Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Cities Blog
Laura Yuen

Planners exploring tourism potential of St. Paul’s East Side

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Even if St. Paul doesn't have a Little Italy, a Chinatown, a Greektown, or even an Eat Street, it does have the East Side.

Today, a bus tour of this eclectic swath of the city will hit some spots with global influence, including a Thai grocery and the Plaza Latina mini-mall on Payne Avenue. Old standbys like Serlin's Cafe and Yarusso-Bros. are also on the agenda.

Who'll be sitting on the mini-bus? Community development corporations, city staff, tourism organizations, and other members of the Ethnic Cultural Tourism Destinations Collaborative, said organizer Lisa Tabor.

The group has been studying the "potential of the local ethnic destinations to contribute to our local economy as well as identify ways to develop that potential," said Tabor, a cultural consultant.

Tabor believes there are plenty of ethnic destinations throughout Minnesota, but many fall off the tourism industry's radar. This tour, however, has the support of Visit Saint Paul and other partners.

Future tours will feature the Central Corridor, which some are hoping to brand as a "world cultural heritage district," and African-American heritage along Selby Avenue, downtown, and the historic Rondo area.