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Best Local Sunglass Shops In Minnesota

Summer's here, and there is no better way to be prepared for these hot and sunny days than to pack a pair of awesome shades. The right pair of sunglasses will take you all the way from fun by the lakeside to enjoying a cold one on the patio seating at some of your favorite places around the Twin Cities. For a piece this integral to your look, it's important to get a high quality pair from a place you trust.  Check out this list of the top five local places to pick up a new pair this summer. From optical options to straight sunglass shops, these five local stores have you (and your eyes) covered.
Shopping & Style Sunglasses, Moss Optical
Photo Credit: mossoptical.com

Moss Optical
Skyway Level, LaSalle Plaza Bldg.
800 Lasalle Ave (8th & LaSalle), Ste. 204
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 232-7907
www.mossoptical.com

Moss Optical prides itself on providing good service, great style and high quality. Located in the Skyway that crisscrosses downtown Minneapolis, Moss offers a comprehensive range of options, including both regular and prescription sunglasses. With more than 75 years of experience and a convenient location for a lunch break stop, why not give these guys the chance to frame you up for the sun? This shop has plenty of brand names to choose from, including sunglasses stand-out Maui Jim, so you can't go wrong with a stop at Moss.

Shopping & Style Sunglasses, Ladies in Shades
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Specs On The Beach
444 Cedar St # 230
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 233-2172
www.spexonthebeach.com

More than just a fun name, Specs On The Beach prides itself in being one of the foremost sunglasses retailers in the Twin Cities. Stop by the downtown St. Paul location on Cedar Avenue or check out the comprehensive online store to shop by designer. Specs carries well-known names like Ray-Ban and Oakley, as well as specialty brands like Dillon Optics and Wiley X. They can also offer their signature line of styles as prescription sunglasses, if you need it. Be sure to also check out the site for special deals and coupons if you're looking to save some money this summer.

Related: Best Swimwear Shops in Minnesota

Shopping & Style Sunglasses, Northwest Opticians
Photo Credit: Northwest Opticians via Facebook

Northwest Opticians
242 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 222-3445
www.northwestopticians.com

Co-located with Dunn Brothers in the first floor of the Lawson Building in downtown St. Paul, Northwest Opticians is really all about melding form and function. Where else can you enjoy a cup of quality joe while picking out a new pair of shades? For more than six decades, this family-owned business has been serving the locals of the Twin Cities with great style and service. Northwest Opticians carries a full range of brands, including Barton Perreira, Zero G, Jimmy Choo, Smith Optics, Tag Heuer, and Porsche Design. In addition to sunglasses, the store also offers vision checks, glasses adjustments, and the ability to send many customers home with their prescription glasses on the same day.

Shopping & Style Sunglasses, Sporty
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Penn Cycle
10750 Cedar Bend
Minnetonka, MN 55305
(952) 593-5030
www.penncycle.com

For a pair of sunglasses that will work just as hard as you do, consider checking out the performance-grade options at local chain Penn Cycle.  While best known for its bicycle offerings, Penn carries Tifosi, Optic Nerve, and TYR brand sunglasses as well.  These shades are built to be both stylish and functional, keeping you protected while you participate in your favorite sports. Many styles are hydrophobic (encouraging water to stay away) and polarized (for better glare reduction).  With more than 100 different styles to choose from, you are sure to find a style that suits you. Check out Penn Cycle at one of their 7 locations, or online.

Shopping & Style Sunglasses, On Display
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

EJ's Sunglasses
4504 Valley View Road
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 927-4090
www.ej-sunglasses.com

For more than 15 years, EJ's Sunglasses has been one of the Twin Cities' most trusted names in sunglasses. The shop also carries sports goggles and other fun-in-the-sun accessories, so that you're completely covered, whatever your favorite warm weather activity. With a retail location located in Edina and an extensive online store, EJ's has options to suit every style and face shape.  Included in the available styles are options from RayBan, DKNY, Donna Karan, Nike, Protective Optics, Quiksilver, Revo, and Roxy. If you see your favorite pair somewhere else for a cheaper price, let EJ's know and they will do a price match.

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Sassy professional by day, men's style expert by night, Bethany Rein is a twenty-something living in Minneapolis. She loves baseball, coffee and the well-dressed male. An avid runner, Bethany also plays recreational sports with more enthusiasm than skill. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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