Eau Claire
Inneapolis offers a happening nightlife, ues, and parks and picnic areas.
it has a cosy atmosphere, rous menu and a sweet
estern end of Water Street is xample of Eau Claire’s downRay’s Place (838 Water St) is al, a time-capsule tavern pine panelling, friendly plaid flannel shirts, not-tooand a limited food menu. eef sandwiches, split pea oups are outstanding and able. Although they’re gravy and melted cheese, s are served on a napkin re of waxed paper. Clear s with the horseradouse mustard. ide Bike & Skate (937 Water ebikeskate.com), rent a oe, bike or skates, the last of be put to use during open rs at the next-door Hobbs Ice Center.
ark
the bend is Carson Park, el of Eau Claire’s park sysded, 52.6ha peninsula that oxbow lake. Trails, playd picnic areas abound, but entral feature is its sports a football field where teams niversity and local high y, and a charming WPA-era
ark also is home to the Paul gging Camp Museum (paulp.org), the regional-history Valley Museum (cvmuseum. half-mile miniature train ride (chippewa-valleyrailroad.org) that operates in the summer.
Bike and hike
The city maintains about 48.3km of trails (visiteauclaire.com/things-to-do/ trails), including several river crossings, plus 6.4km of mountain-biking trails in Pinehurst Park on the north side. In addition, the Chippewa River State Trail (pass required) offers a pleasant paved route out of the city and follows the river 48.3km to the southwest, where it connects with the crushed-limestone Red Cedar State Trail.
Food and drink
Besides Water Street’s copious consumption options, good eats are to be found downtown at Houligans and Ninja, both on S. Barstow Street.
Just off Barstow is the country-themed Livery (316 Wisconsin St), a great place for a juicy burger and a frosty craft beer; its huge patio features a daily bonfire at dusk. Or tickle your Cajun taste buds at the funky/tasty Stella Blues (306 E. Madison St) on the north edge of downtown.
Cross the Madison Street bridge and check out the charming Czech-themed Lazy Monk Brewing taproom (97 W. Madison St), known for its Bohemian Pilsner and Dark Lager. A few blocks north in the up-and-coming Cannery District, the Brewing Projekt (2000 N. Oxford Ave) is making news for its highly innovative brews and ambitious expansion plans. – Star Tribune (Minneapolis)/Tribune News Service