White Bear Lake - July 2024

LET’S CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND PLACES THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY THRIVE

Urgent Care TCO Vadnais Heights

Ready to serve Vadnais Heights and the surrounding community. Set to be your first stop for sudden, unexpected injuries. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary.

Ready. Set. TCO.

In this issue, we honor the strength of our community and celebrate the Best of White Bear Lake. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller, American author and disability rights advocate

Lara

Photo: Chris Emeott

Ellen Maas, page

from the EDITOR

Welcome to our annual Best of White Bear Lake issue! This issue is a favorite of our staff each year, as we reflect on the outstanding people and businesses that have filled our pages and look ahead to all the beautiful stories to come.

Over the past year, we’ve released six unique issues, highlighting dozens of artists, entrepreneurs, new businesses and nonprofits. We’ve shared some of our favorite recipes, explored health and lifestyle trends and welcomed new contributors and Editorial Advisory Board members.

When you pick up each new issue of White Bear Lake Magazine, we hope that you feel the intention and teamwork that goes into each story and spread. It’s our hope that this magazine continues to reflect all of the heart and history of the communities around the lake.

I want to take this moment to thank our entire team, from our dedicated sales, art, production and editorial teams to our fabulous contributors and Editorial Advisory Board members. I also want to celebrate you, readers—without our devoted readership’s support, encouragement and insight, we would not be the magazine we are today!

And a final congratulations is in order to our Best of White Bear Lake 2024 winners and finalists who continue to do so much for our communities. Flip to page 18 to greet the winners!

Until next time,

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

CELEBRATING THE WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SINCE 2012.

On the Cover

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

White Bear Lake Magazine @whitebearlakemag @whitebearlakemag

Photo: Chris Emeott

Best of White Bear Lake, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 18

The care you need, when you need it – it really should be that simple. HealthPartners is the largest multi-specialty care group in the Twin Cities, with care teams and services all connected to give you a streamlined experience. And every day we’re offering more ways to make it easier to get great care:

• 300+ clinics and hospitals across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin

• System-wide health record so your care team is on the same page

• Virtual services including hybrid preventive care, video visits and Virtuwell

• Online scheduling and mobile check-in

• Save My Spot for Urgent Care

Learn more at healthpartners.com/care

White Bear Lake Area Schools

WhY bE A bEAR?

• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.

• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.

• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.

• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.

• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

VOL. 11 NO. 6 whitebearlakemag.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR Zoe Yates

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty, Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lexi Munson, Katie Tomsche, Kia White

DIGITAL INTERN Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Lisa Beecroft, Beecroft Marketing ; Kevin P. Donovan, White Bear Rotary ; Kelly Neeb, Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation ; Lexi Munson, White Bear Center for the Arts ; Russ Reetz, White Bear Lake Area High School

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn, Kathie Smith

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to White Bear Lake Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

BEST OF FAQS

Here’s what you need to know about our annual Readers’ Choice Poll.

Each year, our Best of White Bear Lake Readers’ Choice Poll brings together our readers and social media followers who support and honor local businesses and service providers with their votes.

FAQs:

How are the categories chosen?

Each year, our editorial and management teams evaluate the categories to include topics our readers find most relevant and engaging. You’ll notice some new categories this year!

How does vote tallying work?

Once the poll closed and the votes were validated, tabulators determined which businesses were the top three vote-getters.

What’s a finalist vs. a winner?

Voting ran online during January with three simple rules*:

1.

One entry was allowed per person; each ballot needed to include an email address.

2.

Voters needed to vote in at least five categories to ensure their ballot was counted.

3.

Ballots must have been completed by 5 p.m. January 31, 2024.

*Any rule not adhered to may have resulted in entire surveys being discarded, and all results were subject to editorial discretion.

The top three vote-getters in each category became finalists and were announced in the spring on our website. (Once votes were tabulated, our editorial team fact-checked the address and contact information for each finalist. If a finalist was no longer a valid selection due to a closed business, etc., the next highest vote-getter(s) moved up to become a finalist.) The top vote-getter is the winner and is announced in our July issue and on our website.

Can a business or organization be a finalist if it’s located outside of the magazine’s coverage area?

Good question! In order to qualify as a finalist, each business or organization must be located in the community and/ or provide services to local residents.

How can a business get on next year’s ballot?

Since this is a write-in ballot, encourage clients or customers to vote for your business in our next Readers’ Choice Poll, which goes live on our website in January 2025.

I’m a winner! How do I purchase a framed cover?

Winners can request a free digital copy of the Best of 2024 magazine cover design, which also indicates the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can also purchase a framed award certificate, which is 14x17 inches and features a black, wood frame. The cost is $125 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/awardcertificate. —Editorial Staff

Wave of Change

Wave of Change, a fiber sculpture created by artist Barbara Riegel Bend, seems to be in motion, turning stiff metal zippers and fabric into something fluid and organic. It was one of many pieces on display in the 50th Annual Northern Lights Juried Arts Exhibition at White Bear Center for the Arts. In a comment for the show, Riegel Bend describes her artistic process: “The viewer can find vintage neckties, zippers, hair clips, guitar strings and classic fabrics,” she says. “I stitch them together, creating movement and continuity. The viewer discovers the ‘out of place’ pieces, remembering something from their past.”

Ellie Fuelling is the communications manager at White Bear Center for the Arts. Learn more about classes, programs and events at whitebeararts.org.

Limeade Kombucha Cocktail

On a very hot day, we love a glass of limeade. It has that juicy, sweet midtongue pucker that’s so refreshing and addictive. Here, we’ve combined it with GT’s Unity kombucha, which tastes like cherries and coconut. It gives the cocktail a punch-like flavor, a light fizz and a very pleasant acidic bite. (Not into coconut? Use any flavor of kombucha.)

Limeade Kombucha Cocktail Makes 8 drinks, 6 oz. each

» 6 limes

» ½ cup sugar

» 1 quart cold water

» 2 cups ice

» 6 oz. vodka » 16 oz. kombucha

Juice 5 of the limes into a pitcher. Slice the remaining lime into rounds; set it aside. Add the sugar and water, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Drop in the ice and lime slices. Add the vodka; stir. Add the kombucha, gently stir and serve immediately.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. For other summer cocktail recipes from Lunds & Byerlys, including Rosé Sangria and Low-ABV Berry Lemonade Cocktail, visit whitebearlakemag.com.

VIEW

Local Gems

We are lucky to have many local authors who write books in every genre. Here are two incredible children’s book authors from our community to check out. These are their latest titles, but they both have many more gems to read with your little ones.

Go and Get with Rex

Written by David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka Known for his whimsical and fun stories, LaRochelle’s latest book follows Jack, Jill and Rex as they play a game with some very silly outcomes.

Firefly Galaxy

Written by Sarah Nelson, Illustrated by Estrellita Caracol Nelson’s latest book celebrates the magic of fireflies on a summer night. Many of her heartfelt books center on themes of nature and are a pleasure to read for kids and adults alike.

Kia White works at Lake Country Booksellers. Head to the shop or your local library to find these titles and more.

Take advantage of special daily rates on our Certificates of Deposit! Interest rates are consistently changing, so to ensure we’re always offering our best CD rates, each morning we will publish our “Best Rate of the Day.”

Visit our website for today’s BEST CD RATE!

Explore the essence of within our charming storefronts.

We are happy to bring a second store to downtown White Bear.

2175 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN 4701 Banning Ave., White Bear Lake, MN leona-rose.com

ACTIVE LIVING

Olympic Dreams

Lara Dallman-Weiss heads to Paris to test her mettle with the best sailors in the world.

By Jennifer Pitterle

SPEAKING WITH OLYMPIC SAILOR

LARA DALLMAN-WEISS —who grew up in Shoreview and learned to sail on White Bear Lake—you’d be surprised to learn that she almost didn’t pursue elite sailing at all. Though she started taking lessons at White Bear Sailing School at age 6, she was never “super serious” about racing, she says. She disliked sailing alone and preferred social twoperson boats over the competitive parts of the sport.

Former White Bear Sailing School coach Jay Rendall knew that DallmanWeiss had the diverse skills needed to be a great sailor. “There’s the communication side, the physical side—you have to be able to do things quickly—and the tactical side. It’s like playing chess out on the lake,” Rendall says.

Dallman-Weiss was a multisport athlete at Mounds View High School, not wanting to commit to one thing. “I was all set to go to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on a running scholarship,” she says. At the last minute, she decided to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where a fellow sailor from White Bear Lake was a student.

“When I went to college and sailing was my only sport, I poured all of my energy into sailing,” she says. “I decided I wanted to keep doing this at a serious level.”

Lara Dallman-Weiss and racing partner Stu McNay at the Olympic Trials.

Lara Dallman-Weiss

She graduated from Eckerd in 2011 and gave her all to sailing. She found her first Olympic berth in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, where Dallman-Weiss and her sailing partner placed 12th in the women’s 470 class event (470 boats are 4.7 meters long and have a team of two). She says growing up sailing on White Bear Lake has given her some unique strengths. “Lake sailors are known to kind of have a gut feeling for certain conditions. Whenever I’m at a venue where the water’s flat and the wind starts shifting around, that’s where I thrive,” she says.

Dallman-Weiss’s calmness under pressure—and ability to adapt to changing wind conditions—has led her to this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, this time in a new genderintegrated class (the mixed twoperson dinghy event will take place in Marseilles in southern France). She and her racing partner, Stu McNay, won their final qualifying event for the games in February and have been honing their communication and technical skills to prepare for a shot at the gold. “We’re narrowing down what equipment we’re going to use, like the mast and centerboard ... You kind of hedge your bets toward what the waters in Marseilles will be like,” Dallman-Weiss says.

She’s looking forward to having her family along for the Paris Olympic Games; they weren’t able to join her in Tokyo because of COVID-19 restrictions. “My parents are the reason I’m doing this,” Dallman-Weiss says of her mom, Sue Dallman, and dad, John Weiss. “They’re the most supportive humans.”

For her childhood teammates and coaches back home, Dallman-Weiss's Olympic-level success is a source of pride. “It’s so exciting,” Rendall says. “People are really proud she’s doing this. With being proud comes a responsibility to support her.”

The 2024 Olympics take place July 26 through August 11 in Paris. Watch Lara Dallman-Weiss in Mixed Dinghy sailing events from August 2–7. Find more at paris2024.org.

whitebearsailingschool.com

White Bear Sailing School @whitebearsailingschool

Finding Harmony

TJ Moran crafts cactus boxes that mirror the natural world.

By Meredith Heneghan

THERE’S NOTHING PRICKLY about TJ Moran. From his White Bear Lake home and garden, Moran creates spellbinding and unique containers for cactuses and succulents—each one an aesthetic marvel.

Looking through Moran’s creations, there is evidence of someone who is deeply observant of nature and respectful of its raw beauty. His goal is to find harmony between plant and container. “Some boxes are more complicated than others, but it needs to compliment the plant more than stand on its own,” he says.

Moran has been developing this craft for close to six years. He grew up helping out at his family’s wood flooring distribution center, so he was always

TJ Moran cares for cactus and creates his cactus boxes at his home in White Bear Lake.

messing around with scrap wood. “I’d make stands for my bonsai trees, and one day, I made a box and was like, ‘Oh, what could I plant in this?’ That evolved into succulents,” he says.

Over the years, Moran has honed his aesthetic ability and developed his woodworking knowledge to make his creations stable and long-lasting.

Moran’s containers range from delicate to strong, depending on the design and the material used. “With wood, a lot of it comes down to lines I like. Do I want it to be aggressive or subtle and smooth? Sometimes the wood grain will be really beautiful, and I don’t want to obliterate it,” he says.

He’s an experimenter as much as a craftsman. “I’ve found ways to make wood almost look like stone with carving, burning and stains,” he says. Many of these designs are inspired by his time outdoors; while hiking, he takes note of patterns, colors and textures he’s drawn to.

Moran participates in the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market and the Franconia Art and Farmers Market in addition to selling via Etsy and Instagram. When you purchase a cactus box from Moran, he provides a care sheet. “Cactuses and succulents are easy to care for, and once you know the basics, the rules apply universally. More often than not, almost everybody who has killed a plant has cared for it too much,” he says.

Once you have a cactus from Moran, he’s happy to answer care questions. “I’ve been at the farmers market in Northeast for five years; [I] see regular people there who say that their plant is doing well, and they still love it,” he says.

Moran’s cactus boxes express his creative process, reveal meditations on nature and exalt his personal aesthetics. To him, it’s all about observation and finding the right combination.

“Sometimes, I know right away, but sometimes not,” he says. “… A lot of times, I’ll make the container specifically for the plant. It looks like they’ve grown together.”

The Loon Whisperer of White Bear Lake

The Minnesota state bird is Ellen Maas’ lifelong passion.

By Kelly Cochrane

LOONS HAVE BEEN A PART of Ellen Maas’ life for as long as she can remember. The retired Washington County District Court judge grew up on White Bear Lake in Birchwood Village and now owns a home just around the bend from her parents’ place. And despite a familial love for Minnesota’s state bird, it wasn’t until adulthood that she witnessed a loon on White Bear Lake.

“As a child, I don’t recall loons on the lake,” Maas says. But in 2011, she spotted not only one family of loons, but two. Ever since, the loons have had a presence on the lake.

These days, she is considered (informally) the leader of the White

Bear Lake Loon Whisperers. Working closely with the Minnesota DNR, Maas and her husband, Len Pratt, have placed artificial nests on the lake to attract nesting loons. Most mornings, they depart at dawn to check on the nests. “It’s our time together,” Maas says. “We get out on the boat with our coffee and check the loons.”

Maas has seen White Bear Lake’s residents take steps to protect the beloved bird. “There is a community investment in the loons on the lake,” Maas says. Water skiers now avoid the loon nesting areas, and jet skiers respect the shorelines that are home to the lake’s three artificial nests. The caution is important to the species’

survival. “It’s happening more and more that we see only one chick surviving,” Maas says. Even so, as loons return to their nests year after year, the lake’s loon population is holding steady.

In the early mornings, Maas takes advantage of the calm waters and photographs the loons. She has garnered local and national recognition for her photos, culminating in the selection of her photograph Baby on Board at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.

It was with her mother’s encouragement that she entered an image in the state fair's photography contest. The photo, depicting an adult loon with a chick settled on its back, was framed for the event. Maas’ mother kissed

Photo: Ellen Maas

Baby on Board

the frame for good luck before it was sent off. “My mom loved loons and was my number one fan,” Maas says. Unfortunately, her mother passed away only five days after sending the photo, which made it into the highly competitive show. Maas now considers the image a nod to her mother’s love and support, and it continues to receive awards nationally.

The latest recognition was actually in this magazine; the photo took first place in the wildlife category of the 2023 Lens on the Lake photo contest.

“[The loons’] story is getting told all over the country,” Maas says.

What is Cooks in the Kitchen? Cooks in the Kitchen is a meal program for the individuals we support in our

We make it easy to volunteer! Gather your group and pick a date. We supply the recipes, groceries, and equipment.

While the time commitment is only 2.5 hours from start to finish, but the impact of the meals lasts much longer.

Photo: Chris Emeott

Ellen Maas

Pat Lutz, lead volunteer in the White Bear Lake Cooks in the Kitchen, assembles the prepared meal ingredients, to be packaged and delivered to our group homes.

BEST OF

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Let’s celebrate the businesses and individuals who serve our communities so well.

Life brings so many moments of celebration. A trip around the sun, a new life, a union—each moment defined by the people who join us in witnessing it. Well, here we all are, together again as we look to the people and businesses that have given us so much—our Best of White Bear Lake 2024 . Let’s revel in our community’s mutual successes this year and congratulate our neighbors for this significant achievement. Here’s to another amazing year on White Bear Lake!

—Zoe Yates

Photo: Chris Emeott

DINING

Best Bakery

1. Keys Café & Bakery

2. GoodThings Café

3. Cajeta Coffee

Best Bar, Brewery or Distillery

1. Big Wood Brewery

2. The Alchemist

3. Washington Square Bar & Grill

Best Breakfast or Brunch

1. Keys Café & Bakery

2. Cobblestone Café

3. Bear Town Bar and Grill

Best Burger

1. The Brickhouse

2. Cabin 61

3. Bear Town Bar and Grill

Best Desserts or Ice Cream

1. Cup and Cone

2. Orso Bianco Gelato

3. Keys Café & Bakery

Best International Cuisine

1. Ban Thai Restaurant

2. Mizu Japanese

3. Orso Bianco Gelato

Best Outdoor Dining Space

1. Rudy’s Redeye Grill

2. The Brickhouse

3. Washington Square Bar & Grill

Best Pizza

1. Pizzeria Pezzo

2. Carbone’s Pizzeria

3. Pino’s Pizza & Pasta

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. PLNT BSD

2. Nautical Bowls

3. Ingredients Cafe

Best Restaurant

1. The Brickhouse

2. Acqua Restaurant & Bar

3. Rudy’s Redeye Grill

ABODE

Best Carpet and Flooring Store

1. Abbott Paint & Carpet

2. 651 Carpets

3. Suburban Floor Covering Abbey Carpet

Best Custom Home Builder

1. Lake to Lake Construction

2. D.T. Carlson Co.

3. Pratt Homes

Best Garden Center

1. Bachman’s

2. White Bear Floral Shop & Greenhouse

3. Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden

Best Home Decor or Furniture Store

1. GoodThings

2. Haus Theory

3. That Old Blue Door

Best Interior Design Firm

1. Christina Lynn Interiors

2. Blue Pencil Collective

3. Leona Rose Interiors

Best Landscape Design Service

1. Longville Landscapes

2. Custom One Landscaping

3. Ground FX Lawn & Landscape

Best Remodeler

1. Lake to Lake Construction

2. Hagstrom Builder

3. Yares Renovation Services

Best Senior Living Residence

1. The Arbors of White Bear Lake

2. Tie: Cerenity Senior Care; St. Andrew’s Village

SELF-CARE

Best Barbershop

1. Benny’s Barber Shop

2. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

3. Revive Salon and Medspa

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. Summit Pilates and Training

2. Studio One Yoga

3. WomanWoRX

Best Hair Salon

1. Jessie Tomme Salon

2. Revive Salon and Medspa

3. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

Best Manicure and Pedicure

1. Nails&Spa

2. Elite Nail Studio

3. Lovely Nails

Best Massage

1. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

2. Indulge Salon & Spa

3. Life Time Fitness LifeSpa

Best Med Spa (must have licensed physician on site)

1. Advanced Esthetics Med Spa

2. Revive Salon and Medspa

3. Rejuvenation MedSpa by Minnesota Women’s Care

Best Spa (for skin care and body and beauty treatments)

1. Revive Salon and Medspa

2. Indulge Salon & Spa

3. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

WELLNESS

Best Chiropractic Practice

1. The Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake

2. Core Chiropractic & Health

3. Soul Chiropractic

Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice

1. Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery

2. Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Best Dental Practice

1. White Bear Smiles

2. Orchard Dental Group

3. Tie: Isaacson Gentle Dentistry; Lakeshore Family Dentistry

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Advanced Dermatology Care

2. Dermatology Consultants

3. North Metro Dermatology

Best Eye Care Practice

1. White Bear Eye Clinic & Optical

2. Birch Lake Eye Clinic

3. St. Paul Eye Clinic

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Synergy Family Physicians

2. Entira Family Clinics

3. HealthPartners

Best Holistic Wellness Practice

1. Synergy Family Physicians

2. The Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake

3. Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. Minnesota Women’s Care

2. MetroPartners OBGYN Clinics

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Erickson-Aamodt Orthodontics

2. Signature Orthodontics

3. Lakes Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Practice

1. Bear Care

2. Tie: HealthPartners; Northern Lights Pediatrics

LEARNING

Best Dance Studio

1. 4th Street Dance Centre

2. White Bear Dance Center

3. Larkin Dance Studio

Best Preschool Program

1. Preschools of St Andrew’s

2. Liberty Classical Academy

3. Frassati Catholic Academy

Best Swim School or Lessons

1. Foss Swim School

2. White Bear Area YMCA

3. Goldfish Swim School

PET CARE

Best Dog-Friendly Business (Dining or Retail venue)

1. Washington Square Bar & Grill

2. Tie: The Brickhouse; Chuck and Don’s

Best Dog Park

1. Otter Lake Dog Park

2. White Bear Lake Dog Beach (Matoska Park)

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Goldwood Kennels

2. Oneka Pet Resort

3. All Star Pet Hotel & Day Care

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Goldwood Kennels

2. Haute Dog Spa

3. Chuck and Don’s

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. Birch Lake Animal Hospital

2. White Bear Animal Hospital

3. Lake Animal Hospital

SHOPS

Best Apparel Boutique

1. GoodThings Style

2. Primp Boutique

3. The Minnesotan

Best Florist

1. White Bear Floral Shop & Greenhouse

2. Lakeside Floral

3. Hazel & Goose

Best Gift Shop

1. GoodThings

2. Oldies & Goodies

3. Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop

Best Jewelry Store

1. GoodThings Style

2. White Bear Jewelers

3. Graham Jewelers (formerly Sherburne Jewelers)

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Kowalski’s Markets

2. EAT! @ Banning and 5th

3. GoodThings

LEISURE

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Memorial Beach Park/West Park

2. Bellaire Beach

3. Tie: Matoska Park; Tamarack Nature Center

Best Date Night Spot

1. The Brickhouse

2. Acqua Restaurant & Bar

3. Rudy’s Redeye Grill

Best Outdoor Spot for Graduation Photos

1. Matoska Park

2. Tamarack Nature Center

3. Katherine Abbott Park

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Tie: Dellwood Country Club; Tamarack Nature Center

2. Tie : Marketfest; Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Best Venue to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

1. Memorial Beach Park/West Park

2. On White Bear Lake

3. White Bear Lake County Park

BEST OF THE EAST METRO

Best Alpine Hill or Nordic Ski Trail

1. Afton Alps

2. Tie: Tamarack Nature Center; Wild Mountain

Best Biking or Hiking Trail

1. Gateway State Trail

2. Tamarack Nature Center

3. Brown’s Creek State Trail

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. A.B. ELLIE

2. Tie: Our Shop Bridal; Raffiné Bridal & Formal Wear; The Wedding Shoppe

Best Family Photographer

1. Amanda Jean Photography

2. Lisa Siddons

Best Financial Services (financial planners, wealth management, estate planning, etc.)

1. Tie: Dan Perry; Edward Jones; Thrivent Financial; True Vision Financial Advisors

Best Golf Course

1. Dellwood Country Club

2. Gem Lake Hills Golf Course

3. White Bear Yacht Club

Best Law Practice

1. GDO Law

2. Fleming Law Firm

3. Tie: Perron Law Office; Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm

Best Music School

1. Inspiration Performing Arts Center

2. Tie: Ashland Academy of Music; MacPhail Center for Music

Best Outdoor Skating Rink

1. Tie: Mahtomedi District Education Center; The Oval in Roseville

2. Tighe-Schmitz Park

Best Private School

1. Liberty Classical Academy

2. Frassati Catholic Academy

3. St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School

Best Professional Theatre

1. Lakeshore Players Theatre

2. Tie: Ashland Productions; Children’s Performing Arts

Best Staycation Hotel

1. Hotel Crosby

2. Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn

3. WB Loft

Best Summer Camp

1. Tamarack Nature Center

2. Tie: Hidden Pines Ranch; Liberty Classical Academy

Best Wedding Photographer

1. Studio J & Judd Sather Photography

2. Amanda Jean Photography

3. Lisa Siddons

Best Wedding Venue

1. Dellwood Country Club

2. JX Venue

3. 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery

Best Winery

1. 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery

2. Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

3. Rustic Roots Winery

Photo: Chris Emeott

We extend our appreciation to those businesses and individuals who contributed to Local’s Best of 2024 celebration photoshoot.

Bakery Items

» Brittni Dye

» Wuollet Bakery, wuollet.com

Florals and Arrangements

» Bachman’s, bachmans.com

Jewelry

» General Store of Minnetonka, generalstoreofminnetonka.com

Serveware and Decor

» General Store of Minnetonka, generalstoreofminnetonka.com

» Owned by Local’s Art Department

» Patina, patinastores.com

Two Silo Winery and Vineyard

EDITOR’S PICKS

Let’s make this the summer of saying “yes!”

Written by Zoe Yates

When I was in school, I made a goal for myself to say “yes” more. It was a decision inspired by the 2008 rom-com Yes Man, starring Jim Carrey; Carrey plays a man stuck in a negative pattern who learns the power of saying “yes,” a decision that brings joy and new adventures.

As a young person with the world at my fingertips, I noticed that my shyness and anxiety had started to hold me back from new experiences. By saying “yes,” I hoped to rewire my brain to embrace the unknown. Suffice to say, it worked! By the time I graduated high school, I had accomplished some big goals—including enrolling in a college 1,700 miles from home.

This year, I’ve embraced a similar goal. I’m already building a life I love, and I’m in the perfect place to try something (or a couple things) that spark my curiosity. So, without further ado, I’m diving into some of my top ideas to make the summer of 2024 the best yet!

Wine Tasting

High on my list of to-dos this summer is to explore local wineries. It’s been a wish of mine for several years to stop by all of the East Metro wineries, and I still have few to check off.

While there’s no formal wine trail in the White Bear Lake area, I encourage you to blaze your own trail—it’s sure to make for a fabulous day or weekend excursion.

Just three miles from downtown White Bear Lake, 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery is a local destination. The Dellwood winery, founded by high school sweethearts Ron and Arlie Peltier, celebrates its seventh anniversary this autumn. Stop by to enjoy acres of rolling vineyard and a beautiful indoor space. The wine bar includes

a diverse offering of beverages, alongside a menu of flatbreads, shareables, sandwiches, soups and salads. Its 60-minute Tour and Taste Experience ($40) gives visitors an overview of the winery with insight into grape growing. Plus, tastings of current releases are paired with gourmet bites. Tours are offered Wednesday to Sunday, pending private events; times vary. 101 MN-96, Dellwood; 651.478.6300; 7vinesvineyard.com

Two Silo Winery and Vineyard in Grant recently celebrated its one year anniversary. The 22-acre family-owned and operated winery is home to more than 2,300 vines. Co-owner Jan Denhert describes Two Silo as “country casual,” adding that it’s an ideal spot to relax after a long day. Along with wine by the glass and a curated food menu, Two Silo offers multiple tasting options: a 60-minute VIP tasting in Pappouli’s Cave ($45, 2 p.m. on Saturdays); and a walking tour and tasting, where visitors learn about the wines and vines of Two Silo on a 90-minute tour around the property ($60, noon on Saturdays). 7040 117th St. N., Grant; 651.493.6763; twosilofarmhouse.com

Located at Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater, Saint Croix Vineyards has been a staple winery in the area for three decades. The vineyard’s wines have garnered more than 100 awards in both national and international competitions. Stop by for $15 flights, or make a reservation for a private tour and wine tasting (minimum fee of $250 covers up to 10 people). Public tours are also available throughout the summer, along with live music Saturday afternoons from June to August. 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.430.3310; scvwines.com

If you’re open to going a bit further, check out Rustic Roots in Scandia (22 miles from White Bear Lake). The 80-acre estate-style vineyard opened in 2020 and features an expansive patio and indoor tasting room with wines available by the flight, glass or bottle alongside homemade cider and other beverage offerings. 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia; 651.433.3311; rusticroots.wine

Pursue a New Craft

This year, I’m all about creativity. Gearing up for summer, I spent hours perusing books on quilting, knitting

and pottery—hobbies that I’m curious to try in 2024.

As I began to look into classes in the area, I first reached out to Lexi Munson—a local artist with a very neat story. Munson works at White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA) as the membership and development coordinator and internship administrator; she’s also a member of this magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board.

At the age of 11, she took her first art class through WBCA, part of the Imagine Art Youth Summer Camp. A few years later, she took a teen pottery class with Adama Sow, and “the rest

was history,” Munson says. “I started taking classes three days a week. I wasn’t at school, I was [at WBCA]. It was basically my second home.”

Now, she’s doing work she loves at the very same place she got her start. “It’s just such a welcoming place,” says Munson, who now has her own pottery business along with her role at WBCA. “Everyone is so happy to see new faces. We have beginner classes for that reason, so people don’t feel like they’re out of place.”

Munson highly recommends WBCA’s beginner pottery classes. “You can’t go wrong with any of our instructors.

Pottery and alcohol ink are just two of many classes at White Bear Center for the Arts that cater to beginners.

They’re all just kind and very encouraging and supportive,” Munson says. “... I also recommend Alcohol Ink with Sylvia Benson to a lot of newcomers … It’s a pretty free-flowing medium, so you just let it do what it wants to do, so that’s always great for beginners.”

Munson loves hearing stories of folks who stepped out of their comfort zone and took a course. “Now, they’ve got this whole new community that once, I’m sure, felt like a bunch of strangers to them,” Munson says. “... They’ve got a new group of friends and peers to connect with.”

WBCA releases seasonal catalogs

with course offerings. You can register for a course online or via phone, with offerings ranging from dance and movement to jewelry and painting. Whatever your age, background or skill, there’s something for you. 4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.407.0597; whitebeararts.org

Into the Woods

I was perusing White Bear Lake’s community services and recreation catalog recently (as one does, and should!), when I came across a class that sounded particularly interesting: forest bathing. Contrary to what the name suggests, the class does not involve a

bathtub in the woods; it’s an introduction to the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku and encourages one to take in the forest with all senses.

Unlike taking a traditional nature walk, the practice is an intentional exploration of the world around us— at a snail’s pace.

Forest bathing is a low impact way to explore the natural world, with the added potential benefit of improved mood and focus and reduced stress and blood pressure.

Now summer, to me, is all about embracing the warmth and time outdoors—what better way to enjoy the season than to try out forest bathing? To learn more, I connected with certified forest therapy guide and landscape architect David Motzenbecker of Motz Studios Forest Bathing Experiences.

“As human beings, we are desperately in need of this connection beyond ourselves,” says Motzenbecker, who has led more than 270 walks to over 1,800 participants since 2018. “Epidemics of loneliness are off the charts … people are still just feeling driftless. We need human connection, and we need more than human connection. Forest bathing is a great opportunity for both of those.”

Motzenbecker’s guided forest bathing walks at Tamarack Nature Center encourage moments of community and solitude—of sharing and invitation— without technology. “It’s not a hike; our goal isn’t to get from point A to point B in two hours … if we only get 100 feet, we only get 100 feet. It’s super low impact,” he says.

In my conversation with Motzenbecker, I learned that even those who are frequently in nature have something to gain from the experience.

“There’s tons of research that being in the woods reduces blood pressure, reduces stress, improves your focus, improves your mood,” Motzenbecker says. “... I’m hoping people come out of it relaxed, happier, kinder and just more aware of the power of the natural world.”

Interested in trying out forest bathing at Tamarack Nature Center? Visit whitebear.ce.eleyo.com to view upcoming events. Enrollment is $40 for a 2-hour guided walk, open to ages 18 and older.

TASTEMAKERS

The No-Prep Picnic

Set out on your summer adventures with local grab-and-go provisions.

Written by Zoe Yates — Photos by Chris Emeott

PATIO SEASON may be in full swing—but so is picnic season! There’s something magical about packing a lunch and sharing a meal under the summer sun. And whether your toes are in the sand, a lake or a grassy meadow—local establishments make it easy to set out on a family adventure.

We checked out some local hot-spots to find the best grab-and-go items, so your picnic can be as spontaneous as you’d like! Take a detour, and pick up some gourmet bites and beverages to sustain your adventures.

Photo:

Salad lovers unite at PLNT BSD. While the vegan establishment is known for its smoothie bowls, the popular Quinoa Salad ($13) is a great addition to your picnic menu. Made with organic greens, quinoa, hemp seeds, avocado, blueberries and nutritional yeast tossed in a citrus vinaigrette, the fresh salad can be ordered at PLNT BSD’s new pick-up window at the back of The Anchor Coffee House. Pro Tip: Go for the house-made tofu “Chz” (vegan ricotta) as an additional topping. 4742 Washington Square; 651.333.0011; plntbsdbowls.com

GoodThings Cafe has built its menu on quick, grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads, wraps and snacks. We especially love the Rainbow Veggie Wrap, a mix of bell peppers, carrots, red cabbage, lettuce and feta cheese with chipotle ranch dressing in a spinach tortilla ($7.95). 2184 Fourth St. Suite 2; 651.426.8006; shopgoodthings.com

EAT! @ Banning & 5th has a great selection of sodas, including flavors from a Minnesota business with a unique White Bear Lake connection. Northern Soda Company was originally founded by three area teachers. northernsoda.com If you’re going to try just one sandwich at EAT! @ Banning & 5th, the Red October Sub ($11.45) is owner Shawn Smith’s first choice; it’s made with pastrami, bacon, pepper cheese and cheddar with red pepper, jalapeño peppers, tomato, lettuce, onion and mayo. 2202 Fifth St.; 651.653.1225; eatwhitebear.com

The Wild Bean has more than just coffee for local picnicners. The Mahtomedi staple makes a delicious Turkey Pesto Panini ($8.50) that brings together the flavors of summer in a take-away sandwich, with turkey, tomatoes, havarti cheese, cream cheese and pesto on sourdough bread. You can order ahead through the cafe’s online ordering page for quick pick-up. 88 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi; 651.447.2369; thewildbeanmahtomedi.com

Is it even a picnic without dessert? Eat!@ Banning & 5th has handmade desserts for every taste, including seasonal pies ($5.45), black cherry brownies ($2.45) and cookies ($1.50).

Sunset at the Park

For an intimate date night picnic, we love the options at MIZU Japanese. The restaurant is open for dinner only, which makes it an ideal pick-up option for a romantic sunset spread at a local park.

The new Japanese Steamed Buns ($11) provide an elevated take-away option. Have your choice of any two variations: beef brisket, pork belly, shrimp tempura and unagi.

Order online to build your own takeout platter. Don’t miss the signature White Bear Lake Roll ($25) made with albacore tuna, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro and spicy mayo topped with scallop, ponzu sauce, scallion, chili oil and togarashi. The platters are ideal for taking out on the boat, says owner Daron Close, adding that MIZU has plans to offer a chef’s choice takeout platter this summer. 4475 Lake Ave. S.; 651.653.4888; mizuwbl.com

Wondering where to take your grab-and-go spread? Head to whitebearlakemag.com for a list of our top picnicking destinations and some of our favorite lifestyle items to add to the mix.

EAT! @ Banning & 5th

Eat at Banning & 5th and Eat at Home @eatwhitebear

GoodThings Cafe GoodThings @goodthingsmn @ShopGoodthings

MIZU Japanese

MIZU Japanese - White Bear Lake @mizuwbl

Northern Soda Company

Northern Soda Company @northernsoda @NorthernSoda

PLNT BSD PLNT BSD @plnt_bsd @PLNTBSD

The Wild Bean

The Wild Bean Mahtomedi @thewildbeancoffeeshop

CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

Enjoy Independence Day festivities on the lake.

DON YOUR STARS AND STRIPES , and head to White Bear Lake this Fourth of July for a festive celebration of summer’s most anticipated holiday.

From 6–9 p.m. on Independence Day, Marketfest, a weeks-long festival with music, vendors, arts and crafts, food trucks and more will be held downtown. Enjoy food tents and the musical stylings of the Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band at 8 p.m. at West Park, where at 8:30 p.m., three World War II North American AT-6 planes will be flying over the festivities.

The evening will wrap up at 10 p.m. with a fireworks show on White Bear Lake off of Memorial Beach, an effort entirely funded by donations.

—Findlay Drabant

Explore White Bear; explorewhitebear.org

Explore White Bear @explorewhitebear

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp

LOCAL EVENTS

Manitou Days

07/01–07/04

This beloved annual event is a three-day celebration of the White Bear Lake community. The festival will include multiple parades, a dance on the beach, a medallion hunt, a community garage sale, fireworks and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations vary; manitoudays.com

Marketfest 07/01–07/25

Enjoy this festival’s two stages of live music, a classic car show and an arts and crafts fair. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations vary; 651.243.0114; marketfestwbl.com

Fridays with Firefighters 07/21

Get outdoors while getting to know your local fire department. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–noon. White Bear Lake Fire Department, 2240 County Road E.; 651.429.8539; whitebearlake.org

Coffee With Creatives 08/10

Enjoy free refreshments courtesy of Cajeta Coffee while getting to know fellow local artists. All ages. Free. 9–10 a.m. Oldies & Goodies, 4717 Clark Ave.; 612.888.4520; oldiesandgoodiesmn.com

Fillebrown Fridays 08/02–08/23

Every Friday, enjoy refreshments and a free self-guided tour of the 1879 Red Chalet Cottage on White Bear Lake. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–noon. Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.; 651.407.5327; whitebearhistory.org

Vadnais Heights Days

08/12–08/18

It’ll be an action-packed week in Vadnais Heights, complete with fireworks, music, a parade, a medallion hunt, a car show, sports tournaments and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Locations vary; 651.204.6060; cityvadnaisheights.com

AREA EVENTS

Stars & Strides

07/04

Celebrate freedom at this festive 5K around Lake Harriet. Consider donating to the race’s charity partner, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund. All ages. $25–$39. 8:10 a.m. Lake Harriet, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; 612.412.4378; minnesotarunningseries.com

Red, White and Boom!

07/04

Enjoy a fireworks show accompanied by food trucks and music along the riverfront. All ages. Free. 6 p.m. Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, 425 W. River Parkway, Mpls.; 612.230.6400; minneapolisparks.org

Taste of Minnesota

07/06–07/07

Enjoy food, music and fun at this two-day celebration in downtown Minneapolis. Tickets are free and required for entry. All ages. Times vary. Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; contact@tasteofmn.com; tasteofmn.com

St. Paul Food Truck Festival

07/13–07/14

Take part in one of Minnesota’s most popular events. Play family fun games, enter giveaways and enjoy trying new foods and delicious drinks. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Union Depot Parking Lot C West, 390 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; info@mnfood truckfestival.com; mnfoodtruckfestival.com

50th Anniversary of A Prairie Home Companion

07/14

Experience this 140-minute show honoring the last live radio variety show, featuring a variety of performances and acts. All ages. $49.50. 2 p.m. The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; 651.370.2953; first-avenue.com

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

Children’s Discovery is a local, family owned child care. Our mission is serving families through the exceptional care and education of children. Discover the difference, today!

Whether you are a famous celebrity or a “regular” person, everyone needs a good estate plan. Let me help you put together a plan that suits you and your family.

Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm, LLC 4856 Banning Ave. 612.568.8758 sheilakellylaw.com

It’s the TRUST we earn each and every day from our patients that makes us a TOP AREA DENTIST. Call us! We understand, and can help.

Year in Review

Looking back at this year’s issues, we are so grateful for this strong and vibrant White Bear Lake community. From pasta-making and pet photography to sauna life and home design, each piece has been a joy for our staff to write and produce. It will always be an honor to be trusted with your stories. —Zoe Yates

Apples for everybody! Apples in pies, doughnuts, rollovers, muffins, bread and cider. Fresh apples and apple pies available mid August.

North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96 651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com

See our website for our calendar of events!

Lens on the Lake

How do you (and your camera) view local life?

Each July and August, White Bear Lake Magazine invites readers to submit their favorite photos to our Lens on the Lake photo contest. From the novice to the hobbyist to the professional, photographers of all abilities and ages are encouraged to share their unique, creative perspectives.

Scroll down your digital files or flip through your film—whatever it takes. Submit photographs that capture the beauty, essence and spirit of this community.

Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife.

Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category. —Editorial Staff

The Details:

• Submissions are accepted between July 1 and August 31, 2024, at whitebearlakemag.com.

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the White Bear Lake area.

• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.

• Photos should be taken in the White Bear Lake area.

• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.

• Readers’ Choice voting is open September 15–30 on our website.

• Winning images could be featured in our magazine or on our website and social media platforms.

• The results of the contest will be posted on our website by October 1.

This year, Steph Herington’s image, Mni Sota Makoce (Where the Water Reflects the Clouds), received the top nod for Readers’ Choice, and we feel it’s only fitting that her winning photograph is highlighted in our Best of White Bear Lake issue.

life. at your summit.

At the core of our care lies the profound understanding that you are on a journey to reach your full potential, to realize your goals and dreams, to reach your summit——no matter what that summit may be. It is this understanding that drives us to provide the highest standard of excellence through every injury or aching joint and muscle that may stand in your way.

IMMEDIATE CARE AT OUR ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE METRO