50th & France
W. 50th St. & France Av. S., Edina
This walkable shopping area, which straddles Minneapolis and the tony suburb of Edina, boats more boutiques than any city neighborhood. Anchored by popular chains (Anthropologie, Athleta, Banana Republic, Title Nine), it’s home to restaurants, salons, gyms — and a whole lot of stylish boutiques.
Shop: Going upscale? Check out the Grethen House (4930 France Av. S., 952-926-8725). Other boutiques, notable for denim, casual clothing and jewelry and accessories, include: Bluebird (3909 W. 50th St., 952-746-8675); Bumbershute (5014 France Av. S., 952-475-2684).
There’s also upscale resale at Fashion Avenue (4936 France Av. S., 952-929-7919). For specialty stores, look for resort wear at Nani Nalu (3821 W. 50th St., 612-922-7946). For men, check out Belleson’s for Men clothier (3922 W. 50th St., 952-927-4694).
Eat and drink: Restaurants range from Japanese to Italian. For a warm-me-up, try a house-made soup at quiet, quaint Beaujo’s Wine Bar (4950 France Av. S., 952-922-8974). For a pick-me-up, try the bison burger with caramelized onions, fig and goat cheese at the always-rocking Red Cow (3624 W. 50th St., 612-767-4411).