2021 CEZ 1st-Ever Winter & Holiday Survival Guide
Introducing our first-ever, non-exhaustive.....
CEZ Winter & Holiday Survival 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 onour 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.
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 Roastersis 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
Deane's Kombucha – Hydrate with hand-crafted Kombucha, B+W Cold Press on Nitro, and restorative St. Paul Switchel. Order online for pick-up and home delivery. deaneskombucha.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
Sharrett's Liquors – Tap rooms closed? Find local beers, wine, spirits and friendly advice (and a ATM) at 2389 University Ave W. skolliquors.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
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 – Don't miss their over-the-top holiday “Winter Wonderland” installation and more, now through New Year Eve 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
Voxel Virtual Reality Parlour – Experience the world of virtual reality at this unique lounge and arcade at Vandalia Tower. Book yourself, a group or private party at voxelvrp.com
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 or shop online at their new location 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
Caufield Clay Works – When not busy creating custom dinnerware for prominent hotels and restaurants, you can find potter Kevin Caufield teaching and creating utilitarian and aesthetically beautiful ceramics for purchase online or by appointment at 2242 University Ave - Suite 150. caufieldclayworks.com
Chocolat Celeste – Discover Celeste's beautifully designed, artisanal chocolate in seasonal, U of M, and themed boxes, or customize your own. Order online for shipping or pick up at 652 Transfer Rd. chocolatceleste.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
E & L Bindery – Shop beautiful and unique handmade blank journals, sketchbooks, and more. Created from fabrics and leathers by owner Jeff "Master LooseLeaf" Dahlin (of Minnesota Renaissance Festival fame) at 708 Vandalia St. elbindery.com
Excelsior Candle Co. – Born from the belief that the right fragrance can make everyday moments feel extraordinary, all of their renewable, biodegradable soy wax candles are crafted with natural essential oils in recyclable and reusable containers in Saint Paul. excelsiorcandleco.myshopify.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 athollstudio.com
Interact Gallery – Don't miss their Big Holiday Sale now through Dec. 22, featuring over 60 artists challenging perceptions of disability. Shop online AND in-person at 755 Prior Ave N., Suite 002D. More at gallery.interactcenter.org
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
Studio on Fire – Custom design work, artisan printing and premium packaging solutions made by exceptional craftspeople since 1999. They love making things, and you'll love shopping for holiday gifts at studioonfire.com.
Tech Dump and Tech Discounts – A certified solution to recycling and reuse with a retail outlet for affordable refurbished electronics including laptops, iPhone, gaming systems, and more, with 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
Verdant Tea – Save 20% in December on all tea tasting kits and porcelain tea sets available for order online. Consider joining their tea of the month club! verdanttea.com
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:
Arena Fitness Healthclub - Why wait until the new year when you can finish strong with deals on membership, training sessions, bootcamps and more. Zumba or kick box your way over to their location at The Wycliff. arenafitnessmn.com
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!
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.
