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Whether it’s biking, hiking, or kayaking down the mighty Mississippi, there is plenty to enjoy outside during Minnesota summers.  Minneapolis in particular offers much to explore.  With this new summer comes new interns with the Sol Team. As part of our experience, we have been getting to know the neighborhoods and all of the happenings within. This week, we took time to shop around some of the nearby farmers markets and experience the fresh and tasty local products. Scattered throughout the city, the farmers markets of Minneapolis are a popular weekly, sometimes daily destination for Minnesotans who are proud of their local farmers and want to support them in a fun, outdoor venue. Flowers, fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and homemade arts and crafts are just some of the items you will find as you explore the different markets.

The Minneapolis Farmers Market on East Lyndale Avenue by the International Market Square is the largest open air food market in the state. Local vendors showcase their passions here on a daily basis. In addition to produce and flower vendors, the site includes mini-donuts, refreshing lemonade, and hot dog stands, creating an environment reminiscent of the popular Minnesota State Fair.

Open on Thursdays, the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market is really the only market with a true downtown setting.  Vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables as well as craft jerky, honey, and hot sauce pitch tents along the busy street, hoping to catch the crowd’s attention by offering free samples.  For being in the heart of busy downtown Minneapolis, this market gives you the perfect opportunity to experience a lively intersection of urban and rural settings.

With the weekend comes perhaps the best time to visit the markets.  Open every Saturday, the Mill City Farmers Market is located next to the Guthrie Theater near the Mississippi River.  This market features the usual fresh produce and flowers, but also showcases homemade organic dog treats, barbeque sauces, fresh tea, and local hops for brewing your own beer.  While walking the riverfront this weekend, be sure to stop by and discover all this market has to offer.

These are just three of the many farmers markets scattered throughout Minneapolis. To see a schedule or to find a farmers market near your neighborhood, click here.

-Jack, Jordan & Carson

Minneapolis is the City of Water at the Summit of North America! – at least claimed by the 1869 “Guide to Minnesota,” (Minnesota is equidistant between Hudson Bay, Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, & the Pacific. Rivers run north, south, east, and west!) Minneapolis (mɪniˈ æ polɪs) means of water (In Dakota, mní = water + xaxa = waterfall, and in Classical Greek, polis = city).

Just as the travels did in 1869, June is the month to explore the waters of Minneapolis! From Soltvå & Solhavn hop on a nice-ride pedal down to the river, and cycle past the roaring St. Anthony Falls. Take the Stone Arch Bridge to explore our newest building Cozē – nestled on a hill above the falls overlooking the river and downtown skyline. Continue from Cozē down the East River Park Trail, to the Ford Dam – one of the last functioning dams you take in a canoe! Take the Minnehaha Creek Trail to the misty canyon of Minnehaha Falls for lunch at Sea Salt. Continue up the Minnehaha Creek to the Cain of Lakes and Solhem Uptown to enjoy the sunset and cool off with ice-cream on the Lake Calhoun docks. From Uptown take the Cedar Lake Trail, follow the aspen groves and prairie fields past Target Field back home to the North Loop.

Happy travels exploring your City of Water!
Jason & Stephanie

Check out the views from where you will be sitting beside the rooftop fire pit this fall! 🙂

We are a proud supporter of the Northern Spark all-night arts festival, lighting up Minneapolis on June 14, 2014.  Coze is steps from the Stone Arch Bridge, the Soap Factory, the Mississippi River, and this summer, the coolest city wide arts festival.  See you along the river June 14th!

http://northernspark.org/

The garage slab is being poured, the framing has commenced, and we can’t wait to see the building begin to quickly take shape.  There are already some pretty awesome views just from the first floor… can you imagine what they’ll be like while sipping on a glass of wine on the rooftop this fall?  We are so excited to see the building come to life!

Festival runs April 3rd – 19th, best of the festival films running April 20th-24th.  Check it out! mspfilm.org

Snuggle by the fire, catch up with a pal, havin’ a laugh, & bet the farm!