Hamline Hangouts & Local Photo Ops

Words by Cassie Willaert | Photos by Franki Hanke

Shopping

Hamline University students seem to be drawing away from the block meal plans after their first year and begin living off campus. With Hamline’s class sizes increasing almost every year, the question remains the same: where do students go for their meals?

In most cases an astoundingly confident “Target” booms from their diaphragm with overwhelming excitement. When asked where most Hamline students go grocery shopping, the majority said the Targets either on Hamline and University Ave or in Roseville on County B.O

f course Target has it all, from groceries to school supplies and even everything you don’t need but convince yourself you do. Hamline students have “targeted” their choice on where to spend their money wisely.

Relaxation and Productivity

In social aspects, other hangouts may be more appropriate. For those of you new to the Hamline-Midway area, our student body has provided us with a few of the best hotspots to treat yourself to snacks while also being productive.

Junior Radian Lenz says one of her favorite hangout spots is Cafe Astoria on Grand Ave. The cafe is famous for their 24K latte where literal 24 carat gold flakes are sprinkled on top of each and every latte to give pizazz. “It’s a great place to do homework or catch up with friends because the environment is so friendly and comfortable too!” The cafe is also known for crepes, which are getting harder to find these days.

Of course there are many other cafes near campus like Groundswell Coffee and Ginkgo that each serve their own unique menu and purposes to the customers. Both are within walking distance to campus and are a fan favorite due to aesthetics on the walls and detailing on the drinks and bakery items.

Fun and Entertainment

On a more adventurous note, nearby CanCan Wonderland is an 18-hole indoor golf course designed by local artists with everything from a State Fair-inspired hole to your grandma’s living room and everything in between!

Junior Monty Stenroos says he brought his mother there to celebrate Mother’s Day last year. “She had a blast! My younger brother and sister came too; it was the perfect way to get the family together and have some fun!”

The mini-golf building is attached to BlackStack Brewery for those of age or families that make an outing together after their game of golf. With eight different Minnesota-crafted beers on tap and three different food trucks that stop in the parking lot on given days of the week, it’s sure to be a “win” for everyone!

Public Art

Although it’s not an original idea, the I Like You wall is a perfect way to show off the things or people you enjoy spending time with. With the words “I like you” written in different colors plastered all over a brick wall you are certain to get your point across while also having a cute backdrop to your activity-filled day. Need more murals in your life? Head to downtown Minneapolis to check out the Bob Dylan mural! The Hamline-Midway neighborhood is also scattered with beautiful murals reflective of our community. Check out Midway Murals for the locations.

Any and Every Coffee Shop

Coffee is a friend to anyone in need. It also happens to make for a great close-up opportunity. For any detailed designs that are drawn in foam or cream in the coffee, it’s a reason to take a picture that will not only make you look good but give a new appreciation for warm drinks during the upcoming winter. Whether you stay near campus at Groundswell, or trek to Cafe Astoria for a fancy 24K latte, the Twin Cities has an abundance of options for coffee enthusiasts.

Como Conservatory

Beautiful flowers and plants fill the Como Conservatory. Exotic and native plants fill a glass bubble in a way that will glorify your camera lens too. You’ll feel right at home in a room filled with bright colors and comforting smells.