Old warehouses housing artist studios, modern galleries, and live performance spaces are a hallmark of Northeast Minneapolis's Arts District. The area’s 400-some artists open their galleries and show off their stuff at a variety of fairs and art crawls, including the legendary Art-A-Whirl, which occurs annually on the third weekend in May. For an extensive directory of Northeast art galleries and events, visit the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association.

Looking for hands-on arty things? Check out Simply Creative for workshops on things like jewelry creation, printmaking, watercolor and cookie decorating.

The Arts District has some notably great night-out spots, including Hai Hai (buzzy spot serving Southeast Asian street food and craft cocktails with a great patio), Centro (a vibrant restaurant serving up fast-casual Mexican food and excellent margaritas), Bina's (a take on a trendy dive bar with elevated bar food), North East Social (American/Continental bistro), Anchor Fish and Chips (Alaskan cod, Irish pub food), and Young Joni (award-winning wood-fired pizza, Korean grill).

Head less than two miles up Central Ave and find a pocket of incredible cuisine. Try Durango Bakery, a Mexican pastry shop that serves fresh breads, donuts, tres leches cake, and other delicious baked goods. Visit Holy Land Bakery & Deli for essentials like pita bread, olives, and cheese. For Colombian and Ecuadorian dishes check out the warm and inviting La Colonia Restaurant. Craving five star pizza topped with green sauce and fresh ingredients? Stop by Football Pizza (yes, these pies are shaped like footballs). And vegans will love Francis Burger Joint for their entirely plant-based and gluten-free menu. Get the Garlic Girl — you won't be disappointed.

If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up, check out Mojo Coffee Gallery. They also serve great breakfast and brunch. For pastries made by award-winning Chef Diane Moua, go to Diane's Place. Her pastries incorporate flavors from her Hmong heritage, so you'll find items like a coconut pandan croissant or a sweet pork danish.

You can’t swing a fixie bike around Northeast without hitting a dive bar, namely 331 Club (vintage dive bar, live music), Mayslacks (old school dive, roast beef sandwiches, live music), Shaw’s (sports bar, live music), Grumpy’s (tavern, bar food, video games), and Northeast Palace (live music, dancing, karaoke).

The craft beer scene landed hard on Northeast Minneapolis. The dizzying options include Padraigs Brewing and its enormous indoor, wood-brick space and a small, atmospheric stone amphitheater outside. They keep about 10 house beers on tap at a time. Bauhaus Brew Labs serves a German-American beer hybrid in their busy taproom which hosts events like film screenings, trivia and live music. Indeed Brewing Company has two taprooms, serving pints of their flagship Day Tripper Pale Ale, Pistachio Cream Ale, IPAs, experimental brews, and the Wooden Soul series of wild, sour, and barrel-aged beer. Down the street you'll find BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom, a new spot for organic hard kombucha with a superb patio. Steps away you'll find Earl Giles, a craft distillery with wood-fired pizzas. Finally, there is Sociable Cider Werks, for those who like a little apple zing with their brewery explorations. Because everything is in such close proximity, you can either make yourself comfortable at one spot or opt for some variety and hop from place to place. There are no bad choices here. And, if you feel like venturing north, Fair State and 56 Brewing are worth the trip.

In between the restaurants and neighborhoods are plenty of stores worth whipping out your wallet for. Explore the open studios at the Northrup King and Solar Arts buildings, located in the heart of the Northeast Arts District, during the art crawl and all year round. In addition to fine art, you'll find jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more.

Home decor shop Curiosity is another great place to check out local artisans and one-of-a-kind goods like recycled wood planters, embroidered baskets, and boho-chic rugs. For a unique collection of women’s global fashion by designers who only use fair trade and sustainable fabrics, dive through the racks at Key North Boutique.

For cool apparel, local art, and skateboards, visit PILLLAR Forum on Central Avenue. Grab some craft coffee while you're there, and you may even catch some live music. Down the street is Paolita's Sur Envios, a gift shop for the soccer — wait, sorry — futbol fanatics. Find gear, national team jerseys, and more.

If you were born in the wrong decade or prefer to spend your money on unique and used products, Rewind Minneapolis and Moth Oddities are great stops for vintage scores. Next door to Moth Oddities is Olio Vintage, a collective of several vendors each known for sourcing incredibly unique pieces. Magus Books & Herbs stocks up on a wide assortment of metaphysical supplies for those looking to expand their spiritual perspectives. Find everything from crystals, tarot decks and art to jewelry, oils, and yes — you guessed it — books and herbs.

Across the river is Mother Co. Plants, a large oasis for all plant-care essentials. Pick up a new green friend here, too.