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Community Corner

Get Outside, Golden Valley! Here are Our Top 5 Things to Do

From a quiet lunch to playtime with the kids, there's no excuse to stay inside all day.

I can hardly believe that Mother Nature decided to turn up the thermostat this week! As  a lover of the outdoors and simplicity, nothing is more satisfying than the first stretch of amazing weather that allows you to head outside for hours... without all of the heavy layers!

Because today’s high is supposed to be near 70 degrees, there's no reason for staying inside.  Here are five fabulous ways to enjoy the beautiful weather in Golden Valley today.

  • Get Active with

We've got miles of trails in Golden Valley, but before you take the bike out or strap on rollerblades, make sure you get a tune-up.  Minnepaolis Park Police tells us the biggest problem for them on a day like today is the accidents that happen and could have been avoided.

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So take your bike in for a once-over to make sure it's safe.  Do a safety check on all of your sports equipment, and if you can't figure out where you put that helmet or your kneepads, Way to Go has some very reasonable prices on gently used sporting goods.

  • Outdoor Lunch

Anywhere you can nab a table and chairs or just open space in town, go for it.  Many coffee shops and restaurants have put a few chairs and tables outside, so take advantage!

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I suggest lunching at .  They opened their patio last week, and it's one of the best outdoor patios in the area.  If you've only got a few minutes for a cup of joe or a smoothie, head over to the on Winnetka or the off of Rhode Island.

  • Playground Fun at

Have you checked out all of the improvements at Wirth Lake and at the beach?  The new playground equipment is the perfect spot to take the little ones, and I suggest showing them the sign that explains the playground's history.  It's fascinating to learn about the diving shows that happened here in the 1930's and to see how the new equipment looks much like the stage did so many decades ago. 

Do you know why the playground has "Aqua Follies" written on the side of it?  You will.

The boardwalk into the lake is also perfect for walking or stopping with a bag lunch. 

If you haven't been to Wirth Beach, it's an absolute must... and soon!

  • Tee-Off at

All you golf fanatics out there can finally swing those golf clubs! The course opened for the season on April 7.  18 holes probably won't fit your schedule, but the Par 3 course is looking good.  There are a few wet spots, but it's greening up nicely.  Plus, most people have yet to make their first trip here this season, so your wait time will be short.

  • Lunch Walk at

This is my vote for having some alone time outdoors today.  I love it here.  It’s peaceful and welcoming, and the walking path is perfect for a quick escape during the lunch hour. 

If you're not a fan of the crowded paths at Lake Calhoun, for example, this is the perfect alternative.  And with the sunshine, the grounds have gone from brown to green seemingly overnight.

Here's to getting outside, Golden Valley! Enjoy!

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