Simple Summer Secrets

I spent a day with my God-daughter and her lil' sis this past weekend, and for 24+ hours we did a summer day in Mpls right. We, not once, but twice went to the Elf house on Lake Harriet. If you are a parent, you know of it. If you aren't a parent and know of it, then I like your wise wonderment of this local sweet secret. This appropriately small piece of prime real estate is tucked on the south side of the lake. Just look for the kids gathered about dropping off or picking up notes to and from this nice gnome. I stood in amazement observing what a little wooden door at the base of a tree feeds the imagination of a 4 and 6 yr old. Taking in this simple pleasure is what we long for on a dark day in February, so go feed your summer soul, even if you don't have tiny tots around you...


We also hit what my sweet and savory palate has been longing for, a taste of Salty Tart, the James Beard pastry chef nominee, or, as I observed, the Happy-Go-Lucky-Pastry-Chef-Owner, Michelle Gayer. Who can be this happy 7 days a week, working a self-run bakery and the top pastry spot at La Belle Vie? Well, she can. Anyway, this is a way to spend a Sunday - supporting a local, renowned chef in an epic ethnic environment of the Midtown Global Market. And even better, exposing a young mind to this sustainable thinking and quality of consuming.

Another hidden gem I've hit with the itty bittys - Crema Cafe. It's a slice of Europe right on 34th and Lyndale. Ok, the food menu can be "ify", but if you go for the romance of the vine-filled ally, and an ice cream, you're set for simply summer satisfaction.



Did you know the Lake Harriet Streetcar #1300, turns 100 on July 13th? Celebrate with cake and ice cream @ 1:00 pm, entertainment and "fun for all".

Hopefully no secret, St Paul Saints, how baseball is meant to be enjoyed. And, Grand Ole Creamery.

Liberty Frozen Custard, 5401 Nicollet Ave, Mpls (612) 823-8700

Wagners Drive-In, 3712 Quebec Ave S, St Louis Park, (952) 933-1857.

Peppermint Twist, 40 minutes west of the cities is this small-town sweatheart, serving drive-in standards with shakes made with chunks of candy peppermint! 115 Babcock Blvd., Delano, 763-972-2572

It's summer, take it in like a kid....