Minnehaha Yoga Studio & Body Repair Shiatsu and Massage Therapy

Near the corner of 42nd and Minnehaha Ave sit two studios that embody the movement toward healing and wellness in our society. Minnehaha Yoga Studio (414 Minnehaha Ave; 612-729-8387) is a boutique studio offering small classes and diverse styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Spa Yoga. Just next door is Body Repair Shiatsu & Massage Therapy (4147 Minnehaha Ave; 612-722-51820) where you can have a certified massage therapist do some "body repair", including Shiatsu and various kinds of therapeutic massage.

Sosa Puerto Rican Deli

Tucked inside the Sosa Foods convenience store at 39th & Minnehaha is Sosa Puerto Rican Deli. With seating limited to a counter and several tables, you might want to order carry out, but by many accounts this deli has some of the most authentic Puerto Rican food in Minneapolis. Especially recommended is a dish called mofongo, made from mashed plantains and combined with seafood, meat or vegetables. They are open Mon-Thur 10am-7 pm and Fri-Sun 10am-8:30pm. (612)728-9662.

Glass Endeavors

One more reason I like Living in Longfellow: artists and craftspeople like the ones at Glass Endeavors. A stained and fused glass studio and retail store, owners John & Zoi Sandy and their staff have many years of experience creating glass art and teaching the craft to others. They offer fun and affordable classes, custom design, repair & restoration of glass, crystal and china, and they sell finished products and supplies to make your own glass or mosaic pieces. Hours: Tue-Thu 10-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 (closed Sun & Mon). 612-721-9553. Located at 2716 East 31st St (next to the Minnehaha Ave post office).

Riverstone Salon Spa

Summer's here and it's time to relax and rejuvenate. Can't get away to the woods or your favorite quiet spot? How about a trip to your neighborhood spa? Riverstone Salon Spa offers a variety of hair, skin and nail care services, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and spa packages. Riverstone is locally owned since 2005 by Longfellow resident Tamie Drackert, and is located at 34th St & 42nd Ave S - right across from Turtle Bread. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 9pm; Sat 9-5 / 612-721-1518.

Longfellow Community Warming Party

Join your friends and neighbors on June 7th in celebrating everything that makes our neighborhood great! The Longfellow Community Council (LCC) is hosting the return of their Community Warming Party, bringing together the neighborhood for food and fun. The event will kick off the "Take a Look at Longfellow" campaign - showcasing some of the neighborhood's great places and history. There will also be a silent auction featuring donations from local artists and businesses with all proceeds benefiting LCC. The event is FREE and open to all!  Tuesday, June 7th - 5:00-7:00 pm - Longfellow Grill Patio (Lake St & West River Pkwy).

Guitar Rodeo

Being a music lover as well as a Longfellow resident, I am continually surprised at all the independent artists and craftspeople doing business in our neighborhood. Just a few blocks from my house is the Guitar Rodeo, where they build, sell & repair custom acoustic guitars. As the world's largest independent Taylor guitar dealer, they sell most of the guitars through their website, but you can stop in their showroom at 4151 Minnehaha Ave and see for yourself these beautiful instruments. Showroom hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm; Sat 11 am-3 pm. 612-767-2800.

Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center

Ballare Teatro ("Dance Theatre" in Italian) teaches dance to people of all ages, from toddlers on up. In 1998 dancer & owner Ann Williams founded Ballare Teatro, which currently has 4 studios and 16 highly trained dance instructors. They offer classess, workshops and performances in tap, ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop dance. That's a lot of dancing! They also have a full schedule of summer classes and workshops, including some fun pre-school and elementary age workshops like the 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Star Wars' (especially for boys). Located at 43rd & Minnehaha; 612-721-8619.