Mother Hoods: Minneapolis
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by PHOTOGRAPHED BY ASHLEY SULLIVAN
You’ve already been introduced to the inspiring Michelle LeBlanc, owner of the beloved women’s shop Mille, along with her two adorable mini-mes, and toured her gorgeous home and equally stunning store. Now the busy mama takes us on a tour through her Minneapolis hood and dishes about her favorite kid-friendly spots to eat, drink, and play in the city.
-Eat with the kids?
“Bread & Pickle at Lake Harriet—you can’t beat having a lake and playground to eat dinner next to, plus the bandshell hosts musical acts all summer long. Sea Salt, Lucia’s To Go, and Dominguez, our favorite Mexican joint. Tiny Diner, for its beautiful gardens that the kids can meander through while waiting for food.”
-Eat with just adults?
“Revival, for fried chicken. The Bachelor Farmer, our favorite brunch in town! Meritage, for oysters and champagne.”
-Shop for kids?
“Creative Kidstuff and Wild Rumpus, a fantastic kid’s bookstore filled with a menagerie of animals.”
-Shop for yourself?
“The Foundry, for home goods and gifts. Spruce, for flowers, and any of the farmer’s markets around town.”
-Play with your child?
“Love spending family days at The Walker Art Museum or Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Any of the great playgrounds in South Minneapolis—Fuller Park is a favorite, and the Peace Garden for picnics.”
-Play with your adult friends?
“Ummm…what’s that? Does texting them from home while I’m trying to get my girls to sleep count?”
-Get out in nature?
“We love berry picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall at one of the many farms and orchards around the cities. Also, the north shore for hiking.”
-Any good flea markets/thrift shops?
“You can spend a whole day finding treasures at Hunt & Gather. Retro Wanderlust in Hopkins is new to me and has a great selection.”
-Any good museums/art installations?
“The Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden are top notch. We’ve spent many days wandering around there. We are also frequent visitors at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts monthly Family Day. The Weinstein Gallery has some exceptional art shows, as well.”
-Where do you take out-of-town visitors?
“Mill City Farmer’s Market, Surly Brewery, and day trips to Lake Pepin.”
-Any tourist-y places that are worth it to visit?
“The Mall of America is always a guilty pleasure of mine, but make sure to only go during the week!”
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