Photo by Michele Manske
The Cowles Conservatory in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
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Check it out: Experiences, places and finds worth your while in the Downtown area
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By Sarah McKenzie
Cowles Conservatory
Everyone needs a respite these days — some relief from the cold and all the bad news about the economy. And how about some humidity, beautiful greenery and sweet smells? Where can you find that without leaving the 612 area code?
The destination is the Cowles Conservatory in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The fragrance of all the plants and flowers in this special space is enchanting. This is the perfect spot to take a break.
On a recent afternoon, I took some time to sit on a bench in the conservatory's atrium, marvel at the "Standing Glass Fish" sculpture designed by Frank Gehry, appreciate the palm trees and soak up some sun radiating through the windows of the all-glass building.
Where: 726 Vineland Pl.
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday
Singing at Nye's piano bar
Maybe it's the American Idol effect, but for some strange reason, I'm not afraid of singing in public anymore. I really should be because I can't carry a tune to save my life. I've grown fond of singing duets with friends at Nye's legendary piano bar. On a recent evening, I sang a bunch of tunes with my pal Scott Parkin — some better than others. The crowd pleasers appeared to be Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and Billy Joel's "Piano Man." We were amateurs compared to a few other folks who sang, but everyone was gracious and eager to help us with backup vocals when we needed them. If you need some inspiration, check out the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, which has been entertaining Nye's patrons on the weekends for years.
Where: Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 E. Hennepin Ave.
When: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Monday–Saturday
Cupcake Saturdays at Mitrebox
I had the pleasure of trying one of Sheela Namakkal's special Miel y Leche cupcakes at the office a while back. One of our interns had the rough assignment of writing about her scrumptious creations. She used to sell the cupcakes at the Uptown stationery shop Letterbox, which has since closed. The owners of Mitrebox — Mary Fajack and Sara Nachreiner — seized the opportunity to invite Namakkal to sell her cupcakes at their store. They come in all kind of flavors — red hot velvet, sweetheart dark chocolate and white chocolate basil, among others.
Where: Mitrebox Framing Studio, 213 Washington Ave. N.
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. until the cupcakes sell out (go to mielyleche.blogspot.com for more information)
Cuzzy's
When I first saw Cuzzy's it seemed to me that someone plucked it out of some town in the North Woods and dropped it in the Warehouse District to give the neighborhood a little bit more charm. It looks like a cabin and the walls are lined with dollar bills with patrons' signatures and doodles.
Couple of reasons I'm a fan of the place: the incredible Cuzzy fries, a breakfast dish featuring American fries covered in a mound of cheese, ham and peppers, and the tater tots — a perfect side dish for any item on the menu.
Granted, you don't want to make these regular staples in your diet, but when you're really fixated on getting a good dose of salty, cheesy goodness, head to Cuzzy's.
Where: 7 a.m.–1 a.m. Monday–Friday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Saturday
When: 507 Washington Ave. N.
Dancing at the Front
I'm definitely not the most coordinated girl in town, but I enjoy a great dance party any time I get the chance.
I'm not one to get all decked out for the nightclubs in the Warehouse District, but on occasion, my friends and I end up at the Front — typically after some karaoke at the nearby U Otter Stop Inn or Vegas Lounge. The dance club isn't as intimidating as some destinations in the city. So grab your friends, put on your dancing threads and hit the floor at the Front.
Where: 15 N.E. 4th St.
When: Times vary, call 378-5115
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