Best of Bridgeland
From Lake Street on the south end to Nicollet Island upriver, there’s a lot of summer fun to be had in the 10 neighborhoods we affectionately call “Bridgeland.” We asked, and readers responded with their favorites. (And we threw in a couple of staff picks for good measure.)
Thanks to all who responded, and enjoy the rest of the summer. Soon the snow will fly, and we’ll remember fondly the 105-degree heat index…
Finally, the lucky winner of a
$25 Birchwood gift certificate is… Mike Tangedal, from Longfellow. Give us a call, Mike! (612-436-9161)
Best place for a leisurely stroll
The Winchell Trail, down the riverbank from the Grand Rounds pathways along the West River Parkway, south of Franklin, takes you through an urban forest a moment below street level, most beautiful when summer sun and shadows play on the greenery. Bonus: twice over the years I’ve seen an eagle perched on an overhanging branch.
—Paul Zerby, Prospect Park
The new Gold Medal Park has great views and nice winding paths.
—George Burdell, Prospect Park
The Stone Arch Bridge offers the beauty of the river, sometimes a light breeze, occasionally a great view of a post-rainstorm rainbow…and always great people-watching. My favorite people viewing was of a duo playing a troubling version of a well-know tune — the name of which I have now forgotten. We passed in front of the musical wannabes at the same time [Minnesota Orchestra Conductor] Osmo Va¨nska¨ jogged by. Priceless!
—Toni Pendergrast, Como
Best outdoor seating at a restaurant, bar or café
Birchwood Café, 3311 E. 25th St.
Our family has a ritual of walking to the Birchwood with our two kids, and sharing one bowl of their crisp or cobbler at one of the tables outside. It is a happy thing.
—Michael Bischoff, Seward
Best place to watch the Twins game (that’s not at home or the dome)
The Library, 1301 SE Fourth St.
We dare you to find a seat from which you can’t see one of the dozens of flat-screen plasma televisions. Cheap drinks and the better-than-bar-food menu round out the experience, but be warned: the late-night college crowd will either make you feel young again or very, very old.
— Staff pick
Best spot for outdoor music
Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Courtyard
The setting of these open-air concerts can’t be beat.
— Staff pick
Best place to buy ice cream
The Prospect Park Ice Cream Social is the best place to buy ice cream because you get to see all the little kids playing all the games, you can climb the witch’s tower and your purchase adds to the neighborhood spirit.
If you favor flavor, the best place is Izzy’s on Marshall, in St. Paul. I like the mini banana split myself.
—Sean Hart, Prospect Park
Best spot for people-watching
I make a point every Wednesday after work to walk the dogs over the Lake Street Bridge and back again. Part of me likes to share in the solidarity of those committed souls protesting the war, but another guilty primary reason is for the people-watching. Nothing like the occasional confrontation between a peaceful citizen holding a protest sign and some loud adversaries in a giant vehicle. I love the irony of someone deliberately wasting $3 gasoline to show their supposed patriotism.
—Mike Tangedal, Longfellow
Best view of the river
St. Anthony Main
The river, the Downtown buildings, and the sky are framed by trees along the banks. The view also reflects the seasons. There is a nice walking path next to Main Street, which is paved with bricks. The view is visible from many of the restaurants, shops and the movie theaters. Sitting outside at a table on Main Street is calm and relaxing. The river is a magnet and speaks of other places and times.
—Bill Hoffmann, Marcy-Holmes
East River Road Bridge over I-94
Sunset…The blazing glow of Minneapolis skyscrapers surrounded by pinks, purples, and bright oranges…Water glistening mercury below…The roar of cars whizzing by like the sound of an angry ocean. Awesome!
—Mary Harper, University
Best summer festival or event
Stone Arch Festival of the Arts
We think this art fair is the best the Twin Cities has to offer: eclectic, with a great riverfront view. It draws folks from near and far, yet maintains a wonderful “neighborhood” feel.
—Patricia and Eric Nauman, Marcy-Holmes
Best activity that can be done with a beer in one hand (legally)
Typing
— Editor’s pick
last revised: August 14, 2007