Ah, spring and summer evenings, those wonderful hours when we try to squeeze in every ounce of enjoyment before the weather turns again. We compiled a compendium of fun things to do right here in Plymouth that will keep your calendar full—in a good way—and all are conveniently categorized to fit your age and interest. Whether you’re looking for a spot to hone some sports skills or a place to wet your whistle and nosh on some tasty fare—a mom who’s looking for a little pampering, a teen looking to give back or a parent looking to get the entire clan into some family-friendly events—have no fear, we’ve got you covered.
Adults Only
Sports Enthusiasts
Fore!
Gather a few of your closest friends—or meet some new ones—attending group golf lessons at Hollydale Golf Course. From 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday (and sometimes Thursday) in May and June. Patrick Porte instructs folks on the perfect grip, stance, back swing, chip and putt—and of course on how to have fun doing it. Lessons are $60 for four one-hour sessions; participants must bring their own; register at Hollydale Golf Course. 763.559.9847
Batter-up
There’s nothing that screams summer more than the crack of a bat (well, with softball it’s more of a “thump”) and enthusiastic runners scrambling for home plate. Channel your favorite ball player, lace up your dusty cleats, and hit the softball fields in one of Plymouth parks and recreation’s adult softball leagues. $825 for men’s league, $570 for 12 co-rec games, $500 for 10 co-rec games. 763.509.5200
Happy Hours
Jakes City Grille
Imagine a heaping plate of grilled chicken wings gently kissed with an oh-so-perfect sweet-and-spicy sauce, an ooey-gooey spinach artichoke dip all bubbly and delicious, or delectable crunchy-meets-succulent lettuce wraps. Now imagine that from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 p.m. to midnight Sunday–Thursday, you can get these—and a whole lot of other tasty treats and drinks—at fabulous happy-hour prices. 763.559.1595
Axel’s
At Axel’s, every day is a special day—or at least one that deserves a great happy hour. Yep, you heard right: Happy hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 to close. Stop in when you’re in the mood for a half-price wood-fired pizza that begins with a symphony of cheeses (mozzarella, Provolone, asiago and parmesan) topped with a range from barbecue chicken to artichoke hearts and spinach, or any of the other half-price appetizers and specially priced drinks. 763.398.7408
Kobe
If you’re itching for a different fare, Kobe offers appetizers as beautiful as they are delectable. During their happy hour that runs 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close Sunday–Thursday, you can sample artful Japanese treats ranging from Yakitori, chicken on skweres ($3), to Gyoza, Japanese dumplings ($3.50), to Sashimi Tar Tar, raw fish with sauce ($8); chefs here also offer spring rolls ($3), California rolls ($3.95) and more for those who prefer milder (cooked) flavors. Pair with a dragon berry lemonade ($5), hot sake ($2 off) or any other specially priced drinks and beer, and you’ll be putting the “happy” in happy hour. 763.559.9999
Ladies’ Spa Night
Simonson’s
Let’s face it, ladies: When it comes to enjoyable things to do, spa services are pretty darn high on most of our lists. Throw in a couple of friends to enjoy those services with, and heck, we can get downright giddy. Simonson’s Salon & Spa offers all the enjoyable services we’re looking for, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, hot-stone therapy, and more. Short on time? Try the two-hour mini-cure spa package complete with express mani and pedi, specific-need massage, and a spa gift ($90). 763.550.1121;
New Reflections
With a philosophy that includes the notion that spa services are as good for you as they are enjoyable, New Reflections offers flexible spa pricing; evening services are considered “off-peak times,” and therefore cost less, perfect for those looking for fun things to do after work. New Reflections offers onsite concierge services for groups of four or more; book early for best appointment times. 763.559.3185
Kid-friendly
Giving Back
Club 56
Late-elementary and middle-school years can be a difficult time for kids; the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth’s Club 56 program offers fifth- and sixth-graders the opportunity to come together from 6:50 to 7:40 p.m. every Wednesday (September through May) to discuss important issues like peer pressure, gossip, bullying and faith. Each session includes a large-group lesson followed by small-group discussion. 763.559.2775
TAG
Is your teen (ages 13–18) looking for a way to give back? The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) aims to empower youth through volunteering, activities and involvement—and to help others in the process. Some activities include assisting at the Healthy Living Fair and farmers market, at the skate park grand-opening, and at The Stage concerts, which take place June 25 and July 9. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at Plymouth Creek Center. Alyssa Krumholz, 763.509.5225.
Food and Fun
Dining Al Fresco
Since our summer season is so short in this neck of the woods, we Minnesotans like to eat outside, or dine al fresco, as much as we can. How about a neighborhood party, a reunion or a work picnic just steps away from the lovely Parkers Lake at Parkers Lake north picnic shelter? The shelter includes two barbecue grills, a fireplace, restrooms and electrical outlets, in case you want to get fancy; half-day and full-day rates are available. 763.509.5200.
Swimming Fun
Grab your bathing suits, the kids and their swim toys (except for water wings or inflatables) and head to Wayzata East Middle School for the splash- and fun-filled family open swim. Cost is $10 for a family of four, $3 for singles or a child, and open swim takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday during the summer (excluding holidays). 763.509.5200
Event-centered
Entertainment in the Parks
Toss your favorite lawn chair or blanket into the trunk, and head to any number of outdoor concerts, movies and shows at Parkers Lake, Hilde Performance Center and Plymouth Creek Park. With no fewer than 40 evening events taking place during June, July and August, there will never be a shortage of things to do. Most events start at 7 p.m. and are free; a complete events calendar can be found on the Plymouth parks and recreation website, but standouts include a production of Footloose (starts at dusk on June 27 at the Hilde Performance Center, Comedy Sportz (7p.m. on July 23 at the Hilde Performance Center), and the Roe Family Singers (7 p.m. on August 14 at Parkers Lake). 763.509.5200
Music in Plymouth
Picture a warm summer evening, a picnic dinner, thousands of your friends and neighbors gathered together under the stars at the Hilde Performance Center as the Minnesota Orchestra fills the air with sweet harmonies; it doesn’t get any more perfect than that, does it? Celebrating its 40th year on July 3, Music in Plymouth has been a mainstay for Plymouth residents since 1972, and includes pre-concert activities, warm-up bands, the Minnesota Orchestra performance, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The entire event is simulcast on two large, state-of-the-art screens, so even with a large crowd the experience can be enjoyed by all.
