White Bear Lake - May 2023

This Old Horse offers racehorses a home, purpose in retirement

RACEHORSE REIMAGINED

Moving best friends forward.

New Construction in Woodbury

Two-story new build in the upscale Briarcroft community! Five incredibly spacious bedrooms, three baths and a generous three-car garage. Close to parks, trail systems and all the amenities Woodbury has to offer! Sold for: $952,059

Mark Ashby Group | 651-287-4040

St. Croix Riverfront!

This main level living St. Croix Riverfront legacy property boasts 200 feet of frontage, 9.7 acres of privacy with 2 outbuildings set within the 2000-acre Kinnickinnic State Park.

651-592-4444 | 651-216-1335

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This year we’re embracing all the outdoors has to offer. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” Go out and explore!

DEPARTMENTS

12 — Room to Roam

White Bear Lake bike shop peddles wheels for exploration.

14 — Pollinator Pathways

An interactive map tracks

area gardens.

16 — Life on the Lake

Meet the women behind Cabin 61.

FEATURES

18 — Racehorse Reimagined

This Old Horse offers racehorses a home, purpose in retirement.

22 — Destination Wine

Plan your next vino vacation around these must-sip spots.

TASTEMAKERS

30 — A Taste of Italy

Orso Bianco Gelato brings authentic Italian gelato to downtown White Bear Lake.

Photo: Chris Emeott

White Bear Lake Area Schools

Why Be a Bear?

FROM THE EDITOR

ZOE DEAL — ZOE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

Growing up, I was lucky enough to have a backyard oasis within my sprawling suburban neighborhood. It didn’t include ponies or a playground, but it held something that a 10-year-old me found even better: a marsh. Though I lost many boots slogging through the murky water, the process of collecting specimens, making tree forts and crafting a secret world were each great introductions to nature and the delicate ecosystems that thrive there. As I observed the caterpillars, frogs and herons that called my backyard home, I came to know them and understand them, and I grew passionate about protecting their safe haven.

This issue is built around the themes of outdoor living, travel and pets, some of my favorite topics that often lead to this issue being my favorite one of the year. Within these pages, you’ll find some fantastic stories of folks caring for their land and the plants and animals that call it home. On page 14, read about White Bear Lake’s Pollinator Pathways Map and learn how to create gardens that will support local pollinators. Later, writer Kristie Smith went on an excursion to This Old Horse in Hugo to talk about its Racehorse Reimagined program that gives retired racehorses a new purpose.

There’s also a peek into some exciting and delicious new ventures, including Roam Bike Shop (page 12) and Orso Bianco Gelato (page 30) and more on how a classic spot is looking toward the future (read about Cabin 61 on page 16).

There’s so much beauty to observe and enjoy in our own backyard. Embrace it!

Photo: Chris Emeott

COFFEE ON WHEELS

BUNA MEANS “COFFEE” in Amharic, but for Megan Lee, it represents much more. “We have gained many friends, who are Ethiopian or Eritrean immigrants,” says Lee, who started her mobile coffee cart in July 2022. “They do a coffee ceremony in their house for friends and family, so I learned a lot about coffee from them.”

The White Bear Lake resident was considering starting a coffee business

after 15 years as a barista. (She now serves as part-time manager at Mon Petit Chéri in Stillwater.) “I just love making and learning about coffee,” Lee says. She became interested in accessibility and offering coffee in convenient ways, much like a summer lemonade stand. “I thought, I need to do a coffee stand,” she says.

Lee serves her espresso-driven coffee—from St. Paul’s True Stone Coffee

Roasters—with homemade syrups and teas, matcha, specialty drinks and more in downtown Stillwater and is licensed in both Washington and Ramsey counties for private events. She also brings her electric bike-powered cart to area events.

Buna recently earned a gold rating from Sustainable Stillwater’s Green Business Director & Awards. To book an event or to find out more, visit bunabike.com. —Nicole Berglund

Photos: Branding by Erica Neisen

STYLE LAUNDRY ROOM ESSENTIALS

A great, long-lasting wardrobe requires care and thought when it comes to laundry. While I typically advise clients to invest in quality pieces, caring for these pieces is just as important and will help your clothes look and feel better over time.

A few of my go-to laundry room essentials are:

1. A sweater comb: Pilling on sweaters happens, but this comb will gently remove pills and help you get more wear out of your knits.

2. Distilled white vinegar: This is a home cleaning necessity. Add it to the wash to help remove the smell from those workout clothes or the kids’ hockey gear.

3. A stain bar: This laundry essential has been used for over 100 years to treat stains, and there is a reason for it.

4. A mesh washing bag: Protect those delicates with a mesh washing bag. They are perfect for protecting embellished pieces, wool and silk fabrics, as well as swimwear and delicates.

5. Leather conditioner: Keep those boots and bags looking like new with a leather conditioner. Be sure to read reviews when ordering a leather conditioner, as some can darken the color.

Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for more information on her favorite laundry brands and products, visit alexandraeve.net.

North Shore Itinerary

I may be biased as a Minnesota native, but there’s nothing like making a trip up to the North Shore. Each season brings something new to discover. So, in honor of this issue’s travel theme, I’m taking the opportunity to share my favorite stops with you, reader.

Whenever I’m headed north, I make sure to stop for a quick lunch at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth. It’s an easy-going place with great pizza and greater brews. Don’t miss neighboring Back Alley, a tucked-away surf shop that also boasts amazing coffee. (Pro tip: If you head north a few blocks along West Superior Street, you can also discover some cute local shops and restaurant options.)

Once you get a view of the lake up close, it can be difficult not to pull over. For a quick stop, I love Brighton Beach. It’s right off Highway 61 and is the perfect place to pause and enjoy the views before heading north. Two Harbors is the next place on my list. There’s so much to love about this small

town. On one trip, I stumbled across White Pine Market, a coffee shop and store featuring lovingly curated wares from local creators and thrifted clothing. I always leave with something I treasure.

If you haven’t already, visit one or more of the state parks along the way, including Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse or Tettegouche. But if you’ve been there and done that, I have a soft spot for Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area just northeast of Two Harbors, which features two unique rock beaches and a boat launch. (It’s a fantastic place to put in the kayaks.) Another favorite series of natural wonders is in Beaver Bay. Stop first at Black Beach, a black sand beach set amidst jagged cliffs. Just a quick five-minute drive north will lead you to Palisade Head. Don’t let the lower lot fool you; you can drive all the way up to the top for epic views of the colorful cliffs and Lake Superior. —Zoe Deal

Photo: Zoe Deal

THE (MIS) ADVENTURES OF DASHER

Some things are just meant to be. Take the story of Sara Nintzel and Dana Jacobs. When Nintzel moved into Jacobs’ North Oaks neighborhood in 2017 with her husband and beloved Instagram-famous cavalier King Charles spaniel, Dasher, the women immediately bonded over a shared dream of publishing a children’s book.

With their friendship forged, Jacobs penned The (Mis) Adventures of Dasher, a tale about the mischievous pup, inspired by her granddaughter, Maggie, who once broke an item and was scared to tell Jacobs. In the story, Dasher’s favorite red ball gets him in trouble after he breaks a vase. But the pup soon learns truths about unconditional love.

Once Jacobs finished writing in 2018, Nintzel started to illustrate the story with watercolor paintings that were later digitized. Jacobs and Nintzel opted to selfpublish in 2020, forming Jac and Zel Media, LLC, and received great feedback on their first book at local book signings and readings, as well as fundraisers. With a target audience of newborns through second graders, the women anticipated marketing the book to parents but were surprised to find it most popular with grandmothers, as a gift to their grandchildren. The (Mis) Adventures of Dasher is currently available at Lake Country Booksellers.

—Nicole Berglund

Jac and Zel Media, LLC; dasherthecav.com Dasher the Cav @dasherthecav

Photo: Jac and Zel Media, LLC

Dana Jacobs, Sara Nintzel and Dasher at a booksigning for The (Mis) Adventures of Dasher

Room to Roam

White Bear Lake bike shop peddles wheels for exploration.

By Daniel Huss

IF WE ALL know someone who was bitten by the bike bug during the pandemic, we must also know someone who was bitten by the bike-repair bug during the same pandemic. But what about someone who took it even further?

Well, John Sheehan is that someone. When a leasable space on Third Street in downtown White Bear Lake caught his eye last February, he saw an opportunity to pursue his dream of opening a bike shop.

As a local resident, Sheehan knew that the closest bike shop to White Bear Lake was at least a city away. He also knew that

a potential downtown location was within riding distance of the heavily used Lake Links Trail that sits just off the shores of White Bear Lake.

“I remember watching the homecoming parade two years ago,” Sheehan says. “In the middle of the parade, there were [a large group of] kids from the high school mountain biking team riding their bikes. Where were they getting their bikes [fixed], and didn’t they deserve their own shop that understands mountain biking?”

With a heart for solving a community need, he pushed on. Roam Bike Shop, a

full-service shop that sells and repairs bikes, opened its doors last March.

Sheehan’s story is full of twists and turns. After five years working in California and a total of 25 years in software, he sold his company, moved back to Minnesota in 2016 and fell headover-the-handlebars in love with riding and repairing bikes—so much so that he studied bike repair and assembly at Minneapolis Technical College.

While all these things add up to the opening of a bike shop, they fly in the face of Sheehan’s simplified explanation: “I went for a bike ride, and now I have a

Photo: John Sheehan

John Sheehan

APTITUDE FOR BIKING, APP FOR TRAILS

You can take Sheehan away from software, but you can’t take software away from Sheehan. In his spare time, he developed the app Trailbot. With more than 20,000 users, it tracks off-road bike trail conditions for 85 trails across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Trailbot is a free app and can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play.

bike shop,” he says.

The shop tagline, “Bikes for exploring,” speaks to Roam’s emphasis on adventure-style riding. If the goal is fitness, Roam sells road bikes. If the goal is to ride in the snow or sand, Roam has fat bikes. If the goal is adventure, Roam markets mountain bikes. If indoor riding is your gig, they’ll get you onto a trainer.

“The correct number of bikes a person needs is N + 1,” Sheehan says.

Busy Bikes

From the very first pedal, Roam’s business was busy. “I had this romantic notion of what running a bike shop should look like,” says Sheehan. “I’ve owned software companies for 25 years but never owned a retail store.”

Repairs have been steady from the start. Sales, aided by an improving supply chain and shifting trends, have been robust. “We’re in the middle of an e-bike boom,” says Sheehan.

With increased accessibility for varying abilities in a plethora of environments and the ability to take riders farther and faster, there’s a reason electric bike demand is high. In spite of the high price point, what pushes an e-bike purchase?

“A throttle,” Sheehan says. “That’s it.”

And there you have it: adventurestyle biking.

Roam Bike Shop, 2200 Third St. #2, White Bear Lake; 651.478.2200; roambikeshop.com Roam Bike Shop @roambikeshop

Pollinator Pathways

An interactive map tracks area gardens.

By Hanna McDaniels

TAKE A WALK around White Bear Lake, and it won’t take long to realize the important role the area’s landscape plays in its magic. From beautiful lakeside beaches to lush gardens, each ecosystem is vital. With this in mind, the city of White Bear Lake has taken the lead in promoting ecosystem growth by focusing efforts on pollinator gardens.

These gardens ideally bring seasonal blooms that are essential for “pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and birds in order for them to get their proper

nutrients,” says Gary Schroeher, local gardener and council member on the White Bear Lake Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC).

The EAC is responsible for advising the City Council on matters relating to the protection and rehabilitation of the area’s natural environment. One of its projects is the White Bear Lake Pollinator Pathways Map, which invites citizens to get involved by creating pollinator gardens and submitting them to be included on an interactive pollinator garden map.

There are no rules on size in order to be included on the city-wide map. Some areas where you can create a pollinator garden are existing gardens in your backyard, rain gardens, shoreline restorations or woodland. There are currently 36 gardens included on the map, including 14 on city property. To submit a garden, residents can simply answer a brief questionnaire available on the city website.

“Even small plantings can make a big difference,” says Connie Taillon, environmental specialist and water resources

engineer for the City of White Bear Lake. “... Engaging with these pollinators through creating beneficial landscapes helps to strengthen our sense of connection with nature and our understanding of the natural world while positively affecting these important insects.”

The need for pollinator gardens is at an all-time high due to the dramatic decline in pollinators themselves. Pollinators are a keystone species—a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend. In most terrestrial ecosystems, their job is crucial for biodiversity, flowering plant reproduction and pollination of nutritious foods. Much of the produce that we consume daily requires pollinators to spread pollen and fertilize plants.

An increase in pollinator gardens is not only beneficial to the ecosystem, but also to the people growing them. “You feel a connection to nature. It is truly rewarding,” says Schroeher.

Alongside pollinator efforts, the EAC is involved in work regarding keeping the ecosystem healthy, such as through recycling, water quality, rain gardens, community outreach, plastic use reduction and food scraps recycling. The commission hosts an Environmental Resources Expo on the last day of Marketfest each year. This year’s expo will be held July 27 on Fourth Street.

To learn more about starting your own pollinator garden, visit whitebearlakemag.com.

City of White Bear Lake, 4701 Highway 61; 651.429.8526; whitebearlake.org

City of White Bear Lake @cityofwhitebearlake

Life on the Lake

Meet the women behind Cabin 61.

By Daniel Huss

WHEN WHITE BEAR LAKE’S

Lindsey Carpenter thought of a brilliant idea to buy a dive bar on Goose Lake, her husband pegged the notion as preposterous. Since Don’s Little Bar wasn’t for sale, Carpenter’s idea died a quick death, only to rise again.

When the bar and its surrounding two acres became available in 2016, Carpenter, along with long-time friends Melissa Martini-Laughlin, Carrie Berg and Kristi Skillings, made an offer. The purchase involved more than turning a dive bar into a family-friendly restaurant. It gave the Midwest Ski Otters water ski team a lasting home.

“We were all professional skiers,” says Carpenter of herself and her co-owners. “We skied at Tommy Bartlett, Cypress Gardens and SeaWorld.”

Since 1995, the nonprofit Midwest Ski Otters has offered free water ski shows. With land on the lake, the team could build a launch, store boats and host shows. “Not being invested on the lake was making it difficult for the ski team. The land purchase would change that,” Carpenter said.

Though experienced skiers, they were first-time restaurateurs. “The bar was more divey than we thought,” Carpenter says. “We thought we could slap on some

fresh paint and get going. Turns out, it was a lot of work.”

One of the first things the ownership group did was to settle on a name. Midwest Ski Otter-themed names, such as Otter Time and Otter Place, were considered and rejected. With a prime location on Highway 61, the perfect name eventually fell into place. “We wanted the name to appeal to everyone,” Carpenter says. “The property included rental cabins, and someone came up with Cabin 61.”

They purchased the bar in June 2016 and opened the restaurant three months later. For 18 months, the ownership group ran the show, dirty dishes included. That

Photos: Chris Emeott

Kristi Skillings, Lindsey Carpenter and Carrie Berg

MUSIC AT THE CABIN

Cabin folk go to the cabin to be outdoors. They just do. This wasn’t lost on the owners of Cabin 61. Besides, who doesn’t want to sit on an outdoor deck enjoying lake views? In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of White Bear Lake approved Cabin 61’s request to create outdoor space. This resulted in a large shaded patio—err deck. “It’s close to the lake, and it’s gorgeous,” Carpenter says. A makeshift stage constructed of Midwest Ski Otters’ docking last summer led to a regular dose of live music. As the weather warms, Acoustic Tuesdays return. Once a month, the stage parties down with sounds of local bands like Audio Circus, The Bootleggers and Rock Brigade.

would change by happenstance.

“I happened to be in there one night when they asked if I’d consider running the restaurant,” says Daron Close, owner of Acqua Restaurant & Bar and Mizu Japanese. “My mother played softball for [Don’s] Little Bar. It’s probably one of the first bars I had ever been in.” Close’s answer was a resounding, “Yes.”

The move pushed the ownership group from front-and-center to off to the side but not before a 20-table patio, outdoor stage and water fountain were added. And a chainsaw carving was commissioned. (Read more about the carvings at whitebearlakemag.com.)

When Carpenter visits, she’ll chat with customers and ask them what they think of the place. What she won’t mention (unless they ask) is that she’s part of the all-women ownership group. Note: The head chef is also a woman.

“If my mom is with, it’s one of the first things she’ll say,” Carpenter says.

Proud momma.

Cabin 61, 4150 Hoffman Road, White Bear Lake; 651.340.8415; cabin61.com

Cabin 61-White Bear Lake

@cabin61whitebearlake

Midwest Ski Otters; 651.351.0001; skiotter.com

Midwest Ski Otters @ski.otters

Most professional athletes retire before they hit 30. For thoroughbred racehorses, the average retirement age is closer to 4. And while you’ll find former athletes in less physically taxing roles postretirement, the fiercely trained bodies and minds of racehorses have much to offer in a second career. A successful racehorse can bring value to new owners in retirement through work in jumping, dressage, fox hunting, ranching, trail riding, breeding or as companions. That is, if they’re given the chance.

“Many equine athletes are sold to new owners, but about 13.5 percent are rehomed by nonprofit organizations,” says Nancy Turner, founder and president of This Old Horse. Some are sold to slaughter; and public pressure about post-race treatment of these highly intelligent creatures has pushed the racing industry to adopt no-kill policies and seek to prevent owners from ending a thoroughbred’s life after retirement. It’s a policy that local racetracks Canterbury Park in Shakopee and Running Aces in Columbus have adopted as well.

You can think of Turner and her Hugobased program Racehorse Reimagined, as advocates for retired racehorses. “We take off-track horses, most are thoroughbreds, and rehab, retrain and when we can, rehome them,” Turner says.

“Most [horses] want to keep working. They need something to do with all of their energy, so we find the right fit that engages their mind and body for as long as they live, some more than 30 years.”

This Old Horse is a private, volunteer-based nonprofit founded in 2012 with a mission to support and serve horses “from hardship to healing, from career to retirement” through 12 programs and 13 farms across the Greater Twin Cities Metro Area.

“We give horses a safe harbor for life where they may age in place or move on to an honored and respected new home in a new working role or as a loving companion,” Turner says.

Phoenix Farm opened in Hugo in 2020, with a goal to specifically work with offtrack racehorses. In collaboration with the Minnesota racehorse industry, the program Racehorse Reimagined now makes its home on the old Mel-O-Dee Stables on Elmcrest Avenue. The property has been a full-service equine facility, offering boarding and riding for nearly half a century, until former owner Donna Meline passed away in March of 2020.

Turner grew up working at a barn, though she says she couldn’t afford to own a horse until 2006 when she turned 50 and purchased her “beloved off-track thoroughbred,” something she did after she began volunteering. It was an experience that stuck with her and turned her love for horses into an ambition. “I volunteered at a therapy horse barn. I felt an embarrassment of riches. We bought our own horse farm in 2008,” Turner says. “These retired horses let me take care of them; they made an impact on my whole family.”

Experienced in caretaking through her career and inspired by reruns of

This Old House, Turner wrote a business plan and “made a wish on every star,” outlining her hopes and the housing, nutrition and healthcare required to care for the retired horses.

“People love those houses because they’re crooked and old,” Turner says. “I took that idea and applied it to retiring horses. We love how they’ve served, their history, their gray hair and creaky joints.”

She decided a community of volunteers was what it would take to create a welcoming place and, as she says, “the horses would do the rest.” Since then, more than 3,000 volunteers have helped support her programs: cleaning stables, feeding and exercising horses and serving as ambassadors at equine events around the state, including at Canterbury Park where they bring retired racehorses to demonstrate the racing industry’s commitment to aftercare and to help raise funds for the nonprofit.

“Horses need to eat,” says Brenda Teter, operations director at This Old Horse and program director at This Little Horse, one of the organization’s programs that is focused on miniature horses. “We’re a nonprofit. Our barn managers are paid staff, but every other job is done by volunteers.”

The organization has an annual budget of just over $1.1 million to operate its facilities, purchase feed and pay for veterinary costs. Some of its funding comes from grants, racing industry support, charity partners, recurring donations, and sponsorship programs. “We have one

This Old Horse offers racehorses a home, purpose in retirement.

WRITTEN BY KRISTIE SMITH

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

There’s no denying miniature horses are adorable. They’re 3 feet tall (or shorter), can live to be 35 years old and don’t need as much space or food as their full-sized counterparts. They are often kept as companion animals, are great competitors and can also work in therapy roles thanks to their gentle, interactive and intuitive nature.

Also, their cuteness factor makes them tremendous program ambassadors, who easily fit in a minivan. “We bring our minis [horses] out to events and memory care facilities to do therapy work and to help raise awareness about rescue and rehom-

ing horses with our programs,” Teter says. “We’ve actually had to call the sheriff twice because one of the minis accidentally pressed the lock button on the door of our minivan, and we couldn’t get in.”

Like its partner program, This Old Horse, This Little Horse supports horses and ponies in transition. The accredited, nonprofit program based in Hastings offers literacy, socialization and goodwill visits to people in schools, libraries, daycares and long-term facilities. Though they don’t get too far once they arrive, miniature horses are quite the attraction.

recurring donor who lives in the Chicago area. He donates to This Old Horse and sponsors six horses, one for each of his grandchildren and one for himself,” says Turner. Though the sponsor had never owned his own horses, supporting the nonprofit became a way for him to create memories with his grandchildren. They visit the farm from time to time, and he’s even taken riding lessons.

Most rewarding, Turner says, is how these horses embrace their new life once they’ve come to the farm. Karrie Cable is the Racehorse Reimagined coordinator and owner of Yankee, one of the farm’s residents. “Yankee is a retired pacer [a form of harness racing]. After we lost our first horse, our son, who is autistic, became introspective and quiet. This horse has brought him out of that place. He is so connected and engaged. They have a very special bond,” Cable says.

As a nationally accredited and awarded program for its work in equine

Karrie Cable, Nancy Turner and Brenda Teter

Each sport has its main event. For horse racing, that’s the Triple Crown. A series of three races at three legendary venues, the Triple Crown brings 3-year-old thoroughbreds into the spotlight. The Triple Crown begins with the 149th running of the prestigious Kentucky Derby on May 6, then on to the Preakness Stakes on May 20 and the Belmont Stakes on June 10. Hint: There’s never been a better time for a mint julep!

adoption and sanctuary care, Racehorse Reimagined placement teams follow a horse and adopter for the rest of the animal’s life to ensure all are supported on their postrace journey. Cable recalls an experience with a recent adopter. “Seeing her light up, giving the horse a job, knowing it will go to a good home makes me happy for all involved,” she says.

Rescue work is emotional, explains Turner, as she shares the story of one young rescue whose owners were planning to send her to slaughter. “We didn’t know she was pregnant,” Turner says. “At the same time, students from the University of River Falls-Wisconsin equine program approached us to see if we had any pregnant mares to take part in their maternal recognition education program. We sent that mare to their program; they foaled the baby, and both came back here. We named the baby Magic, and she was adopted by a loving person as a support animal.”

Of all of her rescues, Turner says, “When I see a hardship case come off the trailer, where the horse has no trust in humans, I see in that moment what the horse will look like in 90 days. I know with my entire being the last thing they will ever know is the love of this community.”

racehorsereimagined.com Racehorse

Reimagined @racehorse_reimagined

4750 Washington Square • White Bear Lake, MN 55110

WRITTEN BY MALENA LARSEN

Destination: Wine

Plan your next vino vacation around these must-sip spots.

Walla Walla, Washington

Chardonnay, zinfandel and pinot, oh my! In a country brimming with vino delights from near and far, it’s a blessing and a curse when planning a destination wine country tour. Each place is host to different climates, specialties and approaches, so to get a glimpse of some to the top destinations on the West Coast, we connected with White Bear Lake resident and wine aficionado Tracie Pabst, owner of The Spirited Grape.

For the last 15 years, Pabst’s love of wine and travel has taken her across the country and world on adventures to sip and learn about winemaking. Following a breast cancer diagnosis, she traded her job in human resources for the world of blends, barrels and brut; what once was a hobby has grown to a full-bodied career. Her love of wine wasn’t new, but her lease on life was.

“Any time someone goes through an event like that, you look at life a lot differently,” Pabst says “Instead of the long days and weekends, you say, ‘Maybe there’s something I should be doing that brings more joy during this transition.’”

Since starting The Spirited Grape in November 2021, Pabst has found a niche helping clients select the West Coast wineries and excursions that best suit their preferences and ensure each client gets the most out of their wine country experience. So it’s no surprise that we asked Pabst to share a few of her must-visit spots with us:

Lodi, California

A major winegrowing region since the 1800s, Lodi is considered the zinfandel capital of the world and offers a diverse selection of international varietals. Lodi is located just 40 minutes south of Sacramento in California’s Central Valley, where it remains a hidden gem.

At Michael David Winery, find chardonnay, sparkling wine, cabernet sauvignon and much more. The family has farmed in Lodi since the mid-1860s and are firm believers in

sustainable practices and leaving the world a better place. And they aren’t alone. In fact, Lodi is a major agricultural area with a focus on sustainability. California-based innovator Peltier Winery & Vineyards has created an energy efficient way to treat its water so it can be repurposed in the vineyard’s worm farm.

Lodi is also home to Susan Tipton, who was voted Best Woman Winemaker at the 2022 International Women’s Wine Competition. Tipton owns Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards, which offers award-winning white and rosé wines in small batches.

“[Tipton] has been a mentor to me,” Pabst says. “Her support of my small business shows what a fine human she is.”

Wine isn’t the only draw to Lodi. The area has plenty of shopping, fine dining and opportunities for cycling and hiking. However, the temperatures can rise into the 90s and above in the summer, so Pabst recommends visiting in March and June for spring buds or harvest time from September to December.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Situated within three mountain ranges and just an hour outside of Portland, Willamette Valley goes by another name: Oregon Wine Country. Each of the area’s four regions boasts unique terrain and personality, and with more than 700 wineries, there’s something for everyone to love.

The valley is known for its pinot noir, a wine bursting with rich, complex flavors. If you enjoy red wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, mushroom and more, there are plenty of options including Willamette Valley Vineyards, a legacy, sustainability-focused operation that was recently named one of the country’s top pinot noir producers. You can also find award-winning pinot noir at Bethel Heights Vineyard in EolaAmity Hills, Oregon, a family-owned and certified organic operation. And if you prefer a balanced white over

a bold red, its chardonnay has also received accolades.

Nearby, family-owned Brooks Wines is equipped with a garden filled with herbs and biodynamic veggies, which it utilizes in its tasting room. WillaKenzie Estate, in northern Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is another family-owned operation that has been an estate winery for over 25 years.

On a recent trip to Willamette Valley, Pabst discovered even more must-visit wineries. Soter Vineyards at Mineral Springs Ranch, where you’ll be treated with a glass of wine as you drive up a winding road to the tasting room; Sokol Blosser Winery, a pioneering winery in the area run by the Sokol Blosser family, who emphasize good to the earth policies; and Alexana Winery, where visitors can enjoy a variety of wines with a distinct sense of time and place from the proprietor, Madaiah Revana, M.D., who immigrated to the states from India in 1973.

Pabst notes that it is crucial to have a car during your trip to Willamette Valley. Many of the wineries are spread out and can be difficult to get to without a mode of transportation. But spectacular views can make the drive a highlight. “There is beautiful scenery as you drive from one winery to the next,” Pabst says.

ABOUT THE SPIRITED GRAPE

Pabst works directly with her clients and wineries to plan one-of-a-kind wine country itineraries and relieve clients of the task of selecting from the multitude of wineries on the West Coast. Other offerings include private tours and tastings, Twin Cities wine tours, winemaker dinners and more.

The area’s mild climate and kindred latitude to place in Europe, like the Burgundy region in France, makes Willamette Valley ideal for winemaking. To Pabst, there’s not a bad time to visit. “I enjoyed visiting in July,” she says. “It was still fairly cool because you’re in the valley. The summer months are great, but so is fall!”

Walla Walla, Washington

Famous for its sweet onions, don’t overlook this burgeoning wine destination beneath the Blue Mountains along the southern border of Washington. With a laid-back, smalltown feel, Walla Walla is a getaway made all the better by 120 wineries and 30 tasting rooms. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and riesling are all popular wine types in Walla Walla, grown across 3,000 planted acres of vineyards.

The owners of Dusted Valley in Walla Walla have Midwest roots and focus on sustainable winegrowing practices. “Whenever you visit their

tasting room, be ready for a fun time while enjoying their wines,” Pabst says. Dusted Valley isn’t the only Walla Walla winery with a connection to the Midwest. Katherine Derby Raymond, the assistant winemaker at Spring Valley Vineyard, grew up in Minnesota. The menu at Spring Valley Vineyard includes merlot, cabernet Franc, syrah, petit verdot and more. While one may anticipate temperate weather year-round, in fact not all of Washington is rainy! Due to its location in central Washington, Walla Walla can experience extreme heat during the summer months and has a low annual precipitation. “It’s going to be very hot in July and August,” Pabst says, adding that the best time to visit is from March to June or August to November.

The Spirited Grape; 612.961.8223; thespiritedgrape.com

The Spirited Grape @thespiritedgrape

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Tracie Pabst at a vineyard in Willamette Valley.

Photo courtesy of Tracie Pabst

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TRAVELING BLOOMS

SISTERS TARYN MENNE AND RENEE

NEESER have always been best friends. While working corporate jobs, the pair dreamed up a way to spend more time together that involved creativity. In the end, they decided to extend their family legacy. “My grandpa did crop farming, and my grandma always had a large garden, and my dad continued that,” Neeser says. After growing flowers for Menne’s wedding and enjoying the experience, they decided to open a flower farm on their grandparents’ Hugo property in 2020. T and Nae LLC was born.

At the farm, the sisters offer specialtycut flowers for bouquets, buckets and custom events and host specialty floral events and a weekly farmers market from July through August. Though Menne does outreach and social media and Neeser lives on the farm and oversees day-to-day labor, they each do a bit of everything. “We know each other so well, so when we’re working together, we know how to balance each other and what roles work best for us,” Neeser says.

The mobile offerings also provide a fun way to share flowers from the farm. The Ninny is a converted horse trailer that acts as a mobile floral bar; the Noddypeak is a smaller cart toting flowers and champagne. “The names both mean ‘the fool,’” Neeser says. “When we started this company at the beginning of the pandemic, our father [initially teased that] we were foolish to try to start a flower farm … but the community came out and supported us so much.”

Other offerings include a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), weekly and biweekly bouquets, new florals, and adding a tea garden and a pumpkin patch in the fall.

—Nicole Berglund

T and Nae LLC; tandnae.com t.and.nae @t.and.nae

Photo: Marissa Troje at MKT Photography

Renee Neeser and Taryn Menne

ON THE TOWN

LOCAL EVENTS

Spring Fever Craft & Gift Expo

05/06

This annual event features handmade crafts from small businesses including woodworking, crocheted items, metal art, wood signs, cosmetics, photography and more. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake; craftshowsmn.org

Spring Clean-Up

05/20

Paper shredding and item donation is available at this event; items accepted include appliances, automotive batteries and tires, mattresses and furniture, household fixtures, electronics and more. All ages. Free. 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Otter Lake Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2, White Bear Township; 651.747.2750; whitebeartownship.org

Just Between Friends Sale

05/31–06/04

Head to the White Bear Lake Hippodrome for the annual Just Between Friends sale, which offers discounted clothing and items for babies, toddlers and children. All ages. Ticket prices vary. 4:30–10 p.m. White Bear Lake Hippodrome, 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake; twincitiesnemetro.jbfsale.com

Marketfest

06/15–07/27

Marketfest returns starting on June 15. Live concerts, a classic car show and local shoppable vendors will be there. All ages. Free. 6–9 p.m. Downtown White Bear Lake; info@marketfestwbl.com; marketfestwbl.com

Ice Cream Social

06/20

Join your friends and neighbors for a summer scoop, live music and famiy-friendly activities. All ages. Free. 6–8 p.m. Berwood Park, 780 Berwood Ave., Vadnais Heights; 651.204.6000; cityvadnaisheights.com

Manitou Days Artisan & Vendor Fair

06/24

More than 70 booths are available to shop, including artisans, makers and boutiques. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. West Park, 2350 11th St., White Bear Lake; sunriseeventsandcraftshows.com

AREA EVENTS

Kavakos, Bach and Brahms

05/11–05/12

Renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos returns to the Twin Cities, playing Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and conducting the Minnesota Orchestra though Brahms’ grand First Symphony All ages. Tickets starting at $30. Times vary. The Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

Wild Symphony

05/14

The Encore Wind Ensemble will play Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony All ages. Free.

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

3–4 p.m. Messiah United Methodist, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth; encorewinds.com

Women Run the Cities

05/20

Join one of the premier women’s racing events in the Twin Cities for an empowering 5K with a brunch bar complete with mimosas waiting at the finish line. All ages. Prices vary. 8:45 a.m.–noon. Minnehaha Park, 4801 S. Minnehaha Drive, Mpls.; 651.281.7700; tcmevents.org

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Through 06/11

Step inside the world of new and old Disney stories; sing with Elsa and go on an adventure in Zootopia in this immersive exhibit. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Lighthouse Immersive, 1515 Central Ave., Mpls.; 1.844.307.4644.; lighthouseimmersive.com

An American Tail the Musical

Through 06/18

This heartfelt and fun musical tells the tale of Fivel Mousekewitz fleeing Russia, being separated from his family and encountering friends and foes as an immigrant to New York. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org

Crazy about Strawberries

To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

A Taste of Italy

Orso Bianco Gelato brings authentic Italian gelato to downtown White Bear Lake.

Written by Zoe Deal Photos by Chris Emeott

THERE ARE SOME MOMENTS in life when one realizes how lucky they are to do what they do. For me, the realization came on a chilly weekday afternoon in early December. There I was, sitting at a round table in the newly opened Orso Bianco Gelato, surrounded by cups of gelato and the anticipatory gazes of co-owners Mark Schwartz and Cinzia Falcomata. All I could say, over and over again, was, “Wow.”

To find great gelato in the United States is like finding a needle in a haystack—not that I have tried. In fact, it never occurred to me after my gelato-rich European excursions to search locally for the international flavors I’d once enjoyed. Alas, I would’ve been disappointed to find few gelaterias in the state, according to Schwartz’ own search. But here, now, on Third Street in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake is a little taste of Italy.

Visitors will no doubt be encouraged to sample every flavor, from traditional options like hazelnut stracciatella and lemon sorbetto to new creations like salted caramel or the Orso Bianco Signature, a white chocolate stracciatella.

Over a ridiculous (and much enjoyed) amount of gelato and even an espresso and gelato float, the husband-and-wife duo were happy to share their story and the experiences that led to opening a gelato shop in Minnesota, of all places.

Their paths crossed far from their small town childhoods (Schwartz in North Dakota and Falcomata in Italy) while meeting through work in Paris. After their marriage in 2010, international and cross-country moves, the birth of their twin sons and leaving their corporate careers, they decided that White Bear Lake was the perfect community to pursue their creative dreams.

“It’s fun to just be close to the community and to work with [Falcomata].” Schwartz says. “... We saw an opportunity here to do something we really love but

to bring something unique to White Bear Lake, which was authentic Italian gelato.”

Every day at Orso Bianco brings a new customer, many of whom wonder: What’s the difference between ice cream and gelato? The difference, Schwartz shares, is that gelato has a very different technique and makeup than ice cream. Both are made of milk, milk fat, milk solids and sugar. The texture and flavor differences come down to percentages, with gelato having a lower amount of fat, sugar and air than ice cream. Gelato is also served at a warmer temperature than ice cream and has smaller ice crystals. “All of those things contribute to what I call a flavor explosion when it hits your tongue,” Schwartz says.

Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream. Translated into English, gelato means “frozen,” Falcomata explains. Order strawberry flavor and, traditionally, it should taste exactly like picking up a strawberry. “It’s funny because I barely eat ice cream here because I’d never been a fan of it,” Falcomata says. “In Italy, you ask for ice cream and they give you gelato because it’s translated like that. It took me a while to understand the difference because, in Italy, ice cream like it is here doesn’t exist. Everything is gelato.”

Upon opening the shop on Mother’s Day weekend last May, they got the validation they needed when an Italian customer came into the shop. They had a feeling she was testing whether they were “authentic” when she ordered the quintessential Italian flavor: hazelnut.

“We still remember her face … She tried [it] and her face, ah,” Falcomata says. “She remembered when she was a kid in Italy eating [gelato]. After all those years, she could remember the flavor ... That was the answer that we were on the right path.”

Now, a year later, they’ve built a base of loyal customers who are encouraged to sit and chat for a while, offer feedback and even make suggestions on flavors. “It’s like a giant experiment, and it’s fun because you can involve other people to become interested and passionate about it as well,” Schwartz says.

Despite the occasional Americanized flavor, Orso Bianco is devoted to doing right by Italian flavors and techniques. And while there’s still work to be done (crafting and selling gelato, chatting with customers and doing dishes for Schwartz; and marketing, tasting, teaching and baking for Falcomata), they are happy to finally be doing what they love in a community they cherish.

GLOSSARY

Orso Bianco: The gelato shop’s name and signature flavor translates to White Bear in Italian.

Sorbetto: A nondairy version of gelato that achieves a dense, rich flavor oftentimes from fruit with the same consistency as gelato. This offering also has a lower fat content and, like gelato, contains less air than ice cream.

Stracciatella: From the Italian word stracciare, which means to tear or rip. A variety of gelato flavor characterized by thin, irregular chards of chocolate.

“I like to have people come in and taste it. I always tell them, ‘I don’t even care if I sell it to you, come in and taste it.’ The payoff is looking in their eyes when they taste it,” Schwartz says. “... Gelato makes people happy. You stand behind that counter, you’ll want to get a job application.”

Orso Bianco Gelato, 2216 Third St., White Bear Lake; 651.207.4922; orsobiancogelato.square.site Orso Bianco Gelato @orsobiancogelato

Cinzia Falcomata and Mark Schwartz

SECOND PLACE: PETS

Dog Days

Local pup smiles for the camera at Matoska Park.

WALKING AROUND WHITE BEAR LAKE is a routine for Courtney Rowan and her pup, Gracie. Last Labor Day weekend, they stopped by White Bear Dog Beach at Matoska Park, where Rowan captured this image. “Gracie is a rescue originally found as an underweight stray and in a foster home before finding her forever home,” Rowan says. “Now, she is one spoiled and happy pup that even has her own Instagram [@graciegirltravels]. She loves any outdoor adventures and even will go paddle boarding or kayaking with me out on the lake.”

Rowan’s favorite part about the photo? “Gracie’s smile says it all,” she says.

Photographer: Courtney Rowan

Title: Gracie Soaking up the Sun Equipment: iPhone 12 Pro Max

To view other Lens on the Lake photo contest winners, visit whitebearlakemag.com.

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