Edina, MN

Edina began as a refuge for Irish immigrants when just over a dozen families moved to the area in the 1850s. Other farmers followed until the community became its own town in 1888. Edina slowly lost its rural atmosphere as housing developments and retail areas grew during the 20th century, but the small town never surrendered its strong sense of community and emphasis on the land's natural beauty. Feel free to visit the Edina Historical Society whenever you need a refresher course on the town's rich heritage.

Over the years, Edina has become a cultural hub with its ever-growing art scene that includes countless dance studios, craft stores and performing arts centers. The Edina Art Center stands as a central pillar for the artistic community, offering classes like ceramics, painting and media arts for residents of all ages. For a taste of the local culture, check out the annual Edina Art Fair at 50th and France to buy hand-crafted artwork from more than 300 vendors or partake in the interactive community art pieces.

You might expect overpriced fine dining in a city as affluent as Edina, but this culinary scene is anything but stuffy. From trendy Japanese restaurants to all-American diners that hearken back to Edina's early days, find plenty of innovative eateries along France and hidden throughout the neighborhoods. Upscale and mid-priced restaurants abound, but your favorite budget joints await in the shopping center food courts.

For your basic burgers and fries, stop into Convention Grill, an old-school diner serving up a mean cheeseburger made with smoked Cheddar. Although the greasy diner food stands out as a guilty pleasure, the old-fashioned milkshakes remain Convention's biggest draw. Try the towering hot fudge sundae, but be warned the regular size can feed several.

Visit Salut after a long day of work to reawaken your taste buds with creative French-American fusion cuisine. Try the French onion soup or croque madame, and end your meal with a slice of the restaurant's famous red velvet cake. Let your waiter know of any dietary restrictions; the chef is always willing to switch up a dish to accommodate your needs.

For happy hour specials and exotic cuisine, join the locals at Nakamori Japanese Bistro to sample the Pink Lady and Winter rolls at the casual sushi bar. If you leave room for dessert, the red bean or tempura ice cream makes for an exotic treat.

Edina has a very scant bar, live music and club scene with just a few local dive bars and grills, but plenty of entertainment awaits in downtown Minneapolis just a short drive up the interstate.

After enjoying a quiet weekend in the suburbs, hop on Interstate 494 for an easy commute to downtown Minneapolis and the rest of the Twin Cities. Revel in free parking throughout the city, but watch where you park during the winter. You might get a parking ticket if you are parked along the street when the snow plow comes around. For more distant destinations, the international airport lies just a few miles away. Call a cab or a ride-share service like Uber for a ride to the terminal.

Edina's suburban locale means public transportation options remain scant, but you can always bike around the neighborhood during the warmer months. A few bike lanes, bike-friendly roads and scenic trails snake through the neighborhood to create a safe riding space. Just be aware that Edina's scattered amenities make running errands on foot or by bike something of a challenge. Remember that you can always park in one of the mall lots before exploring the retail district on foot.

Edina's public parks center around its sparkling lakes, creating endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and free entertainment. The expansive Rosland Park stands out as a local favorite for its waterfront bike trails, disc golf course and children's playground. The community also meets each Independence Day to watch the fireworks over Lake Cornelia free of charge. If you are looking for somewhere to exercise your canine friend, stop by Van Valkenburg Park to let him run around the off-leash area.

For more of an urban park atmosphere, head to Centennial Lakes Park to meander through the well-groomed pathways surrounding the lake. Watch the man-made geyser spray water into the air from the swinging benches, or attend the park's "Fall Into the Arts" festival to view sculptures, photography and other exhibitions.

Edina's beautiful parks and picturesque residential areas attract the Twin Cities' elite, and it remains one of the most affluent suburbs in the metro area. Entertainment and grocery prices never climb too high, but the city's strong housing market keeps Edina's cost of living well above average for Minneapolis. The city also has a few apartment complexes with the median cost for a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $1,000.

Edina's large assortment of shopping centers and upscale fashion boutiques along France Avenue creates a unique shopping experience that caters to the picket-fence crowd. Most shoppers visit this high-end retail hub to spend big bucks, so look to nearby neighborhoods for your discount retailers and cheap thrift stores.

You may be minutes from the Mall of America, but you find plenty of mid-priced fashions at Southdale Center, which holds the title as the country's first covered shopping mall. For an even bigger selection, make a day of exploring Galleria Edina on France.

The award-winning Corset Styling & Fashion Boutique focuses on clothing and accessories for women of all ages. From the hottest styles of the season, to personal styling packages including complete wardrobe styling assistance, it offers everything for creating a complete look. Proud to serve all body types, This shop carries a full range of sizes, casual and professional, by a mixture of international vendors and local artisans. For everything underneath, from luxury lingerie to comfortable sports bras, check out La Bratique. Don't be afraid to ask the staff to help you find a bra with a perfect fit.

Pick up your bread and milk at the Edina Market & Deli. The Whole Foods Market serves as a local staple for organic groceries. For even more local produce, check out the farmers market at Centennial Lakes Park during the summer.