Hopkins with Gusto!


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On Hopkins Mainstreet revitalized in recent years by local visionaries- past meets present. The historic downtown of this bustling Twin Cities suburb looks and feels just like a small town. A modern movie theater, the Hopkins Center for the Arts, and shops and eateries mingle in a colorful mosaic surrounded by brick pathways and mature trees. In the heart of it all, a green clock tower shades a small urban park- a symbol of the city’s awareness of its history, as well as its progressive, contemporary spirit.

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Park between 9th and 12th Avenues, where there are nine antique shops with almost 200 dealers. Each one has its own character and style. Hopkins Antique Mall has 68 dealers- it’s easy to walk the aisles and spot treasures such as an entire collection of 1960s Barbies and a set of 1930s Lorain Depression glass dishes made by the Indian Glass Company.

Nearby, Ann and jack’s Vintage jewelry shares an entryway with Antiques, Finally Yours where we found a friendly resource in dealer Jim Turner as well as beautifully preserved finds- among them, a brass manual cash register, a rich wooden music box with six discs, and many patterns of china.

Across Mainstreet, the cottage styling of R. Home exudes charm and whimsy in a shop featuring a mix of new and vintage items. Owner R. Ralston creates his artful displays to invite a range of people to explore his shop- though antiques are featured, the store looks more like a gifty boutique.

The front are is bright with greens and whites and a shabby chic décor theme, while another area is richer and darker, taking on the mood and feel of an English manor. On sunny days, the garden behind the shop offers an inviting oasis, plus new and vintage garden items for sale.

On the corner of 9th Avenue and Mainstreet is the distinctive green-and-white exterior of Blake Antiques. There are 45 dealers in this airy, open space Hardwood floors and selective, well-organized displays make it easy to explore.

Be sure to stop downstairs, which features more antiques, as well as Andrea’s Vintage Bridal, where carefully restored vintage designer suits, dresses, and wedding gowns are displayed. The chiffon, silk, tulle, cotton, and lace frocks by Chanel, Valentino, and couture houses almost chatter, telling love stories from prairie days, the roaring 1920s, and the disco era. This is an easy space to dream of happily ever afters (and big nights out on the town!).

For lunch, we followed a group of locals into Gusto Café and Wine bar. In the afternoon, rich golden tones glow in sunlight from arched windows that stretch from floor to ceiling. Décor mixes a contemporary urban feel with Old World touches; walls showcase an eclectic collection of original art while an ornate chandelier takes center stage. In look and attitude, it is the embodiment of friendly elegance.

The lunch menu features robust soups, salads, sandwiches and specials made by Chuck Venables, chef and owner. A tangy Caesar salad proves a well-matched companion to made-from-scratch chicken pesto soup. Each bite was full of chicken and vegetables, but the light broth infused with basil left plenty of room for a hearty roast beef sandwich with garlic au jus. Venables cooks for his customers as if they were guest in his home. This philosophy- one of genuine passion and heartfelt hospitality- seems to infuse each dish, and defines the harmony and welcome of Mainstreet itself.