We have discovered the American Legion in downtown Hastings. Their deck is the best kept secret on the Mississippi. So relaxing to sit and watch the water craft go by and enjoy a cocktail or a bite to eat.
I live only 60 minutes from Hastings, England so regular visit, so the chance to visit Hastings, Minnesota was something I could not resist whilst in Minneapolis on business. The roads to Hastings were easy to navigate. Hastings main street was full of lovely Antique shops which I totally enjoyed and then also took a small path down to the Mississippi river where I saw a memorial to fallen soldiers of many wars and enjoyed seeing the river in full flow. I would recommend Hastings for those looking for traditional sidewalks and lovely Antique shops. Great little bar as well the Busted Nut and Grill! "love that name!"
If you like old stuff in many stores, this is your place. If you want to go to stores after 5:00, this is not your place. I would like to shop downtown Hastings more, but it seems to only be open for car shows.
We visited a number of shops in historic downtown Hastings. A good place to browse for antiques. We enjoyed Lah Tee Dah for clothing options. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon on Saturday so some places had already closed. I hope this downtown can survive the big franchises farther down the road.
Most of the good shopping is at the malls outside of town
We loved the antique shops. We never ate there, but we do enjoy antiquing and so on. Also there's this business of sidewalks, buildings and streets that give Hastings its unique charm.
I'm a sucker for historic downtowns and Hastings has done a great job of preserving theirs. Tucked in neatly on the banks of the Mississippi river the historic downtown sits just below the river bridge. There are plenty of cozy little shops, great breakfast joints and a number of hometown bars that feature great beer selections and awesome live music.
The Hastings cruise-in happens every other Saturday during the summer. Hundreds of fantastic looking cars are available for your viewing pleasure.
Hastings Downtown is kind of suffering from identity crisis. The majority of the business has moved up the hill by Wal-Mart and Target. Or further along 61 (Vermillion Street). I live in Hastings, I love Hastings, and I shop in Hastings as much as I can. But to be honest I dont think our wonderful town is that exciting. It is a great place to live. Karls Red Rock Cafe is downtown and a great place for breakfast. Karl is often there with his wife and they are really working hard to make it a good place to go. The Levee was replaced by the Onion Grill which isnt bad. I would say give it a try. RJ's has been there forever. Some like it after the remodel, others do not. I think it lost some of it's charm, but still a worth while stop. The Busted Nut is another local watering hole. Meyers Department Store is an old fashioned family run department store in downtown Hastings. They are really trying to survive. I do shop there. They are helpful, and very nice people. Other than that, lots of Antique stores. Not as glitzy as Stillwater, but a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Oh, and when the old cars come to town for the Saturday night car show, always worth seeing.
Whether you like Antique shopping, Specialty stores, eating on a deck overlooking the river or just walking along the sidewalk and window shopping Historic downtown Hastings is a great place for an adventure