Welcome to Skunk Hollow, the unofficial distillery district of St. Louis Park! Meet “Johnny” and “Irene” – these “spirited” lovebirds (er, skunks) are toasting the season with some craft cocktails and cabernet!
Fun fact: Why is Skunk Hollow called “Skunk Hollow?” Just across the street from the winery, you’ll see two large white duplexes that were originally built in 1898. Legend has it that they gave Skunk Hollow its name, after families of skunks were found living in them! But don’t worry – the skunks have long since moved on.
Warehouse Winery
This industrial chic area is now home to some tasty libations. It started with winemaker Billy Smith, who has made this area the home of Warehouse Winery, an authentic working winery and event space. Here he combines Marquette cold climate grapes with some of the best Northern California grapes to produce cabernet sauvignon, frontenac, syrah, merlot, zinfandel and wide variety of red blends, as well as a few whites. On the last Wednesday of each month, the winery hosts Wine Down Wednesday, where guests can enjoy tastings of up to 5 wines, a full glass of their favorite, light appetizers and live entertainment.
Fun Fact 2: We named our lovebird skunks in honor of Billy Smith’s parents – John and Irene. John saw the potential of the area, developing it into what is now Cambridge Business Center.
Copperwing Distillery
Behind the winery lives Copperwing Distillery. This award-winning grain-to-glass micro distillery and cocktail bar, now in its fifth year of operation, features house-distilled artisanal spirits including gin, vodka, fresas, bourbon and their signature creature vodskey®. Vodskey® is made from Copperwing’s bourbon mash, but distilled like vodka, creating a clear, strong spirit with more flavor and character than traditional vodka. They’ve also created a line of ready-to-drink cocktails, Copperwing House Calls, which includes an Old Fashioned, a Barreled Negroni, and The Wilderness Downtown. Their current cocktail menu features 40 different drink offerings! (See special offer!)
The Dampfwerk Distillery
Across the parking lot lies the Dampfwerk Distillery, is a family-owned and operated distillery and cocktail lounge making the finest European-style fruit brandies, gins, aquavits and herbal liqueurs, all with an unexpected American twist. In fact, they’ve recently come out with an American single malt whiskey! Their spirits are designed to be enjoyed in the company of family and friends. Their 3,000 sq. ft. cocktail room features a fireplace, comfy seating, a communal table for celebrating with friends, and an Instagram-worthy photo wall, featuring the lovely fruit ladies from their distinctive bottles.
Bunny’s Bar & Grill
If all these spirits have made you hungry, simply head east along Cambridge street, then go south on Alabama Ave until your come to Excelsior Blvd. There you’ll find Bunny’s Bar & Grill, a favorite neighborhood sports bar for over 80 years. They’re known for serving great breakfast, lunch and dinner, including juicy Angus burgers, homemade soups and sandwiches, pizza, pasta and more. Grab some of their fresh-popped popcorn and watch the game on one of over 30 TVs.
Sporting Goods Galore
Just to the east of Bunny’s, you’ll come to the Miracle Mile Shopping Center, which has been in business since 1951. If you love outdoor recreation, Miracle Mile is the place to go! Hoigaard’s, a staple since 1895, is a leader in outdoor equipment and apparel. It has something for everything – camping, paddle sports, hiking, biking, inline skates, skiing and snowboarding. Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop, meanwhile, is one of the largest racquet sport specialty stores in the country. They’ll get you outfitted for tennis and pickleball. And Orvis offers distinctive clothing and some of the world’s finest fly-fishing rods and tackle, plus upland hunting gear.
Droolin’ Moose
Miracle Mile is also home to an excellent shoe store, a jewelry store, a furniture store, a gently used children’s clothing and baby gear store, and a bookstore. Oh, and did we mention the gourmet chocolate store? Droolin’ Moose sells a wide range of decadent chocolates in unique packaging that’s perfect for gifting. And they offer tasting samples, too!
We hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to Skunk Hollow, one of St. Louis Park’s more unique areas.
Be sure to check out the special offers from some of the area’s businesses.
And don’t forget to visit the other characters on the Adam Turman Artventure!