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Shop Wayzata & Excelsior

Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the towns of Wayzata and Excelsior draw shoppers with oodles of unique retail stores, places to nosh, and charming lakeside ambience. Just 15 miles from the Twin Cities, Wayzata’s shopping district feels like a coastal New England village. From there, a short drive around the southeast corner of the lake leads to Excelsior’s quintessential and vibrant main street. Shoppers can spend a full day in these towns hunting for treasures, taking in sights, and relaxing at a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar.

Wayzata’s shops have everything from clothing and shoes for women, men, and children, to antiques, pet supplies, jewelry, gifts, and home furnishings. The main shopping drag, Lake Street, offers views of the lake and boats in Wayzata Bay and restaurants with sidewalk seating. Fashionistas may recognize a few familiar shops such as Talbots and Chico’s, but they’ll also find exclusive boutiques including Jan’s of Wayzata with upscale European lines, designer consignment stores such as & Again, and Circa Vintage, which is stocked with finds from local estates.

There are plenty of ways to relax during a shopping spree in Wayzata. The Wayzata Towne Trolley provides a free, 30-minute circle tour of the downtown and lakefront areas. Several salon and spa businesses offer pampering services for hair, face, body, and nails. Hungry shoppers can find quick and casual food, but Wayzata is known for excellent surf and turf restaurants, including Blue Point Restaurant and Oyster Bar and Gianni’s Steakhouse.

Excelsior visitors can spend hours shopping a three-block stretch of Water Street and the surrounding area. The downtown’s 19th-century brick buildings with tin ceilings are a quaint reminder of Excelsior’s main street history, but the retail stores here feature today’s trends.

Hip women’s fashions and accessories abound at several boutiques including Martin’s, Cynthia Rae, and Meridian. Find contemporary takes on ancient Mediterranean jewelry at Omorphia, where cases are chock-a-block with chunky, funky metals and stones. Fine imported goods such as hand-woven Irish blankets are stocked at Heritage II Scandinavian and British Isles Shop. Brightwater Clothing & Gear sells bold and fashionable activeware for men and women.

For a post-shopping meal, drink, and some people-watching, outdoor seating at Jake O’Connor’s Public House is a great option. Biella offers a rustic atmosphere and fine Italian fare with homemade pastas and fresh fish. The 318 Café serves up contemporary, casual American food and live music. Through October 6, every Thursday is Girl’s Night Out in Excelsior, featuring special promotions from 5:00-9:00 p.m.