Hansen Park is a community favorite, and it is always teeming with people eager to take advantage of all the perks it has to offer. The park is filled with amazing greenery and beautiful waters, and it can be restorative to your frazzled spirit just to stroll around through the park. There are walking trails and biking trails, and a sizable playground area for the kids. Some of the amenities include tennis courts, hills for sledding, and baseball diamonds. There are also places where you can have a picnic on a nice summer day.
Long Lake Regional Park is run by Ramsey County, and it's situated on Long Lake, naturally. There is a sand volleyball court, and a pavilion with plenty of room for picnicking. There are three large grills so you can prepare your picnic food onsite, and a fully-equipped kitchen to help you in this area. The Rice Creek West Regional Trail connects Long Lake Regional Park to Plaza Park in Fridley, a neighboring city.
Sunny Square Park is a cozy neighborhood park that has a biking trail, a picnic shelter, and a playground area for the kids. There is a softball diamond if you're more into physical activity, but there is also room for a leisurely stroll with your dog. It's a great place for quiet contemplation and a moment of meditation.
Adagio's Pizza Factory has been a neighborhood favorite for almost 40 years. The decor is minimalistic, but the atmosphere and the staff members are inviting and warm. They have plenty of activities including Live Trivia with DJ, Free Cribbage Tournaments, Designer Purse Bingo, and live music. The main attraction is, of course, their pizza which includes The Cajun Shrimp, Creamy Pesto & Sausage Margherita, and Atsalottameat. They have a meatless pizza as well, and they have gluten-free options. Their menu also has appetizers, pastas, soups & salads, and desserts. They also have takeout and delivery if you want to eat your pizza at home.
Brother's Taqueria is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant with a colorful decor and cheerful service. They are casual, but they are serious about their food. Their menu includes several traditional Mexican dishes, such as enchilada verdes, lengua burritos, and Torta Cubana. They have several vegetarian options, too. Grab a beer to drink as you eat your dinner, or you can order their food from Bite Squad if you want to eat it at home.
Giuseppe's Italian Ristorante is a cozy Italian restaurant that is family owned and a neighborhood favorite. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly. The menu has all your favorites, including chicken cacciatore, seafood linguini, and a hand-tossed Chicago pizza. They place an emphasis on freshness and connection, and they deliver plenty of both.
The Exchange Food & Drink is a contemporary restaurant that specializes in creative American food and opened in 2014. They are involved in the community, including being supportive of the local schools and charitable organizations. The decor is warm and inviting, and the staff members are cheerful and friendly. The menu includes kimchi tacos, the umami bomb (pizza), the Bayou surf and turf, and the omgatos (burger). They have a patio for outdoor dining when the weather is nice, and they have private dining/banquet options as well.
Viet Noodles was opened in 2005, and they specialize in Chinese and Vietnamese food. It's a neighborhood favorite that flies under the radar. The owner is a very friendly woman who serves each dish with a smile and a quip. The restaurant is small and no frills, but the food is tasty. The menu includes black bean chicken chow fun, Mongolian delight, and several types of pho, com, and bun. They have takeout as well.
Pletschers' Greenhouse Inc. is a family-owned business that opened in 1920. They have a one-acre site in which they grow their flowers, and they are known for their attention to detail and their traditional floral designs. They have same-day delivery, and they deliver across seven counties. They have dozens of different types of flowers that they grow, and they are willing to make arrangements for a variety of occasions. The staff is very knowledgeable about their products, which include potted plants, flowers such as birds of paradise, orchids, and several varieties of roses, and products needed to take care of plants and flowers.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore outlets are geared towards the DIY people who want to help out the community while simultaneously improving their own homes. ReStore's inventory includes doors, tools, lighting, doors, windows, and more. Many of the items are donated, and all of the proceeds go to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. You can donate to the store, which is good for you, the community, and the landfills. It's a win-win situation all around.
Barley John's Brew Pub was opened in 2000 and is family owned. Their aim was to bring organic food and craft beer to the community, and it quickly became a neighborhood favorite. The decor is meant to invoke the feel of a cabin, and they have a fire pit every night. Their menu includes Little Barley Beer Brat, Minnesota Hot Artichoke Dip, and Pizza Chipotle. Their beverages include Wild Brunette Wild Rice Brown Ale, Bourbon Smash, and seasonal drinks. It's a great place to grab a bite and lift a pint with some friends.
Big Louie's Bar and Grill is owned by Chad and Justine, and is the offshoot of the original Big Louie's in Minneapolis. The original was opened by Louie in 1927 as the Main Street Tavern. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly. If you love meat, this menu is for you. It includes herb-crusted prime rib, an avocado burger, and a honey mustard chicken wrap. Their drink menu includes house margaritas, wines, beer, and martinis.
Cowboy Jack's is a neighborhood sports bar where you can watch your favorite home team play a game while eating a burger and drinking a beer. In the summer, you can sit outside in the patio dining area and enjoy the breeze on your face. It's a bustling spot with a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly wait staff. The menu includes a mini tater hot dish, a smoked brisket sandwich, homemade pizzas including pesto cream, and flatbreads such as smoky chicken. You can finish off your meal with a dessert like Jack's Truffle. They have several vegetarian options, too. They offer beer, wine, and cocktails on their drink menu.
Bartz Snow Sculptures is a New Brighton seasonal favorite. It's run by three brothers who build an elaborate and lifelike snow sculpture every winter, based on some form of sea life. It started after a trip to Florida in 2012 and one of the brothers caught a puffer fish. They thought it would be fun to make that out of snow, and that started a tradition that is highly-anticipated each year now. One year it was a shark, and the latest was the snail. Now, they ask for donations from all the tourists who visit, and they give the money to a different country every year that is in need of clean water.
The New Brighton Community Center is the focal point of the community, and a place where people can gather to work out (New Brighton Fitness Center), take their kids to the indoor playground (Eagles Nest Indoor Playground), or even read a book (Ramsey County Library--New Brighton). The fitness classes include Cardio Strength, Zumba, and Stretch & Tone. They also have personal trainers as well. You can rent their facilities for family events, too, such as birthday parties. Plus, your kids will love the ENIP.
The New Brighton Stockyard Days is a week-long celebration of New Brighton's history in the stockyard industry. The Stockyard Days started in 1981, and it is still going strong today. There are plenty of events at several different venues including a duck race at Creekview Park, a softball tournament at Lion's Park, karaoke qualifying at Adagio's Pizza Factory, and the Antique Car Run that starts in Long Lake Regional Park and goes for 120+ miles. The week starts with a parade and ends with a coronation, and there is much fun to be had in between. There are crafts and merchandise vendors in Long Lake Regional Park, and there will be concessions as well. It's a great place for family and friends to congregate and to celebrate an integral part of New Brighton's history.
The Salem Covenant Church Arts and Crafts Fair is an annual event that showcases the artistic talents of the community just in time to get a jump on holiday shopping. In addition to the arts vendors, there will concessions and a bake sale as well. It's highly-anticipated every year, and an event that the whole family can enjoy. All proceeds go to the Salem Covenant Church Youth Mission Trip/CHIC fund.
The New Brighton Art & Gift Boutique is an annual event that is a great way to get the bulk of your holiday shopping done as it occurs in November. It is held in the Banquet Room at the Eagles Club, and it's a great way to highlight and support local artists. The products include baked goods, jewelry, stained glass art, carved items, crocheted items, and so much more.
