Centennial Lakes Park is 24 acres of natural delight in the heart of the city. It is situated on Centennial Lakes, of course, and there are plenty of water-related activities to enjoy such as fishing and boating. In addition, there is a walking path that wends around the park, and it is a great way to enjoy the bucolic setting. There are alcoves in which you can rest/read; a grass maze with a sculpture in it; and a farmers market in the summer. They have ice skating in the winter as well, and dogs (on leashes) are always welcome. They also have a mini golf course that is fun for the whole family and more. It is the perfect place for a wedding as well.
Pamela Park is a 62-acre park that is pure paradise for a halcyon moment in the sun. If you're looking to kick back and relax, you can spread out a blanket and have a picnic here. If you would rather be up and about, doing something athletic, there are two tennis courts, three baseball fields, two soccer fields, and an ice skating rink in the winter. There is a lot of wetlands to enjoy, and there is a playground area for the kids.
Rosland Park spreads across 22 acres, and it is crammed with things to do and see. You can play baseball/softball, disc golf, tennis, and volleyball here. There is a playground area for the younger set, grills for when you are hungry and a walking path. It is on Lake Cornelia, which means there is water all around. You can fish on the lake, and the Edina Aquatic Center is in the middle of the park. There are percussion instruments available, so you can make music in the park if the mood so moves you. There is also a walking path if you just feel like taking a stroll around the park.
Strachauer Park is a cozy neighborhood park that is a great gathering place for families and friends. It has two soccer fields, a basketball court, and a hockey rink. There is a playground area for the younger kids to enjoy, too. It also has an Off-Leash Area (OLA) on a seasonal basis for the dogs to play in and enjoy meeting new canine friends. The dogs have to wear a colored collar that changes every year and the owners have to pay a small fee in order to use the OLA.
Van Valkenburg Park has 42 acres, and it's a designated Off-Leash Area (OLA) for dogs to have the freedom to run around to their hearts' content. The dogs do have to wear a colored collar that changes every year and the owners have to pay a small fee. There is a separate area for small dogs to play in away from the bigger dogs. In addition to the OLA, there are softball/baseball diamonds complete with bleachers, a concession stand, and scoreboards. It is a great place to soak in nature.
Cahill Bistro is a family-owned restaurant with a Latin American flair. The decor is warm and inviting, and the service is as well. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the sangrias are flowing. The dinner menu includes Lomo Saltado, Rack of Lamb, and Shrimp and Grits. Their breakfast menu has Mediterranean Eggs, Steak and Eggs, and the Edina Breakfast. They have several gluten-free options and vegetarian ones as well. Drinks-wise, they have wine, beer, and margaritas/sangrias.
Coalition Restaurant is the second restaurant of this name opened by Chef Eli Wollenzien and Deacon Eells (general manager), the first is in Excelsior. It is a blend of casual and upscale, landing comfortably somewhere in between. The decor is stylish and cozy, and the overall effect is inviting. The service is friendly, yet unobtrusive, and the food is updated and creative twists on American classics. They use the highest quality ingredients, and most of them are locally/regionally sourced. The menu includes a steak sandwich, roasted cauliflower, seared scallops, and cardamom sugar donuts. Their drink menu has Pear Ginger Martini, Giacobbe Soave, and Veuve Clicquot. They have two social hours, one in the morning and one at night. They also do catering.
Coconut Thai is a pan-Asian restaurant with a head chef, Nong, who was born in Thailand, traveled all over Asia, and has her own restaurant in Golden Valley. The restaurant has a warm, yet relaxed decor, and the atmosphere is casual. The service is attentive, and the food is varied and tasty. The menu includes seafood curry, crab fried rice, drunken noodles, and wonton soup. End your meal with a delicious dessert such as i-tim ma praw or the classic, sticky rice with mango. There are plenty of gluten-free options, and there are vegetarian options as well. They have takeout in addition to dining in.
Hello Pizza is the creation of Ann Kim, borne of her days as a broke college student in New York when she had a slice of New York's finest every day. The restaurant is colorful and cheerful, and the staff members are friendly as well. The pizza slices are (mostly) thin, and the types of pizza include Adobo Chicken, New Yorker, and Hello Rita. They also have add-your-own toppings pizzas, and they offer a gluten-free crust substitute as well. They have a pan pizza, too, salads, and subs. You can order online to say you some time.
Nakamori Japanese Bistro is a Japanese-fusion restaurant, blending Japanese, American, and French food. The decor is neon-accented and slick, and it has a contemporary/futuristic feel to it. The service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is friendly. The menu includes yellowtail or salmon tartar, salmon skin soup, and chicken teriyaki. They have sushi and sashimi, hand rolls and specialty rolls, tempura and hibachi. The menu is enormous, and there is sure to be something to please everyone. Finish off your meal with a dessert such as the banana tempura or mochi ice cream, and you will be satisfied.
Bean + Ro is a cozy home converted to a gift shop that is warm and welcoming, and the staff members are very friendly and helpful. There is something interesting in every nook and cranny, and you'll want to spend some time just browsing the wares. They have women's clothing, including dresses, shirts, and pants. They do personalization of many of their products such as cutting boards, hats, and candles. They have customized Edina cups, and they have a whole stationery department called The Paper Soiree. You can order products online, too, but it's worth stopping by their store.
The Galleria is an upscale shopping center with subdued and elegant decor. It has a welcoming vibe, and there is plenty of space to walk around in. The stores include Tory Burch, J. McLaughlin, Groveland Confections, and Free People. There are dining options, of course, such as Good Earth, Pittsburgh Blue, and Peoples Organic Coffee and Wine Café.
Live, laugh, love is a gift shop that was opened by Kary and Kevin in 2007. Their focus is on customer satisfaction, and they love finding the perfect item for each customer. They have a wide variety of products, including clothing, accessories, home decor, and much more. They have Gurgle Pots, Mona B Recycled Canvas Bags, and several different silk shawls, to name just a few of their items. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or for someone else, you are sure to find something here. If you have any questions, they are eager to help, and they have free gift wrapping as well.
Queen of Cakes is a family-owned bakery, opened in 2003 by Terri and John Leckas. They make cakes for every occasion, and they put thought and care into every cake they make. They have won several accolades for their creations, and they are considered one of the best places to buy a wedding cake in the Twin Cities. In addition to their cakes, their menu includes Cocktail Cake Shooters, Teeny Cakes, and Cakeballs. The staff is eager to work with you to make sure your big occasion is perfect. You can order online as well.
Southdale Center is the oldest completely enclosed shopping mall in America, and it opened in 1956. It's flagship store is Macy's, and it has over 120 stores to shop in. The decor is highly polished and contemporary, and there are plenty of things to do/buy here. The stores include Madewell, Piccadilly Prairie, bareMinerals, and Sephora. If you're hungry/thirsty, there are several potions as well, such as Shake Shack, Amy's Cupcake Shoppe, Macy's Lakeshore Grill, and Dave & Buster's. There is also an AMC theater if you're in the mood for a movie, and there are events around the year for you to enjoy, including Craft Time Mondays (Bounce Town) and Life Time Edina Run Club Social Events.
Beaujo's Wine Bar & Bistro is a warm and inviting neighborhood joint that manages to be both contemporary and classic at the same time. They display art from local artists such as Mari Marks Mondanelli, so you can enjoy looking at it as you dine and/or drink. The atmosphere is relaxed and relaxing, and the service is unobtrusively friendly. The menu includes small plates and shared plates, and their house specials include Beaujo's Burger, Kung Pao Chicken Tacos (gluten free), and Pan Fried Cod Sandwich. Their drink menu includes white wines such as Novellum Chardonnay (unoaked) and The Four Graces Pinot Gris, and red wines including LO-VE Garnacha (vegan) and Tellus Cabernet Sauvignon. They are part of BiteSquad, so you can enjoy their food in the comfort of your own home as well.
Cocina del Barrioo is a warm and colorful Latin restaurant/bar that is all about the tequila. It has over 100 kinds of tequila and mezcal, so the choices of a tipple are plentiful. The first Barrio opened in 2008, and there have been four added in the meantime. The one in Edina opened in 2011, and it is a very popular neighborhood joint. The food is made from scratch, and the menu includes Spicy Habanero Chicken Tamal, Queso Fundido, Ahi Tuna Taco, and Sandwich Cubano. They have several gluten friendly options. Their drink menu is huge, and a few notable ones are Cesar Chavez, Oaxacan Love Affair, and Mezcal Mai Tai.
Tavern on France is a neighborhood favorite bar and grill that was the first of five 'Tavern' restaurants when it opened in 2009. Its decor is casual, yet stylish, and the service is efficient and friendly. They offer modern takes on American classics, and the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. Their menu includes Tavern Brie Pizza, All Thai'd Up Salads, New Orleans Shrimp Tchoupitoulas, and Tavern Bread Pudding. They also have several build-your-own dishes as well, including pizzas, salads, and burgers. They do Sunday brunch as well, and you can order online to save you time. Their drink menu includes Blueberry Pomegranate, Watermelon Mojito, and Milky Way. You can hold your next big event here as well--just ask them.
Wooden Hill Brewing Company was the dream of two brothers, James and Sean, and they made that dream come true in 2018. They built a brewery and a taproom, and after a year, all their hard work came to fruition. The name is from a saying their grandfather used to employ to get them to go to bed, and they have worked hard to foster a sense of community with their brewery/taproom. Their brews include Kold Shoulder, Code 3, and Chocolate Crow. They also have limited edition beers such as Pixie Catcher and Bitcrusher. They also have hard seltzers and beer cocktails. Their food menu is centered around what goes well with beer, obviously, and they offer a fried chicken sandwich, gourmet hot dogs, and fancy fries. They have a few vegetarian/vegan options, too.
The Edina Aquatic Center is open in the summer, and it's the perfect place to visit on a hot summer day when you need to cool down a bit. It is located in Rosland Park. There is a flume, a body slide, and The Lost Wave Surf Simulator--which is fun for both newcomers and experienced 'boarders. There is a zero-depth pool for the kids (and anyone else) to splash around in, and there is a tree house in a dry area if water is not your thing.
Dance With Us America in a ballroom dance studio that is owned by a couple, Gene and Elena Bersten, who have had a successful ballroom dance career, both separately and together. Gene taught his younger brother, Alan, who is now one of the troupe members on Dancing With The Stars. DWUA teaches several different kinds of dancing, including Bachata, Quickstep, and Merengue. They have private lessons and group lessons, and they teach wedding dancing as well. They prepare their students for competitions, and they have produced 13 national dance champions.
The Edina Art Center is a place for artists to be nurtured and supported in their creative endeavors, and for said creations to be displayed and admired. They offer classes in a wide variety of subjects, including painting, sculpture, and more metaphysical aspects of art, such as what it does for you mentally/emotionally. They host several art events throughout the year as well. Their ultimate goal is to cultivate an appreciation of art throughout the community.
Edinborough Park is an indoor play park that is sunny and fun all year round. Whether it's raining or snowing outside, you'll be able to enjoy this park at any time. There is an area called Adventure Peak, and it contains many thrilling challenges to overcome, including a 30-foot climbable oak tree (replica), different kind of slides, and a 30-foot lookout from which you can survey the whole park. There are also different kinds of classes/events at the park, all of them suitable for the younger set. This is a great place for children to have a good time.
TranscenDance Xperience (TDX) is a dance studio that places an emphasis on fun and learning in a supportive environment. They have classes for people of all age, starting as young as being able to walk and all the way up. If your kid just want to learn dancing for fun, check out their recreational classes (ages walking - 18). The classes include Lil Hoppers, Acro/Tumbling, and Mommy/Munchkin & Daddy/Daughter Dance. If your child wants performance opportunities, they may prefer the TranscenDance Xperience Company program instead. It is more rigorous, and it has performances and competitions incorporated in the program. You can find the perfect dance class for you, no matter your skill or level of competitiveness.
The Winter Ice Festival is an annual event in January to celebrate the coldest and longest season of the year. It has been held for almost three decades, and it's a frigidly fun time for everyone involved. It is held at Centennial Lakes Park, and there is lots of ice skating involved. And kick-sledding. And face-painting. And horse-drawn wagon riding. Another anticipated activity is the sculpting of ice, which is a hit with everyone.
The First Official Art Fair of the Year!
Ranked #1 in MN and one of the top fine arts fair in the Nation, featuring the top 280 fine artists from Minnesota, the U.S and Canada
Free Admission | Rain or Shine | Free Shuttle | Craft Beer Garden| Parking Ramps | Kids Zone | Food Trucks
The Taste of Edina is an annual event, and it is hosted by the Edina Chamber of Commerce and Edina Liquor every May. Several local restaurants and breweries are tapped, pun intended, for delicious treats, both edible and drinkable. Some of the past restaurants have included Pittsburgh Blue, Tavern on France, and The Good Earth. On the booze side, the breweries have included Surly, Able, and Fulton. You have to be 21+ to attend. It's a great way to sample all the delicacies that Edina has to offer.
The Edina Art Fair has been held for over a half century, organized by the 50th & France Business and Professional Association, and it's one of the top art fairs in the state, if not the country. It's in June, and it's held in the heart of Edina. There are nearly 300 artists involved, and a quarter of a million people plus visit it every summer over a three-day weekend. The different kind of art on display includes paintings/drawings, glasswork, pottery/ceramics/clay, mixed media, and more. There are live performances, too, if you'd like a little music with your art. There is also Edina Art Fair merchandise available for purchase. There are also plenty of food vendors if you need something to boost your energy.
The Edina Fall into the Arts Festival is held at Centennial Lakes Park, and all proceeds go to the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. It is held in September to celebrate the beauty of autumn. It has happened for the past decade and a half, and it's grown steadily in size every year. Hundreds of artists and vendors display and sell their wares, and the setting is as vibrant as the art. The many different kinds of media include fiber arts, wood, jewelry, and photography.
The Pumpkin Fest is an annual event in October that has been organized by the 50th & France Business and Professional Association for nearly four decades. It's to celebrate the autumn and Halloween, and it's a good time for everyone in the family. There are plenty of activities, such as Mystery Box & Bath Bombs (by Lush), live performances by Hearts Performing Arts, a costume competition and parade, and face painting. There is also an area for trick-or-treating for the kids so they can romp around in their costumes and get lots of sweet treats.
