Falls Hardware Hank

Maybe you're still thinking about what holiday gift to give that hard to buy for friend or relative . . how about taking a trip to your local hardware store? They have just about everything you need for your home or apartment, and a gift certificate is both practical and helps support a small, community business. One of several hardware stores in Longfellow, Falls Hardware Hank at 4008 Minnehaha Avenue is within walking distance of my home. They can be reached at 612-724-2441, or fallshardware@hotmail.com. Hours are: Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm; Sat 8 am-5 pm; closed Sunday.

Prairie Woodworking

In a small shop at 3535 East Lake St, some really beautiful furniture is being made. Prairie Woodworking, run by artist and woodworker Tim Granlund, designs and builds custom Prairie-style furniture, cabinets, built-ins and hardwood radiator enclosures. Prairie Woodworking's blog may be the best place to see photos of their recent projects, but you can also call and visit their showroom and workshop at 612-724-6805.

Riverview Theater

As we head into the cold, dark months of winter I feel lucky to have a good old fashioned, big screen movie house in our neighborhood. The Riverview Theater is truly a classic, featuring 1950's lobby decor, stadium seating with high-back rocker seats, and popcorn with real melted butter! This month's calendar features the 7th annual showing of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Dec. 18), as well as holiday favorites A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life (Dec. 21-23). General admission - $2 ($3 after 6 pm for ages 12-61) - special screening prices vary. They only take cash, so don't forget the wallet (there is an ATM on site). Located at: 3800 42nd Ave S; 612-729-7369.

Longfellow Grill

The Longfellow Grill is both a place to take your family and somewhere you might take someone special for a late meal on a Saturday night. The Grill features a bar, comfortable booths and patio seating in the warmer months that highlight its proximity to the Mississippi River. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu has a nice variety of urban diner food and some more unusual specialties like Salmon Scramble (for breakfast) and Steak & Pierogies (stuffed dumplings). The full bar features cocktails, bottled beer and close to a dozen craft beers on tap. Open 7 days a week starting at 7 am; Saturday & Sunday until 11 pm. 2990 W River Parkway; (612)721-2711.

Longfellow Community Council

A great resource for all things local is the Longfellow Community Council (LCC), the organization representing the Longfellow, Cooper, Howe and Hiawatha neighborhoods. If you're new to the area and looking to get involved with your neighbors, LCC hosts a variety of community meetings and events as well as committees of people who work on issues of development, transportation, housing, environmental restoration, restorative justice and more. LCC also promotes low-interest home improvement loans through the Center for Energy and Environment that are available to Longfellow residents. Check out LCC's website or call them at 612-722-4529.

Lake Street Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction

Thursday, Nov 17, 5:30-8:00 pm at El Nuevo Rodeo (3003 27th Ave S)

The Lake Street Council's biggest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds supporting the Council's work on strengthening and revitalizing the Lake Street Corridor and surrounding communities. Sample wine (from East Lake Liquor Store), beer (from Harriet Brewing), and authentic Mexican food while bidding on silent auction items donated by many of the businesses and residents that make Lake Street phenomenal. Tickets available at the door or online.

Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar

Situated across the street from Mother Earth Gardens and the Riverview Theatre (at the corner of 42nd Ave & 38th St), the Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar is a great neighborhood meeting place. The cafe offers organic Free Trade coffee, homemade sandwiches, free WiFi, and a fun children's play area. The adjoining Riverview Wine Bar, open Wed-Sun evenings only, serves over 100 wines, 40+ kinds of bottled beer plus appetizers, soups, salads, pizza and dessert. And to top it off, the Cafe and Wine Bar have a busy live music calendar and a weekly open mic night. Call for more info: Cafe (612)722-7234; Wine Bar (612)729-4200.

Mother Earth Gardens

One of the loveliest garden stores in the Twin Cities, Mother Earth Gardens is just across the street from the Riverview Theater at 2728 42nd Ave S. A dog & pet friendly store, Mother Earth specializes in organic gardening, sustainably grown plants and eco-friendly products. They are open year round (except for most of January) and are a popular place for natural Christmas trees, wreaths and gifts for the holidays - their unique gift shop features consignment and local items. Sign up for their email newsletter to stay informed on sales, classes and other info. Or call them at 612-724-2296.

El Nuevo Rodeo Restaurante

Looking for authentic Mexican food in Minneapolis? Look no further than Longfellow's own El Nuevo Rodeo Restaurante at 2709 E Lake St. As a family friendly full service restaurant, El Nuevo Rodeo serves a wide variety of Mexican cuisine, including regional recipes and fun deserts like fried bananas and the chocolate-lover's Kulkukan Chocolate Pyramid. They also offer a Little Amigo's menu for children, happy hour drink and appetizer specials (Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm), and a vibrant dance club with live music upstairs. Call 612-721-6808 for reservations.  Hours: Mon-Thur 11:30 am-9:30 pm; Fri-Sun 11:30 am-4 am.

Falls Liquor

A couple of blocks from the actual falls, Falls Liquor store has brightened up the corner of Minnehaha Ave & 46th St with a scenic mural depicting some of the local landmarks. They offer friendly service, frequent tastings, and a good selection of beer and craft brews from all over. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm. 4604 Minnehaha Avenue; 612-729-5958.

Fast Eddie's Pizzeria

Just a couple blocks from my house is a small pizzeria that has become a favorite with our family. Located at 3904 East 44th St, just off Minnehaha Avenue, Fast Eddie's serves fresh Italian thin crust pizza, ribs, Philly cheese steak and more. Fortunately, they also accommodate special requests for picky pizza eaters - cheese pizza, light on the sauce, anyone? Take-out or delivery only. Call to order at 612-729-7622.

The Hub Bicycle Co-op

At 3020 Minnehaha Avenue, The Hub Bike Co-op sports one of the biggest and most colorful murals in the city (compliments of local company Studio 253 Finishes). But even before the mural went up, The Hub had gained thousands of loyal customers, and will hold a September 29 grand opening at it's third location at the U of M Bike Center (401 Oak Street SE). The Hub is the only cooperatively owned and operated group of bike shops in the Twin Cities. In addition to bikes & gear, they offer repair & bike fitting services, and classes on bike maintenance, winter biking & more. The Minnehaha Ave shop can be reached at (612)729-0437.

Museum in the Streets: Lake Street

The Longfellow section of East Lake St will soon have a self-guided walking tour of local historical and cultural sites. It's part of the 'Museum in the Streets: Lake Street' project that will feature similar tours along Lake St at Midtown and West Lake St. The Museum in the Streets is a concept, and a company, created by Patrick Cardon, a museum director, historian and promoter of cultural heritage. These outdoor museums feature a series of panels with photos, descriptions and maps, and are designed, according to the Lake Street Council, to "foster a sense of historical identity, educate, encourage preservation of local historic sites and promote the knowledge of the stories, events and traditions of Lake Street." Did you know that from 1905 to 1911, Lake Street between 31st & 33rd Avenues had its own 10-acre Wonderland Amusement Park? Check out this article in the TC Daily Planet to find out more!

The Trylon microcinema

The Trylon is a microcinema that shows classic, independent and cult films in a 50-seat theatre located next to Peace Coffee on Minnehaha Avenue.  When it opened 2 years ago, The Trylon was the first single-screen independent theatre to debut in the Twin Cities in 40 years. With its deluxe rocker seats, 20-foot screen, two 35mm projectors and "1080p/24 digital projection and 8 channel sound", this is a movie lovers dream! The Trylon is run by Take-Up Productions, which also presents screenings at the Riverview, the Heights, and other neighborhood theatres. This month's offerings include Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, and a new documentary Life After Django Reinhardt, part of Jazz 88's REEL JAZZ Film Series. Advance tickets are available online, or with cash only at the box office. Showtime Hotline: 612-424-5468. Located at 3258 Minnehaha Ave.

Gandhi Mahal Restaurant

"Bringing peace by pleasing the palate" sets the tone for this socially conscious Bangladeshi & Indian restaurant. Ghandi Mahal, located across the street from Midori's Floating World Cafe on Lake & 27th, offers Indian cuisine cooked with locally & sustainably grown ingredients and using the owner's family recipes. Taking inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, their mission is to "provide high quality, healthy food that promotes a peaceful mind and experience in a soothing environment." This environment is enhanced by live Indian, Hindustani and Iranian classical music on Wed-Sun evenings. Open for lunch (11:30-3:00) and dinner (5-10 pm) 7 days a week. 3009 27th Ave S, Mpls 55406. Call for take-out, delivery or catering (612) 729-5222.

Midori's Floating World Cafe

Inside an ordinary looking brick building on the corner of Lake Street & 27th Ave, Midori's Floating World Cafe offers Japanese cuisine at its best. Midori's offers traditional sushi, tempura, and noodles along with contemporary favorites and their own unique creations (like Aria's Tempura Rice Balls & Sushi Birthday cake!) They also serve a wide variety of tea, beer, wine, sake and sake cocktails. The phrase 'Floating World' refers to a Japanese artistic movement, and it's no surprise to learn that the owners of this cafe are artists themselves. Open for lunch & dinner - closed Mondays. Check out their fun website for photos, menus, prices & specials. Call for reservations: 612-721-3011. Address: 2629 East Lake St, Mpls 55406.

Sea Salt Eatery

Truly one of the treasures of living in Longfellow, Sea Salt Eatery offers up delicious fresh seafood, wine, imported bottled beer and locally brewed beer on tap, all in within steps of Minnehaha Falls. Often crowded during dinner and weekends with lines for both seafood and Sebastian Joe's ice cream snaking out into the park, the wait is both pleasant and rewarding. Bring your out-of-town visitors for a meal and a walk along Minnehaha Creek! Open seasonally from April to October. Summer hours: Tue-Sat 11 am- 9 pm; Sun & Mon 11 am-8 pm. Located within Minnehaha Falls Park at 4801 Minnehaha Ave. Ph: 612-721-8990.

Turtle Bread Now Open in Longfellow!

Just opened at 42nd Ave S & 34th St, the Longfellow Turtle Bread Company joins its three sister locations (48th & Chicago, Linden Hills & Downtown Mpls) in offering artisan breads, pastries, baked goods and more. Turtle Bread's philosophy is summed up in the slogan "Great Bread Takes Time", and like a turtle who finally wins the race, I'm glad they finally made it to Longfellow! With both indoor and outdoor seating on the (relatively) quiet 34th St side, the new Turtle Bread promises to become a popular gathering place. Hours are 6 am-6 pm; call 612-545-5757 for questions or to place an order.

Harriet Brewing

Harriet Brewing microbrewery recently opened it's doors at 3036 Minnehaha Ave South in Longfellow and this Saturday (3/5) they will open their tasting room for the first time!  Beer is served in take-home "growlers" (64 oz bottles) and can be returned when buying some more beer.  Harriet Brewing is open Wednesday through Friday 4:00 - 7:00 and Saturday 1:00 - 6:00. They offer open tours on Saturdays, and the tasting room features an Art Gallery. I have not tried this beer yet, but I am itching to!

Natural Built Home

Natural Built Home has been offering the "safest and most sustainable building and finishing materials" in the neighborhood at 4020 Minnehaha Avenue since Earth Day 2006.   Their mission is to make sustainability accessible to everyone:  homeowners, contractors, architects and designers.  It is a great source for ZERO VOC paints!  We are lucky to have this resource right in the neighborhood.  Check out their class schedule.  They are open Monday by appointment, Tue-Thurs 10:00-7:00, Friday 10:00-6:00 and Saturday 10:00-5:00. 

Dairy Queen is Open!

Dairy Queen at 4740 Minnehaha Avenue South and adjacent to Minnehaha Falls park opened this week!  While this DQ is in a pretty new buliding, it seems like it has been at this location forever.  Being from Texas, it seems strange to me that a DQ would shut down for the winter.  As a current Minnesotan, I'll take the opening of DQ as a sign that summer WILL return.  Really.  The current hours on 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday - Saturday.

Longfellow Shines!

The data rich Twin Cities Housing Market 2010 Annual Report was recently released by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.  This report covers the 13 county metro area.  Longfellow (area 303) came in #1 and #2 in a couple of categories that you actually WANT to place high in.  Longfellow ranked #2 in percent of original list price received, at 95.3% or original list price received.  This likely means that homes are being priced well and are therefore commanding a higher percentage of the list price. Longfellow was at the top of the list for "days on market until sale" at 74 days!  These two measures point to a healthier real estate market and suggest strong demand for the area.  This comes as no surprise to me.  Longfellow is an amazing place to live!!

Peace Coffee

Peace Coffee Wonderland Park Coffee Shop opened their doors at 3262 Minnehaha Avenue South this past November.  Peace Coffee has been in business since 1996 and their mission is "to make exceptional-tasting, fair-trade organic coffee that sustains the livelihoods of the people who grow, roast, and sell it; preserves and protects the environment that produces it; and delights the taste buds of those who drink it."  Drop in to welcome them to the neighborhood and get your taste buds delighted!  The name of this coffee shop comes from the Wonderland Amusement Park that operated in Longfellow from 1905 - 1911.  Hours: Monday - Saturday 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Living in Longfellow

I have lived in the greater Longfellow neighborhood with my family for the past 8 years and I absolutely love it here!  There are so many great amenities in the area - coffee shops, restaurants, shops, parks and of course the beautiful Mississippi River.  One of the things I love the most about the neighborhood is the feeling of community in the heart of the city.  Our National Night Out block party is one of my favorite events of the year!  I am fortunate to have such fantastic neighbors.

As a Realtor, I have many clients who have purchased homes in Longfellow and usually have clients that are considering  a new home in Longfellow.  I am creating this blog for my past, present and future clients.  (If other folks want to read it, that is fine too!) My goal is to show off a bit of Longfellow - to give a good introduction to folks who are considering living here and perhaps help current residents discover something new.

To start things off, I am using a photo of me on a billboard just East of 36th Street on Lake Street in Longfellow.