West End - Golden Valley, MN

Hopkins proudly calls itself Minnesota's Raspberry Capitol, although hardly a raspberry bush can be found in town today. In the 1930s, to boost community spirits and pride during the Depression, the farming village began to celebrate one of its tastiest crops with an annual festival. Those farms disappeared in the decades to follow, replaced by housing developments and businesses — including the Cargill Corporation — but the tradition continues, with a parade, princesses and plenty of food vendors selling raspberry treats.

Year-round cultural activities headquarter at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, located on Main Street, across from the second-run Hopkins Cinema. The theater space hosts music, dance, and the Stages Theatre Company, which stages children's productions. A gallery showcases regional artists. Special events and classes, like Paints and Pints (of beer, that is), let residents become a part of the creative process.

Unique family-owned restaurants along historic Main Street give Hopkins real flavor. The largely casual and family-friendly selection includes the classic sports bar Big 10 and the sushi spot Aji Japanese. In addition to sushi, Aji features a fun hibachi experience and a large lunch buffet. Families find Aji the perfect place for a casual night out with the kids.

A couple of truly unusual options speak to the diversity of the Hopkins community. Sambusa King's authentic African takeout delights intrepid souls who venture into this hole-in-the-wall gem. Another takeout favorite, Crumley's Lunchbox, builds a far better sandwich than the ubiquitous chains. Expect old-fashioned Dagwood-style stacks on thick squares of fresh bread. Samba Taste of Brazil focuses on roasted meats served with traditional spiced rice and bean sides. Live music makes this establishment the perfect locale for a rich night out.

Located in a renovated brick train depot along Excelsior Boulevard, the Depot Coffeehouse started out in 1998 as a high school economics project designed to provide business experience and chemical-free evening entertainment. When several adjacent rails-to-trails bike trail projects reached completion, it also became a welcome coffee break for bike commuters and an ice cream reward stop for families. The Depot's live music and open mic nights attract people of all ages. Families also love the Hopkins Cinema, a clean, modern second-run theater that sells tickets for just $2.50.

Drive to Hopkins via I-394, Highway 100 and Highway 169. Free parking abounds, including a free parking ramp off Main Street across from the movie theater. Pedestrians and bicyclists get respect here too. You can comfortably stroll the length of downtown; most businesses are congregated in a 10-block stretch. A historic walking tour highlights 21 buildings of note. Metro Transit operates several bus routes through Hopkins. Cabs can be called but not hailed here, and Uber is always an option.

Four major bicycle trails consider Hopkins either a trail head or hub where you can switch gears from the paved Cedar Lake Trail beloved by commuters to a hard-packed gravel recreational trail that leads to Lake Minnetonka or beyond. Trail maps are posted on kiosks by the Depot Coffee House off Excelsior Boulevard.

Minnehaha Creek flows from Lake Minnetonka to Minneapolis, winding through Hopkins along the way. Much of the creek is concealed by private property, but the 35-acre Minnehaha Creek Preserve lets the public get close to the water, and the creek itself is public and open to canoeists when the water is high enough. Local kids learn to swim at Shady Oak Lake, a busy fee-access beach with lessons and lifeguards. A network of city parks offer ice skating, sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Overpass Skate Park, located under the highway 169 bypass, gives skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bikers a challenging, protected area to try out their tricks.

Hopkins offers a rich variety of cultural experiences and a high quality of life to its residents. The cost of living remains more affordable than many other, less interesting Twin Cities suburbs. The smaller, older housing stock may be part of that story, as bungalows and farmhouse-style architecture are less favored in suburbia. The urbanist appeal of downtown Hopkins has attracted developers, and luxury apartments and new condos have popped up downtown. Average one-bedroom apartments rent for around $1,000 a month, and expect to pay double that for a three-bedroom downtown condo.

Two main business districts show off two sides of Hopkins. The historic downtown area attracts small, local, unique and sometimes quirky businesses. A half-dozen antiques stores on Main Street fit perfectly with the historic vibe. Blackstone Manor Clock Repair harkens back to the era of repair rather than replace. Mill City Sound caters to music collectors and vinyl hounds, selling turntables as well as new and used CDs and LPs. Baby Grand's carefully selected collection of high-end baby gear attracts choosier parents. Bargain hunters frequent Hopkins Thrift Bakery for day-old bread, pastries and cakes. The best deal? Three loaves of bread for $1.75. Driskill's Foods, one block off Main Street in downtown, offers a full array of groceries.

Outside of the historic district, big box groceries, chain retailers and fast food restaurants provide the basics in a clustered shopping area just off the highway.