Let’s look at an indoor activity to keep you moving year-round. On deck today, pickleball! The sport has multigenerational appeal and combines elements of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. Check out community ed resources, a rec center near you, or one of these locales below.
Minneapolis Cider Company
“There's always something new happening,” writes Xander Cavanagh, Minneapolis Cider Company’s community engagement manager. “You come into Minneapolis Cider Co. for one thing and you leave with five reasons to return.” I’ve definitely found this to be true. I came for Breizh Fest and was astounded by the spaciousness of the place. I plan to return for the Halloween cider that launches on Oct. 16: A deep purple Witches Brew flavored with aronia berries.
Cavanagh says Minneapolis Cider Co. caters to “the social player.” In addition to hourly rentals and leagues ranging from beginner to advanced (winter registration ends Oct. 29), they offer open play sessions for singles, Minnesota transplants, men, and women. These social evenings include a draft cider and seasonal snacks made in their kitchen.
Lucky Shots Pickleball Club
This indoor club in Northeast Minneapolis features 18 courts and a unique setting — think artwork, tropical murals, even chandeliers. Lucky Shots offers year-round pickleball ladder leagues for all skill levels, two-day clinics, and 101 classes to help players improve their skills.
The Heights Racquet & Social Club
The Heights Racquet & Social Club in Mendota Heights was created by lovers of racquet sports. In addition to pickleball, members can play squash or a game called padel. October is National Padel Month, and The Heights is offering free padel play Fridays throughout October. The club also has heated and air-conditioned courts and 12-foot-high net dividers to cut down on players having to chase balls.
At Minneapolis Cider Company, you can play pickleball, or just hang out and drink cider with friends. (Courtesy of Minneapolis Cider Company)
Pints & Paddle
At Pints & Paddle in Maple Grove, you can pour your own draft beers and ciders and order American food made in their scratch kitchen, with dishes including power bowls, sandwiches, sweet potato fries, wings, and pretzels. You can play pickleball competitively or as a social activity by booking through an online reservation system. Skill levels range from 1 to 5.5+, and you can sign up for classes and clinics accordingly.
Minneapolis Pickleball Club
Club director Eric Larsen of Minneapolis Pickleball Club says that MPC’s facilities are so amazing that you need to see it to believe it. Sonos speakers are placed throughout the club to let players “set their own vibe.” The courts include acoustic attenuation drop tile (ceiling tiles that reduce noise and echo), dark walls for high contrast with pickleballs, and professionally cushioned hard-court surfaces, to name just a few features.
“We’re the only club offering members heated indoor parking, which is a unique amenity given our central downtown location,” he adds.
Larsen says that if you, reader, mention City Cast Twin Cities, you’ll receive “a special surprise” on your first visit to MPC.
