HOPKINS, Minn. — Our recurring series KARE in the Air continues its tour of area downtowns, with a place that doesn't hesitate to give you the raspberry.
No, it's not a BAD thing... you'll find raspberries in lots of places when visiting downtown Hopkins. They're on street signs, included in public art, and are the central theme of Hopkins' biggest annual festival.
Once a bit worn down at the heel - as some first-ring suburbs get- Hopkins has undergone a major transformation, in the process turning Mainstreet into a destination for food, drink and shopping. There are currently 20 restaurants, two breweries, a wine bar, seven antique stores and a "tractor" gallery.
The "Think Hopkins" website says reviving the Mainstreet Commercial District and larger downtown area was a purposeful effort to create "a totally walkable, full-service, heart of the community." The site notes that in under a quarter-mile radius, a person can live, find groceries, visit the doctor or post office, check out a book from the library or grab a drink or some top-notch food.
And if you don't want to drive there... biking is an extremely viable option. Five major bike trails/paths all converge near downtown, making it possible to mix a workout in with your entertainment.