In 1968, the Martin Luther King Recreation Center was added to the park facilities. The land for Martin Luther King Park (originally Nicollet Park) was purchased in 1916. Now the center hosts a variety of programs for all ages utilizing the many amenities; a basketball court, craft room, gymnasium, meeting rooms, volleyball court, computer lab and kitchen. Call for information on current activities.
Though not quite a mile long, the Miracle Mile Shopping Center is still home to a number of businesses and restaurants that include GNC, Subway, Once Upon a Child, The UPS Store and Hoigaard's. This shopping center stands out because it does not have a common area. However, its large parking lot gives rise to its slogan: "Park at the door of your favorite store." Located just off Highway 100 on Excelsior Boulevard, Miracle Mile offers a wide variety of stores and services to a wide variety of valued customers.
Family owned for three generations, France 44 Wine & Spirits celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. What started as a simple liquor store has expanded to an impressive array of alcoholic beverages, mixers and accessories. Specializing in wine, France 44 has 4500 wines from 17 countries. Its staff is adept at asking questions and listening to understand their customer's tastes and can help customers feel comfortable choosing between an Argyle Pinot Noir and a Beckmen Syrah. For those who want to learn more, France 44 also offers tastings, classes and wine clubs.
The beer experts on staff are happy to help customers choose from the large beer selection, from local favorites like Summit EPA to kegs of craft beer like Bells Two Hearted. For those who like hard alcohol, France 44 has an impressive selection of spirits as well. From single malt scotch, limoncello, to Grey Goose, France 44 has excellent variety.
The well-lit, spacious store is a pleasant departure from a more typical liquor store environment.
There is something for everyone at the Veterans Memorial Community Center.
Swim laps in a 25-yard pool, take advantage of aerobics classes, skate on one of two ice sheets or have your birthday party at the center's indoor water park. Those are just a few of the recreational options at Veterans Memorial Community Center. The city's Parks and Recreation Department (open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5:30pm) also operates out of the community center. Register for any number of seasonal classes or reserve one of the Community Center's rooms for a party via the center's website ( www.funatthegrove.com).
