With 140 miles of meandering lakeshore, Lake Minnetonka is the largest lake in the Twin Cities area. Nestled on its south side is the charming historic village of Excelsior. Founded in the 1850’s as a vacation community, this western suburban community still retains its relaxed lake resort feel.
Water Street, Excelsior’s main street, is lined with shops, restaurants and a theater, and leads to the water front where the recently restored steamboat, "The Minnehaha", takes passengers back and forth to Wayzata on the north side of the lake in the summer.
When we first moved to the Twin Cities over 20 years ago neighbors welcomed me by taking me to lunch in Excelsior…at Antiquity Rose, a charming tea room within a historic antique shop.
This time we had a delicious meal at the 318 Cafe, part cafe & coffeehouse, part live music & wine bar. It was easy to see why it was voted the reader’s choice silver spoon award 2007 for ‘best neighborhood eatery’ by Minnesota Monthly magazine.
As my husband and I were strolling the streets of Excelsior we commented on how it has a New England feel. I wasn’t surprised to learn that it was founded by colonists from New York. It is a unique blend of old and new, of big historic homes and small cottages…reflecting its beginnings as a resort destination. It has a unique feel that sets it apart from other suburban communities.
Click here to see properties currently for sale in and around Excelsior, Minnesota. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings…pass your cursor over the dots on the map for property information.)
