Parks
Daisy Knoll Park - (
,
651-280-6800, website) Daisy Knoll Park is a quiet neighborhood park that is perfect for a stroll with friends, family, and/or dogs. There is a baseball field and a basketball court, and open spaces for playing in general. There is an old water tower in the middle of the park, which makes for a great conversation piece. There is also a picnic area if you want to take a break from frolicking. There are hills for sledding in the winter.
North Creek Park - (
18200 Dunbury Ave.,,
651-280-6800, website) North Creek Park is one of the biggest and most popular parks in Farmington. It has walking and biking trails, and places to swim for both humans and canines. There is a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and a large open space among other amenities. There is an ice rink in the winter, and Movies in the Park in the summer. It's an any-weather kind of park that can be enjoyed year round.
Rambling River Park - (
17 Elm St.,,
651-280-6800, website) Rambling River Park is a park with 76 acres of abundant greenery and clear blue waters. There are plenty of trails so you can take in all the scenery, and there is a playground for the younger set. There is a grilling area/picnic area, and places to fish, such as in the Vermillion River. There are tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a football field along with other amenities. In the summer, they also host a monthly Music in the Park concert, and in the winter, there is an ice skating rink that is available for use. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors whether in the heat or the cold.
Restaurants
El Charro - (
120 Elm St.,,
651-460-8077, website) El Charro is a Mexican restaurant that opened in 2015 with the intent of bringing traditional Mexican cuisine to Farmington. The restaurant's architecture is reminiscent of the Mission style, and it brings a bit of Mexico to Minnesota. The staff is friendly, and the margaritas are flowing. The menu includes beer battered fish tacos, flautas, carnitas charras, and so much more.
Farmington Bakery - (
212 Oak St.,,
651-463-2242, website) Farmington Bakery has been a neighborhood staple since 1933. The bakery is small and cozy, and the staff members are eager to help. They have won several awards for their baked goods, which include cakes (wedding, birthday, specialty, and more), cookies, pies, pastries, and so much more. They make custom-made cakes by hand, and they will work with you to make sure your specialty cake is exactly as you want it.
Farmington Steak House - (
329 3rd St.,,
651-463-3726, website) Farmington Steak House is a casual and relaxed steakhouse that serves juicy and tender steaks at a reasonable price. They staff is friendly, and the plates are overflowing. Do you like steak? If so, then this is the place for you. Whether it's ribeye, chopped sirloin, or filet, it will be done to your satisfaction. They also have pork chops, burgers, and much more including sides such as fries and Texas toast.
Las Enchiladas - (
18500 Pilot Knob Rd. a,,
651-463-2742, website) Las Enchiladas is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that believes in tradition and innovation. Edgar Garcia is both owner and head chef, and he makes everything by hand with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is colorful and welcoming, and the service is cheerful. The menu includes taquitos botaneros (chicken or potato), enchiladas suizas, and bistec encebollado. It also has hamburgers, tacos, and alambres. They serve drinks as well, such as margaritas, so pair your food with something fruity and sweet.
Rebel Chef - (
957 8th St.,,
, website) Rebel Chef is a restaurant that believes in what they call International Fast Fusion. They believe in using local products, and they combine that and sustainability with flavors from around the world . The decor is woodsy and homey, and the service is helpful and friendly. The menu includes Cheeseburger Wontons, Moroccan Ribs, the Rebel Burger, and a Bahn Mi BLT. They take their fusion seriously. For dessert, the highlight is the Espresso Chocolate Torte with Salted Caramel.
Weng's Kitchen - (
115 Elm St., Suite G,,
651-463-8880, website) Weng's Kitchen was opened in 2010 by Tony Weng, and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The restaurant is colorful and cheerful, as is the owner. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is very friendly. The menu has many favorites such as Hong Kong Walnut Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, and General Tsao Chicken. There are also more creative dishes such as Weng's Mango Chicken. Other options are pad Thai, chow fun, and fried rice. They have vegetarian options, takeout, catering, and a buffet as well.
Nightlife
Bourbon Butcher - (
20700 Chippendale Ave.,,
651-344-7600, website) Bourbon Butcher is a kitchen and bar that is all about two things: meat and bourbon. The decor is contemporary; the atmosphere is relaxed; the staff is cheerful. They are all about the bourbon as evidenced by their menu which is 70% drinks and 30% food. On the meat side, er, the food side, the menu includes buttermilk fried catfish, a cheese curd burger, and the butchers feast--which has their jalapeno cheddar elk sausage among other delicacies. On the bourbon side, they have it in almost imaginable way possible. They also have an arcade room, and you can order online.
Celts Pub - (
200 3rd Ave.,,
651-460-8376, website) Celts Pub was opened in 2010 in Farmington after the success of the two prior Celt Pubs. It's a neighborhood joint where you go when you want to relax and grab a beer or maybe a plate of scrambled eggs, read the paper, and chat with your friends. They are known for their breakfasts, which are hearty and filling. The breakfast menu includes a breakfast sandwich, omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and much more. They also have specials such as bingo, team trivia, and live music. On the drinks side, they have many beers and mixed drinks.
Farmington Lanes - (
27 5th St.,,
651-463-7811, website) Farmington Lanes was opened in 1942, and has grown and expanded throughout the decades since. It is now a mainstay of the community, and a place where everyone can go to have fun and hang out with friends and neighbors. The have top-notch lanes and equipment, plus a pro shop. They have more than that, though; they have darts, video games, and a sports bar & grill. They also host leagues and parties, and they are wheelchair accessible.
Community Arts & Recreation
Rambling River Center - (
325 Oak St.,,
651-280-6970, website) Rambling River Center is a place for people over 50 to stop by for programming of all different kinds. Anyone over 50 is welcome to participate, and there is a membership that offers additional perks to the members. Some of the membership benefits include a bi-monthly newsletter with all the upcoming programming, a discount on some of the programming, and use of the computer lab and physical fitness equipment. They have a Financial Support Program that gives aid that can be applied towards a membership or towards the cost of the programs.
Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair - (
114 W Spruce St.,,
651-280-6960, website) The Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair is an annual event hosted in April by the City of Farmington in order to highlight local arts and crafts. It is held at the Schmitz-Maki Arena, and it's free to the public. There are a variety of vendors, and all of the creations are made by hand. The categories include jewelry, art, crochet, and more.
Schmitz-Maki Arena - (
114 W Spruce St.,,
651-280-6902, website) Schmitz-Maki Arena is run by the city, and it's open year round. There is skating in the winter, and they have skate rental and skate sharpening if you don't have your own skates. In the summer, there is turf, so there are field events instead. No matter the time of the year, you can have fun here.
Synergy Dance Center - (
109 Elm St., Suite D,,
651-460-6188, website) Synergy Dance Center is family owned and was opened in 2010 by Dana Riste . They have experienced teachers who are focused on providing the students with a positive and nurturing environment in which to learn all kinds of dance and other performance-based skills. Their classes include ballet, musical theater, cheer, hip hop, and more. They also have a Companie Intensive Program (with auditions) for a more dedicated and serious experience.
Events
APR: Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair - (
114 W Spruce St.,,
651-280-6960, website) The Rambling River Center Arts and Crafts Fair is an annual event hosted in April by the City of Farmington in order to highlight local arts and crafts. It is held at the Schmitz-Maki Arena, and it's free to the public. There are a variety of vendors, and all of the creations are made by hand. The categories include jewelry, art, crochet, and more.
AUG: Dakota County Fair - (
4008 220th St. W,,
651-463-8818, website) The Dakota County Fair is a much-anticipated annual event that happens in August. It is the largest county fair in MN and the largest fairgrounds in the state as well. There is a carnival with a ton of rides and other carnival fun. There are demolition derbies, barrel racing, and mutton busting for the kids. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the list of things to do is endless. If you like animals, you'll find plenty to love here as well. Same with food; there will be food. It's a week of fun for the whole family and friends.
