Located just off Hwy 55, the unofficial Golden Valley City Center is a vibrant shopping and dining hub in Golden Valley. This area is home to three small shopping developments: Golden Valley Commons, Golden Valley Shopping Center and Town Square.
At this Artventure stop, you’ll find one of Adam Turman’s iconic characters – Hotdish Girl. Located just in front of the delightful water fountain at Golden Valley Commons, Hotdish Girl has been doing a little shopping while out with her beloved pet Pomeranian, Bitsy. But Bitsy, ever so mischievous, has decided to cool off by going for a swim in the fountain and now she’s shaking water everywhere! Snap a selfie with Hotdish Girl and share on social media using the hashtags: #DiscoverSLP and #WeLoveAdamTurman. You might just win a fabulous prize pack!
Fun Fact: Hotdish Girl is modeled after General Mill’s Betty Crocker and Marjorie Johnson, an award-winning local baker known for bringing home blue ribbons from the Minnesota State Fair.
Golden Valley Commons
In addition to finding Hotdish Girl, if shopping is on your mind, you’ll definitely want to stop in at Patina, the ultimate gift store. This unique boutique is known for its jewelry, home décor and novelties. The items change seasonally, so there’s always something new to catch your eye.
Looking for a great place to eat? D’Amico & Sons offers tasty Italian fare, with flavorful pastas, wood-oven pizzas, salads, sandwiches and a delightful outdoor patio. Or try Doolittles Woodfire Grill, which serves mouth-watering rotisserie chicken and smokehouse ribs. They offer an exceptional wine list, a warm atmosphere and a relaxing patio.
If fast/casual is more your style, you can also dine at Pancheros Mexican Grill, Noodle’s & Company, Subway, Leeann Chin, and, of course, Starbucks!
Golden Valley Shopping Center
Next, cross Winnetka Ave and explore Golden Valley Shopping Center. Music lovers will want to check out Down in the Valley. In business for nearly 50 years, this record shop offers one of the largest selections of new and used vinyl LPs in the metro area. They also sell DVDs, CDs, gifts and more. Nearby, hop into Ragstock for vintage clothing from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, as well as affordable new fashions.
If you like brats, you have to visit New Bohemia, a lively beerhall with communal tables offering over 24 Minnesota-made, all-natural sausages and 36 of the finest local and international craft beers. Or try Love Pizza and discover coal-fired and bar-style pizzas, heritage recipe meatballs, farm-fresh salads and more. Guests get a free glass of wine or beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) while their takeout order is prepared. What’s not to love?!
For something a little quicker, you can pick up Jimmy John’s or Chipotle.
Golden Valley Town Square
Our next to last stop takes you north across Golden Valley Rd to the Town Square. Get your shopping fix at Mainstream Boutique, a women’s clothing shop that’s on a mission to love, strengthen and celebrate women through fashion. If you have an eye for something sparkly, pay a visit to Bergstrom Studio, a boutique jewelry store specializing in custom-designed engagement rings and wedding bands, plus jewelry and watch inspections, cleanings and repairs. For something bright and sunny, pick up a beautiful flower arrangement from Best Wishes Floral. And for the best in personal pampering, head to Black Diamond Hair and Nails!
Treat yourself to a delicious scone and a cup of java at Triple D Espresso, a family-owned coffee shop that sells freshly roasted beans, hand-crafted beverages and delectable homemade baked goods. Pick up some delicious sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls or dumplings at JuYuan Chinese. Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies also serves up calzones, pastas and salads, while The Valley, a smoothie and juice bar, offers exceptional meal or snack replacement shakes, energizing teas and good vibes.
Schullers Tavern
Our last stop brings us to Schullers Tavern. Just a 9 minute walk to the east (2 min by car), Schullers is billed as “The Last Real Roadhouse.” This family-owned local hangout serves up salads, sandwiches, pizzas and the best black angus tavern burgers in town. They hold weekly meat raffles and are home to Minnesota’s smallest liquor store.
The heart of Golden Valley has so many dining options to try and unique boutiques to explore.
Be sure to check out the special offers from some of the area’s businesses.
And don’t forget to visit the other 9 characters on the Adam Turman Artventure!