Lyndale - Minneapolis, MN

Originally named for Lyndale Farm that covered the area during the late 1800s, the neighborhood of Lyndale came into being during the early 20th century when Minneapolis began expanding south of Lake Street. Dozens of houses and buildings arose during this time, and street cars connected Lyndale to the rest of the city. Although you do not find any museums in the neighborhood, the historic brick buildings stand as a constant reminder of Lyndale's heritage.

History and art meet at the WallDogs on Nicollet murals that depict various figures, events and historical events painted on the street's buildings. After taking a stroll down memory lane, head to Huge Improv Theater for another taste of Lyndale's strong artistic presence.

During the summer, take part in Lyndale's eco-friendly culture during the Open Streets Minneapolis event by Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition. Stretching along Lyndale Avenue, this free festival invites you to ride your bike as you enjoy live music and local food vendors.

Drawing from its uptown atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Lyndale stands out as one of the trendier places to grab a bite in south Minneapolis. Take your pick from authentic Mexican and Peruvian cuisine, organic cafes and a range of other local establishments that cater to the hipster crowd. A few hole-in-the-wall eateries hidden in the neighborhood serve up cheap eats, but you can also find more upscale dining along the culinary hot spots of Lake and Lyndale.

Whether you crave ice cream on a hot summer day or a warm mocha in the winter, be sure to step into the whimsical Sonny's Cafe for organic and sustainable goodies. Try a few scoops of the famous Sonny's Ice Cream made right in the shop from Minnesota cream. You may have to shell out a few bucks for this delicacy, but the unique flavors like coconut sweet corn, salted caramel and even olive oil give you plenty of bang for your buck. If you are not in the mood for sweets, order the vegan pizza piled high with olives and veggies or a yummy grilled portobello mushroom panini.

For an unbeatable Mexican dinner, stop by Hola Arepa to order some crispy yucca fries with chimichurri sauce or the quesillo salad tossed with cheese curds. Hola may sport an outdated exterior, but this cozy restaurant gives off a trendy and laid-back vibe. For slightly more upscale Latin American dining, stop into Los Andes Restaurant to feast on seafood-infused rice and fried plantains while watching Mexican soap operas on the TV.

You'll find a few bars and lounges nestled in the neighborhood and perched along Lake Street, and even more clubs and live music venues await further down the street to the west. For a night out with friends, head to Pat's Tap to order some cheap beer and a Bloody Mary while chowing down on a veggie burger. Locals flock to Pat's on the weekends to enjoy specialty cocktails while playing a game of Skeeball. Nicollet's street parking gets crowded, so turn the corner to 35th for a better chance of finding a spot.

Bordering 35W and situated just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis, Lyndale provides a fast and easy commute if you are heading to work by car. Plus, you can enjoy plenty of free street parking throughout the neighborhood. Just watch out for the snow emergency warnings along the streets to avoid parking tickets after a heavy snowfall. If you prefer public transportation, hop on one of the city buses along Lyndale for a fast ride into downtown, but be aware the toll increases during rush hour.

If you need a quick ride to the airport, call up Gold and Green Taxi or Uber for a pick-up. If you want to join Minneapolis in going green and riding your bike, take advantage of the bike lanes on 1st and Blaisdell for a smooth ride. Lyndale's heavy concentration of amenities on its major streets makes it easy to pick up a loaf of bread by bike or on foot. Just watch out for slippery sidewalks during the winter.

Living in Lyndale gives you easy access to city parks and picturesque Minnesota lakes, and the neighborhood itself provides a tranquil refuge in Painter's Park. Lie on the grass during the summer as you enjoy an ice cream cone from Crema Cafe across the street, or take your kids to explore the playground. Stop by Painter's Park whenever you want to play a game of tennis or kickball. If looking for some winter fun, check out the recreation center for fitness programs. Feel free to bring your dog to the park, but remember to keep him leashed.

Convenient access to downtown and a trendy atmosphere keep Lyndale's cost of living close to average for the Minneapolis metro area. With apartment buildings making up roughly one-third of the neighborhood's residential area, Lyndale has become a renter's paradise with a one-bedroom apartment going for about $900 a month.

Free of malls and busy shopping centers, Lyndale creates a more casual atmosphere with locally owned specialty stores alongside thrift shops and convenience stores. Walk down Lake Street to pick up a vintage record at Extreme Noise and find some bargains at Uptown Pawn, or explore nearby neighborhoods for high fashion and charming boutiques.

Located just across from Crema, June carries gently used brand-name clothing without the outrageous prices. Find everything from Chanel and Dior to Prada and Pucci, and the handbag selection never disappoints.

For all your herbs, essential oils and homeopathic remedies, stop by Present Moment Herbs & Books. Browse a wide selection of books as you take in the scents of lavender and exotic spices, or pick up some herbal tea for your cold.

When it comes to grocery shopping, you have a few local options like Uptown Grocery and Walgreens on Lake Street. If you are looking for local produce, drive a few miles north on Lyndale to the Minneapolis Farmers Market.