Country Home Senior Home Editor Beth Eslinger grew up in Minnesota just a few hours from the Twin Cities. She loves returning to Minneapolis to visit her favorite independently owned shops and eateries, tour the area's museums and art festivals, and enjoy the myriad outdoor opportunities (kayaking in summer; cross-country skiing in winter).

Here she teamed up with JunkMarket girl and area resident Sue Whitney to explore the hip Minneapolis Warehouse District-revived with creative design shops, galleries, and restaurants and the charming neighborhoods west of downtown.

Antique Shopping
This two-story antiques shop offers affordable vintage items that run the gamut from full-size furniture to architectural elements to small-scale accessories. Come with a sharp eye, an open mind, and plenty of time for browsing.
4944 Xerxes Ave., S, 612/455-0250

Babalu
With a spicy decor and extensive menu of Latin- and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, Minneapolis’ Babalu entices the senses with exotic flavors. Beth's favorite: grilled corn and coconut milk bisque with lobster chunks.
800 Washington Ave., 612/746-3158;
www.babalu.us

Indigo
Step inside this Minneapolis store and embark on a round-the-globe journey featuring folk art, antiques, and textiles from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Look for textural, colorful, rustic accessories packed with design character.
530 N. 3rd St., 612/333-2151;
www.indigompls.com

ID Inside Design
This Minneapolis design shop features everything you need to furnish a country-modern decor: upholstered furniture and case goods with transitional lines, plus accessories--such as pillows, lighting, and vases--with great texture, color, and pattern.
100 2nd Ave., N, 612/317-0045;
www.walshdesigngroup.com

Graves 601 Hotel
Filled with elegant luxury and amenities (extra-plush bedding, plasma-screen TVs, and etched-glass washbasins in the bathrooms), the downtown Graves 601 hotel in Minneapolis is worth the splurge. While there, enjoy the sophisticated cuisine of the Cosmos restaurant and bar. 601 1st Ave., N, 612/677-1100;
www.graves601hotel.com

Sebastian Joe's
For a quick, refreshing treat, grab a coffee and a dish of homemade ice cream at, Sebastian Joe's. Tempt your palete with such interesting ice cream flavors as Green Tea or Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
4321 Upton Ave., S, 612/926-7916

Other Notable Stops

Lucia's Restaurant and Wine Bar features entrées made from Minnesota grown, organic, seasonal ingredients.
1432 W. 31st St., 612/823-7125;
www.lucias.com

Montaggio Showroom entices those on a Minneapolis vacation with upscale, modern European bath and kitchen faucets, fixtures, and accessories.
150 N. 2nd Ave., 612/333-6264;
www.montaggio.net

Garden Gate Flowers features blooms, outdoor ornaments, and such home accessories as baskets, candles, and soaps.
5023 France Ave., S, 612/929-8030

Room & Board, a retail and catalog company based in Minneapolis , offers stylish furniture for every room. Visit the outlet location on weekends.
7010 France Ave., S, 952/927-8835.
Outlet: 4680 Olson Memorial Hwy.;
www.roomandboard.com

Josi Wert Wertwear is a boutique clothing store for women and men. Don't miss their selection of belts, handbags, and lingerie, plus a wall of denim.
1300 Lagoon Ave., 612/822-0084

Uptown:
Located just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis, this lively business and shopping district bustles with activity. A bonus here is Lake Calhoun, which offers a running/biking trail around the lake, if you're interested in a bit of outdoor activity. www.uptownminneapolis.com

shopping and dining

Intoto features hip men's and women's apparel.
3105 Hennepin Ave., S; 612/822-2414; www.intotogetdressed.com

Local Motion offers funky fashion and accents.
2813 Hennepin Ave., S; 612/871-8436

Chino Latino tempts the palete with an extensive menu of Asian to Pacific to Latino fare, as well as tasty cocktails. 2916 Hennepin Ave., S; 612/824-7878;
www.chinolatino.com

50th Street and France Avenue
This Minneapolis shopping district features local clothing, garden, and gift shops, as well as some favorite chain retailers. www.50thandfrance.com

Garden Gate Flowers- Find inspiring fresh blooms, as well as great containers, candles, and baskets.
5023 France Ave., S; 612/929-8030

Colibri- Gather garden sculpture and ornaments here; also find classic country-inspired decorations.
5027 France Ave., S; 612/285-8467

Galleria
This upscale shopping mall, located just up the road at France Avenue and 69th Street in Edina, features restaurants; home, kitchen, and garden shops; and the requisite clothing.
www.galleriaedina.com

Len Druskin- Try on the newest label blue jeans for women and men, as well as other trendy fashions. 952/927-7923

Three Rooms- Offers handcrafted items, from home accessories and artwork to jewelry, all with artistic flair. 952/926-1774

ATAZ- Brightens any day with whimsical gift and accessory items. 952/925-4883

Que Sera- Features romantic style and vintage -inspired fashions for the home. 952/924-6390

Ampersand- 952/920-2118; www.ampersandshops.com