Island Lake County Park is a haven for anyone who likes water. There is a fishing pier as well as shoreline fishing. There is also a boat launch for those who enjoy being on the water. There is a playing field as well as a walking trail if you prefer being on the land and not on a lake. There is a playground for the kids, and there is a picnic shelter nearby. It has a grill in case you want to have some barbecue along with your day in the park. There is another picnic shelter by the lake, which also has a grill. There is one more shelter, a small one, that has a grill as well.
The Rice Creek Off-leash Dog Area is located within the trailhead of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail. It is 13 acres, fully-fenced, so there is plenty of room for the dogs to run around and enjoy themselves. There is a pond/pool that the dogs can play in, and there is a water in the parking lot for humans and dogs. There is also a dog wash station for when your canine friend has had too much fun in the mud. It's a great place for dogs to freely express themselves and make a few friends in the process.
Sitzer Park is a neighborhood favorite with plenty to do for everyone. For the kids, there is a playground with a lot of brightly-colored equipment to play on. For people who are sports-minded, there are 2 youth baseball fields, 2 tennis courts, a skating rink, and a hockey rink. There is also a basketball court as well. For the more leisurely types, there are walking paths on which you can enjoy the nature around you. There is a picnic shelter where you can rest and have something to eat when you want a moment's respite.
Turtle Lake County Park is a neighborhood favorite with it's calming atmosphere. There is a small swimming beach (unguarded) and a boat launch for those who enjoy fun in or on the water. There is a ball field with a backstop for the sportier types, and there is a large playground for the kids. There is a picnic shelter near the playground that can be rented. It has two grills in case you want to have some BBQ in the middle of your day at the park.
Vadnais-Snail Lake Regional Park is a halcyonic retreat that allows you to take a moment to breathe as you're surrounded by breathtaking foliage. If you're the contemplative type, you can sit on the shore with your line cast (shoreline fishing). There is a sand volleyball court as well if you're feeling a bit more active. There are plenty of interesting flora and fauna to look at as you walk along more than five miles of walking trails. There is a large playground for the kids to play in. There is also a pavilion available for rental, and it includes four grills and a kitchen.
Fresh Picked Pizza is a locally-owned pizzeria that opened in 2008. All their food is made daily and to your customization. It is located in the Shoreview Village Mall, and while the decor is plain and simple, the service is cheerful and friendly. The menu includes pasta, wraps, desserts, and salads, but the star of the show is, of course, the pizza. You can build your own or choose one of the house specialties, such as Outlaw, All American, and Moon Rocket. If you love your toppings, you can order a Pizzamus Maximus with more toppings, including Tater Tot Hot Dish. They also have options for people with dairy and/or gluten sensitivities, and there are vegan options as well. You can eat in, take out, or take and bake.
Pizza man Opened in 1987 and has been a neighborhood favorite ever since. It's an unassuming place that has friendly service and a casual atmosphere. They focus on fresh ingredients, and they make their dough by hand. They have generous portions, and they're happy to serve up quality pie. Their pizzas include Loaded Potato, Veggie, and Deluxe. They have pasta as well, including Chicken Alfredo, spaghetti, and Mostaccioli. You can order online, and they have delivery as well.
Red Ginger China Bistro is a warm and vibrant Chinese restaurant with colorful decor and friendly service. It has a casual feel to it, and they serve many of your favorite familiars. They focus on fresh ingredients and are committed to making healthy and nutritious food that is also delicious. The menu includes Oyster Wings, Seafood Pan Fried Noodles, Hong Kong Beef Chow Fun, and Triple Crown with Satay Sauce. You can order online so it's ready for you by the time you reach the restaurant.
The Winkin' Rooster is a sandwich shop that was opened in 2017 by Doug McCulloch (also the chef) who had had a lifelong dream of owning a restaurant. The decor is colorful; the service is friendly; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. They have breakfast and lunch menus with lunch being served all day long. For breakfast they have breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and bagels. For lunch, the menu includes California (cold sandwich), New York Pastrami (hot sandwich), and wraps and sandwiches. You can order online and go there or order home through Bite Squad or Uber Eats.
Wok Cuisine is a casual Chinese restaurant that has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service. It is located in the Shoreview Village Mall. It has many of your favorites, and the food is from several different regions of China, such as Shanghai, Canton, and Szechuan. The menu includes BBQ Roast Pork Noodle Soup, Chicken with Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, Roast Duck, and Honey Pepper Beef with Vegetables. There is also a vegetable menu which features Mock Duck with Mixed Vegetables and Buddha's Delight. They also have chow mein, fried rice, and egg foo young. They have take-out as well.
CLT Thrift Store is run by CLT-SV, a community-driven coalition between Roseville and Moundsview Public Schools. CLT helps students with special needs between age 18-21 who are transitioning from school to life after school. The store accepts gently-used items such as clothing, books, and household items. Staff members are friendly and helpful. The proceeds go to directly support the students, be it in curriculum or in after school programming.
Hummingbird Floral & Gifts is a cozy florist filled with colorful floral arrangements. They have a friendly staff who are eager to help you customize the perfect floral arrangement for any occasion from birthdays to funerals to weddings. They offer bouquets, baskets, and more. They have a special selection of roses as well as several other kinds of flowers. They offer premium arrays and premium service.
Lexington Floral is a florist, but they are so much more. It has 2,000 square feet filled with pillows, towels, and other decorative touches designed by local artisans. Staff members are knowledgeable and friendly, and they are eager to match each client with the perfect arrangement. They have sprays and baskets, plants, and roses. They have new vases and retro vases as well. They have wreaths, crosses, and hearts as well. They have a bouquet or arrangement for every occasion, ranging from weddings to funerals to 'just because'.
Odds & Ends Again is a shop that handles the resale of pre-owned high-end furniture and other home furnishings. They handle estates and separate what is worth keeping from the rest, and they only sell the former. Their offerings include art, clocks, patio sets, couches, beds, and more. You can order online and then pick up your item(s) in the store. They also provide a downsizing service callod 'Sort Toss Pack'.
Pacabelly's Treat Shop is a vibrant yogurt shop with a friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. The decor is colorful and fun, and they have a free library (take a book/leave a book) to encourage kids to read. They serve frozen yogurt, edible cookie dough, and home-spun cotton candy made from your favorite hard candy such as Jolly Ranchers. It's a tasty time for everyone in the family.
Concert in the Commons are free concerts in the park, in the summer of course, arranged by the City. The concerts are held in the Shoreview Commons next to the Shoreview Community Center. It's a great way for the members of the community to gather, chat with some friends, and listen to a variety of music. The music includes swing, blues, and brass. There are concessions from the Wave Cafe available, and dogs are welcomed as long as they are leashed and well behaved.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar is a local (and Wisconsin) chain that has a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The space is open and inviting, and the staff members are friendly. The original Green Mill in Saint Paul opened in 1935, and they have been going strong since. They are known mostly for their pizza, and they favor the deep-dish style of Chicago. Their pizzas include the Windy City, the Impossible Pizza, and IL Primo Pizza. You can also choose your own crust (there is a gluten-friendly crust) and pile on the toppings! They also have pastas, calzones, burgers, sandwiches, and more. They have a gluten-friendly menu, take-out, and ordering online as well. On the drink side, they have cocktails, wine, margaritas, and beer. They have box lunches and large group orders, too.
Shore96 is a family-friendly restaurant and bar that has a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The staff members are friendly and attentive, and they have patio seating when the weather is sunny and warm. The menu includes Ski Dip with Chips, Bleu Cheese with Bacon Jam (burger), Chicken Fried Steak, and Fettuccine Alfredo. The breakfast menu includes Scottish Breakfast, Biscuits & Gravy, and Build Your Own Omelette. The drinks menu has a variety of drinks such as Castle Danger Cream Ale, Chemistry Rose, and Bell's Two Hearted Ale.
Bench and Bow is an instructor of piano and violin for beginners and intermediate students. They provide one-on-one lessons that are individually tailored to each student, and they believe in providing a positive environment so that every student can succeed. They have many opportunities for the students to grow, including recitals, competitions, exams, and field trips.
Gallery 96 was formed in 1997 by a group of people in Shoreview who enjoyed visual arts and wanted to share their passion with the world in the form of a non-profit art center. Their goal is to elevate local artists and to provide art education to the community. They have juried exhibitions every spring and fall at the Shoreview Ramsey County Library, quarterly newsletters, and monthly informal meetings at the Shoreview Community Center. They have showcased more than 300 artists in the exhibits, and artists can now display their work in the showcases of the Shoreview Community Center.
Metro Dance Center is a dance studio that was opened in 1975 and is now run by Danielle Wood-Twohy and Becky Jacobs. They offer classes for people of all ages and all skills in ballet, creative movement, jazz, and more. They also have competition lines that have won national awards. They keep the student-to-instructor ratio low, and they believe in nurturing a positive environment in which their students will flourish and grow. They have competition classes as well as recreational classes, and they have top-notch staff members to instruct all the classes. They offer the center for birthday parties that include a special dance related to the theme by one of the instructors. They also offer free trial classes if the dancer in question isn't sure what kind of dance they would prefer.
The Shoreview Community Center is a gathering place for people in the neighborhood with a lot of attractive facilities. There is a waterpark with a tropical theme. It has areas named Bamboo Bay, Shipwreck Beach, and Tropics Waterpark. They offer swimming lessons, water aerobic classes, and the option to have parties in the swimming area. There is also a fitness center with cardio equipment, strength-training equipment, and personal trainers. They have rec programs and special events as well, so there is plenty to do here.
The Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center was established as a non-profit in 2002 to promote the understanding of Chinese culture. The goal is to preserve traditional Chinese dance while also encouraging innovation. The teachers are all impressively qualified, and they offer a wide array of classes, ranging from classical Chinese dance to ballet and Latin dance. They also offer fitness dance classes and taichi classes, too. They participate in competitions as well, and they have won several awards for their performances.
The Annual Heal a Hound Dinner is sponsored the Greyhound Pets of America MN (GPA MN) and is held at the North Metro Event Center in May*. There is a silent auction and a live auction, and all the proceeds go to benefit the Heal a Hound Fund. There is a Standard Experience Ticket and a VIP Experience Ticket, and the latter includes priority checkout after the live auction plus a glass of champagne with dinner (and more). This is a wonderful cause and a great way to spend an evening.
*In 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.
Slice of Shoreview Days is an annual festival celebrated in July at the Island Lake County Park. It was established in 1989 as a one-day celebration of a slice of life in Shoreview, reminiscent of Taste of Minnesota. The event grew and blossomed over the years, and, now, it's a three-day event that has many different fun activities. It is no longer officially sponsored by the City, but they are the biggest financial sponsor. Some of the activities included are Art in the Park, Tour de Trails, a parade, a classic car show, and so much more. There are food vendors for when you get hungry, and it'll be a good time for everyone.
The Autumn Art & Craft Fair is an annual art fair that is hosted by Elevat and Hope Christian Church in October. It is also held at the Hope Christian Church, and it's a way to get a jump on your Christmas shopping. There are several arts and craft vendors who sell homemade crafted items, such as jewelry, knits, and wood carvings. You can buy something for yourself or for someone else, and it's a wonderful way to support local crafts people who are fair trade.
Christmas Crafts is hosted by the Presbyterian Church of the Way in their church as part of their Christmas activities. It occurs in December, and it's a fun way for kids and adults to unleash their creative side just in time for the holidays. PCOTW provides the materials and there is a $5 fee ($20 for the family) to cover for the materials. It's a low-key way to have a good time being creative and to get a jump-start on the holiday season.
