Destination Shopping: Excelsior

Best of the Boutiques

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

High-style charms at Meridian Ltd.

A whole new crop of clothing boutiques has sprung up over the past few years, but the most notable from a fashion standpoint are Meridian Ltd.—clothing by Trina Turk, Theory, and Twill 22, plus beautiful jewelry and sharp handbags—and Omorphia, a lovely homage to Greece with jewelry by Konstantino, organic handbags from Engage Green, and stunning pashminas by Sir Alistair Rai. Cynthia Rae is notable for its collection of sweet sundresses from Luce and Esley as well as a small area of vintage. For clothing and accessories with a bit of bling, check out the wares by Twisted Heart, Da-Nang, and Michael Stars at Martin’s. Find fashions by French Dressing, knits by No Blu, and clothing and accessories from Willow, Lily One, and Bryn Walker at Ta Dah! For reliable styles that stand the test of time, Water Street Clothing has become a haven for more mature women for its updated fashions from designers such as Eileen Fisher.

If you’re in the market for some new fine jewelry, Excelsior packs three great alternatives into a tiny area. Goldsmith Brian Waters casts beautiful, one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, and earrings at his shop Perfect Pair, while next door at Ringmaker Jewelers, designers are on hand to help you design the perfect ring for any occasion. David Douglas Jewelers also offers custom designs as well as beautiful diamond and gemstone rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

If you’re shopping for home, Provisions fills a tiny space with items big on style—Dash & Albert rugs, home cleaning products from Caldrea and Cucina, and apothecary from Lady Primrose and Crabtree & Evelyn. If your style veers toward traditional European, check out the furniture, rugs, lighting, and accessories at Lily. Gray Gardens Home has a tasteful collection of Old World-style furniture, statuary, and benches that will enhance your surroundings, both indoors and out. Newcomer Petunias has a lovely collection of vintage lighting, reupholstered furnishings, and garden accents, all with a distinct Parisian feel. For antiques, both The Country Look In Antiques and Mary O’Neal & Co. offer exquisite options that are much more modestly priced than in some of the other Twin Cities antiques stores.

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Fresh baked goods at 318 Cafe.

And don’t leave Excelsior without a great little gift. Heritage II Scandinavia & British Isles Shop offers Scandinavian, Irish, and British clothing and accessories, including Norwegian sweaters, European crystal, and china from Kosta Boda and Iittala; DB & Company offers confections, custom floral arrangements, apothecary, and gifts with a French flair; and Simply Nuts is great for sweets of all sorts. If you want to leave the gift-making to someone else, the folks at Gifted Basket Gift Emporium will help you create the perfect gift.

Dining Delights

Photo by Stephanie Colgan

Wine rounds out the offerings at 318 Cafe.

For such a small town, Excelsior really offers some exceptional dining establishments. Yumi’s Sushi Bar is a regional favorite for sushi, tempura, and sake; Biella Ristorante offers a romantic setting and a rotating menu of Italian fare; and Jake O’Connor’s Public House is a favorite for hearty British and Irish dishes. A new favorite is 318 Cafe. Its rustic dining room may be small, but the scratch menu offers uncomplicated soups, crisp salads, and succulent sandwiches.

Rest and Relaxation
With all of the shopping available, it may be worth booking a room for a night at the Bird House Inn and Gardens. With that extra day, venture into the calming Bella on the Bay salon and spa for a massage, pedicure, or facial.

More to Love + Wilcock Gallery for custom framing, regional and national fine art (including many North Shore and Lake Minnetonka works), and artisan jewelry. + Lick’s Unlimited for tasty ice cream treats. + Ooh La La for designer-inspired handbags and accessories. + Antiquity Rose for delicious home cooking as well as unique antiques. Editor’s Tip: Try to make it to Excelsior on Saturday mornings for the summer flea market in Lyman Park.

Illustrated map by Randall Nelson

Where to Find It
1. 318 Cafe 318 Water St., 952-401-7902
2. Antiquity Rose Antiques & Dining 429 2nd St., 952-474-2661
3. Biella Ristorante 227 Water St., 952-474-8881
4. Bird House Inn & Gardens 371 Water St., 952-474-0196
5. Cynthia Rae 244 Water St., 952-401-4484
6. David Douglas Jewelers 260 Water St., 952-470-7484
7. DB & Company 310 Water St., 952-474-7428
8. Bella on the Bay 474 2nd St., 952-474-5005
9. Gifted Baskets Gift Emporium 284 Water St., 952-474-1743
10. Gray Gardens Home 366 Water St., 952-474-9150
11. Heritage II Scandinavian & British Isles Shop 50 Water St., 952-474-1231
12. Jake O’Connor’s 200 Water St., 952-908-9650
13. Lick’s Unlimited 31 Water St., 952-474-4791
14. Lily 312 Water St., 952-474-3581
15. Martins 212 Water St., 952-767-0788
16. Mary O’Neal & Co. 221 Water St., 952-470-0205
17. Merdian Ltd. 223 Water St., 952-474-4519
18. Omorphia 206 Water St., 952-401-3311
19. Ooh La La 256 Water St., 952-474-4962
20. Perfect Pair and Ringmaker Jewelers 287 Water St., 952-474-7247
21. Petunias 421 3rd St., 952-474-0461
22. Provisions 320 Water St., 952-474-6953
23. Simply Nuts 217 Water St., 952-401-8699
24. Ta Dah! 314 Water St., 952-474-5997
25. The Country Look In Antiques 240 Water St., 952-474-0050
26. Water Street Clothing 287 Water St., 952-474-0474
27. Wilcock Gallery 218 Water. St., 952-470-8118
28. Yumi’s Sushi Bar 28 Water St., 952-474-1720