November in the Zone
November 22, 2021
A First-Ever, Non-Exhaustive List of Ideas to Keep Winter and Family
Chill & Local in the CEZ | Many Thanks!
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Introducing our first-ever, non-exhaustive.....
CEZ Winter & Holiday Survival (Gift-Giving) Guide
While Ben Franklin may have declared death and taxes as life’s two certainties, any person living in Minnesota knows two other things seem inevitable at the close of a calendar year — cold weather and holiday/family-fueled gatherings (and/or guilt.)
Tackle either or both with a plan of action, or at least a couple of options on reserve, to keep spirits high and harmonious during this darker-day season.
Start with our list of the Top 10 Ways to Celebrate in the CEZ now and into the New Year. Create new and memorable traditions that celebrate and honor our unique creative community in Saint Paul.
1. Tour Murals!
The CEZ is home to over 40+ outdoor murals and you can visit any and all of them for FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year! While we can’t guarantee good weather, we can guarantee great public art thanks to the talent of our amazing local, national and international artists.
 Find easy-to-download maps and mural scripts on our festival website, gather your friends and family (or not) and set out for self-directed and socially distanced mural adventure in the Creative Enterprise Zone.
Discover the 10 new murals created during the 2021 Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival and the many CEZ businesses that support our work.
Walk off the calories and tension, discover new narratives and culturally rich perspectives, and let the power of public art heal your world-weary soul. Think of the murals as unexpected gifts ready for you to unwrap at any time!
Photos: (Top) Details from Kao Lee Thao's mural at Podiumwear on Territorial Road; and (above) from Alex Smith's mural at Grahn's Upholstery at Prior & Charles Avenues.
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2. Stay Awake!
Whether you drink in or take your beans on-the-go, these coffee and beverage purveyors will keep you roasted, toasty, and caffeinated when the L-tryptophan or cold weather seeps in:
- Dogwood Coffee – Tucked between Charles and Territorial Avenue and close to the Raymond Station light rail stop, this Minnesota company is making “Coffee for Others” their mission at 825 Carleton Street. dogwoodcoffee.com
- Roundtable Coffee Works – A cute li’l coffee shop and roastery serving drinks and beans via their web shop and drinks window at 2386 W. Territorial Road. roundtablecw.com
- SK Coffee – Located in the old King Koil mattress factory at 550 Vandalia Street, Sam and his team are brewing single-origin, micro-lots prepared as drip, pour over, espresso and nitro. skcoffeeplease.com
- Workhorse Coffee Bar – Steps from the Raymond and University intersection, this craft coffee shop also offers a light menu and Smallest Museum in St Paul (SMSP) at 2399 University Ave W. workhorsecoffee.com
SIDE BEAN: While not open for walk-in business, True Stone Coffee Roasters is a roastery and training lab operating out of the Prior Works Building (755 Prior Ave N.) and available online at truestonecoffee.com.
 
3. Eat More!
Calories don’t count when they're made with good ingredients and expert chefs in the CEZ, so count on these tasty restaurants and cafes to cook your next meal:
- Caffe Biaggio – Rustic, seasonal and homestyle Italian for dine-in and curbside pickup, and only 6 more months before their outdoor patio season is back! Caffebiaggio.com
- Egg and I – Serving breakfast and lunch for over 30 years, their Kamikaze toppings (bananas, blueberries, pecans) make mornings extra special at 2550 University Ave W. eggandimn.com
- Foxy Falafel – Holistic health, whole-foods cooking and a love of street food brought crispy falafel and so much more to 791 Raymond Ave. Dine-in or take-out, feed your family or cater your next event. foxyfalafel.com
- Hampden Park Co-op – With the “best soup in town,” HPC offers organic, locally grown, healthful and minimally packaged foods and community connection at 928 Raymond Ave. hampdencoop.com
- Key’s Cafe – This family-operated original, their first in 1973, features a striking historic wood interior and their signature baked goods. Open for breakfast and lunch and featuring recipes “you grew up with” at 767 Raymond Ave. keyscafe.com
- Local Crate – Offering restaurant-quality meal kits sourced with local ingredients and featuring recipes created by Twin Cities chefs. Order your next meal at localcrate.com.
- The Naughty Greek – Your go-to for traditional fresh Greek cuisine, the friendly staff at 2400 University Ave W. is serving up daily specials and awesome events every Tues–Saturday. thenaughtygreek.com
SIDE DISH – Ok, maybe calories do count which is why #8 is on our list.
   
Fresh ingredients for a caprese salad at Caffe Biaggio. Gluten-free bliss from Foxy Falalel. Breakfast gyros at Naughty Greek. Fish fry at Urban Growler.
4. Sip More!
Whether you visit a taproom or buy from your local bottle store, don’t miss out on all of the amazing locally made craft beers on tap at breweries in the CEZ, each with its own unique POV:
- Bang Brewing – Organic ales and lagers, returnable bottles, rain gardens and the Organic Brewers Alliance are all firmly rooted in Bang's commitment to sustainability at 2320 Capp Rd. bangbrewing.com
- BlackStack Brewing – This family-run taproom offers a variety of boundary-pushing and cleverly titled beers and events, nightly food trucks and lots of board games at 755 Prior Ave N. blackstackbrewing.com
- Burning Brothers Brewing – Creating gluten-free beer in a dedicated gluten-free facility means that from grain to glass, no gluten-free beer lover need ever “Fear the Beer” at 1750 Thomas Ave. burnbrosbrew.com
- Dual Citizen Brewing Co. – Booking now, their first annual Winter Wonderland Beer Garden features 900 square feet of heated patio with 1,250 ornaments, 480 yards of ribbon, and 5,400 twinkle lights. The folks at DCBC are not only creating beer, they are also creating community at 725 Raymond Ave. dcbc.com
- The Lab – Bringing beverage ideas to life at their pilot production facility, this self-pour taproom at 767 N. Eustis St, Suite 115 is also home to a monthly Black Business is Beautiful (BBIB) Market. thelabmn.com
- Lake Monster Brewing Company – While the existence of an actual Lake Monster is debatable, the classic beer styles offered indoor and outdoors all year-long at this brewery are very real at 550 Vandalia St. in the Annex building. lakemonsterbrewing.com
- Studio Distilling – While their cocktail room is still in the works, you can book a distillery tour or purchase award-winning rye malt and bourbon whiskeys and more, at your favorite store or online at studiodistilling.com.
- Urban Growler Brewing Company – Minnesota’s first woman-owned microbrewery offers flagship and special beers, local merch and great pub food, including an authentic Wisconsin Fish Fry every Friday at 2325 Endicott St. urbangrowlerbrewing.com
 
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Denzel English at his new shop, Legacy Barber Lounge, in the CEZ at 797 Raymond Ave.
5. Up Your Style!
Discover a new you with a haircut (or all of them — insert bad dad joke) and new modern or vintage retro clothes. Show the world the butterfly you are with the help of these CEZ beauty and fashion experts:
- Black Coffin Tattoo – Add a tattoo or piercing to your holiday list. The Coffin crew offers quality and cleanliness in the Midway Triangle Building at 2480 University Ave W. blackcoffintattoo.com
- Cocoon House – Browse their collection of fine women’s silk and wool clothing available for wholesale and retail online at cocoonhouse.com.
- The Dapper Wolf – Transforming men into dapper gentleman, one haircut at a time. In the historic Vandalia Tower at 550 Vandalia Street, Suite #205. thedapperwolf.com
- Fieldhouse Vintage – Shop uniquely curated vintage clothing at this weekend-only shop. Just look for the blue awning and online at 2147 University Ave W - Unit 100 @fieldhousemsp
- Green Threads & Scooter Gang Collaborative Vintage Space – Save the planet, shop hand-picked vintage clothing online and in-store at 2500 University Ave W. shopgreenthreads.com
- Legacy Barber Lounge – New to the CEZ, Denzel (Fatman) English brings style and his own well-earned legacy to his new digs at 797 Raymond Ave. Book your appointment today at booksy.com.
- Hackwith Design House – Offering the best in long-lasting, versatile and ethical fashion, designed and made right here in the CEZ. Shop online at hackwithdesignhouse.com
- Northmade – The former MPLS / STP Clothing Company continues to create clothing, goods and initiatives for people with an "up north" state of mind from a storefront at Vandalia Tower, 550 Vandalia ST, Suite 126. northmade.co
- NICHE – Lovers of reinvention, transformation and conscious fashion, this company offers ethically manufactured shopping, Vision Board workshops and self-care events. nichemn.com
- Salongeorge – A full-service salon covering hair, nails and lashes, with a growing team of stylists at 856 Raymond Ave. salongeorgestpaul.com
- Shag Studio Salon – Quality cuts and customized colors plus vintage and modern styles. Get into a new groove this year at 799 Raymond Ave facebook.com/shagstudiosalon
 
Artful fashion designed by Hackwith Design House on Charles Ave. and outer wear from Northmade Co.on Vandalia St.
6. Get Entertained!
Enjoy family-friendly fun and adventure at these unique entertainment venues:
- Can Can Wonderland – A whimsical wonderland of mini-golf, vintage pinball, arcade games, food, drinks, performances and more at 755 Prior Ave N, Suite 4. cancanwonderland.com
- Celtic Junction Arts Center – Offering a full calendar of Irish music and dance classes, concerts and performances at 836 Prior Avenue N. celticjunction.org
- The Dubliner Pub – Remember happy hours and live music? This pub and café has been keeping Irish hearts and pint glasses full since 1983. Plus dance lessons on Wednesdays at 7 pm at 2162 University Ave. https://thedublinerpub.com
- The Gamer’s Lair @The Dubliner Pub – Play pool, pinball, darts, foosball, retro arcade games and a juke box. Stop in or rent for a private party at 2162 University Ave. thedublinerpub.com/the-gamers-lair
- FlannelJax’s St. Paul – Closed until 2022, try your hand axe throwing, Thump the Stump and crosscut sawing for an extreme, social and fun outing at 755 Prior Ave N., Suite 102 flanneljaxs.com/st-paul
- Puzzleworks – Need an escape? Groups of 4-10 must work together to solve the puzzle before time runs out at 755 Prior Ave N., Suite 7A puzzleworksmn.com
- Twin City Model Railroad Museum – Model trains of yesteryear come alive during the "Magic of Night Trains" event, every Sat. now through Feb. at 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8. Buy tickets at tcmrm.org
  
The wonder of Can Can Wonderland. "Celtic Holiday Hooley" performance tickets on sale at Celtic Junction Art Center.
7. Take in a Show!
Enjoy live theater, dance, musical performances and classes at these CEZ creative arts organizations:
- All Day Studio – The Twin Cities' first urban dance studio, teaching popping, locking, waacking, house, hip-hop, and KRUMP, at 2161 University Ave W. all-day-studio.square.site
- CAAM Chinese Dance Theater – An arts and dance academy celebrating Chinese cultural heritage with performances and classes at 655 Fairview Ave N. caamcdt.org
- Chanson Voice & Music Academy – Offering in-person and online lessons for strings, guitar, piano, voice, woodwinds & brass, and songwriting at 795 Raymond Ave. chansonvoicestudios.com
- Collide Theatrical Dance Company and Academy – Celebrate the season with CTDC's Holiday Cabaret and other 2021–22 season offerings at 755 Prior Ave N., Suite 235. collidetheatrical.org
- Gremlin Theatre – Artistically brilliant, accessible and enjoyable theatrical experiences. Re-opening in 2022 in the Annex building at 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 177. gremlintheatre.org
- Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts – Shop their Great Big Holiday Sale or attend a performance by artists challenging perceptions of disability at 1860 Minnehaha Ave W. https://interactcenter.org.
- Kala Vandanam Dance Company – Sharing the beauty of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance tradition of India, through performance and workshops. kalavandanam.com
- Keane Sense of Rhythm – Exploring the boundaries of American tap dance through classes and performances at 836 Prior Ave N. tapcompany.org
- O’Shea Irish Dance – Irish dance classes, solo and team competitions and shows at 836 Prior Ave N. osheairishdance.com
- Saint Paul Ballet – Tickets for "Best of the Nutcracker" on sale now, plus in-studio teaching at this 23+-year-old ballet company at 655 Fairview Ave N. spballet.org
- Shakespearean Youth Theatre – Don’t miss "Twelve Days of Twelfth Night," and sign up for 2022 workshops at 550 Vandalia St, Suite 306. sytmn.org
- Smiling Drum Studio – This woman-owned studio offers classes in the art of drumming and community music-making for women at 655 Fairview Ave. N. smilingdrumstudio.com
- Taiko Arts Midwest – Movement-infused, heart-pounding, Japanese group drumming. Classes and workshops at 2161 University Ave W, Suite 117. taikoartsmidwest.org
- Theater Mu – Moving Asian American theater forward. Merch and tickets to their 2021/22 season are available online. Located at 755 Prior Ave N. theatermu.org
- Tu Dance – A leading voice in modern dance, classical ballet, African-based and urban vernacular movements, offering classes at 2121 University Ave W. tudance.org
- Young Dance – Transforming lives through movement with classes and a performing company at 655 Fairview Ave N. youngdance.org
- Youth Performance Company – Empowering youth and inspiring social change through bold theater, their 2021–2022 season is now on sale with performances in Minneapolis and in-person classes at 641 Fairview Ave N, Suite 191. youthperformanceco.org
Mid-century items and more available from MidModMen+friends and other CEZ vintage retailers.
8. Buy Something!
From records to reptiles, the CEZ has carefully curated gifts and everyday items that will up your creative and eco-conscious gift-giving and consumer game.
Agharta Records – Shop in-store or online for new releases, concert tickets, merch and more at 2512 University Ave W. www.aghartarecords.com
Barely Brothers Records – A record-lovers' record store, this vinyl-only shop offers DJ nights and a wide selection of new, old and unexpected music. Drop by, shop online or tune-in BB’s web-based radio. Located at 783 Raymond Ave. barelybrothersrecords.com
 Burlesque of North America – From small-batch posters to large-edition art prints, custom-print your own work, shop online or drop by their 12/4 Holiday Jam at their new digs at the northern end of Bro-Tex, 840 N. Hampden Ave. burlesquedesign.com
Butcher Block Furniture – Custom wood furniture made to last a lifetime, from wood kitchen islands and countertops to cutting boards and coffee tables, created at 809 Carleton St. #1 Shop online at bbfurniture.com
Classic Retro At Pete's – Discover hidden 20th century art and design treasures online (ebay) and at the retail location of this funky Saint Paul shop at 2145 University Ave. facebook.com/Classic-Retro-At-Petes
 Deneen Pottery – Making customers happy for over 45 years, Deneen has ready-to purchase inventory or can help you design your own-and-thrown custom coffee mugs at deneenpottery.com.
Dow Art Gallery and Picture Framing – Whether you're a collector, artist or need framing, owner Khanh Tran is here to connect and build community through art at his street-level gallery in the Dow Building at 2242 University W. dowartgallery.com
HiBAR – Goodbye plastic, hello HiBAR eco-friendly and salon-quality shampoo and conditioner bars made in the CEZ. Check out their sampler set and more at hellohibar.com
Holl Studio –A small custom woodworking shop focused on craft, and dedicated to providing the highest quality product and service from design to installation. Browse online at hollstudio.com
MidModMen+ Friends – Temporarily displaced from their University Ave store, you can still find their beautifully restored mid-century and modern pieces online, by appointment, and at weekly pop-ups. Midmodmen.com
Minnesota Tool Library – Reduce waste by empowering area residents with member-based access to tools, training, and workspaces at 755 Prior Ave N. Gift membership? mntoollibrary.org
Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop – Tie one on with a BMFS fly-tying class or regional guided fishing trip with friends and family at 550 Vandalia St #119. bobmitchellsflyshop.com
Noll Hardware Store – Supplying products and expertise for over 100 years, this CEZ gem has everything a hardware store should have and more at 789 Raymond Ave. nollhardware.com
Purrniture Cat Furniture – Don’t forget the fur babies this winter. Upgrade their crib with new furniture and toys. Shop online or in-store at 2242 University Ave W. purrniture.com
Tech Dump and Tech Discounts – A certified solution to recycling and reuse with a retail outlet for affordable refurbished electronics. Offering a one-year warranty and 30 day return policy at 860 Vandalia Street. techdump.org
 Twin Cities Reptiles – While probably not the best surprise gift, reptiles make great pets and TCR has you covered with everything you need to keep your animals, plus free parking at 2363 University Ave W. twincitiesreptiles.net
Don’t know what to get?? Buy gift cards to support our CEZ businesses.
Photos from top to bottom: "Tools of the Trade" screen print by Mike Davis of Burlesque of North America. Mug from Deneen Pottery. Live stock at Twin Cities Reptiles.
9. Get Fit!
Dig in deep for a serious body transformation, learn a new fitness skill, or begin a meditative journey in better wellness. Enhance the already beautiful you with self-care strategies at these health and fitness practitioners:
- Audacious Academy – Offering a full schedule of Kundalini yoga and meditation, conveniently located at 759 Raymond Ave. audaciousalchemy.com
- Bellum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – A martial art based on grappling and ground fighting, this program is open to all ages, genders and fitness levels. Teaching at 655 Fairview Ave N. bellumbrazilianjiujitsu.com
- Leslie Branham Fitness – Kettlebell instructor, running coach, and creator of HydroTrack, a rigorous deep-water running program for safe, intensive workouts. 550 Vandalia St. #208 lesliebranham.com
- C-Motion: Center for Movement – A first-of-its-kind multicultural, multiethnic arts, athletics and wellness community of fitness providers. Access to over 40,000 square feet of shared gym, dance and fitness space at 655 Fairview Ave N. comotioncenter.com
- Coach Q’s Training – Elite amateur and professional basketball, football and boxing training at 655 Fairview Ave N. coachqtraining.com
- Defining You Pilates & Fitness – Pilates, training and fitness classes at 550 Vandalia St, Suite 310. definingyoufitness.com
- Element Gym – Not just a gym but a community, this Black-owned small business (and charitable foundation) offers boxing, kickboxing, circuit, yoga and more. elementgym.org
- Fawn Friday – Kettlebell, bodyweight, and barbell movements for functional, real-life strength and fitness at 666 Transfer Road. fridaystrength.com
- Fly Freak Studio – Classes include aerial sling, aerial silks, handstands, flexibility, yoga and more. Zoom and in-person at 755 Prior Ave N. flyfreakstudio.com
- Joy of the People – A nonprofit promoting the idea of soccer free play to build healthy kids and communities at 890 Cromwell Ave. joyofthepeople.org
- Next Level Training Wellness and Fitness – Resistance training focused on retaining and rebuilding strength. Sessions at 2327 Wycliff Street, Suite 155. nextleveltwf.com
- Push Fitness – Offering virtual, outdoor and in-studio classes, boot camps and triathlon training, this boutique fitness center may just be the push you need. pushfitnessforyou.com
- Ripple Effect Community Fitness – Offers inclusive, supportive, personalized fitness to anyone who feels “too big” or “too small” or just “outside” of the typical fitness culture. At 655 Fairview Ave N. rippleeffectcf.com
- Skybox Gym Saint Paul – Practicing "Fitness for Life: a physical, mental, and social approach to a balanced everyday." With in-studio classes at 2327 Wycliff St., Suite 150. skyboxgym.com
- Twin Cities Aikido Center – One of the Midwest’s oldest dojos, this nonprofit, member-run organization has operated at or near its current location for over 40 years. 2382 Hampden Ave W, Suite 203. tcaikido.com
- Twin Cities Tai Chi – Dedicated to teaching the art, science, and spirit of T’ai Chi, Qigong and related practices in the Dow building at 2242 University Ave, Suite 207. tctaichi.org
- Vertical Endeavors – Being driven up a wall? Get literal and book a climbing session at VE’s bouldering location at 2550 Wabash Ave. verticalendeavors.com
- Wanna Experience – Group exercise and one-on-one fitness at 655 Fairview Ave N. facebook.com/wannaexp
- Yoga and a Pint – Hosted a Lake Monster Brewery. Classes are live-streamed and in-person. More at yogaandapint.com.
 A Lift Off weekend participant at Ripple Effect Community Fitness in the Fairview Business Center on Prior Ave.
10. Support a Cause!
The CEZ is home to hundreds of nonprofit and mission-based organizations, all doing good work to make a difference in our communities. While we can’t name them all, we hope you will consider donating your time and/or resources to support the organizations that align with your interests — biking and transit, social justice, mental health, environment, education, affordable housing and much, much more.
Plan for a year-end gift to support their work. You’ll be happy you did!
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Did we miss your favorite CEZ business? Of course, we did! There are so many wonderful, creative and constantly moving people and places we're sorry but sure we didn't get them all. Drop us a line to let us know who we missed and don't forget to use your own voice to amplify your favorite CEZ businesses.
#ShopLocal #SmallBusinessSaturday #CEZMSP
Walk, bike, drive or take the Green Line light rail to discover the unique independent businesses and seasonal experiences offered in Saint Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone (find map and more HERE.) Once you discover the magic of our unique, creative district, you too will want to work, live and play here.
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Your investment in the Creative Enterprise Zone — the district and the 501(c)3 organization — supports community-driven programs, investments, and public initiatives that attract and support creative people and businesses to #MakeItHere.
Make a online donation using the button below or donate by check to:
Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ), PO Box 14252, Saint Paul, MN 55114.
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