Photo courtesy of Junket: Tossed & Found
Lining Minnehaha Avenue all the way from Minnehaha Falls to Lake Street lies the ultimate local destination for all things retro—the Minnehaha Mile Shopping District. The Mile consists of nine unique vintage, antique and resale stores, and is easily travelable by bike or car. Whether you are just feeling nostalgic or seeking inspiration for your next art project, here are a few of the must-see stops on the Mile.
Junket: Tossed & Found
As one of the closest stores to Minnehaha Falls, this eclectic shop is the perfect spot to begin your shopping trip. As customers walk through the door, they can indulge in free coffee and donuts, ensuring they will be shopping on a full stomach. The question isn’t “what does Junket sell,” but, “what don’t they sell?” From antique furniture to Minnesota-themed gifts to an abundance of vintage beads, this two-story store caters to every shopper’s desires. Customers could spend hours walking through the store’s cluttered maze of rooms, with treasures from rugged camping gear to a colorful kitchenware around every corner. Junket is especially perfect for the more imaginative shoppers, with antique keys, fabrics, and trinkets begging to be used for a crafting project. 4049 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, 612-293-6863, shopjunket.com
Time Bomb Vintage
Just down the street from Junket is another funky gem, Time Bomb Vintage. The store features items supplied by more than a dozen vendors, for a truly unique combination of stock, with everything from beaten up Doc Martens (the angst of the former owner still lingering in the shoes) to an almost alarmingly-wide selection of Jolly Green Giant memorabilia (the mascot for Minnesota-based brand Green Giant.) Items from each vendor are stationed in a specific area, allowing for easy navigation around the store. One of the most visually appealing and entertaining sections of the store is the colorful array of cereal boxes, food advertisements and canned food in the back, reminding customers of their favorite childhood foods they might have forgotten about. Staying in line with the store’s playful atmosphere, customers can also munch on free popcorn from an old-fashioned popcorn maker as they browse Time Bomb’s dizzying collections. 4008 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, 612-724-2662, timebombvintage.com
Bonus Spot: Hot Plate
Just a ten-minute drive from Time Bomb Vintage, this kitschy restaurant carries the vintage vibe of the Minnehaha Mile all the way to the Nokomis neighborhood. Retro paintings ranging from portraits of puppies to religious figures and Enesco figurines etched with statements like “World’s Greatest Grandma” cover all surfaces of the restaurant. Every aspect of this hidden gem transports customers to the good ol’ days—there are even outdated games like Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots while you wait to be seated! The specialty here is all things breakfast, from caramel apple French toast to breakfast burritos, and an abundance of pancakes. Hot Plate is only open until 2 p.m. everyday, so make sure to come early for a groovy and delicious time. 5204 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis, 612-824-4794, facebook.com
