For this post, I queried the guys in my life to find out where they shop.
The biggest surprise? My husband. Mr.-Never-Buys-Anything slipped out of the house this morning for the 7 am Black Friday opening of Joe’s Sporting Goods to buy himself some insulated snow pants. He bought his first set of skis there back in the 70s which tells you something about loyalty. 33 East County Road B, Saint Paul
On the other hand, I like to shop for him at JW Hulme Company. Stop by the Landmark Center for a quick skate, lunch at Meritage, and buy some leather for your guys at 678 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN
Here’s a great review from Metromag:
J.W. Hulme’s St. Paul workshop finds the 106-year-old bag-maker alive and stitching. Textile wizards—whose magic wands are sewing and embossing machines—assemble briefcases, luggage and other vintage-style pieces that the business titans of yesteryear would have drooled over. In an adjoining room, leather workers cut perfect lines in hides sourced from Midwest tanneries. The entire place smells like a well-oiled baseball glove.
Stroll around the corner from Meritage to find Heimies Haberdashery at 400 Saint Peter Street on the pedestrian mall. Gorgeous mens’ clothing and accessories, complete with an online style guide. Be sure to follow them on Twitter (@Heimies) for pithy style advice, too.
If you’re seeking a different style, visit Phenom for sneakers and custom screen printing. 2829 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis
St. Paul is Hockey City, so we can’t skip Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub at 258 7th Street West and Boehm’s Cycling Fitness & Hockey, 1592 Selby Avenue Saint Paul
Another wildly popular winter sport played year round is curling. Join the league and buy supplies at the St Paul Curling Club at 470 Selby Avenue in Saint Paul. While you’re there, don’t forget to try one 70+ beers at the Happy Gnome after you’ve shopped or bop in on Wednesday nights to hear Nick and the Feelin’ Band. 498 Selby Avenue
For the comic book aficionado in your life, Uncle Sven’s Comic Shoppe at 1838 Saint Clair Avenue in Saint Paul is a must stop. Plus they are next door to the perennially popular Groveland Tap.
For a different type of snack, head north on Fairview and venture into the dreaded light rail construction zone and support the Russian Tea House. They serve the best piroshkis in town. Open only Fridays during construction. 1758 University Avenue,
Saint Paul
For the opinionated beer geek in your life, visit Vine Park Brewing Co. to brew your own. They provide everything you need to brew on premise. 1254 7th Street West, Saint Paul
In the land of Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, Love Cars (tonight at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall), and Mason Jennings (Saturday at First Ave), no list would be complete without a couple of music stores.
Willy’s American Guitars specializes in cool, used guitars. If they don’t have it, put your name on their wish list. 254 Cleveland Avenue South, Saint Paul
Willie’s American Guitars specializes in vintage, used and new electric and acoustic guitars as well as tube amplifiers. We also carry many fine basses, ukuleles, mandolins and effects pedals. Satisfaction guaranteed.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our inventory, put your name and request on our wish list and we’ll email you when it comes in.
Groth Music Here’s a quote from another brother-in-law who plays more guitars than I can count: “Lots of non-traditional western instruments, as well as classics. Mostly for pure music geeks and HS Band types, not just Rock’n'Rollers…but they are OK if you want to browse for an hour. I have done it.” 8056 Nicollet Avenue South, Bloomington
On more recommendation from my rockin’ brother-in-law for General Nanosystems: “For the UBER-geek. They have EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING a computer person could want. They sell computer screws, one by one.” I can’t argue with that review. 3014 University Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis
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I opened today’s missive from First Avenue, On Sale This Week because I saw the word “December.” No that’s not a band. It just means local band holiday shows are coming soon. I’m hoping Trampled by Turtles will play in town because the Dakotas (and the U.K.) are just too far away.
