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Over the past year or so, St. Paul has quietly become a hotbed for the local literary scene. It boasts a healthy number of independent bookstores, such as Garrison Keillor (Prairie Home Companion)’s Common Good Books, Micawber’s Books, Midway Used and Rare Books, Sixth Chamber Used Books, and children’s book store the Red Balloon Bookshop; plus monthly literary clubs and readings at a number of other venues. The third Tuesday of every month, the Amsterdam Bar and Hall hosts the long-running Books and Bars (also held monthly in Minneapolis at the Aster Cafe), while the Artists’ Quarter has long been the home of the Soap Boxing poetry slam, every first Monday of the month. Additional events including the Black Dog Cafe’s Lowertown Reading Jam (held on various days throughout the month) and Readings by Writers at the University Club the third Tuesday of the month.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Keillor is joining with fellow authors Patricia Hampl, Shannon Olson and Julie Schumacher on Sunday for a Common Good-sponsored Mother’s Day reading “Honor Thy Mother” at Macaleseter College’s Weyerhaeuser Chapel, which promises “stories about her, secrets told, sins confessed, and a few songs in her favor.” Donations will be collected for the Jeremiah Program for single mothers. (3 pm Sunday, free, Macalester College, 38 S Snelling Avenue, St. Paul.)

Garrison Keillor

St. Paul Literary Clubs

Readings by Writers
What: Hosted by Saint Paul Poet Laureate Caron Connolly, this month’s installment of the Readings by Writers series will feature readings by haron Chmielarz, Matt McConnell, Kim Ode, James Silas Rogers, Dara Sykrin, Francine Marie Tolf, Tracy Youngblom, and the Announcement of the 2012 Everyday Poems for City Sidewalk Contest Winners by Marcus Young.
When: 7 pm, third Thursdays; next meeting: May 15.
Where: The University Club, www.universityclubofstpaul.com

Lowertown Reading Jam
What: Presented by the Saint Paul Almanac, the acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams celebrate the rich literary history of Minnesota’s capital city. May 23′s edition “Raising Consciousness and Healing Through Words” is curated by Sheronda Orridge and features performances by Akeeylah Watkins, Angel Myatt, Monique Crusoe, Karyssa Jackson, Kashimana, Dianne Moore, and Fanond Burnett.
When: 7 pm, May 23. Upcoming dates: June 11, July 9.
Where: Black Dog Cafe, 308 Prince Street, St. Paul, 651-228-9474, blackdogstpaul.com

Soap Boxing Poetry Slam
What: Presented by the award-winning poetry slam team Soap Boxing, the Poetry Slam competition is open to anyone (18-plus) and features three rounds of poetic battle. Sign up between 7-8 pm. ($5)
When: 8 pm, first Mondays; next bout: June 4.
Where: The Artists’ Quarter, 408 St Peter Street, St. Paul, 651-292-1359, www.artistsquarter.com

Books & Bars
What: An open public book club show. We provide a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, good food and drinks. This month’s selection for the Books and Bars Book Club will be Joseph Heller’s classic, Catch-22.
When: 6 pm, third Tuesdays; next meeting: May 15.
Where: Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W 6th Street, St. Paul, 612-285-3112, hwww.amsterdambarandhall.com

Check out this video in which Books & Bars host Jeff Kamin explains the “new” book club:

For more literary events and readings in the Twin Cities, check out Rain Taxi’s comprehensive online calendar.

St. Paul Independent Book Stores
Many of these book stores host regular readings from local authors.

Common Good Books
38 S Snelling Avenue, St. Paul
651-225-8989
www.commongoodbooks.com

Micawber’s Books
2238 Carter Avenue, St. Paul
651-646-5506
www.micawbers.com

The Red Balloon Bookshop
891 Grand Avenue
St. Paul
www.redballoonbookshop.com

Sixth Chamber Used Books
1332 Grand Avenue
St. Paul
651-690-9463
www.sixthchamber.com

Midway Used & Rare Books
1579 University Avenue W
St. Paul
651-644-7605
www.midwaybook.com

It’s a hard rocking, raucous weekend in St. Paul.

Friday: Bloodnstuff, IGUANO, The Goondas & The Bad Spots
Turf Club
1601 University Avenue
9:30 pm, 21+, $7
Among Friday night’s highlights is a garage punk-laced show at the mighty Turf. It’s a solid lineup if I’ve ever seen one, showcasing some of the Twin Cities’ loudest, hardest and most entertaining-to-watch bands of the moment. First up is the Bad Spots, a new rock ‘n roll band whose roster features members of some local acts-of-note, including Bridge Club, Is/Is and the Sex Rays. Next up is the Goondas, who play punk rock in the vein of the Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop – okay, with maybe less blood, but no less of the spit. Headlining is Bloodnstuff, a local duo that’s blown up as-of-late for having a big, Southern- and math-rock-infused sound that belies the seeming limitations that would come from being a drums-and-guitar-only combo. Playing last is IGUANO, a band featuring some old school talent like Jacques Wait of Pink Mink and Ehsan Alam of Revolver Modele and a sound in the vein of early Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Click HERE for the Turf Club site.

Friday: Freedy Johnston
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
6 W 6th Street
9 pm, 21+, $9
Also on Friday is a show from longtime singer-songwriter Freedy Johnson, who many may remember for his mid-’90s REV 105 hit “Bad Reputation.” He’s still around, and still playing songs about troubled loners, heartbreak, alienation and disappointment. His latest release is a collaborative effort put out earlier this year with Susan Cowsill and Jon Dee Graham, working together as The Hobart Brothers and Lil’ Sis Hobart, but expect him to focus largely on solo material spanning his discography, which dates back to 1990 through his latest, 2010′s Rain on the City. Locals Alison Scott, Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets open. Click HERE for the Amsterdam Bar site.

Saturday: A Queensday Celebration: Venus de Mars & All The Pretty Horses / El Le Faunt & His Traveling Circus / Deceitful Lapwings
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
6 W 6th Street
8 pm doors, 21+, $8
The Amsterdam celebrates Dutch cultural holiday “Queensday” in honor of the Queen Mother with a show featuring some of the Twin Cities’ most theatrical musical acts. Gender-bender goth rockers Venus DeMars and All the Pretty Horses headline the bill along with El Le Faunt and His Traveling Circus, which also celebrates its album release with this show. The vaudevillian pop collective have been described by l’etoile music writer Jon Hunt as “a whiskey-soaked music-hall act in a Tim Burton movie,” and I couldn’t describe them better myself. Rounding out the bill are new dark-folk trio the Deceitful Lapwings fronted by Milkbar’s Sarah Moeding, plus live burlesque and Professor Oscar’s Congress of Curiosities doing a sideshow act. Click HERE for the Amsterdam site.

Saturday: CLAPS, Hollows, Real Numbers & Rollerblade
Turf Club
1601 University Avenue
9:30 pm, 21+, $7
Also on Saturday night is a night of jangly rock ‘n roll with a dose of darkwave minimal synthpop, in the form of Minneapolis’ own CLAPS. The band could have a great career as a New Order cover band, their sound is that spot-on, but their originals are nothing to scoff at. Next on the lineup is Chicago girl-fronted trio Hollows, whose sound is straightforward, super-fast punk rock with a dose of surf – definitely worth checking out. Real Numbers is a Minneapolis trio in the vein of Southern jangly guitar indie-pop, and they’re totally infectious. Click HERE for the Turf Club site.

The art of female impersonating has come into the pop culture lexicon most recently thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show that pitches drag queens in challenges that have them sewing their own costumes, styling their own wigs and applying their own makeup, doing choreography, impersonating celebrities, and lip-syncing “for their lives.” But the drag community has a storied history in the Twin Cities. While Minneapolis is home to better-known drag venues like the Gay 90s, St. Paul has its very own little drag wonderland in the form of the Town House. The cozy bar and cabaret hosts drag shows every Thursday and Sunday with a rotating cast of characters. Curated by local drag diva Esme Rodriguez, “Sequin Sundays” is more of a variety show than anything. We chatted with the performer to get the scoop on the weekly series.

So, what exactly are “Sequin Sundays”?
It is a hybrid drag/live cabaret/singing/dancing production that aims to build and unite community by creating a space for like-minded individuals – gay, straight, and queer. We often have theme nights (like the burlesque and jazz night earlier this month) as well as amazing musicians.

What’s planned for tomorrow’s show?
Davina Sowers of Davina and The Vagabonds is performing tomorrow night. Davina is quite unique and the mission of our cabaret is to feature people who might not have been traditionally thought to do a show such as ours.

What makes “Sequin Sundays” different from regular drag shows?
A lot of shows are geared toward one audience or another – burlesque, drag, music, etc. But I am a show director who is interested in creating cultural productions that intersect various populations and also work to bring social justice.

Next week’s “Sequin Sundays” will feature Lyle Lovesit’s Country-Fried Birthday Party, featuring country-fied performances from the drag king (who was Mr. Drag King Wisconsin in 2010) as well as Martina Marraccino, Gabrielle Deveaux, Sasha Rodgers, Paulie Graff, Rich Kidd, and Brie Jordan the “Country Queen.” You can also see Rodriguez tonight in DRAG-N-DANCE, a drag show and dance party happening at the Town House every third Saturday, also featuring performances from Martina, Gabrielle, Sasha and drag king Suave. “Sequin Sundays” has a $2 cover and Saturdays have a $3 cover. The Town House is located at 1415 University Avenue West in St. Paul. Shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

There’s not quite anything like St. Patrick’s Day in St. Paul. St. Paul claims more Irish bars and pubs per capita than any other city in the state – and possibly in the U.S. – so what better time than now to run down some of its best Irish bars?

Named “Best Neighborhood Bar” various times over the years by City Pages, the Dubliner has had one of the longest St. Patrick’s Day tent party in the state. Unfortunately, as a result of light-rail construction, they won’t be hosting their usual tent party, but inside the charmingly divey joint will be offering double Jameson gingers for $8.50.
2162 W. University Av., St. Paul, 651-646-5551.

2 Gingers' Kieran Folliard. Photo: Katie Kieffer

If you’re in a green beer mood and don’t mind running into lots of drunk people with green beads, head to the Liffey, conveniently located right on the parade route across from the Xcel Energy Center. Owned by Cara Irish Pubs (whose other Irish pubs include Kieren’s, the Local and Cooper), so you can expect a classic Irish pub vibe from this downtown bar, complete with rich, dark wood detailing and mirrors – plus their in-house 2 Gingers whiskey, created by former CEO Kieran Folliard.
175 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651–556-1420, www.theliffey.com

In downtown St. Paul, Patrick McGovern’s Pub is a popular destination after the St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day parade. They’ll open early at 8:30 a.m., host a DJ on main level and in the tented parking lot, bagpipers at 1 p.m., corn beef and cabbage all day and green beer until they run out, and plenty of Irish atmosphere.
225 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-224-5821, www.patmcgoverns.com

Shamrock’s Pub celebrates the holiday with green beer, green Jell-O shots, an outdoor tent, and tons of bands. Saturday will feature a tent party that includes a “leprechaun toss,” face painting, a leprechaun look-alike competition, live music all day, and eats like Irish stew, reubens, corned beef and cabbage, reuben burgers, “O’Patty” melts, and “leprechaun legs” (fried green beans), all for only $6 a pop. And as usual, they’ll have a shuttle running to and from the parade.
995 7th St. W., St. Paul, 651-228-9925, www.crshamrocks.com

Over the past year, St. Paul’s oldest Irish bar O’Gara’s Bar & Grill has eliminated its longtime music venue, the Garage. In its place is the Shanty, a pub-within-a-pub that focuses on craft beers, video games, flat-screen TVs and shuffleboard. For St. Patrick’s Day, they’ll host their annual in-bar parade led by the Brian Boru Pipe Band (3 p.m.), plus live music on a tented stage, the Shanty and the Shamrock Room from 3 to close. Visit the website for full music schedule.
164 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-3333, www.ogaras.com

More St. Patrick’s Day events

Mad Ripple Hootenanny

The Amsterdam Bar & Hall hosts the Mad Ripple’s St. Paddy’s Day Hoot being held in honor of former Replacements member Slim Dunlap, who is recovering from a stroke. A roundtable of musicians including Ashleigh Still, Martin Devaney, Jennifer Markey, Frank Randall, Gini Dodds, Nick Leet, Stook!, Curtiss A, Dan Israel, and many more will perform the music of Slim, covers inspired by Slim, and songs about Slim throughout the hootenanny.
8 p.m. 6 W. 6th St., St. Paul, 612-285-3112, www.amsterdambarandhall.com

Black Dog Cafe is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with an Americana Roots night. Enjoy Guinness, Irish food specials, and live music from 7 to 11 p.m. from Bernie King & the Guilty Pleasures and Five Miles from Town. While you’re there, be sure to check out the ongoing art exhibit “Faces, Places and Portraits” featuring the work of Luke Hillestad, David Cunningham, Stuart Loughridge, and Kyle Pettis.
Music from 7-11 p.m. 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651-228-9274, blackdogstpaul.com

The Minnesota Music Cafe hosts an afternoon of live music from Andy Pifer, Curtis Blake & Greazy Gravy, Bluprint, the Good, the Bad & the Funky.
2 p.m. 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul, 651-776-4699, www.minnesotamusiccafe.com

Burger Moe’s is hosting an all-day St. Paddy’s Day tent party with live music from Uncle Chunk, Steve Sullivan and the Factory, and DJ Stevie Ray.
2 p.m.-close. 242 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-3100, www.burgermoes.com

Gay bar and cabaret CAMP‘s ongoing production of “Flanagan’s Wake” – back by popular demand – coincides with St. Paddy’s Day this year. Raise a glass with the villagers of Grapplin, Ireland, as they tell tales, sing songs and mourn the passing of one of their own in this show pegged as a “hilarious interactive Irish wake.” Get there early for parade drink specials from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. including $3 domestic taps, $5 Guinness and $5 Jameson, followed by a 2-4-1 happy hour on rails and taps from 4 to 6 p.m.
7 p.m. $34 for show, no cover otherwise. 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul, 651-290-2290, www.camp-bar.net

The fashion designer owners behind local shop You And Me round out Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week in St. Paul with the launch of their new in-house collective label. Their winter line, “Resurgent,” is inspired by “a post-apocalyptic scene where a barren wasteland sets the stage for a resurgence of winter survival fashion” – quite fitting for winters in Minnesota, we say. This functional fashion show will feature looks for men and women by designers Tim and Thom Navarro, Deborah Block and Katy Vereide, set to music by Loveless Aphrodite, Tiger Vs. and DJ Encounter. (7pm doors, 7:30pm show, all ages, $5, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th St., St. Paul. mnfashion.org)

What, it’s Valentine’s Day and you haven’t made plans yet?! Fortunately St. Paul has a couple of events worth making a trip over the river for – whether you’re single or taken, pro or anti-Valentine’s Day.

An Edgar Allan Poe-ster!

Victorian Poetry Slam
Over at the historic James J. Hill House, you can check out a bunch of people dressed like Victoria-era poets reading the greatest romantic poetry of the 19th century. Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, Longfellow, and Browning will all make appearances, as will poetry novices of modern times. Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own poem on the subject of love, temperance, sports or war to read aloud in front of a live audience. Period dress not required, but what better time is there to don a top hat and tails? (7 p.m. Tue. $10. James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Av., St. Paul, 651-297-2555, www.mnhs.org)

Shot Through the Heart Party
Down the street, another holding of “Empire Builder” James J. Hill is hosting a Valentine’s party – this one, decidedly anti-romantic. The historic James J. Hill Library has been host to some decidedly more raucous events as of late (i.e., the ongoing “Book It: the Party” live music series); this one pokes fun at the holiday’s cheese factory with broken heart cookies, ironic flicks (think “Fatal Attraction”), plus drinks and DJ Jonathan Ackerman. (7-11 p.m. Tue. $15-20. James J. Hill Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul. 651‐265­‐5500, www.jjhill.org)

Love Lies Bleeding: A Valentine’s Day Tribute to Elton John
If one of the loves of your life is the ’70s-era musical catalog of Sir Elton John, then this is the Valentine’s Day concert for you. A smorgasbord of local music luminaries – Kevin Bowe, John Eller, JoAnna Jahn, The Laurels String Quartet, Chris Lynch, George Scot McKelvey, Mark Mraz, John Munson, Alison Scott, Tom Scott, and Ashleigh Still – will descend upon the uber-hip Amsterdam Bar & Hall to sing the piano man’s hits. It’s not a far leap to expect “Rocket Man,” “Your Song” and “Candle in the Wind” to make appearances (not to mention Bic lighters). (8 p.m. Tue. $8-10. 21-plus. Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th St., St. Paul, 612-285-3112, www.amsterdambarandhall.com)

Chances are at some point in your school-going life you were shushed at the library, or forced into silence by condescending looks and upraised eyebrows. But when the “Book It: The Party” series kicks off this Thursday at the James J. Hill Reference Library, you’ll finally be able to throw that social convention out the window.

Black Blondie kicks off "Book It: The Party"

The series, which runs four times through the beginning of March, includes music trivia from Books and Bars’ host Jeff Kamin (with prizes for the top three teams), socializing, and live music from a local band – plus if you bring your library card, you score free Summit beer. This Thursday’s music comes courtesy of hip-hop-infused R&B quartet Black Blondie, whose frontwoman Samahra Daly is like Amy Winehouse reincarnated as Joan Jett. Upcoming events include performances by Murzik (February 2), the Chastity Brown Band (February 23), and We Became Actors (March 8).

Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and the James J. Hill Reference Library. Partying at the library for a good cause? Sure beats staying home with your nose buried in a book, we say.

Event details:
7-10 p.m. Thursday, January 26. Trivia at 7:15 p.m., music at 8:15 p.m. $10 members/$15 general. James J. Hill Reference Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul, 651-265-5500, www.thefriends.org

Red Bull Crashed Ice is coming to St. Paul for its annual world championship this weekend, transforming the area surrounding the St. Paul Cathedral into an icey track. Say again? It’s an international “ice cross downhill competition” – think hockey players without the rink or the sticks, or bobsledding on foot. It’s taken place in various cities around the world since 2001, apparently, getting up to speeds of 40 miles per hour. Oh, and St. Paul is the first U.S. site of the annual championship, so it’s a pretty big deal. Check out the video to get a better idea of what to expect:

The weekend-long festivities are free to attend, but expect to take public transportation or park a jaunt away – downtown St. Paul is expected to be packed.

Event Schedule:
National Shoot Out: Thursday (1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.)
International Shoot Out: Friday (12:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Elimination Round: Friday (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Final: Saturday (4 p.m. Gates Open, 7 p.m. Race Starts)

Where: The Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul. Visit www.redbullcrashedice.com for more info and web extras.

New Year’s Eve with Communist Daughter & BNLX at the Amsterdam: Hot off their critically-lauded, life-affirming 2011 EP Something Wicked This Way Comes and a year of sobriety for their oft-troubled frontman Johnny Solomon, Communist Daughter certainly have a year worth celebrating, as they’ll do when they ring in the New Year at the Amsterdam. Also returning for New Year’s is Ed and Ashley Ackerson’s fuzz-rock duo BNLX, who played the venue’s “soft opening.” Eclectic group the Brian Just Band open. (9 p.m. $8. 21-plus. Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th St., St. Paul, 612-285-3112, www.amsterdambarandhall.com)

New Year’s Eve cover band show at Turf Club: St. Paul’s finest rock establishment is celebrating NYE with its annual cover band show. Local bands STNNNG, Leisure Birds, Seawhores and CLAPS cover ’70s rockers AC/DC, garage rock pioneers the Troggs, ’90s faux-German punk band Zeigenbock Kopf and new wave legends New Order, accordingly. DJ TRL spins in between and there’s a champagne toast at midnight. (8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show. $10. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-647-0486, www.turfclub.net)

CAMP’s New Year’s Eve Black and White Ball: Cheeky gay bar CAMP is celebrating NYE with go-go boys Chris and Justin, DJ Logan Spencer, door prizes and a champagne toast. (10:30 p.m. Free. 21-plus. CAMP Bar, 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul, 651-292-1844, www.camp-bar.net)

Artists Quarter New Year’s Eve with Carole Martin & Friends: Jazz gem Artists Quarter is bringing back its annual NYE show with torch-song singer Carole Martin. Backed by Rick Germanson on piano, saxophonist Dave Karr, bassist Graydon Peterson and drummer Kenny Horst, plus special guest. (9 p.m. $45. Artists Quarter, 408 Saint Peter St., St. Paul. Call 651-292-1359 for reservations. www.artistsquarter.com)

NYE at Black Dog Cafe: Lowertown cafe Black Dog is hosting an early NYE night featuring live music from jazz quartet Open Season and champagne. (6-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Black Dog Cafe, 308 Prince St., St. Paul, 651-228-9274, www.blackdogstpaul.com)

Isaac Witty & David Harris: Celebrate the New Year with comedian Isaac Witty and comedian/magician David Harris aboard the Padelford Showboat. Enjoy dinner prior to the performance or come for just the show. Note, dinner requires pre-paid reservations. (7:30-9 p.m. $25-50. Padelford Packet Boat Co, Inc., Harriet Island, St. Paul, 651-227-1100, www.riverrides.com)

Happy Crazy New Year: The grassroots Gremlin Theatre hosts a NYE performance in which Colonel “Magnificent” Happy invites four friends to dinner to bring in 2012, and madness ensues. (7:30 p.m. $8-$16. Gremlin Theatre, 2400 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-7008. For tickets, visit happymn.com)

JoAnn Funk: Twin Cities jazz pianist and singer JoAnn Funk and her trio ring in the New Year in the Saint Paul Hotel’s lobby bar. (8 p.m.-midnight. Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-292-9292.)

Minnesota Music Cafe’s New Year’s Eve Party: Twin Cities jazz band the Kurt Jorgensen Band perform. (9 p.m.-midnight. Minnesota Music Cafe, 499 Payne Ave., St. Paul, 651-776-4699, www.minnesotamusiccafe.com)

It’s the week before Christmas, and you neglected to complete your gift shopping in time. No worries! We’ve compiled this week’s shopping events and St. Paul’s hottest shopping districts in this handy little guide.

Thursday: Guys’ Shopping Night at Grand Hand Gallery
What: Thursdays in December through December 22, the Grand Hand gives the guys some holiday shopping help. The shopping happy hour features local craft beer, snacks from La Cucaracha, shopping assistance and, as always, free gift-wrapping on the shop’s selection of clay, glass, wood, and fiber art, painting, prints, wearable art and jewelry from Karin Jacobson (pictured) and more. Need some hints? Try the Wish List Service.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Grand Hand’s ongoing Handcrafted Holidays shopping event, running through Friday.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 22.
Where: The Grand Hand Gallery, 619 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-312-1122, www.thegrandhand.com

Looking for more ideas? Hit up these always-happening shopping destinations:

Grand Avenue
Spanning 30 blocks from the Mississippi River to downtown Saint Paul and lined with historic homes, academia, eateries and retailers, Grand Avenue has long held a spot as St. Paul’s premier shopping destination. For the art lover, pick up a one-of-a-kind gift at the Grand Hand Gallery; Cooks of Crocus Hill have everything you could need for the foodie in your life; Treadle Yard Goods and the Bead Monkey has your crafter covered; for the home brewer, there’s Northern Brewer‘s outpost, which features everything for making your own beer and wine at home; and for the fashionista, there’s J. Crew, Karma, Anthropologie, Hot Mama, My Sister’s Closet (pictured), Fringe accessories, and the plus-size Bombshell. In between, grab a dessert at Cafe Latte, a bubble tea at the Tea Garden, or take in the historic scenery at the Lexington. Visit grandave.com for more info.

Selby & Snelling
The Selby & Snelling intersection has long held some fine retailers – Lula Vintage Wear (pictured), Up Six Vintage, and Tennis on Selby, to name a few. But 2011 saw the corner expand to a true shopping destination with the recent additions of Everyday People clothing exchange, Patina, A. Michele, Go Vintage, Flirt lingerie boutique, and the just-opened Brow Chic. Afterward, cool your heels at Cosmic’s Coffee, Cahoots Coffee Bar or Two Smart Cookies. Visit The Corner of Selby and Snelling on Facebook.

Roseville Center
Affectionately known as “St. Paul’s Mall,” Roseville Center is home to stores such as Aldo, Ann Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, Bare Escentuals, Fossil, Hot Mama, J. Crew, Ragstock (and a soon-to-be-opened Zubaz store!), plus anchors Herberger’s and Macy’s, so it’s a great place to get all your shopping down in one fell swoop. Plus through Christmas Eve, you can get your photo taken with Santa; enjoy live music, strolling carolers, and dance performances; plus take advantage of the holiday countdown special offer with a new deal each day. (Click here for details.) Finally, on Friday, join Jason & Alexis of MyTalk 107.1 live in Macy’s Court from noon to 3 p.m. as they wrap up the holidays in style. The first 100 listeners to stop by the broadcast will get Rosedale Center tote bags filled with goodies. Plus now through Friday, MyTalk’s Lori & Julia will be giving away a $100 gift card every hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so be sure to tune in. Visit www.myrosedale.com for more info.

     Selby & Dale
The latest up-and-coming St. Paul shopping destination to pop up this year has been Selby & Dale. Home to BlackBlue, Primp, FiveTwoSix Salon and the latest addition, Allee Metro Chic, this corner has certainly become one to watch in 2012.