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“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer
Happy October! Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes one of my favorite issues of the year—our Food & Beverage Issue. There’s just something about this season that makes gathering around the table feel extra special. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the warm flavors of the season, or simply the way food has a unique ability to bring people together. Whatever it is, October always feels like the perfect time to celebrate the restaurants, cafés, and local spots that make our community feel like home.
This year, we’re spotlighting a delicious lineup of local favorites. At Kyndred Hearth inside the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim invites diners to linger over bold, comforting dishes while also discovering a cocktail program that’s as imaginative as it is inviting—perfect for those who believe a well-crafted drink can turn a great meal into an unforgettable night. We also sat down with Jonathan Grams of Gondolier Coffee, whose passion for coffee blossomed from a first job and grew into a mobile espresso experience that now fuels gatherings across the metro. Right here in Eagan, Carbone’s Pizzeria continues its tradition of legendary pizza served with a side of community spirit, reminding us all why it’s become such a local staple. And for a little seasonal fun, My Burger is serving up a crave-worthy Burger of the Month—The Muenster— alongside their decadent Pumpkin Spice Shake, a sweet nod to autumn that’s too good to pass up.
As always, I’d like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle’s sponsors. Their support makes it possible to deliver this magazine directly into our readers’ homes and to shine a light on the businesses and stories that make our community so vibrant. If you know of a business or someone we should feature—or if you simply want to share your own favorite local spot—I’d love to hear from you at eagan@citylifestyle.com Here’s to a season filled with flavor, connection, and a little indulgence.
AMY SOUSA, PUBLISHER @EAGANCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jacqueline Elizabeth jacki@ascendanceproductions.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | cline.lisa.marie@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Traci Hoskin (@tracipalmerphotography)
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
Kyndred Hearth combines Chef Ann Kim’s culinary vision with an inspired Omni original cocktail program. Lattes, Smiles,
Gondolier Coffee Brings Custom Espresso Bars Anywhere You
Carbone’s Eagan:
Carbone’s Eagan:
Lisa Cline
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The Dakota County Regional Chamber along with eight other area chambers hosted members from across the metro for a high-energy afternoon of networking and football at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp.
Photography by Dakota Country Regional Chamber
business monthly
Ethiopian Tradition and Flavor Await at Sodere
Sodere Ethiopian Restaurant brings the rich, vibrant flavors of Ethiopia to Eagan. Our menu showcases authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional spices, offering both hearty meat and flavorful vegetarian options. Don’t miss our famous injera—soft, tangy sourdough flatbread perfect for scooping up savory stews. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Sodere is more than a meal—it’s an experience of culture, community, and connection. Come share the taste of Ethiopia!
Eagan’s New Home for Modern Mexican Cuisine
Lago Tacos brings a modern twist to Mexican cuisine in Eagan. This locally owned and operated spot serves up creative taco mashups, house-made sauces, and refreshing margaritas crafted with care. Using only the freshest ingredients, Lago Tacos turns traditional Mexican flavors on their head while maintaining bold, authentic taste. With a welcoming atmosphere and a passion for fun, every visit is a celebration of flavor, community, and good times. Stop by and see what’s new!
Wingstop Now Open in Eagan – Bringing the Flavor You Crave!
Eagan just got saucier—Wingstop is now open and serving up bold, flavorful wings! Choose classic or boneless wings tossed in crave-worthy flavors like Lemon Pepper, Mango Habanero, and Garlic Parmesan. Don’t miss the seasoned fries, crispy tenders, and signature ranch. Visit for dine-in, carryout, or order online for fast, easy pickup. Flavor fans, your new go-to wing spot has landed!
Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure Shines Bright on Highway 3
Located on Highway 3 in Eagan, Greg & Lisa’s Hidden Treasure is more than a restaurant—it’s a comeback story and community hub. From Pickle Flickers with dreamy dill dip to Spud Skins topped with brisket, their menu is packed with bold, fun flavors. Longtime locals Greg and Lisa Petersen invite you to enjoy food made with heart in a place where everyone feels at home.
Photography by Amanda LaRae
Photography
TWO LOCAL PUBS–ONE GREAT TASTE
At Eagan Arms Public House and Merlin’s Rest, you’ll find authentic British-inspired dining, craft beverages, and a true neighborhood welcome. From hearty classics and seasonal specials to evenings filled with conversation and camaraderie, our pubs are more than restaurants— they’re places to gather, celebrate, and belong.
Eagan Arms Public House 4250 Lexington Ave S #111 Eagan, MN 55123 www.eaganarms.com 651-348-7361 Merlins Rest Pub 3601 E Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55406 www.merlinsrest.com 612-216-2419
COCKTAILS, CUISINE, and connection
KYNDRED HEARTH COMBINES CHEF ANN KIM’S CULINARY VISION WITH AN INSPIRED OMNI ORIGINAL COCKTAIL PROGRAM CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AND FLAVOR.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
Step inside the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, and you’ll find a restaurant that feels both welcoming and next level. Kyndred Hearth, led by James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim, creates an atmosphere where sharing a meal feels like gathering around a family table. While Chef Kim’s signature dishes have made the restaurant a dining destination, it’s the cocktail program that keeps guests talking long after the evening ends.
A PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN SIMPLICITY
For Ayman Ekladious, Area Director of Food & Beverage (US Core Properties) at Omni Hotels & Resorts, Kyndred Hearth is built on a culture of family, community, and authenticity. “We tell our people in training to imagine that everyone coming into the hotel or restaurant is a member of your family,” he explains. That perspective extends into the menu itself. Simplicity is the foundation: dishes and drinks are crafted with care, allowing ingredients to stand out without unnecessary embellishment.
This approach is echoed in the cocktails. Presentation matters, but not in the sense of over-the-top theatrics. Instead, the bartenders emphasize balance, freshness, and thoughtful pairings. “The focus is on the drink itself, not just decoration around the glass,” Ekladious shares. A touch of citrus, a locally sourced garnish, or a house-made infusion is all that’s needed to create something memorable.
A MENU THAT FEELS PERSONAL
Though the restaurant is attached to a hotel, Kyndred Hearth is designed for locals as much as travelers. In fact, during the quietest days of the pandemic, when hotel occupancy dropped to zero, the restaurant stayed busy with neighborhood guests who craved comfort food and craft cocktails that felt both familiar and special.
Part of that appeal lies in the ownership the staff feels toward the menu. “Some of the cocktails we have are created by our local bartenders,” Ekladious explains. “The team feels like they own the menu, both food and beverages. This makes them very proud, and it makes it more natural for them to talk about the menu with guests.”
Guiding the culinary team is Restaurant Chef Matt Weaver, who brings a background in luxury restaurants and global cuisine. With influences from Asian and Italian traditions, Weaver works closely with Ann Kim to translate her vision into dishes that are approachable yet distinctive. His leadership prioritizes that every plate feels personal, crafted with care, authenticity, and pride.
WHERE FAMILIAR MEETS ELEVATED
Just as Chef Kim has reimagined favorites like pizza, pasta, and burgers with her signature touch, the cocktail menu takes familiar profiles and refines them into something new. A well-balanced Old Fashioned might incorporate a locally crafted bitters. A martini may feature house-pickled garnishes or a seasonal twist drawn from nearby farms. Guests will recognize the drinks, but they’ll also notice details that make each sip distinct.
Pairing cocktails with the food menu creates another layer of experience. A wagyu ribeye might be matched with a bold red or a whiskey-based cocktail, while Ann Kim’s three-day fermented pizza pairs beautifully with lighter, citrus-forward drinks. Each choice is meant to complement, not compete, letting diners enjoy flavors that feel complete and cohesive.
THE HEARTH AT THE CENTER
The name Kyndred Hearth captures the heart of the restaurant’s philosophy: a place where people gather around warmth and conversation. The wood-fired oven sits in the center of the
dining room, anchoring the space in both design and spirit. Meals are served family-style, encouraging guests to share dishes and stories across the table.
The cocktail program mirrors that spirit of connection. Drinks are crafted to be enjoyed together, whether in a celebratory toast or as a slow accompaniment to conversation. Every detail, from the spirits poured to the garnish placed, is a reflection of the belief that hospitality is about creating memories as much as meals.
HOSPITALITY THAT LASTS
For Ekladious, who has spent 25 years in hospitality across Egypt, Dubai, the Caribbean, and Europe, working with Omni Hotels & Resorts represents the culmination of a career shaped by both global influences and local connections. “OMNI was a target for me. This is where I wanted to work, because it’s a company that believes in its people, in family culture, in supporting the community,” he says.
That philosophy resonates throughout Kyndred Hearth. The restaurant is so much more than a dining room in a hotel. It’s a gathering space where chefs, bartenders, and servers infuse each dish and drink with care, where locals feel just as welcome as travelers, and where a cocktail becomes more than a glass. It becomes part of the story.
So whether you’re stopping in for a handcrafted pizza, a wagyu ribeye, a Minnesota Vikings-inspired burger, or simply a cocktail at the bar, Kyndred Hearth invites you to sit down, share in the experience, and raise a glass to connection.
Experience the Flavors of Ethiopia
lattes, smiles, and coffee on wheels
Gondolier Coffee Brings Custom Espresso Bars Anywhere You Want
When your first job turns into six years behind the bar, it’s safe to say something sticks. For Jonathan Grams, that something was coffee.
His time as a Starbucks barista sparked more than just a love for lattes. It planted the idea that coffee could be more than a job. It could be an experience. One that eventually grew into Gondolier Coffee, a mobile espresso company now fueling celebrations across the Minneapolis metro and beyond.
“I started making coffee for fun at my brother’s events,” Jonathan says. “My dad’s an entrepreneur, and he encouraged me to think about starting a business. So I did.”
Gondolier Coffee officially began taking leads shortly after the pandemic and hasn’t looked back. What started with a simple pop-up cart and a few free lattes has grown into a full-time business with five baristas, a new commercial kitchen, and a packed event calendar.
The concept is simple: bring the coffee to the people.
A POP-UP ESPRESSO BAR IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Gondolier Coffee is a pop-up espresso bar designed for events big and small. Whether it’s a wedding, graduation, baby shower, or corporate gathering, their setup adds something special to the day.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACI HOSKIN
“We serve the entire Twin Cities area,” Jonathan says. “We’ve done events in Brainerd and Pequot Lakes, too. Our sweet spot is anywhere within two hours of Minneapolis.”
Each pop-up cart is equipped with everything needed to brew high-quality espresso drinks on the spot. Guests choose from a standard menu of 14 drinks, both hot and iced, including lattes, americanos, and caramel macchiatos. Cold foam? They’ve got it. Dairyfree options? Of course. And if someone’s in the mood for dessert, Gondolier’s affogato shots, espresso poured over ice cream, are an upgrade worth saying yes to.
One of their newest menu items, The Gondolier, is already becoming a fan favorite. It’s a black and white mocha topped with cold foam and chocolate drizzle, served in a sip lid designed to let guests actually enjoy that foamy top layer.
“Those lids might seem small, but they change the whole drink,” Jonathan says. “It’s a better experience. And it helps set us apart.”
FAVORITE EVENTS?
JONATHAN LOVES THEM ALL Weddings, graduations, baby and wedding showers, teacher appreciation events, and corporate gatherings: Gondolier Coffee has been part of just about every kind of celebration. And Jonathan wouldn’t have it any other way. “Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite,” he says. “Each one is different, and that variety keeps things fun for us.”
One day the team might be setting up for a quiet backyard baby shower. The next, they’re serving lattes to 300 employees at a corporate appreciation event. Whether the guest list is 10 or 200, the approach stays the same: make great coffee and create a fun, welcoming experience.
“The one thing they all have in common?” Jonathan says with a smile. “People in Minnesota really love their coffee.”
That local love for a good cup keeps the team energized and constantly booked. And as Gondolier’s reach continues to grow, so does the list of celebrations they’re lucky to be part of.
GONDOLIER COFFEE IS FUN, PROFESSIONAL, AND ABSOLUTELY DELECTABLE
It’s the attention to detail and a consistently warm, professional vibe that make Gondolier Coffee such a popular choice for private and corporate clients alike. Each barista is trained not only in espresso-making but in creating a welcoming, friendly interaction for guests.
“We love helping people celebrate,” Jonathan says. “Whether it’s a wedding or a work party, everyone lights up when they see our cart roll in.”
This July, the team relocated to a dedicated commercial kitchen to better accommodate their growth. They’ve already served more than 120 events this year, and Jonathan recently stepped away from his full-time job to lead the company full-time, which also gives him more time to spend with his newborn daughter.
“It’s been a busy year,” he says with a laugh.
Despite the fast growth, Jonathan keeps the focus on quality and consistency. Gondolier recently partnered with local favorite Nikkolette's Macarons for select events, but coffee remains the heart of the brand.
“I love coffee,” he says. “My favorite to drink is the iced americano with oat milk. But my favorite to make? That’s the iced caramel macchiato. People get excited when they see it.”
CONSTANTLY EVOLVING
Jonathan and his team continue to refine their offerings with the goal of making each event feel special, without pressure, stress, or over-the-top fluff.
“We’re here to serve good drinks and good energy,” he says. “And we have a lot of fun doing it.”
So if you’ve got an event coming up and want something that’ll get people talking — and sipping — Gondolier Coffee might just be your next favorite guest.
CARBONE’S EAGAN: A FAMILY FAVORITE
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
A FAMILY FAVORITE, CARBONE’S EAGAN OFFERS DELICIOUS PIZZA, A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, AND A STRONG COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
Right in the heart of Eagan, Minnesota, Carbone’s Pizzeria has quickly become a staple in the community, offering more than just great food. It’s a place that feels like home. With a rich history rooted in family values and community support, Carbone’s stands out not just for its legendary pizzas but for its deep commitment to the people it serves.
Andrea Kintz, co-general manager of the Eagan location and veteran of Carbone’s since 2002, knows the power of personal connections. “I was a single mom trying to find something that would help me support my daughter,” she reflects, sharing her journey from server to manager. “It’s a family-oriented place that took great care of me while I took care of them. It has been the best of give-and-take situations.”
A FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS AND GREAT FOOD
The Eagan store, which is a sister location to the original Carbone’s on East 7th Street in St. Paul, is unique in its operations. Unlike many pizza franchises, Carbone’s focuses on a personalized approach to business, emphasizing people over corporate systems. “We don’t do the corporate avenue,” Kintz explains. “We take care of people based on people. Everyone has a different story.”
For customers, that philosophy translates into a dining experience that goes beyond just pizza. “It’s the best pizza anywhere,” Kintz says. And while their pizza is a favorite for many, there’s a hidden gem on the menu: the grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Served with Carbone’s signature garlic butter, it’s a “sleeper pick” that’s as delicious as it is unexpected.
CONTINUED >
One of the most popular menu items is the Family Meal Deal: a large two-topping pizza, paired with a small cheese bread or pizza fries appetizer, and the option of dine-in or to-go drinks. Perfect for families looking for a hearty meal at an unbeatable value, it’s just one of the many reasons Carbone’s continues to earn the love of local residents.
A FOCUS ON THE COMMUNITY
But Carbone’s is more than just great food; it’s a business that is deeply embedded in the community. The restaurant sponsors local hockey and soccer teams and has been an advocate for domestic violence shelters, working with organizations that help those in delicate situations. “We don’t publicly talk about it as we want to protect those involved,” Kintz says, emphasizing the sensitivity of the causes they support.
Their community-driven approach extends beyond charitable donations. Every holiday season, Carbone’s supports Hope for the Brave, hosting toy drives for children in need. They also sponsor back-to-school shoe drives to make sure that students start the year off right. In addition, donation baskets filled with branded items are placed out for organizations like Feed My Starving Children, with proceeds going toward silent auctions that benefit these worthy causes.
In addition to their community efforts, Carbone’s Eagan also offers a convenient way for teams, clubs, and organizations to raise money through their frozen pizza fundraisers. “It’s an easy way to get involved and raise money for a good cause,” says Kintz. “No money upfront, free selling materials, and of course, our delicious products and outstanding service.”
DELICIOUS AND AFFORDABLE CATERING
Catering is another area where Carbone’s stands out from the crowd. Offering a diverse menu that goes beyond pizza to include sandwiches, calzones, and more, Carbone’s is an ideal choice for events of all sizes. With their focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, the catering menu ensures that every guest enjoys a memorable experience.
Since 1954, Carbone’s has been perfecting the art of pizza-making, using only the freshest ingredients to create meals that families and friends can share. From hoagies to pasta, the variety on the menu ensures that everyone, no matter their tastes, will find something they love.
Reflecting on Carbone’s role in St. Paul, Kintz notes, “Being a part of St. Paul for 20+ years and growing within the community has been so rewarding. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with Eagan.” It’s clear that the future of Carbone’s is bright, and with the dedication of people like Kintz, the Eagan location is set to continue making a positive impact on the community for many years to come.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza, a delicious sandwich, or a catering option for your next big event, Carbone’s Eagan delivers on all fronts. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a place that understands the value of family, tradition, and community.
Are you hungry? Head on over to Carbone’s in Eagan for a great meal.
A Frightfully Flavorful October at My Burger
The Muenster Burger meets the perfect Pumpkin Spice Shake for crave-worthy autumn indulgence.
This October, My Burger invites you to bite into fall with a pair of seasonal favorites built for flavor—and fun.
The Burger of the Month, The Muenster, has been a cult favorite for over a decade, and for good reason. “It’s a spooky, spicy way to celebrate Halloween,” says CEO John Abdo. Featuring a juicy ¼-lb all-beef patty (or double down with two), crispy peppered bacon, vine-ripened tomato, fresh lettuce, and a just-right layer of spooky spicy mayo, it’s all held together with melty Muenster cheese for a creamy finish. “Our fans love spicy,” Abdo adds, “but we don’t overdo it. This one’s got balance—heat, crunch, creaminess—it all works.”
Of course, no fall feature would be complete without October’s Shake of the Moment, the Pumpkin Spice Shake, and My Burger’s take is as over-the-top as it is irresistible. Hand-scooped vanilla ice cream, pumpkin spice syrup, ground cinnamon, and—yes—a whole slice of pumpkin pie blended right in. “We weren’t trying to fake the flavor,” says Abdo. “We just dropped a slice of real pie in there, and it worked. Why recreate pumpkin pie when you can just use the real thing?”
With seasonal items like these, My Burger customers know they’re getting something extra. “People want to be surprised,” Abdo says. “You can always order a classic, but trying a burger of the month or a specialty shake is a fun little risk—and a delicious one.”
Catch The Muenster and Pumpkin Spice Shake all October long—before they vanish like a ghost in the night. Available at all My Burger locations, including right here in Eagan at 855 Vikings Parkway
S
P A G H E T T I
P O M O D O R O
BY AMY BAILEY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Enjoy this simple, flavorful food for the soul. ‘Pomodoro’ means tomato in Italian, and that’s what this dish is - a fresh tomato sauce with basil, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced
• 1 lb fresh tomatoes, halved or chopped (I use garden cherry tomatoes if in season or Roma tomatoes are a good choice)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 basil sprigs, divided
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated, divided
• 1 Tbsp butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat medium-size Dutch Oven or large skillet over medium heat then add extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot, add chopped onion then saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add fresh garlic and saute until golden but not brown, another 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of sugar then simmer on medium-low for 20-25 minutes. Stir and press the tomatoes against the bottom and sides of the pan to make saucier. If sauce begins to pop too much, turn down even further. (If sauce starts to thicken too much add pasta water as needed.)
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta and season generously with salt.
4. When sauce is almost ready, add fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces, plus butter, remaining salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Add more salt to taste if needed.
5. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente then transfer it to the sauce pot with tongs to finish cooking directly in the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to cook pasta all the way and to keep it saucy.
6. Toss pasta and sauce with 1/2 Parmesan cheese. Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing
Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.
pumpkin FRUIT BOWL
With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.
spooky CHARCUTERIE
These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.
stuffed PEPPERS
This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.
ghostly DIP
Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.
jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY
The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.
Amy turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Eagan City Lifestyle
Published by Amy Loved by Eagan
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 25TH - NOVEMBER 2ND
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns bigger and better than ever at the Minnesota Zoo! Gather your family and friends and come explore an outdoor trail of glowing pumpkins, each artistically carved. This year's event will inspire your Wanderlust with pumpkins depicting the wonders of the world and the joys of travel. All tickets must be purchased online in advance at mnzoo.org
OCTOBER 2ND
Fire Safety Open House
1001 Station Trail, Eagan, MN 55121 5:00 PM
October is Fire Prevention Month! Visit the Eagan Fire Department at Station #2 to explore the station, learn essential fire safety tips, and see live demonstrations. It’s a great way for families to connect with local firefighters and stay prepared!
OCTOBER 3RD & 4TH
Soirée En Blanc Common Ground Fundraiser
230 Bernard St., West St. Paul, MN 55118 | 7:00 PM
Join us for Soirée en Blanc, a magical evening picnic inspired by French tradition. Dress in white, bring your own food, drinks, and picnic essentials, and enjoy music, games, dancing, and sparklers under the stars. Hosted by Common Ground, this fundraiser blends elegance and community to support local and global causes with heart.
OCTOBER 23RD
The Seasonal Collective Sip N Shop
20732 Holt Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044 | 5:30 PM
Kick off your holiday shopping in style at The Seasonal Collective Sip N Shop! Enjoy complimentary beverages while exploring 15 local vendors offering clothing, jewelry, home décor, candles, pottery, and specialty gifts. Hosted by Phoenix Hall Event Center and orgANNEizer, this festive market is the perfect way to mingle, discover seasonal finds, and start your gift list early.
Your Dream Oasis Starts Here
CONTINUED
OCTOBER 25TH
Gateway Bank's 19th Annual Fall Festival
745 Market Street, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 | 9:00 AM
Join Gateway Bank on Saturday, October 25th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for its 19th Annual Fall Festival at its Mendota Heights location (745 Market Street). They will have more than 800 pumpkins to give away, a face painter, a balloon artist, games, treats, and more! It will be a fun event for the whole family!
OCTOBER 25TH
Halloween Trail Walk
2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN 55121 | 11:00 AM
Dress in your best not-so-spooky costume for some Halloween fun at Viking Lakes! Visit trick-or-treat stations, dance to the Monster Mash, and play Halloween-themed games. Sensory bags will be available for use during the event as well as a quiet tent. $6/ child, adults free with a food donation to The Open Door. Pre-registration at discovereagan.com is required.
Experience the excitement of football season at the official hotel of the Minnesota Vikings! Immerse yourself in the action at Ember & Ice, where you can enjoy delicious game-day bites and refreshing drinks while watching all the action. Make your experience even more memorable with our Gridiron Getaway package. Enjoy a tailgate amenity to fuel your excitement, plus two tickets to the Vikings Museum, where you can explore the team’s legendary history and iconic moments. Don’t miss out on the ultimate game day experience— book your stay at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel today and make this season truly unforgettable.