Grand Avenue

Take a refreshing step back in time and stroll down this 26-block St. Paul thoroughfare.

by Contributor

In Short
Meandering by college campuses (St. Thomas and Macalester) and through Victorian neighborhoods, Grand Avenue boasts cozy cafes, ethnic restaurants and one-of-a-kind stores. The always-busy Bibelot sells comfy cotton clothes, jewelry, books and gifts for gourmets, gardeners and kids. The few franchises, such as Juut Salonspa, have been carefully chosen to fit the neighborhood. There's also Summit Brewing Company for pints, Breadsmith for smells and sandwiches and the Red Balloon, a great children's bookstore.

08/10/02

great independent shops

by jazzme

I especially love the west end of Grand near Macalester campus. Great shopping, eating and people watching.

08/10/02

DO NOT use the new parking ramp

by tmdom

They've really made an effort to spruce up the Grand/Victoria area. J.Crew, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and the bookstore are nice additions. If you are a Minneapolis person, you won't be impressed, however. AND WHATEVER you do, DO NOT park in that new ramp. The exit and entrance are the same door, not to mention the poor design can cost you 30 minutes just to get down one level and out the door (but only after paying a HEFTY sum. I park downtown Mpls for work for $10/day and I gulped when - after an exasperating 20 minute wait just to get out of the ramp - I was charged $14. My advice: Use that time to find (free) street parking.

• Pros: Improved, Walkable
• Cons: Crowded, Parking is Bad