European city life - charming Victorian St. Paul

Overlooking downtown on the west is the St. Paul Cathedral, which is open to visitors. The area there is aptly known as Cathedral Hill, and business and government workers from downtown gather for lunch in the bars and restaurants in the neighborhood's Victorian-era buildings. The popular Costello's and W A Frost on Selby Avenue offer tasty food and a solid selections of beverages. Further west from downtown between I-94 and Ford Parkway, from Cretin to Snelling, are three private colleges. This concentration of college students makes for many energetic neighborhoods: Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, Merriam Park, and Crocus Hill. Grand Avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. This area is heaven for those who like to browse, drink and eat. Get here early on a Friday, or be prepared to walk a few blocks; parking isn't easy. One block up from Grand is Summit Avenue, one of the greatest extant neighborhoods of Victorian architecture in the country. Starting at the James J. Hill House as a two-lane street, Summit turns into a broad, sweeping parkway,frequented by joggers and strollers. Summit Avenue house tours are offered Saturdays during the summer and other tours, such as Garden Tours, are offered throughout the year. James J. Hill House tours are also available year-round.