Best of Lake Minnetonka 2009
Best Farmers’ Market: ExcelsiorThe Excelsior Farmers’ Market offers agricultural products grown almost exclusively within a 50-mile radius. Its location right off the bike path and across from the mill in downtown Excelsior attracts everyone from cyclists to ladies heading downtown for Excelsior Girls Night Out , as it runs every Thursday from 2–6 p.m., May through October. Lyman Park, Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.5330
Runner up: Hopkins
Best Interior Designer: Geffre Interiors
Since 1968, locally owned Geffre Interiors has been making homes and commercial properties in the area shine from the inside out. Their specialty is flooring—with every choice imaginable from tile to carpet, which they even install themselves. If design is not your forte, leave it up to their skilled interior designers who will make sure every room matches your taste and personality. 2370 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.473.1362
Runners up (three-way tie): KR Design, Diane Foote Interior Design, and Julian Interiors & Design
Best Baseball Diamond: Bennett Family Park
Kids and parents enjoy America’s pastime at the privately owned Bennett Family Park, which boasts five baseball fields and six batting cages. The park now includes a new rubberized Miracle Field for children with disabilities. “All of the kids in East Tonka Little League are buddies with Miracle kids to help them play the game,” says Wendy Gabler, an East Tonka Little League board member. 3717 County Rd. 101, Minnetonka
Runner up: Lions Park; 3rd place: Central Middle School
Best Soccer Field: Einer Anderson Stadium
Sports are taken very seriously at Minnetonka High School. Parents, athletic associations and community members helped fund the Einer Anderson Stadium, upgraded in 2004. The stadium is also used for football and track, and has an artificial turf field, new bleachers, a brick patio entrance and a Tonka Dome that covers the field in the winter months. 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.401.5700
Runner up: Blake School; 3rd place: Big Willow park
Best Kids Birthday Party Spot: Tino’s Café Pizzeria
Kid-friendly food at adult-friendly prices is what makes Tino’s Café Pizzeria the best place for a kid’s celebration. The award-winning, handcrafted pizzas are pretty darn good, too—each with a four-cheese blend and endless topping options. Other party-menu favorites include butter noodles and homemade chocolate chip cookies. 19215 Hwy. 7, Shorewood; 952.470.9663.
Runner up: Jazzercise Kids; 3rd place: Maynard’s
Best Remodeler/Builder: Smith Partners
One look at a Smith Partners project and it’s easy to see why the company is considered the best at what they do. Heck, they do it all—from finding great land to designing and building award-winning homes for clients. Even better? Their mission is built around small, personalized details, meaning your dream house won’t end up looking like anyone else’s. Smith Partners, 6015 Ridge Rd., Excelsior; 952.471.9220
Runner up: Pillar Homes
Best Playground: Excelsior Commons
Four slides, climbing areas, monkey bars and a tire swing keep kids entertained and parents blissfully happy at Excelsior Commons’ playground. What really puts a peaceful smile on parents’ faces, though, is the gorgeous view of the lake from almost anywhere in the park. While kids are on the playground, adults can enjoy the tennis courts, baseball field and basketball court, or soak up some sun at the beach right next to the playground. Lake Street, Excelsior; 952-474-5233.
Runner up: Shady Oak; 3rd place: Wayzata Beach
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