Akin Riverside Park is 6.5 acres of tranquil greenery that is a great way to take a quick break in a hectic day. It's on the Rum River and the Mississippi River, and it has a boat launch and two fishing platforms to go along with all that water. There are also the more typical amenities such as a playground for the kids to play in and picnic shelters with grills. There is also a historic trail, the Red Rum Regional Trail along with another historic site (and sight)--the 1914 Windego Park Auditorium which can be viewed from the footbridge.
John Ward Park is better known as Rocket Park because it has a rocket structure on the playground which is a favorite of the kids. It's in the middle of the playground and is hard to miss. There is a softball/baseball diamond as well as a football field in the 14 acres. There are also picnic areas with grills if you want to take a break and have a bite to eat. There's plenty of greenery to enjoy as you stroll around the park.
Peninsula Point Two Rivers Historical Park is where the Rum River joins with the Mississitppi River and it has been designated a historical site. It started out as a sewage treatment plant and was converted to a park in 1995. There is plenty of gorgeous scenery that will calm you as you walk among and through it. You can fish if that is your jam, and there are places to bike and/or walk. There is a playground for the younger set to enjoy. In addition, there are both open and sheltered pictnic areas in case you want to take a little break. There are cooking grills in the picnic areas as well.
Bamboo Village is a Chinese restaurant, one of three of the same name, that offers all your favorites--classic Chinese cuisine with a contemporary twist. The decor is colorful, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. While the menu is largely Chinese, there are a few dishes from other Asian countries, too, such as Thailand and Vietnam. The menu includes Pepper Chicken, Black Bean Shrimp, Szechuan Roast Pork, and Orange Tofu. There are several of their dishes that can be made into vegetarian options. They have a variety of soups as well, such as pho, egg drop soup, and chicken rice soup. Their Chef Specials include Dragon Phoenix, Seafood Chow Fun, and Bangkok Shrimp and Scallops.
Cork is a wine bar and a restaurant that focuses on upscale American food in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. They understand that sometimes people want to eat elevated cuisine without having to dress up to do it. It is located in The Bridgecourt Building in downtown Anoka and was opened in 2014. The service is friendly and welcoming. They believe in being sustainable, from farm to table, and they use local sources as much as possible. The menu changes on a seasonal basis and includes dishes such as Bacon Wrapped Filet, Espresso Chicken, Pink Grouper, and Lobster Gnocchi. And, of course, with a name like Cork, you'd expect them to have a nice selection of wine--and you'd be right. They also have craft beer.
Jellybean & Julia's was opened by Koli and Cory, named after their daughters (middle names), after they had much success selling their sauces and pickles, BBQ catering, and operating a food truck. It's located in the Anoka Shopping Center and is a warmly-colored, cozy restaurant that is welcoming in atmosphere. They do their own canning and sell the results, which are Mango Habanero Hot Sauce, Strawberry Habanero Jam, Bourbon Apple BBQ Sauce, and Caramelized Onion Jam. Their breakfast menu includes Biscuits & Gravy, Ribs & Waffles, and Breakfast Sandwich. Their dinner menu has delicious dishes such as Heart Attack (sandwich), Maconstein (burger), and a sample platter (BBQ platter).
Mansetti's Pizza & Pasta is a local chain (3 restaurants) that offers Italian fare. The restaurant's decor evokes a trattoria and has a welcoming feel to it. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed. Their motto is 'simply the best' and they strive to prove it every day. Their menu has many favorites such as their signature spaghetti with homemade meatballs, Mama's Lasagna, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Their specialty pizzas include the Papa Mansetti, Chicken Inferno, and the Carnivore. They have gluten-free/friendly items as well.
Sparky's Cafe was opened by Jack Sparks in 1981 as a way to provide a neighborhood joint with homemade meals and a place to gather. The decor is retro with friendly service, and the food is plentiful. The menu includes Sparky's Breakfast, Meat Eaters (skillet and/or omelet), Corned Beef and Hash, and Western (omelet and/or skillet).
The Mad Hatter Tea Room was opened as My Mom's Attic in 1999 by Liz Koch and Amy Bukkila, two best friends and single mothers, who had a dream of giving respite to women in the city. Through twists and turns throughout the years, the tea room is now owned again by Liz and her husband, Tim, in the historic Woodbury House. They are providing delightful teas (with the proper accompaniments such as finger sandwiches) in a cozy and posh environment. The menu includes Pierogis w/Sauerkraut & Kielbasa, Blueberry Lemon Lavender Scones, and Chocolate Chip Cherry Bread Pudding.
Wheelhouse is a neighborhood joint that serves American fare that is both comforting and tasty. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual/relaxed. Their menu includes lobster mac and cheese, broasted chicken, Meatball Italian Flatbread, Texas Smokehouse Burger, and Classic Philly Cheese Steak--and more.
Antiques on Main was established in 1992 and is family owned. They offer coffee and cookies for you to sip and munch while you shop. Their inventory changes frequently so there is always something new to see. They invite you to browse through their three floors of stock and are eager to answer any questions you might have. Their inventory includes vintage collectibles, antique furniture, vintage toys, and more. They also have many dealers who are available to discuss anything antique/vintage you would like to sell.
Main Floral is a locally-owned florist who delivers all around the Twin Cities metro area. They have been in business for decades and they put a strong emphasis on providing the perfect arrangement for each customer. Their staff members are knowledgeable and eager to help. They do arrangements for all kinds of events, including birthdays, weddings, funerals, and just because. The flowers include tulips, roses, carnations, and more. They also have plants, stuffed animals, and baskets filled with different assortments such as chocolates, lavender, and candy.
Millie P's Quilt Shop was opened by Becky Carlson in 2010, named in honor of her mother, and became an instant success. She expanded three times, including a retreat center called Pearl and Myrtle's, and the store was named one of the top 10 Quilt Sampler (magazine) Shops in America. The store is colorful and quirky, and it's filled with fabrics just aching to be touched. Their number one concern is customer satisfaction and making sure each customer is satisfied with their purchase. They have a wide variety of fabrics in different colors and fabrics. They also have Zoom classes including a beginner's quilting class.
Pinewski's Ski and Board Shop opened in 1987 by Dan Pinewski as a part-time shop and it has grown and expanded in the decades since. The staff members are knowledgeable about their wares and willing to share that information. They have skis, skateboards, snowboards, and more. They have clothing such as outerwear, wetsuits/drysuits, jackets, and snowshoes. They also have inline skates and stand-up paddleboards. They tune and refurbish skis and boards so that the items will be like new.
The White Owl was opened in 2008 by two sisters under the name of Paddywac's. The store is both an antique store and a (new) home decor store with the sisters adept in both areas. They sold the store to focus on family (thus, the name change) before reacquiring it in 2019. They kept the new name and were excited to return to their beloved business recharged and ready to move forward with the store which could be called rustic chic. They sell clothing, jewelry, skin care products, and restyled furniture (along with new furniture). They also sell products from CHALK PAINT by Annie Sloan. They also offer CHALK PAINT classes.
Jam Hops in Anoka was opened in 2019 after the success the parent organization had in Ham Lake/Blaine. It's a recreation center for kids that focuses on gymnastics, starting with children at 18 months. They believe that a strong body has many positive ramifications to a growing child. In addition to gymnastics, they have a theater for their Upstage Productions (children's theater). They believe in being involved in the community as well and in making their services accessible for all.
Lyric Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing imaginative productions to the community that is both entertaining and educational. They are committed to delivering performances that reflect the diversity of their community and they are deeply engaged in said community. On the educational side, they have workshops for people of all ages, private lessons, and they have teaching artists who offer classes in theater, film, music, dance, and more. They put on nine to ten productions per year and they are always eagerly anticipated.
Rumriver Art Center was founded in 2009 by Susan Yee and Larry Weinberg in order to foster and nurture emergent artistic talent. They have several ways to do this, including programs like Artists Del Norte, Family Free Art Day, and community programs. They offer classes in 2D and 3D mediums as well as classes in pottery, stained glass, mixed media, and more. They have classes for people of all age and talents, too. They also have space for studio rentals, birthday art parties, and other such events. They have scholarships for people who can't afford the classes.
The 'nMotion Center for Performing Arts is one of two (the other is in Fridley) dance studios and their focus is on teaching dance in a holistic manner to students of all ages. They are one of the few noncompetitive dance studios in the Twin Cities and they believe in making dance accessible and affordable to people of all abilities. Their Dance Company tours around the Twin Cities for different events as a way to highlight the progress the students have made. They offer tap, ballet, and jazz classes.
The Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair was dreamed up in 1998 and officially named the Anoka Riverfest in 1999 in honor of the Rum River and the Mississippi River and where they intersect. It has grown to be a highly-anticipated event every year that celebrates the artistic endeavors of local crafters. There are activities for everyone and some are specifically aimed at children, such as free spin art. There are booths with crafts to peruse and all the artists are juried. There is free live music and plenty of food to buy as well. It's a good time for the whole family.
The annual Sidewalk Sale happens every July and is a way to gather the community in a fun fashion, so to speak. Many of the local merchants are involved and it's a way to gab with your neighbors while also finding some hidden treasures to take home with you.
The Anoka Food Truck Festival is an annual event that happens in July in Historic Downtown Anoka. What could be better than sampling foods from a bunch of different food trucks with various kinds of food including Indian, Japanese, local food, and much more. There are also other trucks such as a shoe shine truck and clothing trucks. In the past, the event has been paired with the Sidewalk Sale and there have been fun activities such as a tarot reader and a mechanical bull.
Anoka is known as the Halloween Capital of the World because it is known to have thrown the first public Halloween celebrations in America is 1920. Anoka Halloween is a nonprofit dedicated to making the celebration joyous and fun for everyone every year. The festivities have included the Grande Day parade, house decorating contests, costume contests, races, and much more.
