Illustration: Jamie Klang
Let’s plan to spend more time in our wonderful community.
Going into 2023, I began thinking about how I can spend my time more getting out in the community to see friendly faces—and meet a couple of new ones, too. Luckily for me, Woodbury makes that easy to do. In a community with so much love to give, it feels like every corner you turn and every shop you step into, you’re running into a pal or meeting a new friend.
Taking this thought into mind, I then started thinking about how I can spend more time supporting my friends, neighbors and acquaintances in Woodbury. Whether it’s visiting many of our locally owned restaurants, stopping into local boutiques or visiting one of the many service providers, there are endless opportunities to spread the love. Here, I’ve broken down how to spend a morning, afternoon and evening around town. I hope you enjoy seeing how I choose to spend a day in Woodbury and maybe even try a few of these spots yourself, too.
Morning
Breakfast: There’s nothing I love more than having an early morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and heading to breakfast with my loved ones. The breakfast spot I’ve loved since I was a teenager living in Woodbury? The New Woodbury Cafe. It features a large selection of pancakes, hollandaise-inspired dishes, house specialties and combinations, baked goods, brunch and more. For a little something sweet, look toward the Zydeco French Toast (sourdough bread dipped in French toast batter, topped with blueberries, pecans and bananas). For a savory taste, look toward Combo #3 (two fresh eggs, choice of applewood smoked bacon, sausage links or freshly sliced ham, housemade hash browns and choice or bread) or the Biscuits and Gravy (country style gravy with Italian sausage over buttermilk biscuits, served with hash browns and fresh eggs). 803 Bielenberg Drive; 651.209.8081; newwoodburycafe.com
For a cuppa Joe or a fresh juice, head to Caribou Coffee (My picks include the Iced Classic Chai Latte or the White Chocolate Espresso Shaker.) or Nékter Juice Bar (My picks include the Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Functional Smoothie, the Pink Flamingo Regular Smoothie or the Recovery Fresh Juice.) Caribou Coffee, 8320 City Centre Drive; 651.739.7313; cariboucoffee.com; Nékter Juice Bar, 1605 Queens Drive; 651.528.7987; nekterjuicebar.com
Something to do: Head to Central Park for a morning spent in our local paradise. It’s home to Lookout Ridge and R.H. Stafford Library and is connected to the YMCA. I suggest renting your next read from our local library and reading a few chapters on the indoor conservatory benches. For families with children, I suggest going to Lookout Ridge to get out some early morning energy. It opens at 10 a.m. Monday–Saturday (it’s closed on Sundays) and is a stimulating environment for children ages 12 and under. For teenagers, check out the Youth and Teen Center at the YMCA, which features a beverage station and areas they can be with friends or study. Central Park and Lookout Ridge, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.714.3799; woodburymn.gov; Woodbury YMCA, 2175 Radio Drive; 651.731.9507; ymcanorth.org
Afternoon
Lunch: Whether you’re gathering with co-workers for a power lunch or grabbing a bite with your family and friends, Crave, located in Woodbury Lakes, has a bustling environment with a strong menu. There are a variety of starters, such as fan-favorite appetizers, soups and salads, while the main courses cover everything from burgers and signature entrées to sushi and poke bowls. My perfect meal? Start by ordering the group Truffle Parmesan Fries, then look toward the Crave Burger or Lemon Garlic Chicken while sipping on a Blueberry Mint Fizz mocktail. Crave also features allergen friendly menus, including vegan and gluten sensitive menus. 9100 Hudson Road Suite 108; 651.756.1000; cravewoodbury.com
For a mid-day energy boost, head to Nautical Bowls, which features refreshing plant-based, gluten-, dairy- and soy-free açaí and smoothie bowls. Choose from 10 premade bowls or build your own—start with a base and choose from several toppings, such as granola and seeds, protein, fruit and different butters or honey. 9955 Hudson Place Suite 550; 651.348.8647; nauticalbowls.com
Photo: Chris Emeott
Something to do: My perfect day includes window shopping—and where better to do so than Woodbury Lakes? Spend an afternoon shopping, grazing and pampering yourself at its more than 55 nationally owned retailers and locally owned boutiques. It also features several services, including boutique gyms, Color Me Mine and the Woodhouse Day Spa. If you hit the shopping center at just the right time, you might just catch live music, the Puppet Wagon and other entertainment; Woodbury Lakes also hosts several seasonal events and more information can be found on its website. 9120 Hudson Road; 651.251.9500; woodburylakes.com
Evening
Dinner: The best way to top off any day is with a delicious meal, and my personal pick will always be Italian. What can I say? I enjoy the rich tastes of bread and pasta. Luckily, Woodbury is home to several delicious Italian restaurants, including the locally owned Andiamo Italian Ristorante. Start your course with Bruschetta (fresh tomato, red onion, basil, garlic and olive oil) or Fried Calamari (served with bell peppers and pepperoncinis), then move into signature entrées: pasta or pizza for the main course. I recommend the Fettuccine Alla Romano, served with chicken and broccoli; the Chicken Parmigiana (bruschetta mix, marinara, mozzarella); or a classic Margherita Pizza (fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce). 1750 Weir Drive; 651.289.2001; andiamomn.com
For a night cap, might I recommend Cravings Wine Bar & Grille? With over 175 bottles from around the world, Cravings Wine Bar & Grille prides itself on offering a glass for every palate. Its cocktail menu includes martinis, mules, signature cocktails and warm cocktails to end the evening. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Dessert, that is. Choose from four different types of cake, tiramisu, key lime pie, chocolate pecan tarts and gluten-free alfajores. 755 Bielenberg Drive #108; 651.528.6828; cravingswinebar.com
Something to do: Catch a late night movie at Woodbury 10 Theatre, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The theater is locally owned and operated by Nathan Block and, according to its website, is one of the last locally owned theaters in the state of Minnesota. The entrance boasts old fashioned arcade games, such as Tetris and Pac-Man, and the concessions include familiar favorites. Tip: Matinees—any show before 6 p.m.—are only $7/ticket, and Bargain Wednesday offers tickets, food specials and kid’s trays for $5. 1470 Queens Drive; 651.731.0606; woodburytheatre.com
