The Vibe

Prior Lake is both the largest lake and one of the oldest cities in the Twin Cities’ southern metro. The city of 28,000, tucked between the lake’s upper and lower basins, started out as a farming community and summer getaway until it grew into a bustling suburb. But the area was originally inhabited by ancestors of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, whose tribal lands are spread between Prior Lake and Shakopee.

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Though Prior Lake is affluent, its downtown has an unpretentious feel, with affordable boutiques and casual spots to grab a beer and a bite.

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Eat

You can start and end your day on Prior Lake’s Main Avenue at Edelweiss Bakery, a beloved local institution stocked with doughnuts, pies, French-style cakes and pastries, and one of the best caramel rolls around: gloriously lopsided, smushed spirals of laminated dough, coated in a sticky glaze. Later in the day, when the caramel rolls are long sold out, the bakery pours wine by the glass. But if you’re really ready to lounge, next door’s stylish Rhino Wine Bar goes a little moodier with tropical wallpaper and velvet chairs, plus wine flights and little bites.

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Across the street, Boathouse Brothers Brewing embraces the town’s lake identity with pontoon seating and propeller-shaped choose-your-own flight holders (get at least one boozy slushie). Cross Eagle Creek Avenue to YT’s Garage, a new bar in a former auto body garage, recommended for its vintage-car theme, playful patio and juicy dry-rub wings. And don’t overlook the newly renovated Prior Lake VFW 6208, which serves bargain-priced sandwiches in a bright space that’ll make you want to stick around for bingo.

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If it’s lake views you’re after, there’s only one place to go: Charlie’s on Prior. Order a shareable bucket of Bomba Juice or another easy-drinking cocktail on the marina-view patio, plus a giant pretzel and the unexpectedly craveable fried avocado.

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Shop

Chic & Sage Boutique calls to chic cowgirls with western-style boots, vests and prairie dresses priced for those making ranch-hand wages. Next door at the sprawling Olive Moon boutique, a pineapple-scented candle burns while shoppers comment on the natty seersuckers and flowy dresses (“this is really cute, these are really cute”). There’s also a section for babies who want to rock a “bro” onesie or miniature denim cutoffs, plus home accessories, including barware, throw pillows and tea towels.

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Down the block, Lueur Boutique focuses on women’s and men’s clothing by luxury brands, several of which manufacture in the U.S. and use organic materials. At the adjacent Grace & Gumption, two besties curate trendy women’s clothing for a shopping experience that feels like perusing a friend’s closet. At Realia by Jen, find great gifts (statement jewelry, tote bags) to pair with snarky cards (“We never liked him anyway.”) Pals who are shopping together can cement their bond with matching, welded-on anklets at Sweet Sparrow Permanent Jewelry.