Aveda Institute
The Aveda Institute in Northeast Minneapolis is my choice for a great massage at a great price. The massages are performed by students, so the price is less than half of what you'd pay at a regular spa. The price is approximately $45 for a one hour massage. Most often, you will get a private room. Once in a while, there will be a room with a curtain divider. It is a very relaxing environment, with music playing the whole time. They select the scented oils based on how you are feeling that day (which areas need what massage work, etc). Usually, the instructor only stops in one time during the hour massage to check on the student, and they RARELY ever speak, so you are getting a total spa experience. It's a great treat.
PROS: Great Price
CONS: Once in a while, shared room
Pepperbury Gardens
Pepperbury Gardends is a first class landscaping company based out of Mound, MN. They do a lot of work around Minnetonka, MN..the "Beverly Hills" of MN. Therefore, they have can do beautiful work at many of the area mansions on the beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Pepperbury is an expert at making water features, including ponds and waterfalls. Check out their website at http://www.pepperberrygardens.com/.
PROS: Fantasic water features
CONS: none
Park Nicollet - St. Louis Park
Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park is my choice for a medical facility. I have gone to several doctors there. The facility is fantastic because it's all in one: doctors of every type, lab, pharmacy, urgent care, health store, and day surgery. I have been to the doctors, urgent care, and day surgery there. I have always received fantastic care. I like going to this type of "super store" of medical facility because I know that if I need further care, I can just travel down the hall as opposed to having to go across town.
PROS: All in one facility
CONS: none
Park Nicollet-Kara Hutton
My doctor is Kara Hutton at the internal medicine dept. at Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park. She is a Physician's Asst., but is just as great as a dr.
I have been going to her for a few years now and like her. She is very nice and always takes the time to ask how I am doing, and remembers details about my life. She has also referred me to specialists as needed. Also, I go to her for my yearly physical. It's much easier to get an appt. sooner than going to a gynecologist.
PROS: Friendly! Easy to get appts.
CONS: none
Zeno Coffee & Dessert Bar
Zeno is a coffee shop/cafe/bakery/wine bar in uptown Minneapolis. It is trendy as all get up, so a great place to possibly meet someone, for the single folk. Aside from the great decor and trendiness, it really does have excellent food. The food is very interesting, not boring. They have good sandwiches and a wonderful breakfast as well. Or, just have one of their fabulous desserts and a glass of wine or coffee drink. The selection is so vast you will never get bored here!
PROS: Great food and drinks
CONS: none
Half Price Books
Half Price Books is one of my favorite book stores in the Twin Cities of Mpls/St. Paul. The name says it all..the books are much less expensive than regular stores. Many of the books are used...gently, and therefore the reduced price. The selection is fantastic and rivals any big name book seller. They also sell new books and other gift items such as journals and calendars. You may bring in your books to this store to get paid for them.
PROS: Excellent selection of all types of books
CONS: none
PPL Shop
The PPL shop is a surplus shop in Minneapolis. Few people know about it. It is tucked away in an industrial area of Minneapolis. The shop has items that are at an extremely reduced price. Each week they offer deals on items. I once bought an entire set of china for $6! As a prop designer for area theatres, this shop is one of my favorite stops for furnishings and china at crazy low prices. They also have surplus and used office furniture.
PROS: Very good prices. Wonderful sales
CONS: Items are changed frequently.
Theatre in the Round
Theatre in the Round is a professional community theatre in the Seven Corners neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. I have worked there for years as a volunteer. They have the best staff around; they make you feel like a star for doing volunteer work. TRP (standing for Theatre in the Round Players) has an excellent resource of furniture, props, and costumes. As a freelance designer, it is wonderful to have such a selection of items readily available. When you volunteer at TRP, you know that your work is being seen and appreciated by the many season ticket holders and other theatre patrons.
PROS: Great staff. Fantastic building and resources
CONS: Small parking lot.
The Local
The Local is a fantastic Irish Pub, right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant is HUGE and offers traditional Irish cuisine and American favorites as well. Other than possibly your Friday or Saturday night, you will usually get a table right away, as they have several rooms. They also offer a good amount of outdoor seating right on Nicollet Mall, for the summer time meal. Nicollet Mall is quaint and much safer than say, Hennepin Ave in Mpls. Eating some Irish fare and sipping on a beverage (their bar is top knotch, too!) on a warm summer evening; I can't think of a better time. Even though I once got dumped here, and had my going away party from a job I got laid off from, I still LOVE this place!
PROS: Patio! Great Irish Food! Fun Bar. Fantastic Decor.
CONS: Not a one.
Mayslacks Music Lounge
Mayslacks Music Lounge is a casual restaurant/bar in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis. This is Polish country! Mayslacks is not fancy. Come as you are here...jeans and tshirts are best. This is your grungy, next door bar that's been around for a long time. Sometimes that's the best kind of place to frequent. They boast about their roast beef sandwich. It is good, but not as big as you might think. Don't get the small size...go for the bigger one. They have live music here many nights, so check them out for a casual evening out.
PROS: Relaxed atmosphere
CONS: A little too grungy, little parking.