Welcome to StuartCo’s new “Playing Tourist” series, where we’ll be exploring different communities within the Twin Cities, and reporting back with recommendations for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Be sure to check out all of our stops here!
Edina is a suburb located less than 10 miles from Minneapolis—with a population of nearly 50,000 and a nationally renowned school district, it’s a thriving metropolis all on its own.
StuartCo has two properties right in the heart of Edina—One Southdale Place and York Plaza. If you’d rather be a resident than a tourist, you’ve got two wonderful options!
Both properties are just steps from some of the best dining and entertainment the Twin Cities has to offer!
RECREATION
Both properties are within walking distance to Centennial Lakes Park, which features a farmer’s market and plentiful outdoor entertainment in the summer (including music and movies, a putting course, lawn games and paddleboats). As the weather cools down, the canals are transformed into a charming ice skating rink with warming house and hot chocolate stations.
In addition to Centennial Lakes, the Edina Promenade is perfect for strolling through in all seasons—there’s a unique sculpture, quaint park bench, or interesting lawn game around every corner. Finish off the afternoon at Pinstripes for some delicious food and indoor bocce ball.
SHOPPING
The 50th and France area of Edina is definitely an experience all its own. With over 175 retailers and services, time spent exploring always results in a great new find whether it’s a boutique shop or unique restaurant.
Grab a fresh face mask and bath bomb at Lush before treating yourself to a cooking class next door at Cooks of Crocus Hill. Pick up a unique baby gift at Pacifier, and some fun workout wear for yourself at Title Nine and Athleta. And after an exhausting day of shopping, make sure to save time for a relaxing massage at Spalon Montage, and a glass of wine at Beaujo’s Wine Bar.
Did we mention we could spend an entire day—or weekend—here?
ARTS
If you’re looking to spend some time indulging your creative side, the Edina Art Center offers classes from pottery to painting. They also have a gallery, and original artwork can be purchased in the gift shop.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the 51st Annual Edina Art Fair next June—this is one of the first art fairs of the summer and includes a diverse collection of art, entertainment, and food.
DINING
Edina is home to several award-winning restaurants, making it easy to find something everyone will enjoy!
For a diner-style meal, stop by Snuffy’s Malt Shop and order the ultimate brownie sundae. Just be prepared to share- this comes with lots of brownies and ice cream, whipped cream, and of course, cherries on top!
Convention Grill is a neighborhood institution serving classic, delicious diner food (make sure to order the cheeseburger and fries).
Looking for something a bit different than diner food?
Recently remodeled, The Hilltop is a classic Edina spot that’s been given a new modern twist.
There are a variety of options in the 50th and France neighborhood, including Barrio (Latin Cuisine & Tequila bar), Salut Bar Americain (French bistro), Edina Grill (contemporary American) and Red Cow (updated pub eats).
OUR EDINA TEAM RECOMMENDS
We couldn’t play tourist without asking one of our own team members about their dream “staycation” day!
One Southdale Place’s Assistant Property Director Jenny has a few recommendations for a great Edina foodie tour:
“Start off with a smoothie for breakfast at Agra Culture. For lunch, salad and dessert is the way to go! Get the chop salad and cheesecake at Tavern on France. And who can resist a good happy hour? It doesn’t get much better than the chips and guacamole (washed down with a margarita of course) at Barrio.”
Are you an Edina resident with a recommendation of your own? Let us know in the comments below!
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