Cities South Magazine - February 2023

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Photo: Courtesy of Pahl’s Market

FROM THE EDITOR

LIZ POTASEK — LIZ@LOCALMEDIA.CO

When my husband, 6-month-old daughter and I moved “south of the river” from Minneapolis about 10 years ago, we were looking for one thing: A shorter commute to work for my husband, but we were quickly charmed by the bigger yards, beautiful parks and excellent schools. Since then, our family has almost doubled in size (we added two more daughters to the mix), and we’ve fallen in love with the area.

As a longtime writer and editor, I’ve often longed to tell stories of the inspiring people and unique places that I discovered on my daily treks around town. So when I heard about a new magazine covering Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake, I jumped at the chance to work on it. In this issue and those that follow, I look forward to highlighting the best of our community, including the restaurants, shops, recreation opportunities and events that make living here so special, as well as the artists, designers, volunteers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, who we’re proud to call neighbors.

But I can’t do it without you! If you have story ideas or thoughts to share, please drop me a line at liz@localmedia.co to offer your input and feedback about our new publication.

One Magazine | Four Communities

Welcome to our new publications—the Cities South Collection, which will spotlight the communities of Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake. We proudly will feature the name of each community on its own magazine cover, while featuring content from the entire area within our pages. Join us in celebrating all these unique and vibrant communities.

On the Cover

Elizabeth Ries, photo by Chris Emeott, page 18

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Cities South @citiessouthmag @CitiesSouthMag

Emeott

Photo: Chris

VOL. 1 NO. 1 citiessouthmag.com

publisher Susan Isay editor

Liz Potasek managing creative director

Renée Stewart-Hester managing editor

Hailey Almsted digital editor Madeline Kopiecki copy editors

Kellie Doherty Sherri Hildebrandt staff writers Zoe Deal Emily Gedde Mollee Francisco Susie Eaton Hopper Daniel Huss Hanna McDaniels Josie Smith Kristie Smith contributing writers Rachael Perron Stacy Price editorial interns Nicole Berglund Megan Hegenbarth editorial advisory board Melissa Ferlaak, Valleyfair Stephanie Goldfarb, The Divine Living Space Eve Heeralall, City of Apple Valley senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos art director Allison Nolden junior designer Jamie Klang lead staff photographer Chris Emeott production director Brittni Dye production manager Lisa Stone production coordinator Mimi Coz senior account executives Brooke Beise Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson Kathie Smith president Pete Burgeson

Chocolate Therapy

Chocolate is more than a sweet treat at Masterpiece Chocolates—it’s an art form. Dale and Linda Lokkesmoe opened the chocolate shop at Southfork Shopping Center in Lakeville in October of 2021. When Dale sold his Lakeville psychology clinic in 2020, they embarked on a new venture. “What I’m doing is very different, but it’s kind of like chocolate therapy, you know?” Dale says.

Masterpiece Chocolates imports chocolate from Belgium and directly from cacao farms in Ecuador and Peru. Chocolates are hand-crafted on-site and are free of gluten, nuts, eggs and preservatives. Additional ingredients, like spices, fruits and berries, are locally and sustainably sourced. Its topselling Raspberry Dark Chocolate Truffle is made with produce from the Lokkesmoes’ garden—so are each of the three mint

offerings and the heart-shaped Hot Pepper Dark. When an ingredient can’t be found in their backyard, they turn to farmers markets and enjoy partnering with other small businesses. “It’s important for us to use the freshest ingredients possible,” Dale says.

Now certified chocolatiers, the Lokkesmoes bring both creative and technical expertise to their craft. “It’s been great to use both of our creative sides for what we do,” Dale says. The pair work together to concoct flavors and design each new truffle. “Between Linda and I, we’re a pretty good team,” Dale says. —Zoe Deal

Masterpiece Chocolates

17697 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville 612.979.5154

masterpiecechocolates.com

TASTE LOVE IS IN THE AIR

My husband learned early on in our relationship that I had serious skills in the kitchen. I learned early on that he loved any pasta dish with chicken in it. This Valentine’s Day, our 31st together, I plan to make him this internet favorite and serve it with a simple green salad and a bottle of buttery chardonnay. Whether you call it by its popular name, Marry Me Chicken, or not, you’re sure to fall in love with this dish. Serve it over a bed of imported Italian linguine for soaking up all the delicious, creamy sauce.

Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find the recipe for Marry Me Chicken at citiessouthmag.com and more at kowalskis.com.

Photos: Chris Emeott, Kowalski’s Markets

READ Page Turners

MEXICAN

GOTHIC

BY SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA

Moreno-Garcia’s novel follows young Noemí Taboada in Mexico City in the 1950s, who is called to help her cousin in a mysterious estate where there is more than meets the eye in terms of family members and motives. Fans of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca will find connections to the suspense and gothic horror elements of this novel.

MURDER ON THE RED RIVER

BY MARCIE R. RENDON

A young Ojibwe woman named Renee “Cash” Blackbear in the 1970s Red River Valley becomes an amateur crime sleuth as the body of a man is found in a local field. Using her knowledge of the land, her intuition and insight and her connection to her heritage, Cash works with her friend, Sheriff Wheaton, to put the pieces together. The novel’s heroine is tough, intelligent and sensitive as she navigates cultural prejudices and the pain of her own past.

THE WATER CURE

BY SOPHIE MACKINTOSH

Three sisters are raised by their father on an island, shutting out the world and taught to fear men. One day, their father is gone, and the sisters must figure out what they will do alone, until three men appear on the island and their world is turned upside down. This novel explores feminist themes with elements of inspiration from The Handmaid’s Tale and Lord of the Flies

Stacy Price is an adult services librarian at Heritage Library in Lakeville. Read more at co.dakota.mn.us.

Eating Local Community Supported Agriculture programs shorten the route from farm to table.

By Kristie Smith

FROM FIELD TO PLATE in less than 48 hours, local farms get their food directly onto the dinner tables of local families thanks to the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model.

CSAs provide customers (or members) with a steady variety of fresh, locally grown produce throughout the growing season while guaranteeing farmers an income, even if the season doesn’t go entirely as planned. CSA memberships come in a variety of sizes, and some farms even provide additional deliveries of eggs, bread, honey, flowers or meat.

This is a great time of year to sign up for a CSA share. We found three local farms with drop sites in Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake:

Pahl’s Market

Delivers to: Apple Valley, Eagan and Lakeville

Sign up: Sign up is open at pahls.com.

Apple Valley is home to Pahl’s Market, where the farm was settled in the late 1970s after its start in Bloomington at the turn of the century. With more than 1,200 acres, Pahl’s Market is one of the biggest sweet corn growers in the state, sixth generation farmer and production manager Jack Pahl says. “It’s our ninth year offering a CSA, where we like to use our staples and also include variety in our weekly boxes,” Pahl says.

While Pahl’s Market might be known for its delicious corn, there’s a lot of variety to be found in each CSA box. “We try to do three items people are familiar with, like green beans, bell peppers and potatoes, and three to four items that people will need to stretch a little, oddball stuff like kohlrabi, swiss chard,” Pahl says.

Pahl’s Market picks and cools the produce on Tuesdays and packs and delivers on Wednesdays and Thursdays to 29 pick-up sites for members. The farm offers three share sizes. CSA members are also invited out to the farm on select days throughout the season.

Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm

Delivers to: Eagan and Lakeville

Sign up: Shares became available in

Photo: Courtesy of Untiedt's Vegetable Farm

THE MENU

November and are available until they sell out. Register online at untiedts.com.

After 52 years of farming in Waverly, Minnesota, Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm has become a familiar grower to many across the Twin Cities. For the past 11 seasons, Untiedt’s has been supplying CSA opportunities. Its use of high tunnels (a type of tall greenhouse) is a game changer, according to Untiedt’s marketing director Jenna Untiedt. “High tunnels help us mitigate some of the risks associated with farming, and they also help extend the growing season on the front and back end of the season by a couple of weeks,” Untiedt says. “We are not an organic farm, but we try to use as many sustainable efforts as possible. We believe that we are borrowing land from future generations, so it is extremely important to keep the soil as healthy as possible.”

Shares are delivered on Tuesdays to stops across the Metro beginning in mid-June through about mid-October.

Waxwing Farm

Delivers to: Apple Valley, Lakeville and Prior Lake

Sign up: Shares become available in February and are available until they sell out. Register online at waxwingfarm.com.

Waxwing Farm, located in Webster, Minnesota, keeps its focus on understanding the needs of its members when growing and selling produce. “During the pandemic, people were worried about food supply shortages and staying close to home,” Waxwing Farm coowner Anna Racer says. “A lot of people joined then and were brand new to the concept of CSAs. We started with 25 shares in 2011, and a lot of those members are still with us today.”

After 12 years, Racer says her farm grows 40 crops, and shoppers can purchase half or full CSA shares. Full shares are delivered for 16 weeks on Wednesdays, and half-shares are every other week, throughout summer and fall. Home delivery and farm pick-up are available, giving Racer and her husband, Pete Skold, the chance to get to know their members even better.

Path to Healing

Eagan artist Sheila Bayle finds peace creating wearable art.

By Liz Potasek

SIX YEARS AGO, Sheila Bayle made a life-changing decision: “I was ready to go and be a full-time artist,” she says.

She spent a year wrapping up her full-time job, figuring out the financial logistics of pursuing her beadwork and discussing the plan with her husband. In 2017, she officially made the leap.

Then she got life changing news. “Sadly in 2018, my late husband was diagnosed with ALS,” Bayle says. “The good news is that I was able to work at home in the rare hours I was able to work.”

Bayle, who lives in Eagan, is thankful for the neighbors, friends and family who helped her take care of her husband during his last few years of life. In 2020, he passed away, and Bayle found herself at another crossroads, wondering whether or not to continue pursuing her art or to move on. A good friend of hers encouraged her to “go after it,” and she says that advice is among the best advice she was

ever given. “It’s kept me going,” she says. “Losing a spouse is very hard. Watching someone die of ALS is abysmal … I could just go down into my studio for just an hour and really focus on something that was really important to me. In some ways, my art is my path to healing.”

Bayle was put on the path to beadwork when she was a young girl. She remembers sitting in a church pew with her parents at Holy Rosary Church in Minneapolis and turning around to find a Native American woman with long, gray hair wearing an intricately-beaded medallion. “I just remember being fascinated,” Bayle says. “Not long thereafter, I wandered over to the traditional dime store near my parents house in south Minneapolis and found tubes of beads. I learned in Girl Scouts to build a small loom, and I still have it. I still work with it.”

That early interest in beading was eventually put on the back burner by

the usual suspects—college, career and kids—but she returned to it in the early 1990s when a beading class reignited her passion. “I started doing small, quick projects, like earrings and bracelets,” she says. “I was giving them away as gifts, and people said, ‘Well, do you sell them somewhere?’”

Since online shopping was still in its infancy, Bayle started doing one to two art shows per year in 1993, slipping shows in as much as she was able while continuing to work full time. Since leaving her full-time job to focus on beadwork, Bayle continues to do art shows, as it gives her direct feedback from customers, and is starting to dabble in online sales.

Bayle doesn’t have any formal art training in design or color theory; instead she draws inspiration from colors and designs she finds in nature. “What I did was just put a pile of beads down and

Photos: Sheila Bayle

figure out how to weave it,” she says, of finding her artistic voice. “It was more instinctive to start with. A lot of it was freeform. Then I started to be interested in making shapes and forms.”

Bayle makes what she calls a “beaded bead,” which is a larger bead made up of smaller beads, and creates pieces with unique shapes using different bead types. She also loves exploring different color palettes, often taking her work outside to see how light changes each piece. “Glass beads come in any shapes, any sizes and colors, and so it’s like painting,” Bayle says. “All of the elements that go into making a painting interesting can also go into beading.”

Redhawk Beadwork @sheilabayle

ENLIGHTEN

Crisp, Cool Learning

An outdoor preschool connects young children with the natural world.

By Emily Gedde

Photos: Elizabeth Zimmerman

FEBRUARY’S FALLING TEMPERATURES doesn’t mean outdoor play stops. In fact, a local learning center encourages it. The nature-based Circle of Friends Nature Preschool at Jeffers Pond Elementary in Prior Lake follows the motto, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

“Winter will be here every year, and we will always have cold days. We can choose to embrace them and have more happy days instead of dwelling on the negative,” says Annie Thoraldson, Circle of Friends Nature Preschool teacher. “While we are outside on cold days, we make sure that everyone is staying very active. Movement helps build up our body heat, keeping us warmer. We build snowmen and all sorts of snow creations, we go snowshoeing, we spend a day ice fishing on our pond and we go sledding.”

The Circle of Friends Nature Preschool option was the first nature preschool offering in the south Metro area. Thoraldson, a 10-year Nature Preschool veteran, says those involved in the program are proud to be a public preschool that offers this option for families. “We believe in the importance of making sure nature-based programs are accessible and affordable to all,” she says.

Research by University of Minnesota –Duluth professor Julie Ernst supports the importance of nature play in childhood development. Ernst’s studies show that spending time in nature increases children’s curiosity, creativity, resilience and executive functioning. In response to Ernst’s research, the university recently introduced a bachelor of applied sciences degree in childhood nature studies.

As an added benefit, teachers at Circle of Friends Nature Preschool have found that the format also meets the needs of a wide range of students. Playing and interacting in a natural environment has

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Outdoor nature play or nature-based learning has many benefits, including:

• Increased focus, imagination and creativity

• Problem-solving skills

• Movement and physical activity

• Appreciation for nature

Teachers at Circle of Friends Nature Preschool encourage students to love all seasons—even winter. Here are a few simple outdoor activities to try on chilly days:

• Try to be the only one to make footprints in the snow. Did an animal beat you to it?

• Find “the warmest” place to play based on the direction of the wind.

• Build little shelters using snow and found materials.

shown to be calming for students who might otherwise struggle in a traditional classroom setting, says Erin Metoxen, Early Learning coordinator. “It gives children a different way of learning,” she says. “Every kid should have the opportunity to at least try it.”

Before venturing outdoors during the coldest months of the year, Thoraldson says she and her colleagues check to ensure all students are dressed appropriately, noting she has a full closet full of warm gear, just in case. “On very cold days, we dress like nature ninjas,” Thoraldson says. “We only have our eyes showing. We wear neck gaiters or scarves to protect our cheeks.”

“On the coldest days, staff closely follow the National Weather Service wind chill chart and are mindful to stay outside for safe amounts of time,” Thoraldson says.

Learn more about outdoor education at education.mn.gov.

Circle of Friends Nature Preschool, 5304 Westwood Drive SE, Prior Lake; 952.226.0950; priorlake-savage.ce.eleyo.com

BY LIZ POTASEK PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

WRITTEN

FOLLOWING HER DREAMS

For the past 14 years, Elizabeth Ries has spent her afternoons in the homes of Minnesotans, chatting with local celebrities, demonstrating recipes, visiting unique restaurants and businesses and even sharing her personal stories. As the co-host of Twin Cities Live weekdays on KSTP-TV, viewers see Ries as friendly and approachable, and as a co-executive producer of the show, she’s responsible for its content and feel—two roles that she says make up her dream job.

And her career all started with a class at Apple Valley High School. “I was so supported at Apple Valley High School to just follow my dreams,” she says.

Ries’s family moved to Apple Valley when she was in first grade. Her father started Messiah Lutheran Church, which met at Cedar Park Elementary,

where Ries also went to school. (Messiah Lutheran has since moved to Lakeville.)

Ries remembers an ideal childhood, building forts and tree houses, exploring the wooded areas around Lake Lac Lavon and biking to what was then George’s Market (now it’s a Flowerama) to buy Bubble Tape and Clearly Canadian. “I just remember having a lot of freedom,” Ries says. “I remember feeling really safe, and I remember having really good neighborhood friends. It was a really wonderful community to grow up in.”

In high school, Ries pursued journalism as the editor of the school newspaper, but it was the mentorship seminar that she credits as being pivotal to her success today. Through the class, Ries researched a field of interest (TV journalism in her case), and she was paired

TWIN CITIES LIVE HOST ELIZABETH RIES RECALLS AN IDYLLIC CHILDHOOD.

with a mentor, which is how 16-year-old Ries ended up being mentored by Amelia Santaniello at WCCO-TV. Ries drove to downtown Minneapolis three times a week for a trimester to learn from Santaniello and explore TV journalism.

“It was absolutely crucial to my success,” she says. “I had the opportunity to step into a TV station and to be like, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is what feels like home to me.’”

Ries remembers loving the ability to tell stories and connect with viewers through TV.

After graduating from Apple Valley High School in 1999, Ries earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She worked in “hard news” for about seven years before

transitioning into lifestyle journalism and joining Twin Cities Live in June 2009.

“In June, I’ll have worked in television for 20 years. Isn’t that wild? To get to that point!” she muses with charming approachability. “I’m like a real grown up … They’re right when they say it’s so much better when you get older. All those people are right.”

When Ries started Twin Cities Live , she was single and in her late 20s, and she’s shared her life with viewers for the past 14 years, as she’s gotten married, had three children and hit 40.

She’s even opened her kitchen through her Home to Homestead blog, featuring her own recipes, and regular appearances on Minnesota Live, KSTP’s morning show. Each Wednesday, Ries does

ELIZABETH RIES

“[THE MENTORSHIP SEMINAR] WAS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL

TO MY SUCCESS. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO STEP INTO A TV STATION AND TO BE LIKE

‘OH, MY GOSH, THIS IS WHAT FEELS LIKE HOME TO ME.’”

a live shot from her kitchen and shares a seasonal recipe or cooking technique.

She also co-hosts a podcast, Best to the Nest , with Margery Punnett about bringing your best self to your home and family. “[It’s about] how to make home your sanctuary and safe landing place,” Ries says. “We talk about it being a journey, not a destination, because we’re both still working on it.”

As one would imagine, Ries’ homelife is busy. She calls Minneapolis home and is thankful for her “no commute” lifestyle (work is only a seven-minute drive away). With three young children and a demanding schedule, Ries epitomizes the busy, working mom, dialing into meetings as she chauffeurs children through their morning school routine and organizing her day so that she’s always ready to be “on” from 3–4:30 p.m. for the program.

While she readily admits that there are hard days, Ries just loves her work. When longtime co-host Steve Patterson left Twin Cities Live in 2021, Ries says it did prompt her to reflect on the future of her career and if she’d ever consider leaving the show. “There was definitely some time there that I started to think, ‘Boy, do I want to keep doing this? Where am I at?’” she says. “But I really love it. And even when it’s hard, it’s great … I just don’t take for granted that I get to connect with people and showcase what’s great about the community that I was born and raised in. It’s a big deal.”

ELIZABETH RIES

Home to Homestead; hometohomestead.com

Podcast: Best to the Nest; podcastone.com/best-to-the-nest-with-margery-and-elizabeth Elizabeth Ries @elizries

Twin Cities Live; 3–4:30 p.m. weekdays on KSTP 5 Eyewitness News; kstp.com/twin-cities-live

Twin Cities Live @twincitieslive

“I GET TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE AND SHOWCASE WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THE COMMUNITY.”

“My overall experience was great. I love the window, and from sales to scheduling, the experience was very good. The installers are highly skilled professionals and I would recommend Renewal by Andersen to all my contacts.”

LYNN F. | RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN CUSTOMER

Travel in Style SHOP LOCAL FOR ON-TREND PIECES TO PACK ON YOUR SPRING BREAK.

While vacation may mean to vacate one’s normal life, there is no need to sacrifice style or comfort when traveling this spring. With the help of local boutiques, we’ve selected pieces that will help you reach your destination looking chic and relaxed.

INDULGE BOUTIQUE

Indulge Boutique has been a mainstay in Eagan for 15 years. Sue Korkowski was such a fan of the store that when the opportunity came to purchase it four years ago, she left her job in nursing and took the leap. “It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine,” she says. “I’ve always loved fashion.” Korkowski says she likes to bring in pieces that are versatile and appeal to a wide demographic. She carries a mix of comfortable, casual clothes alongside dressier

pieces, perfect for a business meeting or date night. Korkowski is thoughtful when she goes to market to stock her store. “I touch everything,” she says. “I make sure that fabrics have the stretch, the coziness that my customers are looking for. I think about that customer that wants to keep their arms covered or that customer that’s always cold. Customers are truly valued here.”

Zaket & Plover Zip-Up Hoodie

One touch and this super soft zip-up hoodie will have you hooked. With a blend of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent cashmere, this sweater has a fantastic texture that oozes supreme comfort. The zip-up style makes it easy to throw on alone or layer over a tank top or a tee. Its simple design incorporates wardrobe staples gray, black and

white, but with a trendy pop of color on the sleeves and ties. It’s perfect for dressing up with jeans or keeping casual on the plane over yoga pants. Available at Indulge Boutique. $159.99

Tribal Sweater

What better way to welcome spring than with this vertical striped sweater from Tribal. Offered in contrasting shades of oatmeal, tan and pink, this casual sweater brightens up the black and white scene. At 85 percent cotton, the sweater is cozy, soft and breathable, making it as easy to wear as it is to pack. Available at Indulge Boutique. $99

Indulge Boutique, 1095 Diffley Road, Eagan; 651.454.3900; indulgemn.com Indulge Boutique

@indulgeboutiquemn

Written by Mollee Francisco Photos by Chris Emeott

WILD RUFFLE

Wild Ruffle has been through quite the evolution since its launch 11 years ago. What began as Cate Mezyk’s lifestyle blog and pop-up jewelry shop in 2011 quickly turned into an online shop and then a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Prior Lake in 2014. With the addition of clothing designer Tammy Hiveley, Wild Ruffle built a dedicated customer base through regular fashion segment appearances on Twin Cities Live and the Fox 9 Morning Show. When its lease was not renewed last summer, the team decided to head back to the internet, changing its focus exclusively to online sales. Wild Ruffle maintains a warehouse space in Prior Lake that offers a local pickup option for customers and will play host to the occasional shopping event. Though they aren’t manning

a storefront, Hiveley and Mezyk maintain an active online presence with plenty of try-on videos showcasing their merchandise. “We make a big effort to find real life people in a variety of sizes,” says Mezyk. She says that their niche is that casual everyday look for women. “We work hard to find things on trend, but age appropriate,” she says.

Submarine Beltbag

This versatile genuine leather beltbag is the ideal accessory for travel with an adjustable leather strap, allowing it to be worn around the waist or across the body. The slim-fit style is comfortable enough to keep the bag on throughout the day’s adventures while the main zippered compartment is sized to fit all the basic necessities, including a phone, small wallet, lipstick and keys. Available in

two colors—cognac and black—this beltbag adds a sophisticated pop to any outfit. Available at Wild Ruffle. $98

Wild Ruffle, 15981 Jordan Ave. SE, Prior Lake; 952.381.7405; wildruffle.com Wild Ruffle @wildruffle Wild Ruffle @wildruffle

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley is the flagship store of a nationwide franchise with about 80 locations and counting. “We’re always testing new things,” says store manager Mac DeNicola Ketterling. “Many of our designs come from hands-on work with the customers and seeing what fits best for them.” Founded by Marie DeNicola (Mac’s mom), the store celebrated its 31st anniversary last fall with throwback

photos of the

Zaket & Plover Zip-Up Hoodie, Indulge Boutique, $159.99. Above right: Submarine Beltbag, Wild Ruffle, $98. Below right: Tribal Sweater, Indulge Boutique, $99.

Mac and Me Jeans, Mainstream Boutique, $68–$98.

tie-dye jumpsuit that put them on the map. Today, the store carries stylish, classic pieces that appeal to a wide range of ages. While the styles have changed, the mission hasn’t: “We haven’t wavered from our mission since the beginning—to love the women that walk through our doors,” DeNicola Ketterling says. “And that in itself is timeless. We hope you feel loved, strengthened and celebrated every time you stop in or shop with us online.”

Mac and Me Jeans

These jeans, part of a clothing line designed exclusively for Mainstream Boutique with input from founder DeNicola and DeNicola Ketterling, are known for their buttery, soft material and ability to enhance a wide range of body shapes. They also pack well and play nice with a variety of different tops. Available at Mainstream Boutique. $68-$98

Mainstream Boutique, 15322 Galaxie Ave. Suite 115, Apple Valley; 952.423.7469; mainstreamboutique.com

Mainstream Boutique Apple Valley

@mainstreamboutiqueapplevalley

Family owned and operated for over 40 years. The experienced team at Lakeville Dental is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality, most comfortable dental care available. We want our patients to have a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime and are committed to making every experience with us as welcoming and comfortable as possible.

Lakeville Dental Associates

20171 Icenic Trail, Lakeville 952.469.3300 lakevilledental.com

Valentine Snowshoe | 6:30–8 p.m. February 14; $15/person (open to ages 16 and over).

Trails by Candlelight | 6–9 p.m. February 17; $8/person (open to all ages).

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan; 651.554.6530; co.dakota.mn.us

HOT DATES FOR CHILLY NIGHTS

Raise your heart rate with outdoor evening events at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY under the stars this year with special evening events at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Whether you want to celebrate on February 14 (it’s a Tuesday this year) or save the festivities for the following Friday, here are two activities sure to get your heart pumping:

Valentine Snowshoe

Join one of the park naturalists at Lebanon Hills Regional Park for a guided hike in the moonlight on February 14.

“It is a way to enjoy a holiday outside,” says Autumn Hubbell, outdoor education supervisor at Dakota County Parks. “It can be the most intimate thing to do.” At the end of the night, there will be a bonfire and hot cocoa for everyone to enjoy.

Trails by Candlelight

Choose your own adventure—on cross country skis, snowshoes or ice skates—at this event for the entire family on February 17. Luminaries dot the paths, lighting the way on ski, snowshoe and ice skating trails. “The park is at its coziest during the candlelight event,” Hubbell says. “There are hundreds [and] hundreds of candles. It’s just magical.” There will also be bonfires around the park and hot cocoa. —Megan Hegenbarth

Snowshoe the Ritter 5K 02/04

LOCAL EVENTS

Air

Supply

02/03

Get ready for soft rock from an Australian duo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Ages 18 and over. Starting from $75. 8 p.m. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake; 800.262.7799; mysticlake.com

Mid-Winter Fest 02/04

Embrace the elements at this free festival, featuring fireworks, music, food and activities. Music starts at 5 p.m., and fireworks start at 7 p.m. All ages. Free. 3–7 p.m. Johnny Cake Ridge Park West, 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley; applevalleymn.gov

Grab your snowshoes or ice traction shoes for this 5K. The race course leads participants through trails highlighting the beauty of Ritter Farm Park. All ages. $40. 10 a.m. Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Parkway Trail, Lakeville; raceentry.com/ snowshoe-the-ritter/race-information

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus 02/10

This glow-in-the-dark ping pong ball circus features acrobats, tightrope walkers, clowns and more. Ages 3 and over. Free. 1:30–2 p.m. Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley; 612.724.1435; zpuppets.org

Winter SKOLstice Through 2/19

Embrace the winter’s chill with ice skating, pond hockey tournaments, curling demonstrations and the Minnesota Ice Maze. All ages. 4–10 p.m. Monday–Friday

and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Viking Lakes, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan; explorevikinglakes.com

Kenny Wayne

03/19

Sing along with Kenny Wayne for his 25th Anniversary Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Ages 18 and over. Starting from $34. 8 p.m. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake; 800.262.7799; mysticlake.com

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

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

Photo: Courtesy of Dakota County Parks

Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

things to see and do in and around our community

Chocolate Cravings

Savor that classic Valentine gift in many forms at these local shops.

Written by Zoe Deal Photos by Chris Emeott

Bakery at Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar

FEBRUARY IS CHOCOLATE SEASON. If there’s ever a time to indulge in a sweet treat, it’s the month of enduring love, snow and cold. There are so many ways to enjoy one of the world’s favorite flavors—from Valentine’s Day chocolate boxes and fluffy macarons to warming winter hot chocolates and flaky chocolate croissants. And with a plethora of area shops selling locally made chocolate treats in a variety of forms, there’s nothing stopping us—or you.

To get you in the chocolate mood (if it’s even possible to not be), we’ve put together a list of some standout bakeries, cafes and chocolatiers that you should put on your radar this year.

— Edelweiss Bakery —

For 17 years, Edelweiss Bakery has brought European-style baked goods to the corner of Dakota and Main streets in Prior Lake. This award-winning company, known around town for its caramel rolls and lemon blueberry scones, doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to chocolate. The chocolate croissants are painstakingly crafted layer by flaky layer each morning, with bakers coming in as early as 2 a.m. to hand-make Edelweiss’ classically made goods for the morning rush.

“I never shy away in telling anyone, this is a really hard job … but I just love it,” says owner Laurie Lin. “There’s just something

Abdallah Candies

Edelweiss Bakery

about working with your hands, creating something, watching people come through and enjoy it, and it brings a smile to their face. Especially with everything that’s going on in the world, just that simple joy of people coming in and getting a great cup of coffee and a pastry and sitting down and having conversation with somebody and knowing that you’re providing that space for them, I really just love it.”

Since Lin and her husband, Joe, took the helm in January of 2019, Edelweiss has kept all of the best of its original menu and mission, with a few updates. Display cases now include rows of colorful French macarons, scones and decadent cakes among a classic assortment of chocolate donuts. Whatever time of day, visitors to Edelweiss will be tempted to sit and stay awhile, partnering its sweets with a latte or savory meal. Edelweiss rebranded in 2022, giving its cafe space a facelift and expanding hours with an evening wine bar concept that includes small plates, grazing boards, wine and beer. “We have a whole new look and a whole new logo and, yeah, people are really excited about it!” Lin says. Weekend visitors can often be met with lines stretching down the sidewalk. Though those who are in the know order their favorites online at the beginning of the week to skip the line on Saturdays.

Edelweiss Bakery, 16186 Main Ave SE #102, Prior Lake; 952.440.2773; edelweissbakerypl.square.site Edelweiss Bakery – Prior Lake, MN

— Abdallah Candies —

Each chocolate and confection at Abdallah Candies in Apple Valley holds a legacy of perseverance. For more than a century, family has been at the heart of its operations. Original crafter and Lebanese native Albert Abdallah made his way in Minneapolis through his candies, perfecting recipes and building a lasting business. Today, fourth-generation family owners Karen and Steve Hegedus continue in Abdallah’s legacy with small-batch candy making, pure ingredients and a few of Abdallah’s original copper kettles—all found at the factory and gift shop in Apple Valley.

From its home base, the Abdallah staff craft and sell more than 200 varieties of candies to locals and fans nationwide. Even after 42 years at Abdallah, gift shop manager Judith Florio is still as much a lover of chocolate as ever. “I honestly don’t have a favorite,” Florio says, “I used to say there’s one that I don’t care for, but since that time, I’ve decided that’s ridiculous, and I have gotten to love and appreciate it, too.” Some of the shop’s top sellers include whipping cream truffles, nut clusters and sea salt caramel chocolates. Visitors can choose from a selection of candies and assorted boxes. Abdallah also offers hand-packed

boxes where customers may select pieces from the display case to fill a box of their choosing. Come Valentine’s Day, Abdallah will offer heart-shaped boxes as well. And gift-wrapping is always complimentary.

“One of the favorite sayings that came down from Mr. Abdallah through the generations is that it’s delicious on purpose,” Florio says. “... Everybody that’s involved with it— whether it be the owner or his family or the people that are working at it—they all realize that where they’re working is pretty special, and they work hard to produce something that is a quality candy.”

Abdallah Candies, 6075 147th St. W., Apple Valley; 952.890.4770; abdallahcandies.com Abdallah Candies @abdallahcandies

— Bakery at Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar — Enjoying a chocolate cupcake is just one way to experience the Bakery at Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar (formerly known as Cupcake Bakery) at Thomas Lake Center in Eagan. With a quaint setting and modern décor, Bakery patrons can enjoy a coffee and conversation along with a sweet treat.

When it comes to sweets, cupcakes are the main event. Since 2004, the bakery’s artisanal cupcakes have been the talk of the town, garnering many local and national awards, including the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Some chocolate standouts include cup o’ mud, a rich chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse and rolled in Oreo crumbs, and handle caramel, a chocolate cupcake filled with caramel sauce, topped with caramel mousse and dipped in dark chocolate ganache. The bakery also offers an assortment of gluten-free and vegan options, including a gluten-free raspberry chocolate cupcake and vegan grasshopper cupcake. “We try to ensure we always have something for everything,” says Ryan Mayer, chief marketing officer at Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar. “We offer five flavors of vegan cupcakes, four flavors of gluten-free cupcakes and all 15 flavors of our French macarons are always naturally gluten-free.” Cupcakes can be purchased in-store or ordered ahead of time for store pickup or local delivery. Other options for chocolate lovers will come in the form of French macarons (including a white chocolate lavender flavor), mousse cups, Sebastian Joe’s ice cream and rotating pastries.

Bakery at Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar, 1565 Cliff Road Suite 1, Eagan; 651.340.7809; masonjar.kitchen/bakery.com Mason Jar Kitchen @masonjarkitchenandbar

Sunshine on Snow

Wayne Moran captures the beauty after a winter storm.

PHOTOGRAPHER WAYNE MORAN of Eagan is always looking for the next stunning shot. On his frequent walks throughout Lebanon Hills Regional Park, he notes beautiful compositions and then makes plans to return with his camera when the lighting is “just so” or after a fresh snow. “It’s important to go out when there’s interesting light,” he says, explaining the inspiration behind this picture taken at Lebanon Hills in 2013. “It was pristine and beautiful. A storm had just blown through.”

Moran, who is a software engineer by trade, has always had a passion for photography and built a following online through Flickr and Instagram (@waynemoranphotography), where he has more than 88,000 followers. In addition to his day job as an engineer, Moran also works as a travel writer and photographer and a photography teacher.

Have you taken a beautiful or interesting photo that highlights our communities of Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake? Send the photo, along with your contact information and a few sentences about the image, to editor Liz Potasek at liz@localmedia.co. And watch for details about our first photo contest, launching July 1!