New to Hopkins? Don't Miss These Springtime Highlights (and add your own!)

Whether you're new to town (welcome!) or a long-time Hopkins resident, now that winter's (almost) over, it's time to get out of our shells and explore the resources offered by this great small town. Springtime is a great opportunity to walk/bike around the neighborhood exploring, so from one Hopkins home-owner to another, here are a few highlights!

What am I missing? What are Hopkins' gems? Chime in with your favorites.

1. For Movies. There's no competition here. Hopkins Cinema 6, the Mann Theatre. $2.50 before 6:00 p.m. $3 after for adults, and $2.50 always for kids under 11 and seniors (60+). Or pop on by on "Terrific Tuesdays" for a $2.50 movie ticket even after work. Yes, the movies get here a bit later than some of the more expensive theaters, but it's worth it. And parking's great.  1118 Main Street Hopkins.

2. For Coffee. Okay, even if you're hooked on Caribou Coffee (as I am), you have to branch out and check out The Depot Coffee House, a great coffee house that supports an important cause. It was planned and opened by area students and their allies in '98 to create a chemically-free environment for teens.  Neat, huh? Free Wifi and live music nights don't hurt either. 9451 Excelsior Blvd Hopkins.

3. For Shopping and Eating and reading and... It's Mainstreet. Stop by the Library. Craft and artsy stores (Specially Yours in my favorite). Restaurants. Movies. Farmer's Market (in slightly better weather). And playgrounds for the kiddies - it's got it all. And a super cool old-school downtown feel that's fun to walk around, especially with a sweater on your back and a sweetie on your arm. 

4. For Your Inner Artist. Check out the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Lots of goodies - music series, art exhibitions, acting workshops, you name it. So the youth exhibition isn't Minneapolis Institute of Art, who cares? It's sweet and fun and local. And the music & theater may be less fancy than you'd find in downtown Minneapolis, but you'll often find a gem that will surprise you (and sometimes it's just nice to drive 2 minutes to get to the theater instead of 30). It's also lighter on your pocketbook. 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins. http://www.hopkinsartscenter.com/tickets-events/.

5. Need Things to Do? Check out Hopkins' Community Calendar. Did you even know we had one? Check out upcoming events (and submit your own) here - http://www.thinkhopkins.com/enjoy/community-events/index.html. This spring, don't miss the St. Paddy's Day Parade. Wear green. Drink beer. Why not? Sunday, March 17th in Downtown Hopkins. And on May 18th, Mainstreet Days Arts and Craft Fair in Downtown Hopkins all day with entertainment for the entire family that includes train rides, a balloon twister, and more. 100 participating Art and Craft Vendors, several food vendors, and kids' activities. Mainstreet.

I didn't even pick my favorite restaurant because I haven't been to enough of them to pick a "favorite." Which ones should I check out? What are your favorites?

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And hope to meet you sometime strolling MainStreet!