Joan’s guidebook for Mississippi Retreat

Joan
Joan’s guidebook for Mississippi Retreat

Food scene

This little neighborhood restaurant is very charming. It is only 1/4 mile away. You can walk to it or drive there. Chef Rafael hails from southern Italy. Don't be surprised if he visits your table while eating there. Be sure to make a reservation because they are very busy on weekends. In the summer, you can get a table outside (although it's on a busy thoroughfare so sometimes it's a little noisy). You can eat anything from pasta to fish, chicken, pork or steak. Pricing is $18-25 and some market price items.
Buona Sera Ristorante
11949 W River Rd
This little neighborhood restaurant is very charming. It is only 1/4 mile away. You can walk to it or drive there. Chef Rafael hails from southern Italy. Don't be surprised if he visits your table while eating there. Be sure to make a reservation because they are very busy on weekends. In the summer, you can get a table outside (although it's on a busy thoroughfare so sometimes it's a little noisy). You can eat anything from pasta to fish, chicken, pork or steak. Pricing is $18-25 and some market price items.
Fun, local place. Food is pretty good for bar food (but, I'm kind of a food snob, so take that with a grain of salt!) And they have several beers on tap. We like going there just for the vibe and the close proximity (about 1/4 of a mile so you can walk or drive there). They have a nice outdoor patio. Pricing is $14-20 for sandwiches and entrees.
Maverick's Wood Grill
11328 W River Rd
Fun, local place. Food is pretty good for bar food (but, I'm kind of a food snob, so take that with a grain of salt!) And they have several beers on tap. We like going there just for the vibe and the close proximity (about 1/4 of a mile so you can walk or drive there). They have a nice outdoor patio. Pricing is $14-20 for sandwiches and entrees.
Though it's in a strip mall, the breakfasts are good here. It has a little flavor of "Cheers".
Hudy's Cafe & The Li'l Bar
11350 Aquila Dr N
Though it's in a strip mall, the breakfasts are good here. It has a little flavor of "Cheers".
Great Mexican fare. Very close (maybe 1/2 mile?).
El Toro Mexican Restaurant
10901 Douglas Drive North
Great Mexican fare. Very close (maybe 1/2 mile?).
Wide variety in the menu. Some outdoor seating.
Clive's Roadhouse Champlin
11680 Theatre Dr N
Wide variety in the menu. Some outdoor seating.
Good bar food and only 2 miles away.
12 locals recommend
Willy McCoy's
13655 Martin St NW
12 locals recommend
Good bar food and only 2 miles away.

Sightseeing

This is a great place with trails for mild exploring/hiking around the Mississippi. The power of the water going over the dam never ceases to amaze me. There's a nature center there if you like to learn about wildlife. You can see eagles out our back yard and at the park too. There are several picnic areas and you can rent kayaks. Paths are plentiful for hoofing it or bike riding (have to bring your own bike however). It is 3 miles from here.
21 locals recommend
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
9750 Egret Blvd NW
21 locals recommend
This is a great place with trails for mild exploring/hiking around the Mississippi. The power of the water going over the dam never ceases to amaze me. There's a nature center there if you like to learn about wildlife. You can see eagles out our back yard and at the park too. There are several picnic areas and you can rent kayaks. Paths are plentiful for hoofing it or bike riding (have to bring your own bike however). It is 3 miles from here.
Elm Creek has it all - 4900 acres of trails for moderate exercise, swimming lake, nature center, and park with zipline and other climbing structures. It is about 3 miles from here. There is no cost to enter or park in the reserve.
22 locals recommend
Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Pkwy
22 locals recommend
Elm Creek has it all - 4900 acres of trails for moderate exercise, swimming lake, nature center, and park with zipline and other climbing structures. It is about 3 miles from here. There is no cost to enter or park in the reserve.