EAGAN, Minn. - The city of Eagan is welcoming fans in purple and gold this week, hoping the new era of Vikings football will mean big business for them.
With the potential of so many new visitors coming into town, we thought it might be helpful to play tour guide with a few recommendations of places to check out, in between practices.
In no particular order ...
Cascade Bay Waterpark
Known as one of the top waterparks in the state, Cascade Bay has been a local destination for summertime pool action for years.
Grab a tube and float around the lazy river, take a dip into the large leisure pool or splash around in one of seven waterslides. Click here for hours, tickets and more information.
Burgers and Bottles
Hungry Vikings fans can head here for everything from flame-grilled handcrafted burgers to wraps and sandwiches -- and as highlighted on the walls as well as the menu, glass bottle sodas. Burgers and Bottles also has a wide variety of craft beers and signature cocktails.
Find the red door to enter into the separate speakeasy and whiskey bar, Volstead House, where you can enjoy spirit forward cocktails, wine flights, a flaming tiki bowl or whiskey flights. Check out the website for details and hours.
Hoban
This authentic Korean restaurant has been located in Eagan for more than 15 years. Situated in a strip mall along Silver Bell Road, the family owned restaurant boasts of bold, Korean flavors and traditional dishes. They're open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and feature a daily lunch buffet. Click here for more information and to check out their menu.
Bald Man Brewing
It began with the handiwork of a college student in 1992 and soon blossomed from a hobby shared with friends and family to a full-scale brewery operation, shared with the masses. Bald Man Brewing (yes, there is an actual bald man behind the biz) has a selection of beers for any taste -- from a blonde ale and pale ale to a honey Kolsch and a dark porter.
Plus, as a bonus for Vikings fans -- you can bring in your training camp ticket for a free pint! Looking to host a bigger crowd? A new event space at the brewery can be reserved for more than 100 people (with smaller room options for less).
Ansari's Mediterranean
A flavorful meal and bellydancing? This family owned joint has been dishing up authentic Mediterranean cuisine for more than three decades. Beyond traditional meals like shish kabobs, gyros and Baba Ganoush, there's also Hookah on the patio (for those patrons 21 and up, of course). Head to the restaurant on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to see live bellydancing!
Bonus: Twin Cities Premium Outlets
Attention: Shopaholics! Looking for a place to spend some quality time, as well as some hard-earned dough? The outlet mall's roughly 100 stores might do the trick. From Nike to Vera Bradley and kate spade, there's plenty to find for any shopper.
