Mark Twain once called this town's namesake one of his favorite Twin Cities sights. More than a century later, lake-loving tourists still pack the water.

The lake is White Bear's biggest draw, but its downtown -- a compact grid of streets with Hwy. 61 at both ends -- offers diversions of its own. To navigate the neighborhood, stop by Railroad Park's business directory. The list includes family-run businesses such as Cup and Cone, Goodthings and Lake Country Booksellers.

Shopping: Part of what gives any small town its charm is the distinctive niche it fills, and White Bear's niche is crafts. Shops include Sheepy Yarn Shoppe, Needlepoint Cottage and Bear Patch Quilting. For a modern take on the traditional, visit Truly, a craft boutique where shelves spill with recycled pieces such as bottlecap pendants and handbags made from vintage books. If the store's vibe fuels your creativity, its DIY Lounge is host to classes on knitting, book-binding, even putting ugly neckties to new uses.

Dining: Foodies will be impressed with downtown's dining options, from authentic Thai to locavore lunches. For coffee breaks, Grandma's Bakery has an assortment of grab-and-go baked goods, an espresso bar and tables that invite customers to linger.

Get to know it: For a taste of the town's resort heyday -- and to see three Cass Gilbert-designed summer homes -- the historical society offers boat and walking tours (www.whitebearhistory.org).

With acres of green forest surrounding it and the St. Croix River running alongside, Stillwater seemed to early settlers a prime spot for an industrious logging town. Today, it's a popular place to unwind amid a growing list of specialty boutiques.

Shopping: For aspiring cooks, the Chef's Gallery stocks a dizzying supply of everything culinary. If the right tools aren't enough, the store offers classes taught by local pros in its state-of-the-art kitchen. No do-it-yourself project is complete without a trip to Rose Mille, where nearly everything glitters, glimmers and shines. In addition to clothing and gifts, the store brims with notions, fabrics and bright spools of ribbon.

Dining: Stillwater's affinity for catering to specific tastes is also evident in its dining lineup. The familiar and the eclectic are both easy to find, whether it's a burger at the Freight House, hemp bagels at River Market Co-op, or house-made gelato at Luna Rossa.

Get to know it: Overlooking the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge, Lowell Park is the classic stop for photos or a sunset stroll. For a unique point of view, book a trip on a Venetian-style gondola, cruise on a paddlewheel boat or hire a horse-drawn carriage.

Twenty miles north of Minneapolis, the narrow Rum River pours into the Mississippi at Anoka. Crossing the Rum River from the west, Anoka's suburban strip quickly gives way to a stretch of brick storefronts with welcoming awnings. Known for its antiques, the downtown has its share of traditional stores and creative alternatives.

Shopping: For conventional antiquing, wander the 5,000 square feet of Antiques on Main. For repurposed home décor, visit the French Flea. Open only a few days a month, you'll have to plan ahead to peruse this store fashioned after French-style flea markets.

J. O'Donaghue's Books is a bibliophile's treasure trove. Books are stacked floor to ceiling, and handwritten paper signs label each section. On your way out, heed a sign you'll never see at Borders: "Please don't let the cat out."

Even on weekdays, traffic rumbles steadily down Excelsior's Water Street toward Lake Minnetonka. The lake has been a tourist magnet since the first urbanites came for its luxury hotels more than a century ago. Today, day-trippers come for the shopping and the atmosphere in addition to the lake.

Shopping: Excelsior Commons, a 14-acre park, hugs the Lake Minnetonka shoreline. At the entrance, people line up at Tommy's Tonka Trolley for Sebastian Joe's ice cream -- raspberry chocolate chip is the top seller -- and amble across the grass to watch boats slice through the waves.

In recent years, Excelsior has had an influx of clothing and accessories boutiques. At Cynthia Rae, deep pink and zebra print dominate the décor, and the clothes are equally free-spirited. Rhinestones and leopard print are commonplace at the House of Amore & Fedé, and Ooh La La specializes in designer-inspired handbags.

Dining: Downtown restaurants run the culinary gamut from hearty shepherd's pie at Jake O'Connor's to lobster rolls at Yumi's Sushi Bar. To satisfy a sweet tooth, Patisserie Margo offers pastel-hued French macaroons in rose, pistachio and chocolate passion fruit.

Get to know it: Once you've had your fill of fashion and food, reserve a spot on Lady of the Lake for a narrated cruise of nearby Big Island (www.ladyofthelakecruise.com).

Shopping: On Wayzata's picturesque main street, even chains such as Starbucks and Talbot's adhere to a homey aesthetic. For three blocks of Wayzata's Lake Street, every store looks out at the bay. Anchoring those blocks is the Bookcase, still thriving after five decades, three addresses and four owners. On the same block is Dichotomy, where owner Stephanie Patineau stocks U.S.-made clothing such as California-based Kyomi sleepwear.

A trip to Circa, a block off Lake Street, proves that veering off the beaten path has its rewards. The tiny store has a continual stream of items -- 1960s coats, 1940s earrings and vintage Tiffany accessories. As you loop back to Water Street, stop at Manitoba, a white cottage brimming with homespun gifts. The owners have a particular passion for the work of regional artists.

Dining: In Wayzata, even meals don't have to take you far from the water, with three dining establishments boasting lake views. Volnay Bistro offers French cuisine on a quiet side street. Or, for a lakefront table, visit Sunsets or the seafood-centric NorthCoast.

Get to know it: To truly get your feet wet, head west to Depot Park. A few acres of lakefront with a public pier and garden, the park is highlighted by the Tudor-style Wayzata Depot, built in 1906. Catch the Towne Trolley here for the historic Gold Coast Tour, or relax in the sand at Wayzata Beach, just beyond Depot Park.