S Upton Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405): Hidden Beach is a welcoming escape from busy summer days. You’ll find winding pathways that lead you to the east side of Cedar Lake, a calm beach, and breezy vibes. Looking around the beach, you are surrounded by billowing trees and tall grass that combine to create a unique ambiance.

Centennial Lakes Farmers Market (7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435): Starting June 14, and ending September 27, 2018, Centennial Lakes hosts a weekly farmers market every Thursday from 3 PM to 7 PM. Nearly 3 dozen vendors sell their fresh produce or homemade confections, so make sure to visit the farmers market for some organic treats.

Swing Night at the Wabasha Street Caves (215 Wabasha St S, St Paul, MN 55107): Ready to channel your speakeasy vibes and swing dancing moves? The Wabasha Street Caves hosts Swing Night every Thursday, starting with lessons at 6pm and followed by live music from 7 PM to 10 PM. Admission is $8 at the door and open to anyone regardless of dance experience!

Theodore Wirth Regional Park (1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422): Theodore Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system and home to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary among many other things. The garden is the oldest public, native plant garden in the United States and the bird sanctuary is home to more than 130 migratory species. Additionally, the park is a great place to watch the morning sunrise.

Vali-Hi Drive-In (11260 Hudson Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042): Probably the farthest from Edina on this list, the Vali-Hi Drive-In movie theater provides a quintessential high school 60’s vibe. The drive-in is really worth the trek to experience a movie in the comfort of your car filled with pillows, blankets, yummy treats, and good company. Opening soon, Vali-Hi features 3 back-to-back movies each night throughout the summer. Prices have yet to be posted, but in previous years, it’s been $8.50 per person plus a few extra bucks for the car. Regardless of price, it’s an experience you will never forget!