Week 8 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

Behind the Scenes Look at Preparations for Saturday's Global Water Dances at Stone Arch Bridge

StarTrib writer Jessica Bakeman provides a behind the scenes look at what goes into preparing for the annual summer solstice celebration - the Global Water Dances.  You can watch the performances live if you get to the Stone Arch Bridge by 5pm this Saturday, June 25.  Click here for the June 22 online article (or see the Variety section in today's paper).

New Event in the Mill District: Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour

We recently learned of a fun new activity coming to the Mill District Saturdays, July 2 - October 15:  The Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.

President Rebecca Pfeiffer explained the inspiration behind Taste Twin Cities Food Tours, and how she decided to base a tour in the Mill District:

"Being an avid traveler and food lover, it was suggested to me to participate in a food walking tour while on my last vacation.  It was a fabulous experience to try food at local eateries that I would have never thought to try, while at the same time meeting other foodies and learning about the history and culture of that city.  I enjoyed it so much I wanted to bring this experience to the Twin Cities for our local residents and visitors; to get to know our rich food scene and unique neighborhoods.
 
Our first tour is called the Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.  This tour was created to enjoy vibrant historical neighborhoods, amazing views of the Mississippi River all while eating food and enjoying drinks that are proudly Minnesota made or owned."

Each tour is limited to 12 guests, beginning at Gold Medal Park and ending in Northeast Minneapolis (Hennepin Avenue & SE University Avenue).  With six tasting stops along the way, think of it as a very leisurely lunch (11:30am - 2:30pm).   To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

If you love to eat, try new foods and enjoy a fun experience learning about the history of the Twin Cities, this tour if for you!  Reservations are required, and at $43 per person it's an entertainment bargain.  We look forward to adding this tour to our 2011 Must Do List!

Mill City Times Celebrates 1 Year!

We launched Mill City Times in June 2010, starting with the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts.  Over the past 12 months, we've accumulated thousands of pictures, videos and articles, and have met numerous people who collectively make the Mill District a vibrant, engaged community.  Below are just a few of our favorites.

Favorite Picture - Happy Baby at the 2010 Aquatennial.

Favorite Event Video -  Dog's eye view of the 2011 Dog Day K5:

Best New Business Award - Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (Opened Summer 2010).

Rick Pratt and his staff run our neighborhood grocery store and deli in the Bridgewater Lofts building.  They have it all - coffee and bakery items in the morning, hot entrees and fresh sandwiches at lunch, salad bar, roasted whole chickens for dinner, and a great selection of general grocery items.

 Favorite Music Videos- J.D. Steele and the MacPhail Community Youth Choir: 

 1) Enjoy the Holiday

2) You've Got a Friend (Mr. Steele's intro really captures the passion and commitment of both himself and MacPhail Center for Music.)

3) Every Burden Shall Be Rolled Away

Neighborhood Champion Award - Naomi Williamson of Sanctuary the restaurant.

In addition to supporting local artists, participating in causes such as Dining Out for Life, and offering promotions with other businesses in the neighborhood, Naomi is very active with social media - creating a constant buzz.  (And the restaurant is pretty incredible, too!) 

Most Valuable Public Officials -

Lisa Goodman,  Minneapolis City Council Ward 7 Representative

Scott Vreeland, Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Commissioner District 3 

Coolest Event of the Year - The Zombie Pub Crawl (October 9, 2010)

We had so much fun taking pictures of the living dead that we created The Zombie Crawl Blog where you can see a new zombie every day until the 2011 Crawl rolls around!

Most Popular Series - 49 Steps to Insanity (Crown Hydro)

Saddest Loss - CorAzoN's Washington Avenue South location

Susan Zdon consolidated her business to the East Lake Street location in February, 2011, and we still feel the loss today.  From her funky inventory, promotional parties, art displays, and book signings - we miss Susan and her staff!

Most Inspiring Community Service - People Serving People

Can you imagine the fear, panic and despair a family with small children experiences when they suddenly find themselves homeless?  People Serving People (PSP) offers a clean, safe, structured environment while helping families get back on their feet.   

We have been in awe of the work they do since our tour in January.

Community Cornerstone Award -
Mill City Museum

 Much of the Mill District's history can be learned at the Mill City Museum -  through countless tours and programs, by exploring the building and courtyard, and in the wall of books for sale in the gift shop.   

We have used the Museum as our own personal History class since moving to the neighborhood.

Most Freakish Event- Metrodome Roof Collapse, December 12, 2010.

Favorite Live Music Venue- MacPhail Center for Music

Whether it's the Spotlight Series or a recital, Antonello Hall is exquisite.

Favorite Activity (May - October) - The Mill City Farmers Market, of course! 

Again, these are just a few of our favorites.  Everything we've experienced over the past year in this wonderful Mill District neighborhood could fill a book.  THANK YOU to everyone for the contributions that have helped make Mill City Times an interesting and informative site!  

Two Thumbs Up on Our First Visit to Wilde Roast Cafe

This past Thursday night we took a leisurely walk across the river to check out the newly relocated Wilde Roast Cafe at 65 Main Street SE.  It was a gorgeous night and the place was hoppin' - inside and out. 

Having never dined at Picaso (the restaurant occupying this space prior to Wilde Roast Cafe) we had no idea what to expect inside.  What a great space - it's roomy, yet intimate, with a decor that transitions from ice cream parlor/coffee shop to rich and warm dining.   The multiple tiers of seating provide informal chat areas as well as more private dining sections.  Great background music, too.

Our server, Joe, (above) was cool and collected despite how super busy it was.  The Thai Chicken Wrap and Tuna Noodle Hotdish were both tasty:

Of course we couldn't leave without sampling the gelato.  The night we visited, flavors ranged from standards such as chocolate and peach, to the more exotic olive oil and sea salt, garlic, and basil.  We went with cherry and peanut butter - both were delish with a wonderful consistency.  Flavors change daily, so we stopped back during the Stone Arch Art Festival and tried the Salted Caramel and Amaretto - both winners.

2nd Annual Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board Photo Contest

The Picture A Park photo contest has returned for its second year. The contest, sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB), People for Parks(PFP) and National Camera, is designed to highlight the life and times in Minneapolis parks year round.

Entries can depict people, activities, nature and places in the Minneapolis parks system from any time of the year.  The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents. Photos must be unpublished and taken in Minneapolis parks. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged. Photographers can submit up to four entries.

There is no entry fee. The deadline for submissions is September 5, 2011.   Rules and entry forms are available online at www.minneapolisparks.org.  Information is also available at National Camera Exchange's website.

Photographer Categories:
- Youth (ages 17 and under)
- Adult (ages 18 and up)

Subject Categories:
- Beauty in the Parks
- Events in the Parks
- Fun in the Parks

All images will be judged on the basis of impact, image quality, composition and story telling. First, second and third place will be determined in each age and subject category.   Photos entered in the contest will also be open for vote by the public for a Peoples Choice Award.

First place winners in the three subject categories in both age divisions will receive a 2012 calendar including their winning photograph. Second and third place winners will receive certificates of merit and recognition. Photos will be posted on the MPRB and PFP Web sites, and on display at select parks.

In addition, of the six first place winners, Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition will be determined, with the winners receiving a National Camera gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of their winning entry.
Peoples Choice Award winners will receive a 5 x 11-inch individually engraved paver at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

Week 7 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

The organic gods made sure the rain held off long enough for everyone to enjoy a dry trip to the Market today.

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

Can't wait to see what's new next week!  :)

City Pages Blog: Top 5 Restaurants Near the Guthrie for Dinner Before a Show

City Pages named the following spots as the Top 5 Restaurants Near the Guthrie for Dinner Before a Show:  Sea Change, Spoonriver, Wasabi, Sanctuary and Spill the Wine.

Mill District Business Spotlight: Coffee Gallery

In 2000 "Coffee Jon" Sherrell, a seasoned coffee shop owner, opened Coffee Gallery in the Open Book building at 1011 Washington Avenue South.  Back then our Mill District neighborhood looked nothing like the clean, visitor-packed destination it is today.  Liquor Depot stood across the street and Jon took it upon himself to patrol the 1011 building for unsavory characters. 

Considering everything that's transpired since then, we're lucky to still have this cozy spot for coffee, tea, juices, beer, wine, sandwiches, sweets, salads and soups.

On April Fool's Day, 2004, Jon was in a motorcycle accident that landed him in a coma and resulted in a severe brain injury.  Over the course of the next two years, Jon had to learn how to walk and talk again. He credits employees Jen and Dave with his business' survival during those years of recovery. 

 

Fast forward to today, and business has expanded to serve both a breakfast and lunch crowd.  In the past two years Dave has quadrupled the catering menu.

In addition to tasty drinks and fresh food, the space itself also draws you in.   Artwork on display changes frequently, and you can spend quite a bit of time taking in the cool structure and features of the historic building.  A wall of windows provides plenty of natural light (and apparently the perfect environment for the largest, most healthy Norfolk Pine I've ever seen).

Jon is one of many entrepreneurs and visionaries who were committed to transforming the Mill District from a run down area to be avoided to the vibrant, high profile neighborhood it is today.   My husband pops into Coffee Gallery frequently, and we hope both our residential and commerical neighbors check it out if they haven't done so already.

Pillbury A Mill listed on America’s 2011 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by National Trust for Historic Preservation

You may recall earlier this year the Pillsbury A Mill being included on the 2011 Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Most Endangered Historic Places List.

Articles were posted on both the StarTrib and MinnPost.com today regarding the Pillsbury A Mill being named one of America’s 2011 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

East Downtown Photo Contest

The "East Downtown Minneapolis - Can You Picture It?" photo contest is seeking photos, videos and other presentations that, through its people, architecture and public space, make the East Downtown district vibrant. 

The contest is sponsored by the East Downtown Council, and is open to everyone.  

Click here for information on deadlines, rules, prizes and more.

Today - Cedar Lake Regional Trail Grand Opening

New! Minneapolis History Pub Crawl: Washington Avenue

Minneapolis History Pub Crawl: Washington Avenue

3 nights this summer: July 12th, August 2nd, August 30th.

 

Discover the richness of Minneapolis history, and slake your thirst with some fine beverages along a single road: Washington Avenue. Travel down this busy but underappreciated street to see the importance of railroads, warehousing, flour milling, immigration, entertainment, and vice to the story of the Mill City. 

A trolley will take participants through the neighborhoods along Washington from 35W to Plymouth, with stops at significant historic places and two watering holes in historic buildings. Ages 21 and up only. Drink purchases are not included in the tour price. Drink specials will be made available at participating locations.

The tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street, and runs from  7:00pm-9:00pm.  The cost is $25 ($20 MHS members) and reservations are required.  Call 612-341-7555 for tickets.

Dog Day 5K from a Dog’s Eye View

A variety of breeds zipped across the Stone Arch Bridge during the 2nd Annual Dog Day 5K on June 11. 

See the entire set of 167 photos on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/sets/72157626939089942/

Week 6 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

501SP1N Announces New Instructors and Classes

The pilates program includes private and semi-private trainig, as well as small group classes. Click here to find out more about 501SP1N's Reformer Pilates program and schedule.

Behind the Scenes Nice Ride Article in the Journal

For some insight on what keeps Nice Ride running smoothly, click here for Jeremy Zoss' Journal article on the program, "Behind the Bikes -  A look at what it takes to run the bike-sharing program Nice Ride".

Nominate Mill City Farmers Market for 'America's Favorite Farmers Markets'

I noticed this link to vote for the 2011 America's Favorite Farmers Market on the Mill City Farmers Market website, and of course I cast a vote for them.

American Farmland Trust holds the annual America’s Favorite Farmers Markets™  contest to raise national awareness about the importance of buying fresh food from local farms and saving the farmland where it's grown.

From June 1 thru August 31, 2011, market shoppers can vote to support their favorite farmers market. 

At the end of the contest, one small, medium, large, and boutique, farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2011. The reward for the winning market in each category will be a feature article on the award winning foodsite Epicurious.com, plus other prizes from American Farmland Trust partners and sponsors.

Runners Start/Finish the Minneapolis Marathon in the Mill District

According to the announcers at the 2011 Minneapolis MarathonFinish Line, 4,800 runners participated in yesterday's race.  (According to Team Ortho's website, there were 3,576 finishers.)  500 volunteers were on hand to keep things running smoothly.  The race started at the Depot and ended at the Guthrie.

The Guthrie's Endless Bridge provided a birds eye view of the finish line:

Below, coming up on the finish line - runners pass the 35W Memorial construction site. 

Above, the vertical flags list each state represented by participating runners.

Spectacular Week 5 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

GrazeFest was the theme of this Saturday's Mill City Farmers Market.

More produce is appearing each week.

The  Blackberry Sorbet from Sonnys hit the spot after meandering around in the sun for an hour...

The animal babies are back!

See you there next week - rain or shine (but hopefully shine)!  :)