Woodbury - July 2025 by Local.

BEST OF 2025

Your colonoscopy, simplified.

HealthPartners is the largest multi-specialty care group in the Twin Cities. Our clinics, hospitals, care teams and virtual services are all connected to make your health care simple.

The five-year survival rate of colon cancer is 90% if caught early. Which means getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45 can be life-saving. With our next available appointment scheduling, we make it easy to schedule your colonoscopy, and we have 13 screening locations throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Plus, our system-wide health record means everyone, from your doctor to your specialist, is on the same page. healthpartners.com/coloncare

Our delis redefine fast food.

Pick up one of our focaccia sandwiches from the Deli Department, made on our Signature, exclusive, freshly baked Parmesan Focaccia Bread. Like all of our sandwich selections, it’s made daily with the best-of-the-best meats, cheeses, fresh veggies and condiments. We’re serving up the joy of fresh food fast!

BLAZE CREDIT UNION

CARES ABOUT WOODBURY

Blaze Credit Union’s Core Value is to Better Lives. This is because they care: about their members, their employees, and about the communities they serve. Blaze is more than a financial institution . . . it’s a partner on the road of life, helping you blaze your own trail in pursuit of your dreams.

In 2024, Blaze’s total charitable impact equaled $2.1 million, with $1.1 million of that impact given in charitable contributions to Minnesota nonprofits, including multiple organizations that serve the city of Woodbury.

In addition to Blaze’s financial contributions, every Blaze employee is encouraged to give back to their communities through volunteerism and they are provided with eight hours of volunteer paid time off annually. In 2024, Blaze associates volunteered 569 hours with local community organizations.

With two branches in Woodbury, Blaze’s commitment to the city runs deep. Blaze is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations that are working every day to build a stronger Woodbury, including the Woodbury Community Foundation, United Way Twin Cities East, Bash for Brains, Valley Outreach, and more.

“Being part of the community of Woodbury is something that means a lot to Blaze,” said Blaze CEO/President Dan Stoltz. “The relationships we have with our Woodbury members are incredibly special, and we look forward to continuing to be a part of Woodbury for many years to come.”

To learn more about Blaze Credit Union, visit www.blazecu.com or stop into one of their two Woodbury branch locations today!

Photo: Blaze CEO/President Dan Stoltz and Mike Olsen co-emceed Woodbury Community Foundation’s Fundraiser, “Fest” this past April. Photo by Tom Dunn.

BEST OF issue the

JULY 2025

Summertime brings out the best—and that’s what we’re celebrating in this Best of Woodbury issue. “Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

DEPARTMENTS

Meet and Greet

Get to know our Editorial Advisory Board members.

A Trailblazer

A Woodbury walker discovers new places and faces as she traverses the city’s parks.

Voices of the Twin Cities

A new podcast highlights authentic leadership through stories from local professionals.

FEATURES

Best of Woodbury

Meet the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice Poll.

Through the Seasons

Celebrate what makes the community great all year long.

TASTEMAKERS

Dip Into Summer

Brighten up gatherings with fresh takes on appetizing spreads.

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 Editor’s Letter

Photo: Chris Emeott

A Trailblazer, page 26

from the EDITOR

Summertime takes the cake, don’t you think? Readers, it’s a sweet treat to bring you the créme de la créme in our Best of Woodbury 2025—and we have it all, including your picks for the best restaurants, service providers, shops, businesses and more.

You voted online in January when the Readers’ Choice Poll went live and were treated to the finalists in March on our website. And finally—it’s time to meet your winners and runners-up in the Best of Woodbury (page 33). Don’t forget to bookmark the spots you’re eagerly awaiting to visit and leave this issue out and about for whenever inspiration strikes.

In these pages, we’re celebrating so much more. In my Editor’s Picks, I honor each season in Woodbury. After all, the seasonal changes bring much to do around town from enjoying one of our 50 parks to dining out at our delicious restaurants (page 39). Plus, writer Emma Souza introduces our new Editorial Advisory Board members, Michele Magistad, Shelly Schafer, Shawn Hogendorf and Sue McKeown; together, we explore their go-to spots and favorite activities around town (page 24).

But wait—there’s more! Our annual Focus on Woodbury photo contest is open July 1 through 5 p.m. on August 31. Submit your snapshots of our wonderful community now—from scenic spots and local wildlife to your own pets and activities—by visiting woodburymag.com.

Revel in all that summer brings—and don’t forget to mark your calendars for January 1, 2026, as our next Best of Woodbury commences. Cheers!

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

CELEBRATING THE WOODBURY AREA SINCE 2004.

On the Cover: Best of Woodbury , page 33

Illustration by: Jamie Klang

Photo:

VOL. 20 NO. 12 woodburymag.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton, Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Taylor Hamilton

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, Resident ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury

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

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson

PRESIDENT

Pete Burgeson

Space Planning/Whole Home Design New Build and Remodel Selections

Kitchen & Bath Design

Custom & In-Stock Furniture

Lighting, Wallcovering Art & Accessories

Wallpaper, Rugs, Carpeting

Countertop Selections & Fabrication

Window Treatments & Bedding

Environmentally Friendly Design

BEST OF FAQS

While the voting is complete, and the numbers are tallied, there might be a few questions when it comes to how our annual Readers’ Choice Poll operates— before, during and after all is said and done.

Let’s start here. Voting ran online the month of January with three 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.

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

FAQs

How are the categories chosen?

Each year, our teams evaluate the categories to ensure our poll is reflective of our local businesses and is in tune with our readership’s interests and suggestions—all while providing relevant and engaging content.

How does vote tallying work?

Once the poll closed and the votes were validated, tabulators determined which businesses or locations were the top three (There were ties!) vote-getters.

What’s a finalist vs. a winner?

The top three vote-getters in each category became finalists and were announced in March on our website. (Our 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 this issue and on our website, starting on July 1.

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

Absolutely. In order to qualify, 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? Encourage clients or customers to vote for your business in our next Readers’ Choice Poll, which goes live on our website on January 1, 2026.

I’m a winner! How do I purchase a framed cover? Winners can request a free digital copy of the Best of Woodbury cover design, which also indicates the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can purchase a framed award certificate, which is 14x17 inches and features a black, wood frame. The cost is $150 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/bestofwinner. —Editorial Staff

Bathing in the Farmhouse

How does one take a bath in a farmhouse that has no running water? It is hard to imagine that now, but as a young girl in the early 1950s visiting my grandparent’s farm in Woodbury, I don’t remember having that question.

My hard-working grandmother, Laura (Schilling) Stutzman, pulled out a circular galvanized metal tub from somewhere in the farmhouse, placed it on the kitchen floor, poured in soft rainwater (collected in an outdoor rain barrel) and heated a kettle of water over the wood–fired stove in the kitchen. She then proceeded to create a warm bath for her visiting granddaughters from the city.

I suppose it could be compared to camping in our present day, but back then, life on the farm was a lot of hard work. It was very important, in fact essential, to take your weekly bath Saturday evening, so you would be clean for church on Sunday morning. It was something that most farmers adhered to— but I can imagine there were a few farmers that skipped that activity for some reason, much to the chagrin of the congregation sitting nearby!

Patty (Stutzman) Paulus is a board member of the Woodbury Heritage Society. Discover more at woodburyheritagesociety.org. DISCOVER

Books for All Ages

Chirping birds, calming winds and warm sunshine are the perfect partners to an afternoon read. I recommend one of these books—titles featured in Woodbury Magazine throughout the last year—to serve as your next book pick. —Hailey Almsted

Children

• All Are Neighbors by Alexandra Penfold

• Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems

• Friday Night Wrestlefest by J.F. Fox

• Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty

Middle School Age

• A Garden to Save the Birds by Wendy McClure

• Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

• Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

• Odder by Katherine Applegate

• The York Trilogy by Laura Ruby

Young Adult

• Awkward in October by Teresa Yea

• Heart of the Sun by Mia Sheridan

• One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

• The Gaill by Lo Meyer Adult

• In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

• The Women by Kristin Hannah

• This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune

TASTE

Celebrate with Seasonal Flavors

This Best of Woodbury issue is worth celebrating. If you’re in the market for a party this season, you might be looking for a “best of” bite for such an occasion. This particular recipe wins for its balance of crunchy, creamy and crispy textures and combination of sweet, nutty and fresh flavors. It’s also a great gluten-free alternative to crackers and cheese that will have your guests celebrating your good taste.

Parmesan Walnut Endive Cups

Makes 30

• 1 clove garlic, minced and mashed to a paste with ½ tsp. kosher salt

• 4 tsp. mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely diced

• ½ cup celery, finely diced

• 1 cup toasted walnuts, plus more for garnish, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, plus more for garnish, finely chopped

• 30 leaves Belgian endives, cleaned and trimmed

• balsamic glaze, for garnish (optional)

Whisk together first four ingredients; stir in cheese, celery, walnuts and parsley. Divide salad evenly onto endive leaves; drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with walnuts and parsley. Alternatively, the salad may be served in a dip bowl with the endive leaves arranged around it for scooping.

Rachael Perron is the culinary and branding director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Taste more at kowalskis.com.

Meet and Greet

Get to know our Editorial Advisory Board members.

By Emma Souza

Through providing guidance, field expertise and more, our Editorial Advisory Board is essential in helping Woodbury Magazine best represent the community. Our new members started in January—so let’s get to know them better.

Sue McKeown was the community education youth programs coordinator at South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) and ran youth programs in District 833 for over 25 years. She retired in June. “We moved to Minnesota for my husband’s job 35 years ago and have lived in Woodbury ever since,” she says.

What’s your go-to restaurant?

We have several restaurants that we like and eat at often, Angelina’s Kitchen, Hazelwood [Food + Drink], Northern Taphouse and Thanh Truc to name a few.

What activities do you enjoy?

We really enjoy hiking and snowshoeing in the parks. Lake Elmo [Park Reserve] and [Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park] are two of our favorites. And we live close to Ojibway [Park], and so we are always walking there and taking our grandkids to the playground.

Shelly Schafer, community relations manager for the City of Woodbury, has lived in Woodbury for 20 years and loves calling it home. Growing up in Robbinsdale and spending eight years in Washington, D.C., she says she and her family are glad to have planted roots here.

What do you most enjoy about Woodbury Magazine ?

I love the personal stories about the

Top: Shelly Schafer

Bottom: Sue McKeown

Not pictured: Michele Magistad and Shawn Hogendorf

Photos: Chris Emeott

people in our community. We have some really impressive people doing amazing things that we might otherwise not know about without Woodbury Magazine

What do you love about the growing community?

Woodbury’s growing diversity is one of its best assets. I have appreciated opportunities to learn about different cultures and celebrate the uniqueness we all bring to the community.

A Minnesota native, Michele Magistad is the communications and event manager for the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked for 12 years.

What keeps you in Minnesota?

[I’m] lucky enough to have my parents still living—they keep me in Minnesota, along with siblings, nieces/nephews and friends. I love to travel, but Minnesota will always be home. Plus, I enjoy the changing seasons; fall in Minnesota is my favorite time of year with the beautiful foliage and visits to the North Shore.

What activities or places would you share with a visitor?

[There are] great restaurants, a large medical community, a variety of fitness/workout options, walking trails, retail, movie theaters, golf and pickleball facilities.

Shawn Hogendorf, director of communications and community relations for SoWashCo Schools, grew up on the west side of St. Paul. He began working in school public relations three years after moving to Stillwater with his family.

What do you love about the growing community?

... I absolutely love watching the thoughtfulness of our youth. So many of our incredibly talented students are passionate about finding ways to strengthen and give back to our community.

What do you most enjoy about Woodbury Magazine ? I appreciate the community pride created by good storytelling and local journalism—especially in a magazine format with great photography and feature-oriented content focused on local residents and businesses.

WELLNESS

A Trailblazer

A Woodbury walker discovers new places and faces as she traverses the city’s parks.

What can a person accomplish in just seven weeks? Between September and November 2023, Woodbury’s Cathy Stevenson achieved a pretty unique goal: walking all of the city’s walkable parks and averaging more than 15,000 steps daily. Her motivation: a love for movement and observation, plus the companionship of her most stalwart walking buddy—her 3-year-old dog, Melody.

“I like to observe things and see people and places,” Cathy says. “How do people do their front yards? Who’s getting new siding? Just the other day, I noticed they’d taken out some bushes at one park.”

Cathy says she’d tried running in the past but found the pace too hurried.

“You’re not really noticing things while running,” she says. “With walking, you can see the changes in nature around you.” She’s also enjoyed connecting with fellow Woodbury residents. “Everybody has been really friendly,” she says. “The community here is wonderful.”

In fact, Cathy’s children, Jennifer and Matt Stevenson—now adults—helped her discover some of Woodbury’s beloved parks back in the 1990s. “There was a list in one of the telephone directories that had all the parks in it,” she remembers. “At the time, there were probably fewer than 20.” She and her kids made it a mission to visit every park with a playground. “My daughter called it the ‘playground quest,’” she says. “We loved it.”

For many years, Cathy has had a daily walking practice, mostly in the parks and neighborhoods near her home by Valley Creek Road and Woodbury Drive. Even if she can’t make it outdoors, she and her pup head to Home Depot, or she and her

Cathy Stevenson and her dog, Melody, walked all 50 of Woodbury’s parks that include trails between September and November 2023. Up next are local counties, including Dakota, Ramsey and Washington, plus the state parks.

By Jennifer Pitterle

husband, Jim Stevenson, head to the Mall of America to get some steps in.

One day in fall 2023, Cathy saw a TV news report about someone who’d walked all of Minnesota’s state parks. “I thought, ‘That sounds cool,’” she says. “I visited the City of Woodbury website and looked at all of the parks with walking or hiking trails. I decided I was just going to do them all.” She made a spreadsheet to keep track of her adventures, and she logs data like the number of steps, distance from her home and more.

Undaunted, by November 8 that year, Cathy had walked all 50 of Woodbury’s parks that include trails. (There are officially 62 parks in the city.) Eleven were walkable from her home. “Two were a stretch,” she says. “One of them was over 6 miles by the time I got there—I almost had to call my husband to come get me.”

Some days, she’d explore an entire area, planning routes where she could walk one park, walk the neighborhood nearby, walk to another park and then walk back to her car. Cathy discovered some unexpected beauties along the way, with Carver Lake and Prairie Ridge standing out as two favorites. “Those are gorgeous,” she says.

Generally, Cathy’s walking gear is pretty minimal. “It’s a hat, sunglasses, and water for me and my dog,” she says. Almost all of Woodbury’s city park trails are paved, so hiking boots aren’t needed. What’s next for Cathy and her trusty sneakers? More walking quests. “I’ve created spreadsheets for Washington County, Ramsey County, Dakota County and the state parks,” she says. (As of this writing, she’s walked all nine of Washington County’s parks that include trails, as well as some in Ramsey County.) She also plans to explore other parts of the Metro, maybe meeting up with friends to walk the parks in their neighborhoods. She wonders, “What haven’t I done yet? What’s the next one I should try?”

Photo: Chris Emeott

ARTS & CULTURE

Voices of the Twin Cities

A new podcast highlights authentic leadership through stories from local professionals.

Written by Paige Udermann

For Kevin King and Angela Harder, leadership isn’t about a title or certain responsibilities; it’s a journey created by values and the ability to foster an inspirational

environment filled with trust and growth. Their passion for leadership extends beyond their careers, which led them to create the Twin Cities Leaders podcast.

Originally from a Detroit suburb, King, now a Woodbury resident, started his career in public relations within professional sports. It wasn’t until he was asked to become a professor of sport management at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan, that he discovered his love for higher education. For the past 20 years, he has dedicated himself to the field.

King’s leadership journey began when he joined Central Michigan University as a consultant. He was asked to be the athletics director of the Leadership Development Program, where he created programs to help athletes grow as leaders on and off the field. He continued this work at the University of Wisconsin–

La Crosse. There, he put together a leadership curriculum aimed at building culture, trust and communication.

As King’s leadership career evolved, opportunities in healthcare and large corporations opened up. In 2018, he founded Premier Team Building Solutions LLC, a leadership training agency designed to help organizations create a culture of success. In 2017, he expanded to the Twin Cities, and by 2019, he became a teaching specialist in the sport management program at the University of Minnesota, where leadership remains a focus.

Harder began in hospitality before transitioning into startups and talent management consulting. She has a passion for helping businesses identify the right people to drive their organizations forward. After COVID-19, she took on the challenge of building a talent

Photos: Chris Emeott

Kevin King (left) and Angela Harder (right) are hosts of the Twin Cities Leaders podcast, which welcomes area leaders to share their expertise and stories.

acquisition department for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where she finds the right people to develop the business.

Last December, King dreamt of creating a platform where listeners could learn from experienced local professionals championing leadership. His vision was to provide approachable, actionable advice rooted in the Twin Cities community.

“I love building community,” King says. “When you listen to the podcast, our guests are your neighbors. We are doing so many great things in this market, and we just want to highlight the incredible leadership happening in our backyard.”

King invited Harder to co-host the podcast. On February 6, Twin Cities Leaders officially launched its first show on Spotify and YouTube.

“There isn’t one leadership recipe you have to follow. The leaders we have talked to all have their own style,” King says. They have interviewed a variety of local leaders, which has given a broad range of perspectives. From executives and consultants to self-reflective coaches and educators, listeners can gain insights, discover research-backed strategies and take a deep dive into the real work of leadership.

“The podcast blends storytelling with actionable insights, making it valuable for both aspiring and established leaders,” says podcast guest Jeff Munneke, vice president of fan experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. Munneke, who has spoken in several of King’s sport management classes, was a natural fit for the podcast, given his 36 years of leadership experience.

Another guest was Bryan Harper, vice president of content and production for the Minnesota Vikings. Harper has been with the team since 2004 and has continually developed his leadership throughout the years, with a focus on being an active listener and showing up in the most productive way possible.

“My experience on the podcast was authentic. I love the local nature of it,” Harper says. “There is a lot of pride and talent across the Twin Cities, so the podcast has a hometown feel.”

When you trust Bonfe with your A/C installation, you’re not just getting a cooling system. You’re getting a promise: that we’ll stand by our work with a Lifetime Warranty on all recommended repairs and replacements.

That means for as long as you live in your home and maintain your equipment, we've got you covered. We've been serving Twin Cities homeowners since 1993—family owned, locally operated, and always on call.

King and Harder also interviewed Kelly McGrath, a career employee at the Xcel Energy Center since 2000. In 2023, she took on the general manager role. McGrath leads with compassion, making it known that every role is valued.

“I think the podcast is a great opportunity for the Twin Cities to hear from different leaders that are talking specific to leadership and look at how people

are leading and building great teams,” McGrath says.

As King and Harder continue their journey, they remain focused on how leadership can transform teams and environments. “Leadership is a catalyst for creating an environment where people feel valued, welcomed, heard and appreciated,” Harder says.

Looking ahead, the duo hopes to

expand their reach and impact, continue highlighting remarkable Twin Cities leaders and foster meaningful conversations— all while infusing joy and intentionality every step of the way.

@twincitiesleaders

Twin Cities Leaders Hosted by Kevin King and Angela Harder

Twin Cities Leaders

Photo: Chris Emeott

We offer the personal services you’re looking for: jewelry sales, jewelry repairs/restorations and watch repair done on our premises.

651.227.7324

1075 Hadley Ave. N, Suite 100, Oakdale gregfootejewelers.com Mon. through Fri.: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cycling Without Age Program at Saint Therese of Woodbury

WHAT IS CYCLING WITHOUT

AGE?

Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elders get back on their bicycles, but he had to ﬁnd a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. He then got in touch with a civil society consultant from the City of Copenhagen, Dorthe Pedersen, who was intrigued by the idea and together they bought ﬁve trishaws and launched Cycling Without Age, which has now spread to all corners of Denmark, and since 2015 to another 50 countries around the world.

OUR DREAM

“We dream of creating a world together, in which the access to active citizenship creates happiness among our fellow elderly citizens by providing them with an opportunity to remain an active part of society and the local community. We do that by giving them the right to wind in their hair, the right to experienece the city and nature close up from the bicycle and by giving them an opportunity to tell their story in the environment where they have lived their lives. That way we build bridges between generations and we reinforce trust, respect, and the social glue in our society.”

HOW IT WORKS

Volunteers (pilots) sign up for bike rides with the elderly as often or as rarely as they want to. It’s all driven by people’s own motivation. At present more than 2,200 chapter locations around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 3,000 trishaws – and the numbers are still growing. More than 33,000 pilots ensure that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, out on the bikes to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them. They give them the right to wind in their hair.

Can you give up a couple of hours a month?

You can make a real differenece by becoming a trishaw pilot- and you don’t have to be an expert cyclist! We are looking for Volunteer Pilots!

A.J. Alberts Plumbing offers professional service and reasonable rates.

Since 1989, A.J. Alberts Plumbing has been serving Woodbury and the surrounding areas. Much of its business is water softeners, carbon filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. With all the polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water, A.J. Alberts has the expertise to take care of any water quality problems in your home—in addition to water heaters, toilets and the like.

Steve Grohn purchased the business in 2022. “My undergrad is from the University of Minnesota, and my business degree is from the University of St. Thomas, but I’ve spent my career working in the trades. I love plumbing,” says the licensed general contractor, who also has a radon mitigation license.

“People can do some plumbing themselves—no problem—but as the level of difficulty increases, they need a professional.”

You name it; A.J. Alberts’ team of 10 plumbers, including four master plumbers, can fix it: boilers, drains, exterior spigots, faucets, gas lines, sump pumps, toilets, water heaters and softeners. The team is also on hand for remodeling projects.

“Our motto is: We make it easy,” Grohn says. “We answer the phone and do the work in a timely, exceptional manner, so we earn repeat and referral business—I guess you could say we are obsessed with customer service.”

“The guys at A.J. Alberts were great. Their rates were competitive. They were fast, nice and talked us through each part of the process. They also took the time to make sure we understood why and how the installations worked,” a customer says.

We’ve all been there when a plumbing issue just can’t wait.

“A.J. Alberts has always come through for me,” another customer says. “They were able to fit me in that day to fix my leaking garbage disposal. James was on time, showed me alternatives, advised on proper use and was very friendly and helpful. They are great to work with.”

July Special: $100 off any installed water heater or water softener.

Meet the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice Poll.

BEST OF WOODBURY

There’s something about summer that brings out the best in all of us. As the days grow warmer and the air feels fresher, we’re reminded of the incredible people and places that make our community shine. And, Readers, you’ve outdone yourselves this year. So many of you took the time to cast your votes in January, met the finalists in March and patiently waited for this moment to unfold. And, now, the wait is finally over—let’s give a toast to the standout businesses, service providers and places that have earned the title of Best of Woodbury. Cheers! —Hailey Almsted

The results are listed in order of placement.

Dining

Best Bakery

1. Dorothy Ann Bakery & Cafe

2. Keys Cafe & Bakery

3. yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Best Bar, Brewery or Distillery

1. 3rd Act Craft Brewery

2. Northern Taphouse

3. Tamarack Tap Room

Best Breakfast or Brunch

1. Keys Cafe & Bakery

2. Hope Breakfast Bar

3. Ze’s Diner

Best Burger

1. WayBack Burgers

2. Tamarack Tap Room

3. The Tavern Grill

Best Dessert or Ice Cream

1. Bridgeman’s

2. Nothing Bundt Cakes

3. Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burgers

Best International Cuisine

1. Duc’s Restaurant

2. India Palace

3. Yang’s Chinese Restaurant

Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop

1. Sencha Tea Bar

2. Sunshine Coffee

3. Ember & Bean

Best Outdoor Dining Space

1. The Tavern Grill

2. Tamarack Tap Room

3. The ’Wick

Best Pizza

1. Punch Pizza

2. Pizzeria Pezzo

3. Joey C’s Pizza

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. Crave

2. Crisp & Green

3. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food

Best Restaurant

1. Hazelwood Food + Drink

2. Angelina’s Kitchen

3. yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Abode

Best Carpet and Flooring Store

1. Tie: Cannondale Flooring; Floor & Decor

2. Hammernick’s

Best Custom Home Builder

1. Custom One Homes

2. Cardinal Homebuilders

3. Kootenia Homes

Best Garden Center/Nursery

1. Gerten’s

2. Bailey Nurseries

3. Laemmle Greenhouse

Best Home Decor or Furniture Store

1. Schneiderman’s Furniture

2. HOM Furniture

3. Patina

Best Interior Design Firm

1. Interior Impressions

2. Merriment

3. Willow Lane Interior Design

Best Landscape Design Service

1. Landscapes Unlimited

2. Myhra Design Group

3. Custom One Landscaping

Best Remodeler

1. Ispiri

2. SpaceTurtle Construction

3. Cardinal Remodeling

Best Senior Living Residence

1. Saint Therese of Woodbury

2. Stonecrest

3. Talamore Senior Living Woodbury

Self Care

Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services

1. Maple Leaf Hair

2. Salon Ultimo

3. House of Handsome

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. FlowFit Yoga and Fitness

2. UpLift Guided Fitness

3. Spenga

Best Hair Salon

1. Salon Ultimo

2. Maple Leaf Hair

3. Spalon Montage

Best Manicure and Pedicure

1. Salon Ultimo

2. Sky Nails

3. Frenchie’s Modern Nail Care

Best Massage

1. Woodhouse Spa

2. Spalon Montage

3. Salon Ultimo

Best Med Spa

1. Radiance MedSpa

2. Advanced Esthetics Med Spa at Advanced Dermatology Care, Stillwater

3. The Med Spa Woodbury

Best Spa

1. Salon Ultimo

2. Woodhouse Spa

3. Spalon Montage

Wellness

Best Chiropractic Practice

1. Woodbury Family Chiropractic

2. Lifeline Chiropractic PA

3. ChiroWay Chiropractic

Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice

1. Rocheford Plastic Surgery

2. Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery

3. Minnesota Women’s Care

Best Dental Practice

1. Saluté Dental

2. Woodbury Dental Care

3. Tie: Art & Science Family Dentistry; Park Dental

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Dermatology Consultants

2. Pinnacle Dermatology

3. Advanced Dermatology Care, Stillwater

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Allina Health

2. HealthPartners Clinic

3. Entira Family Clinics

Best Holistic Wellness Practice

1. Secoya Health

2. Stretch To You

3. Natural Care Center of Woodbury

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. Minnesota Women’s Care

2. Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists, M.D.P.C.

3. MetroPartners OBGYN, Woodbury

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics

2. Horton Orthodontics

3. Dunn Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Practice

1. Central + Priority Pediatrics

2. Family Achievement Center

3. HealthPartners Clinic

Best Physical Therapy Practice

1. Summit Orthopedics

2. Tria

3. Twin Cities Orthopedics

Best Vision Care Practice

1. Associated Eye Care

2. St. Paul Eye Care

3. Tie: Horner Family Eyecare; Woodbury Eye Clinic

Learning

Best Dance Studio

1. Woodbury Dance Center

2. Yackel Dance Studio

3. DelMonico Dance

Best Learning or Tutoring Center

1. The Goddard School of Woodbury

2. LearningRx

3. Mathnasium

Best Preschool Program

1. New Life Academy

2. Primrose School of Woodbury

3. Tie: Woodbury Lutheran Preschool; Woodbury Preschool at the Grove

Best Swim School or Lesson Provider

1. Foss Swim School

2. Goldfish Swim School

3. YMCA

Pet Care

Best Dog Park

1. Andy’s Bark Park

2. Battle Creek Dog Park

3. WAG Farms Dog Park

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Paws Unleashed

2. Dogtopia of Woodbury

3. PetSuites Woodbury

Best Pet-Friendly Dining or Retail Businesses

1. The Tavern Grill

2. Tie: Carmine’s; Southern Social

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Pet Evolution

2. Posh Pooch Pet Salon & Boutique

3. Fur the Love of Pets

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. Valley Creek Road Animal Hospital

2. Hudson Road Animal Hospital

3. Carver Lake Veterinary Center

Shops

Best Apparel Boutique

1. Mainstream Boutique

2. EVEREVE

3. La Vie Est Belle

Best Florist

1. Sweet Peas Floral

2. Woodlane Flowers

3. Kowalski’s Markets

Best Gift Shop

1. Patina

2. La Vie Est Belle

3. Kowalski’s Markets

Best Jewelry Store

1. Johnson Jewelers

2. Greg Foote Jewelers

3. Wedding Day Diamonds

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Kowalski’s Markets

2. Olive Branch Oil & Spice

3. United Noodles

Leisure

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Lake Elmo Park Preserve

2. Carver Lake Park and Beach

3. Colby Lake Park

Best Date Night Spot

1. Angelina’s Kitchen

2. Hazelwood Food + Drink

3. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Best Outdoor Spot for Graduation Photos

1. Colby Lake Park

2. Carver Lake Park and Beach

3. Lake Elmo Park Preserve

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Board & Brush

2. 3rd Act Craft Brewery

3. Tie: Good Times Park; SoWashCo Community Education

Best of the East Metro

Best Alpine Hill or Nordic Ski Trail

1. Afton Alps

2. Lake Elmo Park Reserve

3. Battle Creek Regional Park

Best Alterations or Tailoring Service

1. Tom’s Tailor

2. Tailoring by Taryn

3. Tie: Custom Sewing by Heather; Lady Bee’s Tailor

Best Biking or Hiking Trail

1. Lake Elmo Park Reserve

2. Afton State Park

3. Carver Lake Park and Beach

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. Raffiné Bridal

2. Our Shop Bridal

3. Bella Bridal Boutique

Best Electrician Service

1. Bonfe Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Sewer

2. Tie: John Kivel Electric, LLC; Park Grove Electric

Best Family Photographer

1. Sigrid Dablestein Photo

2. Angela Ross Photography

3. Julie Greer Photography

Best Financial Services

1. Eric Rislove, Edward Jones

2. Steve Husten, Midwest Secure Retirement

3. Matthew Brocker, Legacy Wealth

Best Golf Course

1. Prestwick Golf Club

2. Eagle Valley Golf Course

3. Oak Marsh Golf Course

Best Heating and Cooling Service

1. Priority Heating & Cooling

2. Bonfe Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Sewer

3. CS Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Home Cleaning Service

1. Sparkle Plenty Cleaners

2. Squeaky Services

3. Crazy Clean

Best Home and Property Management Service

1. Exclusive Property Management

2. Crossroad Properties

Best Language Immersion Program or School

1. Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion

2. Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion

Early Learning Academy

3. New Life Academy

Best Law Practice

1. Neyens Law PLLC

2. Sjoberg & Tebelius, P.A.

3. Messick Law, PLLC

Best Local Concert Series

1. Woodbury Days

2. Spirit Song Choir

Best Music School

1. Rock U Music School

2. School of Music & Mayhem

3. Aspire Music Academy

Best Outdoor Skating Rink

1. M Health Fairview Sports Center

2. Kargel Park

Best Plumbing Service

1. AJ Alberts Plumbing

2. Bonfe Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Sewer

3. Tie: High Quality Plumbing; Keith Nelson Plumbing

Best Private School

1. New Life Academy

2. The Goddard School of Woodbury

3. Saint Ambrose Catholic School

Best Professional Theater

1. Ordway

2. Open Door Community Theatre

3. Guthrie Theater

Best Roofing Service

1. Weathersafe Restoration, Inc.

2. Tie: J&B Roofing; New Life Contracting, Inc.

Best Senior Portrait Photographer

1. Angela Ross Photography

2. Sigrid Dabelstein Photo

3. Julie Greer Photography

Best Staycation Hotel

1. Hotel Crosby

2. Omni Viking Lakes Hotel

3. Sheraton St. Paul Woodbury Hotel

Best Summer Camp

1. New Life Academy Summer Blast

2. Primrose School of Woodbury Summer Adventure Club

3. Hidden Pines Ranch

Best Venue to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

1. M Health Fairview Sports Center

2. 3rd Act Craft Brewery

Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer

1. Angela Ross Photography

2. Sigrid Dabelstein Photo

3. Tie: Ideatap Studios; Julie Greer Photography

Best Wedding Venue

1. Stillwater Event Center

2. Tie: 7 Vines Vineyard; Abella Weddings & Events

Best Winery

1. Rustic Roots Winery

2. Tie: 7 Vines Vineyard; Saint Croix Vineyards

Kids' Activities Taste of Woodbury Teen Basketball Tournament Sand Volleyball Fireworks!

August 22-24, 2025 OJIBWAY PARK www.woodburydays.org

Saint Therese of Woodbury continues its commitment to quality living and expert care.

When Bud and Diane Maraist moved from North Carolina to be closer to family, the couple’s extensive search for a senior living community led them straight to Saint Therese of Woodbury and The Redwoods. “The building is beautiful and being able to walk to the main campus to do everything down there is nice,” Bud says.

Saint Therese of Woodbury, a nonprofit, Catholic senior living community offers multi-level living situations, including independent and assisted living; memory care; long-term care; transitional care; and home health care. The Redwoods stands tall with intentionally curated amenities and services for independent living and is part of Saint Therese’s campus.

Units include stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and large closets for day-to-day use and storage. Ground-level units offer private entrances, and second floors include spacious decks. Some upgraded apartments feature kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

Social amenities are just as important. “The Redwoods is unique in its family-like atmosphere,” says Samantha Gerland, executive director. “All the residents know each other, and there are several committees and activity groups. It’s a very vibrant social community.” The Community Club, site of monthly potluck dinners, boasts a bar/kitchen, large screen TV and a library with impressive book and puzzle collections.

The game room includes beanbags, Ping-Pong and a pool table, and daily exercise classes are provided by the Ascend Therapy team.

Underscoring the importance of spending time outdoors, Saint Therese’s campus is ideally situated on pastoral grounds, featuring plenty of green space, ponds and walkways. Nearby La Lake has wonderful pedestrian trails, perfect for nature walks.

Staying connected to the broader community is also valued. “We sponsor events like a prayer breakfast, golf tournaments and the Woodbury Expo, just to name a few,” Gerland says. “The Redwoods residents are very generous with their time, giving back to the community and local nonprofits.”

Faith life is also a priority, and monthly communion is offered at The Redwoods. Additionally, the main campus’s chapel hosts several spiritual activities.

7555 Bailey Road, Woodbury 651.209.9100 • sainttherese.org

THROUGH THE SEASONS

Celebrate what makes the community great all year long.

Written by Hailey Almsted

Welcome, Readers, to my personal guide to embracing every season in our vibrant community. Whether you’re soaking up the summer sun, savoring the crisp fall air, cozying up for winter or enjoying the rebirth of spring, I share the inside scoop on where I visit to enjoy every moment.

Locally owned restaurants, charming shops and the great outdoors, Woodbury has it all. These are my personal picks— and I can’t wait for you to experience them. Ready to make the most of each season? Let’s dive in!

SUMMER TRAILS AND AN HERBAL COCKTAIL

What’s better than exploring Woodbury’s 160 miles of trails, wandering around one of its many lakes or unwinding in one of its parks? For a classic summer outing, the trails at Carver Lake Park and Beach—a favorite of mine since childhood—offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. A refreshing dip in the lake is a must on warm days. Meanwhile, the 3.2-mile loop at Colby Lake Park provides a balance of sun and shade, making it an easy yet rewarding hourlong stroll. Carver Lake Park and Beach, 3175 Century Ave. S.; Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road; woodburymn.gov

A summertime meal simply must include a delightful drink. While dining on the patio at The Tavern Grill, the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop is my perfect choice. Made with Hanson of Sonoma organic Meyer lemon vodka, basil simple syrup, strawberry purée, lemon juice and lemonade, it’s a perfectly bright and crisp summer sip. Don’t forget an entrée to go alongside your bevvy—look toward the buildyour-own bar (salads, burgers and pizza) for a bite made just for you. The Tavern Grill, 772 Bielenberg Drive; 651.578.3000; thetaverngrill.com

Consider the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop from The Tavern Grill for your next summer beverage.

Revamp your fall wardrobe with an array of textures and styles from one of Woodbury’s local boutiques.

FALL WEAR AND DELICIOUS FARE

Sweaters, jackets, denim—oh my! There’s just something fun about putting together a fall outfit. Spend a day shopping at one of Woodbury’s boutiques, such as Mainstream Boutique (It hosts its signature Denim Days event in September.), Evereve or at the many shops in Woodbury Lakes. Look toward pairing a chic, belted wide leg jean with a simple sweater and a pair of pointed toe pumps or mules. A fan-favorite makes its return to the stage—a skinny jean is a must-have in your wardrobe. (Although, I must admit: I always kept a trusty pair in the back of my closet.) Choose a modern skinny jean cut, a darker wash, such as black and gray, and pair with a kitten heel or knee-high boots.

Show off your new look and end the day on a sweet note with an Espresso Martini. When planning a date night, we like to go casual—Northern Taphouse is one of our go-tos. Start your meal with Signature Cheese Curds (a Minnesotan must!) or Pretzel Bites. Then look toward the main entrées: A Smashed Burger (hers) and the Nashville Hot Chicken (his). End the evening with the aforementioned cocktail, made with vanilla vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, Demerara sugar and chocolate bitters—a velvety treat that’s hard to resist. (Visit woodburymag. com to learn all about Espresso Martinis.) Northern Taphouse, 7325 Currell Blvd.; 651.666.3200; northerntaphouse.com

WINTER DELIGHTS AND COZY BITES

While winter may not be my favorite season, there’s an undeniable charm to it. From the crisp, chilly air that invites moments by the fire to the mesmerizing dance of snowflakes falling from the sky—the season has a way of making you feel a certain magic that’s hard to put into words. Ice skating at M Health Fairview Sports Center’s outdoor rink is just one way I embrace the season. My husband and I have always enjoyed skating together, and although neither of us are very good at it, it’s a special winter tradition. (Plus, the center offers skate rental and sharpening for just $7/pair!) Winter is made all the more delightful

Preschool/Kindergarten Readiness

• Our all-inclusive approach to care includes STEAM, yoga, Spanish, LANA nutrition and music enrichment programs; as well as wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef.

• Character development, community outreach and off site eld trips round out our academic curriculum.

• Proprietary curriculum designed to nurture the whole child provides a strong academic introduction to literacy, science, math and social sciences while combining social, emotional and physical aspects of developemnt.

• Procare Connect parent app allows for noti cations of naps, meals, curriculum, enrichment programs and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.

• Three different ages of Preschool, thoughtfully designed to ensure developmentally appropriate curriculum is delivered to classrooms of students who are closer in age.

School Age

• Before school and after school care solutions for children ages Kindergarten through 12 years.

• Healthy breakfast provided before school and a nutritious snack provided after school by our on-site Chef.

• Offering morning and afternoon transportation to select local Elementary schools.

• Open for school release days, including select holidays, MEA, winter break and spring break!

• Real time notiﬁcations for diapering, naps, meals and other daily activities

• Receive daily photos of your child exploring exciting new topics and curriculum

• Convenient options to submit tuition payments online

• Keep up with school events and news with messages pertaining to your child’s classroom

(651) 998-1661 | www.steppingstoneslearning.org 11253 Eagle View Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55129

Subscribe to your community’s magazine or purchase additional copies at localmedia.co

as our husky, Nova, traipses through the snow. Watching her bound through the drifts with excitement is a reminder to savor the beauty of the season. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3740; woodburymn.gov

A longtime family tradition of mine—and so many others—is the annual cookie-baking day. Readers, I’ve talked about it many times in our past issues. It’s one of those traditions that so many folks do year after year. But what about swapping a cookie making day for a cookie tasting day? There are

so many delicious bakeries in the area; consider assigning each person a different type of cookie—or a different bakery—and have an amalgamation of desserts! Dorothy Ann Bakery and Café whips up delicious rosettes during the holiday season; Keys Cafe & Bakery has traditional cookies, such as snickerdoodle or chocolate chip; and don’t forget about the many cottage bakers in Woodbury. Dorothy Ann Bakery and Café, 710 Commerce Drive Suite 100; dorothyannbakery.com; Keys Cafe & Bakery, 1750 Weir Drive; keyscafe.com

SPRING SWEETS AND SPA RETREATS

As the sun shines once again, I find myself craving the simple joys of the season—like ice cream. My husband and I revel in our spring ice cream dates, and Bebe Zito’s Breakfast Club (hers) and Strawberry Fields 4 Ever (his) top our list, served with a side of fries for a delicious sweet-salty balance. Now, I can’t leave my pup, Nova, out of the mix. When it comes to treats, she’s all in, and that’s why Nadia Cakes’ pupcakes (dog-friendly cupcakes) top her list. Made with yogurt, peanut butter, apples, bananas, rice flour and cream cheese, this treat is equal parts sweet and delicious! We round out our cupcake list with Brownie Cupcake (hers) and Vanilla Vanilla (his)—what can I say? We like the classics. Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burger, 9000 Hudson Road #615; bebezitomn.com; Nadia Cakes, 429 Commerce Drive; nadiacakes.com

We’ve all heard of spring cleaning— but what about giving yourself a spring

Photo: Chris Emeottt

Get a taste of spring with a sweet treat from Bebe Zito.

Lace up your skates and hit one of the many rinks around Woodbury—including M Health Fairview Sports Center.

self-care refresh? Slugging off the drying effects of winter is a must, and I thoroughly enjoy the services at Face Foundrié. The array of services ranges from a basic Foundrié Glow to the H2Glow (A hydra facial—my personal favorite.), as well as mini facials and enhancements, such as a chemical peel or dermaplaning, a must. For deeper relaxation, visit Woodhouse Spa for a restorative massage or reviving body treatment—one can never go wrong with the WH Signature: Deep Tissue Transformation. Face Foundrié, 9955 Hudson Place Suite 540; facefoundrie.com; Woodhouse Spa, 9040 Hudson Road #206; woodhousespas.com

Readers, how do you spend the seasons in Woodbury? Tag us on Instagram (@woodburymag) with photos throughout the year—and don’t forget to enter your photos to our annual Focus on Woodbury photo contest. Find more details on page 56.

Kelsey Engelbart, OD, FAAO

David Park, MD

Ethin Kiekhafer, OD, FAAO

Ryan Fedor, OD

Aigerim Saulebayeva, MD

Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO

Adam Goddard, DO

Susan Schloff, MD

Sean LaVallie, OD

Laura Capelle, OD, FAAO

Nicole Harris, OD

Jeffrey Lynch, MD, MPH

Alan Downie, MD

Ann Hickson, OD

Chi Na Moua, OD

Gary Schwartz, MD, MHA

Brian Tienor, MD Jesse Vislisel, MD Charlie Wu, MD, MSBA

TASTEMAKERS

Written by Editorial Staff

by Chris Emeott

Dip Into Summer

Brighten upgatherings with fresh takes on appetizing spreads.

Photos

If there’s one thing Minnesotans do best, it’s summer get-togethers. Whether your party finds its rhythm lakeside, poolside or on a sun-soaked patio, there’s one appetizer that’s sure to be on the menu: dip. No bowl o’ chips, charcuterie board or crudité platter is complete without a flavorful dip. Simple to make and a versatile addition to the appetizer table, a quality dip is sure to get more repeat customers than the main course. Dip into more delicious recipes at woodburymag.com.

Layered Taco Dip

I first tried this recipe when my mother-inlaw, Janice Jorenby, made it one summer evening. With five layers, it brings together all the best flavors of a taco into one delicious dip. It’s perfect for summer gettogethers, a day on the water or a picnic spread. This dip pairs wonderfully with— you guessed it!—tortilla chips, but why not try something different? Pita chips or naan bread would make delightful partners to this recipe. —Hailey Almsted, managing editor and editor of Maple Grove and Woodbury magazines

• 8 oz. cream cheese (Avoid low-fat cream cheese.)

• 2–4 Tbsp. taco sauce, to taste

• 1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 4 Roma tomatoes, diced

• 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced, optional

• shredded Mexican cheese, to taste

Warm cream cheese until it’s soft and spreadable. Pour taco sauce of choice into the softened cream cheese. Mix to combine. Spread mixture around on a pie plate. Refrigerate for at least one hour (or until it’s cool). Top with lettuce, tomatoes and jalapeño (if desired) and Mexican cheese. Serve.

Dairy-Free Spinach Dip

I adapted this recipe from the Alternative Spinach Dip in Didi Emmons’ excellent cookbook, Entertaining for a Veggie Planet, when I had to (begrudgingly) give up dairy. Don’t be intimidated by the tofu—you won’t even know it’s there, and it adds a wonderful protein boost. This dip is fabulous with veggies, crackers or bread, and I love using leftovers as a sandwich spread. —Liz Potasek, editor of Cities South Magazine Collection

• 10 oz. frozen, chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on a bride’s face during her ﬁttings.

As an award-winning business, helping a bride achieve her perfect look, ﬁt and feel is paramount.

651-615-4377 Appointment Only customsewingbyheather.com @customsewingbyheather

• ½ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced (Use more or less to taste.)

• 16 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (½ juicy lemon)

• ½ tsp. sugar

• ½ tsp. ground cumin

• 1 tsp. Penzeys Spices’ Mural of Flavor

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• pepper, finely ground, to taste

Mix the drained spinach in a bowl with the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Wrap the tofu cubes in a clean dish towel, and press firmly to release moisture. Transfer the tofu to a food processor. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, cumin, Mural of Flavor and kosher salt; process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold the tofu mixture into the spinach mixture until well combined. Season with pepper (and more salt), as needed. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate to serve chilled.

Curry Veggie Dip

This veggie dip has become a mainstay at all Kopiecki family gatherings. The Madras curry powder adds the perfect zip without the heat, making it ideal for even those milder Minnesotan palates. I serve it up with baby carrots, cauliflower, celery, English cucumbers, radishes and snap peas. It’s also been known to make an appearance on burgers when the grill gets going. —Madeline Kopiecki, digital editor and editor of Plymouth Magazine

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp. onion powder

• 1 Tbsp. Madras curry powder

• 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

• 1 Tbsp. stone-ground mustard

• green onion, chopped, for garnish

Combine all ingredients together; mix until smooth. Let the dip sit for at least 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container if you plan to make the dip a day or two ahead of time. Garnish with chopped green onion prior to serving.

Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

This recipe falls into the oldie but a goodie category, since it’s been in my nibbles

THE ALTERNATIVE TO OVERPAYING

Layered

Taco Dip

repertoire for as long as I can remember. I don’t think sun-dried tomatoes get their due, so I happily feature them whenever a recipe needs some depth of flavor. Additionally, this recipe has weight to it, meaning you can use a dipping vehicle of your choice: Chips, crackers or crudités can equally carry this dip from plate to palate without a hitch. —Renée Stewart-Hester, managing creative director and editor of Lake Minnetonka Magazine

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil

• 8 oz. cream cheese

• ½ cup sour cream (I often substitute with Greek yogurt for added protein.)

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Healthier versions can be used.)

• 10 dashes Tabasco sauce

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• ¾ tsp. pepper, freshly ground

• scallions, sliced (The more the merrier, I say. And be sure to save some for garnish.)

Puree ingredients through the pepper in a blender or a food processor. Add two sliced scallions. Pulse twice. Place the dip

in a serving dish; add extra sliced scallions for garnish. Serve.

Miso White Bean Hummus with Chimichurri

This recipe is on the weekly rotation at our home. My husband is allergic to chickpeas, and cannellini (white) beans are a beautiful alternative. In the spring and summer, we love experimenting with new toppings—here, chimichurri features abundant summer herbs for a bright, elevated party treat. Serve with fresh pita or pita chips. —Zoe Yates, editor of St. Croix Valley and White Bear Lake magazines

Ruby’s No-Fuss Green Chutney

After moving to Canada from India, my mother missed the tastes of home, so she turned to a recipe book my grandmother had given her before she left Mumbai. But the recipes were too complicated, so she devised a quick chutney recipe. This can be used as a dip with naan chips, as a sandwich spread or placed on top of a salmon fillet, tightly wrapped in foil and baked at 350 F for an hour. —Feroza Mehta, editor of Edina Magazine

Sliced fresh, served fresh—Port of Subs in Woodbury delivers crave-worthy Subs with quality meats and cheeses. Locally owned and always here to Sub-port our neighbors!

Port of Subs

8362 Tamarack Village #112 651.478.4187

portofsubs.com/locations/mn/ woodbury/243/

FOURTH AND FIREWORKS

Enjoy an evening at Woodbury’s Hometown Celebration.

It’s that time of the year to break out your sparklers, put on your red, white and blue, and watch some fireworks! Woodbury’s annual Fourth of July Hometown Celebration is returning for Independence Day with a jam-packed night of fun.

Held at M Health Fairview Sports Center, the evening includes activities for kids, food trucks, live music and, of course, the fireworks display to round out the night. Musical guests will perform, including Jesse Totushek and Faydra Largo as openers and the Bluewater Kings Band as the headliner.

The celebration is an entirely family-friendly event with a designated children’s area. “The Kids Zone will have a variety of inflatables and a small mini golf course,” says Joe Vaughan, City of Woodbury recreation program specialist.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. The event starts at 6 p.m. and is sponsored by Polaris Eye Care, Public Lands and Warner’s Outdoor Solutions. It is entirely free to attend. —Emma Souza

Find more details at woodburymn.gov.

Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

LOCAL EVENTS

07.08

Board and Brush Workshop

Experience an afternoon of creativity with Board and Brush’s kids’ camp workshop. Create two personalized signs and snack on a sundae bar afterward. Ages 18 and under. $80, registration required. 1:20–4 p.m. 2230 Eagle Creek Lane; 612.234.5257; boardandbrush.com

07.04

4 on the Fourth Run

Begin a day of Fourth of July celebrations with this four-mile run around various lakes throughout Woodbury. All ages. $48, registration required. 8–11 a.m. Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road; hello@athenaclydesdaleracing.com; athenaclydesdaleracing.com

07.12

Music and Movement Storytime

Strengthen motor, listening and social skills in this interactive storytime experience. Ages 0–5. Free. 10:30–11 a.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; washcolib.org

07.14–07.16

Flavors Around the World Cooking Class

Practice important cooking skills while making a variety of different foods from cuisines around the world. Grades four through nine. $188, registration required. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive; 651.425.6620; sowashco.ce.eleyo.com

07.16

The Jolly Pops Performance in the Park

Dance, sing, move and laugh along to the children’s entertainment group

The Jolly Pops and their puppet friends. Preschool to elementary-aged children. Free. 6:30–7 p.m. Woodbury Lions Bandshell, Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov

“Angela helped shepherd us through our ﬁrst home buying experience, and everything went smoothly! I’d recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home.

Update: Angela also helped us buy our next home, and we were 100% right to work with her again! She is also helping us sell our current home and is guiding everything without a hitch despite the more complex transactions.

Responsive, caring, knowledgeableshe is still the ﬁrst and only person I’d recommend to folks looking for a realtor!”

~ Alon and Aditi

07.25

Woodbury Community Blood Drive

Join the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and donate blood to save lives in this blood drive hosted by Memorial Blood Centers. Ages 16 and older. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, 1925 Woodwinds Drive; 888.448.3253; mcb.org

AREA EVENTS

07.04

Red, White and Boom!

Watch a fireworks display, listen to some live music and eat from a selection of local food trucks at this Fourth of July celebration. All ages. Free. 6–10 p.m. Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave., Mpls.; 612.230.6400; minneapolisparks.org

07.04

Stars and Strides

Start a day of celebrations with a Fourth of July run around Lake Harriet. A 5K, 10K and kids run will be offered. All ages, kids run 10 and under. Prices vary, registration required. 8:10 a.m. kids run, 8:30 a.m. 5K and 10K. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; 612.412.4378; minnesotarunningseries.com

Flavors Around the World Cooking Class

07.05

Mathnasium of Plymouth

plymouth@mathnasium.com(763)567-8143

3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth,MN 55447

Native American Food Truck Festival

Eat good food and enjoy native vendors and games at Minnesota’s first Native American Food Truck Festival. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Harriet Island Regional Park, 49 Harriet Island Road, St. Paul; 651.556.8465; exploreminnesota.com

07.05–07.06

Taste of Minnesota

This outdoor food and music festival returns. Enjoy unique flavors, live music and exciting entertainment. All ages. Free. Noon–10 p.m. Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave. and Fifth St., Mpls.; contact@tasteofmn.com; tasteofmn.com

07.12–07.13

Wine Meets Art Festival

Experience a day of local arts, crafts, food trucks, music and, of course, wine. A free winery tour will be offered at noon. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saint Croix Vineyards, 6248 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.430.3310; scvwines.com

07.23

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Enjoy a parade full of floats, organizations and performances in this afternoon of family fun. All ages. Free. 7:30 p.m. Nicollet Mall, 12th St., Mpls.; 612.376.7669; aquatennial.com

07.31

Singin’ in the Rain

Be entertained by the Artistry’s production of Singin’ in the Rain All ages. $31–$43. 7:30 p.m. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington; 952.563.8575; artistrymn.org

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.

Mathnasium.com/Woodbury

Mathnasium of Plymouth

plymouth@mathnasium.com(763)567-8143

Mathnasium of Woodbury

3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth,MN 55447

woodbury@mathnasium.com • (651)-409-6284

1125 Woodbury Dr Ste 600, Woodbury, MN 55129

in digital format!

Never miss an issue of Woodbury Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite Woodbury Magazine articles with friends and family.

Learn more at woodburymag.com

Our Year, Captured

Explore the last year of vibrant stories that have been brought to life. Notable faces, delightful bites, charming homes and captivating trends—each cover showcases the essence of our dynamic community. Relive all the moments that made the last year of issues unforgettable, all of which are captured through each cover of Woodbury Magazine —Hailey Almsted

Our Annual Photo Contest is a Few Clicks Away

Each July, we invite readers to share fresh perspectives of Woodbury through our annual Focus on Woodbury photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit images that capture the unique essence of Woodbury, whether the focus is on local scenery, friends and family, community events or creative self-expression. Look through your images of the last year, and submit those that best encapsulate the beauty and spirit of Woodbury. We look forward to viewing your submissions!

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.

Visit woodburymag.com for additional rules and information.