Grand Avenue leads west out of downtown St. Paul, running for about five miles almost to the Mississippi River.
The main commercial part of Grand Avenue is the mile in between Dale Street and Lexington Avenue. This area has the highest concentration of stores and restaurants, and is very walkable in fine weather.
There are more shops and restaurants east of Lexington Avenue, mostly in the couple of blocks east of Snelling Avenue.
Shopping Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue is known for it's many independent shops and stores. You'll find fashion, lifestyle, jewelery and art stores, together with spas, galleries and fitness studios.
Among the many fashion stores, Karma, Flirt Boutique, Picky Girl, Hot Mama and Shu Global Footwear are fashionista favorites.
Saga Living sells contemporary stylish Scandinavian decor, and Cooks of Crocus Hill is a dream store for anyone who loves to cook.
Charlemagne is a fine jewelry store. Galleries Benevolent Acorn, Evla Pottery, and the Grand Hand Gallery all represent local artists.
Stylish pets and their owners can find everything they need at Don't Make Me Beg. Babies of the human kind are catered for at Baby Grand, and Twin Cities toy retailers Wonderment and Creative Kidstuff.
Eating and Drinking on Grand Avenue
There are also many wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee shops on Grand Avenue.Dixies on Grand may serve Southern comfort food, but it's a Minnesota institution. Just over the road from Dixie's is the Barbary Fig restaurant with wonderful Middle Eastern cuisine, and the rest of Grand Avenue is just as diverse, with many American and international restaurants.
Grand Avenue's International Restaurants
Grand Avenue has several coffee shops like Cafe Latte and Amore Coffee. Some of the Twin Cities' best ice cream is at the Grand Ole Creamery.
Coffee, Cakes and Ice Cream: Treats on Grand Avenue
Events on Grand Avenue
The Grand Avenue Business Association holds several events over the year. The biggest event is Grand Old Day, held annually at the beginning of June. On Grand Old Day there is a parade down Grand Avenue and a whole day of live music and entertainment.
A schedule of events is posted on the Grand Avenue Business Association's website. Also not to be missed are the annual Halloween and Grand Meander winter celebrations.
