Northeast & Central Minneapolis
Historically home to the city's Polish and German communities, "Nordeast" (as locals call it) has recently seen an influx of artists and creative types. Although it's grittier than Linden Hills, the area has a cool, bohemian vibe and is sprinkled with tons of scrappy galleries. After you've had your art fix, take the Hennepin Avenue Bridge to industrial Central Minneapolis to check out the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater (and, on Saturdays, the city's best farmers' market, which is held between them). Mill City brings you back to the city's milling roots with its eight-story moving ride and multisensory interactive exhibits, and the Guthrie's famous architecture includes the Endless Bridge, from which you can get a great view of the mighty Mississippi.
Restaurants
Brasa Rotisserie
Share the rotisserie chicken or slow-roasted pork family-style at this new casual venture from Alexander Roberts, the chef at Alma, its pricier sibling a few blocks east.
600 E. Hennepin Ave., (612) 379-3030
After a gallery crawl, refuel at this local Latin American fusion favorite. Order the fried-walleye sandwich with a side of fritas.
2859 Johnson St. NE, (612) 788-0455
Shops
The Bibelot
This gift store has a wealth of options for kids and moms. Head for the fair-trade eco-friendly toys, handmade jewelry, and creative stationery.
300 E. Hennepin Ave., (612) 379-9300
Indulge your creative side at this fabric-and-yarn emporium. It has hard-to-find imported Japanese fabrics as well as easy craft kits for kids.
2833 Johnson St. NE, (612) 788-1180
This boutique couples cheeky humor with impressive design. Check out the trout stapler, high-heel cake server, and dog-bone paper clips.
2305 18th Ave. NE, (612) 788-8933
Activities
Rogue Buddha Gallery
Northeast is home to 21 galleries and studio buildings, and this is one of the best for contemporary art. Call ahead, as some exhibitions are a bit edgy.
357 13th Ave. NE, (612) 331-3889; closed Sundays and Mondays
At this 7.5-acre pocket park, the kids can burn off some steam on the playground or at the skateboard park.
2000 Second St. NE, (612) 370-4958
