Cities South - June 2024

YOU’RE INVITED ... TO MEET THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS IN OUR ANNUAL READERS' CHOICE POLL

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We deliver greatness, joy, faith, and lots and lots of babies. We fight cancer, sadness, uncertainty and time. We heal hearts, wounds, minds and spirits. Scan to learn more

taste the difference.

This isn’t just a peach. It’s a Lori Anne peach. Planted, grown and cared for in South Carolina and left on the branch longer to ensure it’s ultra-sweet and tender. Better in Every Sense

JUNE/JULY

2024

“A good swimming pool could do that—make the rest of the world seem impossibly insignificant, as far away as the surface of the moon.” —Emma Straub, The Vacationers

Apple Valley Aquatic Center, page 11

Photo: City of Apple Valley

Marlena Myles’ augmented

from the EDITOR

One summer in high school, I had a job working at a bagel shop, making sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks for customers who often came in with strong opinions as they constructed their ideal sandwich. Which is why I still remember the day a woman walked in and directed me to “make a sandwich—whatever sounds good.”

I fumbled. “Do you like turkey?” I asked hesitantly.

“Sure,” she said. “You really can’t do this wrong. I make food for my family all day, and I just want someone to make me a sandwich, so I don’t have to think.”

I made the best sandwich I could and sent it her way. My teenage self didn’t give the odd interaction too much thought, but some 20 years later, I completely identify with that woman.

Caregiving for small children has provided me with the most beautiful moments of my life, but it’s also brought me to the point beyond exhaustion—a point where I can barely remember my name, let alone figure out what I want to eat for lunch.

I’ve always wanted to be a mother, and I’m so grateful that my dream became a reality, yet sometimes I just need a minute to myself to remember who I am separate from the young people my life is currently built around. This was my inspiration as I wrote about some of my favorite places in the area for the Editor’s Picks in our first annual Best of Cities South issue.

While it was fun to write that feature, it was really enlightening to see the results of our first Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll. I don’t want to spoil the results—you’ll find them on page 29—but you’ve given me an entire list of places I need to try.

In fact, as I put this issue together, I realized it’s been too long since I’ve been to Caponi Art Park (page 16). I also need to mark my calendar for free outdoor concerts in Apple Valley (page 20), and I really don’t want to miss out on watching Pan-O-Prog’s new cricket tournament (page 18). My summer fun list is basically complete. What’s on your list this summer?

Liz Potasek liz@localmedia.co

On the Cover

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

Photo: Chris Emeott

Best of Cities South 2024, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 22

Yaz Lo Designer

Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?

A: I am currently interested in wax casting jewelry and excited to be taking classes this year.

Q: How do you like to unwind?

A: I like to unwind with cuddles with my kitty and cooking dinner.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: The best part of my job is coming into the office and learning something new everyday. No days are the same and the art team is such a supportive group to be a part of.

Q: What are you listening, reading or watching right now?

A: I am currently into reading my daily horoscopes, watching period pieces or sci-fi fantasy shows and movies.

VOL. 2 NO. 3 citiessouthmags.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

Kelly Cochrane, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melissa Campbell, Dani Matthies, Stacy Price, Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Melissa Ferlaak, Valleyfair ; Sandi Fleck, Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce ; Stephanie Goldfarb, The Divine Living Space ; Eve Heeralall, City of Apple Valley ; Michelle Sharp, Meet the Minnesota Makers ; Tina Goodroad, City of Lakeville

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Cities South Magazines , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

BEST OF FAQS

Questions? We have answers for what you need to know about our annual Readers’ Choice Poll.

Our first annual Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll brings together our readers and social media followers who support and honor local businesses and service providers with their votes.

FAQs:

How are the categories chosen?

Our editorial and management teams evaluate the categories to include topics our readers find most relevant and engaging. The categories might change from year to year.

How does vote tallying work?

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

What’s a finalist vs. a winner?

Voting ran online during January with three simple rules*:

1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since this is a write-in ballot, encourage clients or customers to vote for your business in our next Readers’ Choice Poll, which goes live on our website in December 2024.

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

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

Eat Your Water

You’ve probably heard the eight glasses of water per day rule to help you stay hydrated, but did you know you can eat for hydration, too? It’s another reason to love all those summertime fruits and veggies—on their own or as part of a side dish. Here are a few options with high water content:

Watermelon: Water is in the name for a reason. A serving of watermelon contains over a half cup of water!

Cucumbers: These come in at 96 percent water with a satisfying crunch.

Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, these summer staples are about 94 percent water.

Strawberries: Freshly picked or tossed into a salad, you’ll enjoy a high water content, plus fiber and vitamin C.

Peaches: These sweeties are juicy, sweet and deliciously hydrating.

Dani Matthies is a registered dietitian. Looking for more hydration help? Learn from Hy-Vee dietitians in Eagan or Lakeville at hy-vee.com.

EXPLORE

Summer Cool Down

Our family loves spending summer days playing at the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center because the size of the waterpark is not overwhelming, and there is ample zero-depth wading pool space. Take it from the packed parking lot or from my 6-year-old son who claims, “The slides are the fastest ever!”

When it’s time to chill out, the splash area is perfect when lifeguards go on standard breaks. There’s also an onsite concession with snacks and beverages to keep your energy up. Private cabanas are available, and the entrance fee is $13 per person and free for babies 1 year old and younger.

Want the entire place to yourself? Groups can plan an after-hours pool rental for family gatherings, birthdays or events.

Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center 14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley; 952.953.2300; cityofapplevalley.org

Melissa Campbell is a Lakeville resident and mother of two. She and her family love exploring Minnesota and sharing their favorite discoveries on Instagram @savvysocialfoodie_travel-fam.

Photo: City of Apple Valley

READ Father Figures

We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year by Charles

Wheelan

The Wheelan family decides to take a year away from their busy lives to travel the world, resulting in this fun memoir full of globetrotting advice and family memories that will have you laughing and pondering your next adventure. Wheelan offers an honest recount of the experience, including highs and lows, and the unexpected ways that he connected with his children.

Carolina Moonset by

Matt Goldman

This Minnesota author offers readers a thrilling murder mystery and a powerful portrait of the bond between father and son in this atmospheric novel. Joey Green comes home to Beaufort, South Carolina, to help take care of his father, Marshall, who is diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. As Joey finds memories and circumstances that don’t add up, and when police show up at their door about a murder, he must figure out who the killer is before everything is lost. The book is a standout among the mystery genre for its character depth, intriguing setting and the questions that arise from fragments of the past.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Child caseworker Linus Baker is stuck in his lonely and quiet life, questioning what is missing but unsure of how to discover it. Then he is sent to a mysterious island orphanage inhabited by extraordinary children of magical abilities and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. With the future of this clan in his hands, Linus discovers an unexpected bond of love, family and fatherhood that transforms his life.

Stacy Price is an adult services librarian at the Heritage branch of the Dakota County Library. Read more at dakotacounty.us/library.

TASTE

Bloody Mary Burgers

Make Father’s Day extra special with these over-the-top burgers inspired by a classic drink. The flavor-packed patty provides the perfect foil to the best part of a Bloody Mary: an impressive skewer of tasty garnishes. Let your creativity shine as you put together a burger that looks as appealing as it tastes.

Bloody Mary Burgers

Makes 4 burgers

Preparation time: 30 minutes

» 1 lb. ground beef

» ¼ cup onion, diced

» ¼ cup blue cheese-stuffed olives, chopped

» 2 Tbsp. ketchup

» 1 Tbsp. Bloody Mary seasoning

» 4 brioche buns, for serving

» garnishes, for serving, such as cheese, celery, beef

sticks, cornichons, pickled carrots, sprigs of herbs (like parsley or cilantro), cherry tomatoes, hard boiled eggs or jalapeños

Mix beef, onion, olives, ketchup and seasoning together, and form into four patties. Grill or pan fry for 3–5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from heat, and place burgers on the buns.

Get creative with your favorite Bloody Mary toppings. The possibilities are endless! Add the toppings to a skewer, and stick the skewer through the finished burger and bun before serving.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Photo:

Airlake Airport serves, educates and positively impacts the community.

A host of factors determines the success of any community—transportation being one of them. While ground transportation carries much of the weight, look to the sky for another of this area’s essential transporters.

Since the mid-1960s, Airlake Airport has served the community with more than 140 based aircraft— mostly single-engine, two-to-fourseat aircraft, with a few multi-engine aircraft, as well as some floatplanes. Interestingly, the Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron is also based there.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six reliever airports in the Twin Cities area, including

Airlake Airport, and brings awardwinning service and a seamless travel experience to its customers and more. “The most recent economic impact study of the MAC’s six reliever airports was $756 million, including over $13 million from Airlake Airport,” says Joe Harris, the MAC’s director of reliever airports.

In other terms of economic impact, based on an employment survey by tenant organizations, the airport supports approximately 31 direct jobs. These jobs translated into approximately $1 million in wages. The total economic output of the direct employment was $4.1 million.

Airlake Airport’s primary role is to serve personal, recreational and business aviation users in Dakota and

Scott counties. The airport is located in Dakota County, approximately 17 miles south of MSP, 20 miles south of Minneapolis and approximately 25 miles southwest of St. Paul. The airport serves to relieve congestion at MSP by attracting general aviation traffic away from this larger airport. Consider that in 2023, there were 38,678 operations (takeoffs and landings), which is on an upward trajectory over the previous two years.

To support growing aviation needs at Airlake Airport, the MAC added infrastructure to increase airside land for aircraft storage hangars. It also added parallel taxiways north and south of the runway—all to enhance the airport’s overall safety and functionality.

While aviation needs continue to increase at Airlake Airport, there’s also a growing demand for an expanded workforce in the airline industry. Aloft Aviation (a local fixed-base operator) and other flight schools in the area use the airport for takeoff and landing practice.

Additionally, Aloft Aviation has 12 certified flight instructors and provides private pilot training, instrument rating certification, commercial pilot training and flight instructor certification. Aloft Aviation has an FAA-approved Advance Aviation Training Device (flight simulator) and 13 training and business jet aircraft based at Airlake Airport. Notably, in 2023, Aloft Aviation hosted about 175 high school students from three local schools to visit the airport to learn more about aviation careers.

Community outreach doesn’t end in the classroom as various organizations welcome the public to the airport for special events. A Father’s Day brunch fly-in event is planned for June. Each year, Lakeville’s summer festival, Pan-O-Prog, features an event at the airport. This year, the Lions Fly-in Breakfast is set for July 7.

For airplane enthusiasts, an aircraft viewing area with shade provisions and picnic tables is open all year. The space is located where airport users and the community can watch planes take off and land. To further accommodate public interest in aircraft activity, Aloft Aviation is planning to open a restaurant in its new building on the airport’s south side.

SCENERY

Art and Landscape

Marlena Myles’s augmented reality installation creates a new way to experience Caponi Art Park in Eagan.

By Jennifer Pitterle

Use your phone to download an app and scan a QR code to discover Marlena Myles’ Wodakota Walk art installation at Caponi Art Park.

ART LOVERS who visit Caponi Art Park this summer will find a new art experience on the cutting edge: an augmented reality installation by Spirit Lake Dakota artist Marlena Myles.

Myles’s Wodakota Walk is a webbased—instead of physical—exhibit with five sites around the park, and visitors access the work via a free app on their smartphones. Myles’s images appear on the screen, hovering over the real landscape. Wodakota means “harmony and peace with all in the universe” in the Dakota language.

Caponi Art Park has been an institution in Eagan since it opened to the public in 1987. It was the legacy of late sculptor Anthony Caponi who wanted to blend art and nature on the 60-acre property. “We felt this land was too beautiful to be just another housing development,” says co-founder and executive director Cheryl Caponi. “We commissioned ourselves to make a park out of it. The sculptures work with the topography, making everything enhanced, rather than imposing the human will on the landscape.”

Over the years, Caponi Art Park has welcomed many artists in residence and featured permanent and ephemeral installations from a variety of artists and performers. A couple of years ago, Cheryl visited Myles’s Dakota Spirit Walk, an augmented reality public art installation at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul. “I thought the technology behind it was interesting, and Marlena’s work was just so exciting,” Cheryl says. She reached out to Myles about doing a similar project at the art park.

Myles thought the landscape at the park would be a great fit. “I looked at the locations [around the park] that would be in conversation with the augmented reality installations,” Myles says. “The Grandfather Stone piece is

Photo: Chris Emeott

in a circle clearing, surrounded by other stone works. The Watchful Butterfly is near the pollinator plantings. The Star Knowledge is the highest point, where guests can see the skyline of Minneapolis and the blue skies.”

That connection—of art and landscape—is at the heart of Caponi Art Park’s mission. The park “has long been promoting environmental stewardship,” says Kelly Mroczek, communications and development associate at the park. “We now call it ‘creative placemaking.’”

“The intention is to make an immersive experience that’s more meaningful than just art or nature by itself,” says Cheryl. “The artworks are integrated into the landscape.” She felt it was valuable to bring the perspective of a Native artist like Myles to the park. The website describes Wodakota Walk as a “bridge to Indigenous values and lessons based on Dakota understandings,” intended to help reveal to each viewer their kinship with the environment— plants, animals and the natural cycles of the Earth.

Myles says, “I hope visitors walk away thinking about the gifts they’re born with and how they can use them to protect life—creating harmony (Wodakota) within the world and communities around us.”

When the installation opened last fall, the park hosted a celebration, featuring other Native artists and performers.

“It was a joy bringing the Native community to celebrate their talents,” Myles says. “The folks at Caponi were on the same wavelength, and it was a great experience the entire way.”

Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan; 651.454.9412; caponiartpark.org

Open 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday, May through September.

Caponi Art Park @caponiartpark

ACTIVE LIVING

Cricket Pitch

There’s growing interest in Lakeville for India’s most popular sport.

By Daniel Huss

IT’S THE SECOND most popular spectator sport in the world (behind soccer)—and though it’s not quite mainstream in the United States, cricket is booming in Lakeville.

Cricket is played in multiuse fields in city parks; a tournament last year attracted more than 150 players to the city and a cricket tournament joins the line-up of community events in this year’s Pan-O-Prog festival. “The tournaments will attract more than 300

players, and most of the players come from Lakeville,” says Surya Ganesan, a Lakeville resident, lifelong cricket player and tournament organizer.

With 11 players per side, cricket resembles football. As a bat-and-ball sport, cricket mostly resembles baseball.

The strategy? Cricket is like chess.

One team bats the ball, and one team fields the ball, while playing on an oval field or pitch. The batting team is trying to score runs. The fielding

team is trying to prevent runs.

Pitching, with a straight arm, is called bowling. A home run, with the ball leaving the field of play without ever touching the ground, is called a boundary six or six. In baseball, bats are round. In cricket, bats are flat. Baseball players bat with their bats facing up. Cricket players bat with their bats facing down.

Baseball games can last upwards of three hours. A test-cricket match lasts

Photo: GM Murugan

About 150 cricket players, including men, women and children, participated in a tournament last year in Lakeville.

about eight hours. Matches are played over five days.

While this all sounds very confusing, Ganesan says it’s not. “Rules are easy,” he says. “Watch for 20 minutes, and you’ll understand.”

But don’t stop at spectating. “Everyone can play,” he says.

Ganesan himself has been playing for some 40 years. In his youth, he won lots of “cups,” he says. His passion for the sport runs so deep, he began coordinating tournaments in Lakeville. He organized a tournament last year in July during Lakeville’s Pan-O-Prog festival and invited city officials to come and watch.

This year’s cricket tournament is an official Pan-O-Prog event with three brackets, including a men’s field, women’s field and youth field. “Cricket is the perfect example of how Pan-O-Prog has evolved,” says Lakeville Chamber of Commerce president and Pan-OProg volunteer Krista Jech. “The city has a new cricket pitch, and interest in cricket is growing.”

Pan-O-Prog, also known by its official name, Panorama of Progress, began as a way to celebrate the success and development of Lakeville’s Airlake Industrial Park. That first celebration was held in 1967. Fifty-seven years later, the week-long, volunteer-run community festival, like Lakeville itself, is bigger, much bigger. “Pan-OProg has evolved,” Jech says. “There’s 45 to 50 events throughout the week, and there’s something for everyone.”

Events and activities include a variety of tournaments (pickleball, softball, volleyball, euchre, cribbage and fishing), a ping pong ball drop for children, a parade and Cruise Night, featuring classic cars. The Cruise Night attracts a crowd of about 30,000 to downtown Lakeville, and the parade typically draws 25,000 spectators.

Pan-O-Prog Cricket Tournament, July 6, Aronson Park, 8250 202nd St. W., Lakeville; panoprog.org

Noted Connections

The Apple Valley Arts Foundation supports live music and education.

By Meredith Heneghan

ON FRIDAY NIGHTS in the summer, Apple Valley’s Kelley Park is abuzz thanks to the Apple Valley Arts Foundation (AVAF). For 25 years, AVAF has brought its Friday night concert series to the park. “It’s about building community,” says Nicole Junker, co-president and co-board chair of the AVAF. “It creates a safe space for people to gather.”

For many families, AVAF concerts are on the weekly schedule. The environment is family-friendly—parents can hang out on lawn chairs while kids play with their friends. “I’ve been going to Arts Foundation stuff since my kids

were little,” Junker says. “Now, I have an 18- and a 21-year-old, and it’s very much a part of our family’s routine.”

Apple Valley High School student Yonton Samuel has happy childhood memories of the Friday night concerts. “It’s had a huge impact in my life,” says Samuel, who now serves on the AVAF board. “I’ve been going to the concerts since I was really little. I used to always go with my friends and cousins, and I remember one time winning the raffle, and it was like I was a celebrity for a few minutes.”

AVAF has experienced growth both in sponsorship and in support from the city

Photo: Ellickson Photo

The Alex Rossi Band performs at Music in Kelley Park in 2023.

2024 MUSIC IN KELLEY PARK

Summer concerts are 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Fridays throughout the summer at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley.

• June 21: Salsa Del Soul

• June 28: Patty Peterson and Friends

• July 5: Alex Rossi Band

• July 12: Tickets to Brazil

• July 19: J.D. Steele MacPhail Community Youth Choir, Mill City Choir

• July 26: Dakota Valley Symphony

• August 2: Power of Ten

• August 9: Riverside Hitmen

• August 16: 5 Speed Custom

• August 23: Michael Monroe

• September 8: Two Sundays

• September 15: Two Sundays

over the years. “We’re actually getting a big amphitheater in Kelley Park,” Junker says. “We’re hoping to see our program grow tremendously with that.”

Beyond the concerts, AVAF’s simultaneous focus is to fund arts education efforts. Any money left after putting on the concert series is divided out among Apple Valley Schools for the purpose of improving and fortifying arts education equipment and programs. Since its start, the AVAF has donated more than $400,000 to local schools.“[AVAF] has been one of the strongest and most consistent sources of community support for arts programming at Apple Valley High School in the last 25 years,” says Bill Blatzheim, assistant principal and Arts and Activities director for Apple Valley High School.

Samuel remembers participating in AVAF-funded programming when he was a child. “It was really beneficial for me,” he says. “I was introverted, and it helped me in a lot of facets in my life.”

Samuel’s story exemplifies what AVAF founder and Dakota County Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland was hoping for when she started the foundation. “To me music is alive in Apple Valley, and that is so important for people,” she says. “It’s important for me right now.”

Apple Valley Arts Foundation; 612.123.4567; avartsfoundation.org Apple Valley Arts Foundation @avartsfoundation

Say GOODBYE to STUBBORN Fat, and HELLO to a SLIMMER, more TONED you!

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

BEST OF CITIES SOUTH 2024

We’re celebrating the best that the South Metro has to offer with our first annual Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll. In January, we asked you for favorite picks in about 50 different categories, and here are your selections for everything from your favorite bakery to your favorite veterinarian. While our magazine collection readership includes Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and

Prior Lake, we noticed that the survey results seemed to favor a certain community. (We see you, Lakeville! Thank you for voting!) If you feel a “best” from your city was overlooked, we hope it inspires you to vote in December when our 2025 contest goes live online.

Right now, we’re thrilled to share the sweet success of these local businesses, the Best of the Cities South 2024 Winners! —Liz Potasek

Readers, you voted for your favorite people, places and services in the area.

DINING

Best Bakery

1. Sweet Kneads by Farmington Bakery

2. Sweet Treasures

3. Edelweiss Bakery

Best Bar, Brewery or Distillery

1. Lakeville Brewing Company

2. Omni Winery & Taproom

3. Bald Man Brewing

Best Breakfast or Brunch

1. The Better Half

2. Hope Breakfast Bar

3. Jensen’s Cafe

Best Burger

1. B-52 Burgers and Brew

2. Tie: Burgers and Bottles; Northern Taphouse

Best Desserts or Ice Cream

1. Dairy Delite

2. Chill Ice Cream Studio

3. Cold Stone Creamery

Best International Cuisine

1. Taste of Thai Yai

2. Tie: Fong’s Restaurant & Bar; Joy’s Thai Cuisine; Mediterranean Cruise Cafe

Best Outdoor Dining Space

1. Lakeville Brewing Company

2. The Tavern Grill

3. Barley + Vine Kitchen/Bar

Best Pizza

1. Carbone’s Lakeville

2. Ole Piper Family Restaurant & Sports Bar

3. Red’s Savoy Pizza

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. Tie: Mediterranean Cruise Cafe; Toppers Pizza

Best Restaurant

1. Porterhouse Steak & Seafood

2. Lakeville Brewing Company

3. Tie: Doolittles Woodfire Grill; The Better Half

ABODE

Best Garden Center

1. Terra Garden Center

2. Pahl’s Market

3. Gertens

Best Home Decor or Furniture Store

1. HOM Furniture

2. Schneiderman’s Furniture

3. Ashley

Best Interior Design Firm

1. The Divine Living Space

2. Curate with Kate

Best Landscape Design Service

1. Southview Design

2. Tie: Custom One Landscaping; Pahl’s Market

Best Remodeler

1. Rise & Shine Garage Doors

2. Tie: Custom One Renovation; Platt Contracting

Best Senior Living Residence

1. The Moments

2. Tie: BeeHive Homes of Lakeville; Highview Hills

SELF-CARE

Best Barbershop

1. TR’s Lakeville Barber Shop

2. Tie: 210 Barber Shop; Red’s Chop Shop

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. Puravida Fitness

2. Tie: Onx; The Warehouse

Best Hair Salon

1. Tie: Cole’s Salon; Regard Rayonnant

2. CBeauty Hair Studio

Best Manicure and Pedicure

1. Frenchies Modern Nail Care

2. Nail Bar & Spa

3. Heidi Nails

Best Massage

1. Amesbarry Chiropractic

2. Spavia

3. Tie: Clovr Life Spa; Keep In Touch

Best Spa

1. Spavia

2. Sage + Arch

3. Tie: Life Time LifeSpa; The Esthetician

WELLNESS

Best Chiropractic Practice

1. ABLE Chiropractic

2. HealthSource Chiropractic

3. Enlighten Chiropractic

Best Dental Practice

1. Lakeville Dental

2. Apelgren Dental

3. Park Dental

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Tie: Dermatology Consultants; Lakes Dermatology

Best Eye Care Practice

1. McDonald Eye Care Associates

2. Focused Eye Care

3. Tie: Advanced Family Eyecare; Yankee Eye Clinic

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Park Nicollet

2. Tie: Allina; Dillman Clinic & Lab; New Kingdom

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. Minnesota Women’s Care

2. OBGYN Specialists

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Lakeville Orthodontics

2. Tie: Anchored Orthodontics; Cosmopolitan Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Practice

1. Southdale Pediatrics

2. Tie: Eagan Valley Pediatrics; Park Nicollet

LEARNING

Best Dance Studio

1. DanceWorks Performing Arts Center

2. Next Step Dance Studio

3. Tie: Betty Jo’s Dance Center; South Metro Dance Arts Center

Best Preschool Program

1. The Goddard School Lakeville

2. Hypointe Childcare

3. Especially For Children

Best Swim School or Lessons

1. Wise Swim School

2. Tie: Bear Paddle Swim School; Foss Swim School

PET CARE

Best Dog-Friendly Business (Dining or Retail venue)

1. Three Dog Bakery

2. Wag N’ Wash

3. Dog Day Getaway

Best Dog Park

1. Ritter Farm Dog Park

2. Dakota Woods Dog Park

3. Cleary Lake Dog Off-leash Area

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Dog Day Getaway

2. Tie: Puppy Play and Stay; River Valley Groom & Board

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Wag N’ Wash

2. Dog Day Getaway

3. Tie: Fancy Paws Pet Salon; Pet Attitudes; The Dirty Dog Spa

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. East Valley Animal Clinic

2. Tie: Southfork Animal Hospital; VCA Cedar View Animal Hospital

SHOPS

Best Apparel Boutique

1. Board and Batten

2. Tie: Mainstream Boutique; Thread and Clover Boutique

Best Florist

1. Flora Etc.

2. Rosemount Floral

3. Tie: Bachman’s; Flowerama

Best Gift Shop

1. Market On Oak Boutique

2. The Charming Lily Boutique

3. Ficus & Fig

Best Jewelry Store

1. Gerster Jewelers

2. Tie: Real Gem Jewelers; Shane Co.

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Desi Foods

LEISURE

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Antlers Park

2. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

3. Cleary Lake Regional Park

Best Date Night Spot

1. Board and Brush

2. Porterhouse Steak and Seafood

3. Gary’s Supper Club

Best Outdoor Spot for Graduation Photos

1. Ritter Farm Park

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Board and Brush

2. Tie: Bowlero; Labyrinth Puzzle Rooms

Best Venue to Watch

Fourth of July Fireworks

1. Lakeville Pan-O-Prog Fireworks

2. Apple Valley Freedom Days Fireworks

BEST OF THE METRO

Best Alpine Hill or Nordic Ski Trail

1. Buck Hill

2. Tie: Lebanon Hills Regional Park; Welch Village

Best Biking or Hiking Trail

1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

2. Ritter Farm Park

3. Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. Tie: Effie’s Bridal Trunk; The Wedding Shoppe

2. Bridal-N-More Boutique

Best Family Photographer

1. Anthologie

2. East Oaks Photography

3. Tie: BennyAni Photography; Kiley Marissa Photography; Tiffany Lynn Photography

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

1. Edward Jones

2. Tie: Haven Financial Group; Thrivent

Best Golf Course

1. Legends Club

2. The Wilds Golf Club

3. Tie: Bracketts Crossing Country Club; Crystal Lake Golf Club; Valleywood Golf Course

Best Law Practice

1. Elizabeth M. Porter

Best Outdoor Skating Rink

1. Tie: Arden Park; Goat Hill Park

Best Private School

1. First Baptist School

2. The Goddard School Lakeville

3. United Christian Academy

Best Professional Theatre

1. Orpheum Theatre

2. Tie: Children’s Theatre Company; Park Square Theatre

Best Staycation Hotel

1. Holiday Inn & Suites Lakeville

2. JW Marriott Mall of America

Best Summer Camp

1. YMCA Day Camp Streefland

2. Tie: Camp Sizzleberry; Catholic Youth Camp

Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer

1. Kiley Marissa Photography

2. Tie: East Oaks Photography; Studio Twelve:52

Best Wedding Venue

1. Bracketts Crossing Country Club

Best Winery

1. Omni Winery & Taproom

2. Next Chapter Winery

3. Schram Vineyards

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

Bakery Items

» Brittni Dye

» Wuollet Bakery, wuollet.com

Florals and Arrangements

» Bachmans, bachmans.com

Jewelry

» General Store of Minnetonka, generalstoreofminnetonka.com

Serveware and Decor

» General Store of Minnetonka, generalstoreofminnetonka.com

» Owned by Local’s Art Department

» Patina, patinastores.com

Lakeville Dental

When Jennifer Harrison’s, D.D.S, father opened the doors of Lakeville Dental in 1974, he not only launched a longstanding community business, he also initiated a commitment to excellence and compassion that has guided the practice. “Through the years, we’ve built not just a business, but a family—a family rooted in trust, care and genuine connection,” she says.

For 50 years, Lakeville Dental has provided and continues to offer comprehensive services, including preventative care, advanced restorative treatments and cosmetic services. As a second-generation, family-owned business, the entire team appreciates the importance of providing skilled and experienced care and maintains a sharp focus on personalized attention, ensuring patients are treated with individualized plans to best tend to their oral healthcare needs.

Dr. Jen is joined by her longtime friend and associate Rachel Major, D.D.S. Together, they lead Lakeville Dental with a continued commitment to excellent comprehensive and personalized care.

As it marks this milestone anniversary, Lakeville Dental wants to celebrate by offering special promotions: $50 off

a new patient exam; $50 off custom whitening or an Oral B iO toothbrush for current patients; and monthly drawings for $50 gift cards to other local Lakeville businesses. The community is invited to an Open House and 50th Anniversary Celebration set for August 22. Be sure to visit the website and follow on social media for additional details.

“As we commemorate 50 incredible years, my heart swells with gratitude and pride,” Dr. Jen says. “It’s an honor beyond words to serve such a wonderful community. My journey with Lakeville Dental has been nothing short of a dream come true. From serving in the United States Air Force to returning to Lakeville to raise my own family, this community has always held a special place in my heart.”

Bear Paddle Swim School dives into fun and water safety.

Living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes — many families enjoy recreational activities near and on local waterways, but there’s a safety component that requires attention.

“We want the process of learning to swim to be as fun and enjoyable as the memories they will make around water, and we know that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent,” says Greta Mullen, director of marketing of Bear Paddle Swim School in Savage, which offers instruction to children ages 6 months to 15 years.

When it comes to learning to swim, the earlier, the better.

“We know the earlier a child starts, the more quickly they learn,” Mullen says. “Younger children are less likely to have scheduling conflicts, so we encourage families to get started in swim lessons as early as they can.”

Bear Paddle offers private and group lessons and swim clinics. “Most families choose weekly group lessons, so their children can reap the benefits of learning to swim alongside their peers,” Mullen says. “We know the impact that one-onone attention has on progress, so our group lesson packages also include a monthly private lesson for each child.”

Family life can be unpredictable, so swim packages include make-up lessons for those inevitable sick days, and

the monthly program model allows swimmers to graduate into their next swim level when they are ready, not when the program timeline dictates.

“We especially appreciate how flexible the schedule is and how understanding they were when my daughter couldn’t attend a couple lessons when she was sick,” Melanie D. says. “Our kids were scared of the water before we began coming here. Now, they’re excited to go swimming every week,” Lee F. says.

“Every parent, child and family has a water story, and we want your story to be happy and inspiring, starting with where and how your child learns to swim,” Mullen says.

Our editor shares her favorite places to unwind and recharge.

Mama Needs a Minute …

WRITTEN BY LIZ POTASEK

When I’ve hit my breaking point as a caregiver, this is where you’ll find me. Whether I’m lucky enough to get an afternoon alone, a night out with friends, a date with my husband or I need to take a “break” while I’m still the parent on duty, I count on these places to refill my cup—sometimes literally!

BY HERSELF

Rose Yarn Co.

I credit this shop for rekindling my love of knitting. I walked in to meet with owner Jennifer Murphree a little over a year ago and walked out with a kit for a cowl knit-along. I’ve barely put down my needles since—including the time I spent last fall knitting enough pumpkins to make a whole patch after attending a workshop at Rose Yarn.

But I’m definitely not the only one who’s found solace in this sweet little shop. Monthly classes regularly sell out in hours, and it’s developed a faithful following of local fiber artists. Murphree is an avid knitter, and she used the craft as a form of stress relief during the years she worked as a paramedic.

Her caring nature, along with friendly and knowledgeable staff, creates a welcoming place.

The shop carries high-quality yarn, notions, storage bags and organizers as well as kits, making it a destination for crafters in the Metro and beyond.

17563 Glasgow Ave., Lakeville; 952.262.1554; roseyarn.com Rose Yarn Co. @roseyarnco

Vendella Euro Boutique & Coffee Haus

It’s not uncommon to squeeze into a seat at this shop and observe everything from prayer circles to knitting circles and customers clicking away at laptops as friends gather to chit-chat. While the people watching is excellent, the coffee is even better. The shop brews a truly strong cup of cold press, and its specialty drinks are delicious.

To top it off, the space also doubles as a boutique filled with jewelry, apparel, candles and so much more. It’s a great place to shop for gifts or pick up something special for yourself.

1440 Duckwood Drive Suite 600, Eagan; 651.888.0119; vendellacoffee.com Vendella @vendella_coffee_haus

Queen Bee’z Lawn & Garden and Sailer’s Greenhouse

It’s impossible to walk into Queen Bee’z Lawn & Garden or Sailer’s Greenhouse without finding instant inspiration for your garden. Since the shops are only about 4 miles apart in Prior Lake, I like to visit them both over the course of an afternoon.

Both shops offer a variety of houseplants, annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs and trees, while also having creatively designed patio pots and hanging baskets, along with lawn art and garden decor. Watch for the special seasonal events, too. You’ll find pop-up markets, DIY days and more.

Queen Bee’z Lawn & Garden, 17860 Panama Ave., Prior Lake; 952.440.8165; queenbeezgarden.com

Queen Beez Lawn and Garden @queenbeezinc

Sailer’s Greenhouse, 1610 170th St. E., Shakopee; 952.403.0630; sailersgreenhouse.com

Sailer’s Greenhouse @sailersgreenhouse

Sailer’s Greenhouse

Galaxie Library

As an avid reader, it’s safe to say that the public library system has saved me a significant amount of money over the years. I still think it’s magic that I can browse for books online, request them and then pick them up at the library when they’re ready. If I get an hour or two to myself, it’s a treat to browse for books in person and read a page or two before I commit to checking them out. I also make sure to hit up the cookbook section for dinner inspiration.

14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley; 952.891.7045; co.dakota.mn.us

WITH OTHER ADULTS

Kitchen and Rail

Part of the delight of Kitchen and Rail in Eagan is its unassuming location. We all know there are plenty of good restaurants in the suburbs, but we don’t necessarily expect to find well-mixed, inventive crafts cocktails and a memorable meal in a strip mall. Yet, that’s exactly what you’ll find at Kitchen and Rail. I meet friends from across the Metro here because I can say with confidence, “It’s worth the drive.” I convince my husband to take me here on date night, so I can enjoy a cocktail (or two) and a ride home.

3344 Promenade Ave., Eagan; 612.402.7380; kitchenandrail.com Kitchen and Rail @kitchenandrail

Pizza Karma

If we’re short on time, Pizza Karma in Apple Valley is my pick for a fast-casual date night. We order online, and then pick up our food and take it to a local park. The restaurant specializes in tandoor-fired pizzas. It’s got a menu of inventive pizzas, made with freshly ground spices, like the Chicken Kebab and Lamb Meatball, and some fabulous appetizers, sandwiches and salads. I think the vegetarian/dairy-free options are delicious, and my husband (who eats meat and dairy) vouches for the rest of the menu.

15265 Galaxie Ave. # 200, Apple Valley; 952.800.4540; pizzakarma.com Pizza Karma @pizzkarmamn

Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve

When I’m feeling stressed or tired, there’s nothing better than lacing up a pair of running shoes and spending time out in nature logging miles, especially when the scenery is as varied and beautiful as it is in Murphy Hanrehan. Since I am a completely codependent runner, if I’m hitting the trails at Murphy, it’s with my husband or the Burnsville/Lakeville Moms on the Run.

The park, which borders Savage, Burnsville, Lakeville, Credit River and Prior Lake, has multiple entry points and offers miles of unpaved trails through forest and prairie on hilly terrain.

According to Three Rivers Park District, which operates the park with Scott County, Murphy Hanrehan is a great place for spotting woodland songbirds, and it’s been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. In addition to birds, I’ve seen coyotes romping across frozen lakes, and some of my fellow “mom” runners even spotted a large cat on one memorable morning run—these sightings have only reinforced my running codependency. Yet, I always finish my runs through Murphy feeling more relaxed and restored.

15501 Murphy Lake Road, Savage; 763.694.7777; threeriversparks.org

Rhino Wine Bar

Nestled right in downtown Prior Lake, Rhino Wine Bar makes a great destination for date night or girls night.

On date night, my husband and I like to settle in with a couple flights of wine and a snack to take a minute to unwind and decompress before making our way to a restaurant (two great date night spots: Perron’s Sul Lago and PLate on Main are nearby).

When I’m with friends, we love to catch up over a glass of wine before or after some retail therapy at the adorable boutiques within walking distance.

The wine bar feels upscale without being

Photo: Chris Emeott

Home and garden inspiration abounds at

Sailer’s Greenhouse in Prior Lake.

White-cheeked Gibbon on the Tropics Trail at the Minnesota Zoo.

pretentious, and with a menu that changes monthly, it seems that there’s always something new to try.

16186 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake; rhinowinebar.com Rhino Wine Bar @rhinowinebar

WITH THE FAMILY

Minnesota Zoo

Although the Minnesota Zoo can be a bit overwhelming, if you do it strategically, it can actually be relaxing. I like to start every trip to the zoo at one of the play-heavy exhibits: the penguins, Dino Hideout or Woodland Adventure playground. I sit on a bench and drink my coffee while the kiddos get some exercise. Once I’m sufficiently caffeinated, and the children have mellowed slightly, we pick one part of the zoo to explore.

In the winter, we usually stay warm on the Tropics Trail and do a quick loop through the Minnesota Trail. In the summer, we’ve really enjoyed the new TreeTop Trail or Grizzly Coast. After our first trail, we reassess. If my husband is along on our outing, we will be visiting the World of Birds show. This is a good place to relax, as long as you don’t get too relaxed—those lowflying birds will definitely mess up your power nap. At the first sign of meltdown, whining or “sore feet,” we start making our way to the exit because even when we get “good” parking, it’s still a walk. I’ve learned to let go of any expectations at the zoo. Some days we don’t make it past the Woodland Adventure, and that’s OK— as long as I get my cup of coffee, it’s a win.

13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; 952.431.9200; mnzoo.org Minnesota Zoo @mnzoo @mnzoo

Prior Lake Farmers Market

The Prior Lake Farmers Market is one of our family’s favorite destinations on a Saturday morning. I’m happy picking out fresh produce and bouquets of flowers while my kids only have eyes for the baked goods at Edelweiss Bakery, and my husband explores the breakfast offerings at the food trucks. There’s also live music, locally made food, crafts, bread, coffee, treats and more. With a couple of dozen vendors, this market is the perfect size for exploring and gets our weekend off to a great start.

Pro tip: If you want to get donuts or pastries from Edelweiss (and yes, you definitely will want to get donuts and pastries from Edelweiss), order online (edelweissbakerypl.square.site) at least 24 hours

ahead of time. You’ll be able to pick up your baked goods in the back of the shop and skip the line that will inevitably be snaking out the front door.

8 a.m.–Noon Saturdays through October 16228 Main Ave. SE, Prior Lake; priorlakefarmersmarket.com priorlakefarmersmarket

Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar

Whether we’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I always keep Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar in mind for dining out with the kiddos. It’s easy to relax at a restaurant with such an incredibly warm and welcoming staff and comfortable, yet stylish, atmosphere, but it’s the menu that makes it a real winner.

There are options for everyone in the family, which is no easy feat given my dietary restrictions (no meat, dairy or oats) and a picky eater who has to be cajoled to eat anything that’s not a hamburger or macaroni and cheese. Mason Jar clearly labels its vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and its 12 and under menu offers hamburgers, chicken fingers, pizza and mac and cheese. My husband enjoys the restaurant’s modern take on American (and Minnesotan) classics.

Plus, there’s really good dessert: cupcakes and Sebastian Joe’s ice cream. We often get cupcakes to-go after a filling meal—and it even offers vegan cupcakes, which means I can indulge, too.

1565 Cliff Road, Eagan; 651.340.7809; masonjar.kitchen Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar @masonjarkitchenandbar

Lakeville Art Festival

Yes, this is a juried art festival with more than a hundred artists selling everything from jewelry to outdoor sculptures and fiber arts to photographs, but this annual two-day art festival is also a place to make art and watch art get made. My kids have loved participating in the community art project—festival goers of all ages are invited to contribute to an art piece that’s displayed somewhere in the community.

They’ve also enjoyed watching pottery demonstrations, listening to live music and getting treats at the food trucks. Meanwhile, I’ve been able to browse beautiful work from local artists. The event’s location, outdoors on the grounds of the Lakeville Art Center, helps create a very relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Third weekend in September. 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.4640; lakevilleartscenterfriends.org Lakeville Art Festival @lakevilleartfestival

TA STEMAKE RS

SUMMER SIPPERS

FIND COOL TWISTS ON CLASSIC DRINKS.

The days are longer, and the temperatures are rising. It’s time to make the most of the season with cool drinks and lingering conversations at our local restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you’re meeting up in the morning and need an extra caffeine boost to get you through the day or want to wind down with a special drink, we’ve found some thirst-quenching options.

Written by Liz Potasek

Photo: Chris Emeott

THE BE WORD

Photo: Chris Emeott

TEQUILA OLD FASHIONED

“You can find a great, traditional Old Fashioned on a lot of menus, but in my opinion, you don’t really see many Old Fashioneds with different spirits, such as tequila, that often,” says Eric Proesch, bar manager at Southern Social, explaining the inspiration behind this drink. “I wanted to include an ingredient from a local distillery, as well. Using locally sourced ingredients—whether it be food or spirits—is a part of our mission statement and is very important to us.” The Tequila Old Fashioned is made with Lunazul reposado tequila, Tattersall toasted coconut aquavit, agave syrup and tiki bitters. With notes of allspice and cinnamon, the tiki bitters blend well with aged tequila, Proesch says. Southern Social, 1940 Rahncliff Court, Eagan; 651.478.7919; southernsocialmn.com

THE BE WORD

This twist on the Last Word features gin, cassis liqueur (a dark red liqueur made from black currants), wild sage liqueur, lime and mint. It’s light and refreshing and very fruit forward, says bar manager Drew Patty. The Volstead House Whisky Bar and Speakeasy, 1278 Lone Oak Road, Eagan; 651.340.7175; volsteadhouse.com

HABANERO WATERMELON MARGARITA

Looking for something spicy, sweet and very refreshing? The Habanero Watermelon Margarita at Charlie’s on Prior hits all those notes. The drink is made with habanero-infused Gran Centenario tequila, house sour mix and watermelon mix to create the perfect pucker. Charlie’s on Prior, 3950 Green Heights Trail SW, Prior Lake; 952.226.5253; charliesonprior.com

We provide flexible hours, personalized care and 98% patient satisfaction. Schedule an appointment today!

parkdental.com

Memberships that offer exclusive benefits and customizable treatments for an affordable wellness routine tailored to your needs.

Result-driven treatments that combine visible and tangible improvements with the relaxation expected from a spa experience. Serene retreat with resort-like amenities including spa robes, sandals, warm neck pillows, and more ensuring a relaxing experience.

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Photo: Barley + Vine Kitchen/Bar

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

Summer drinks don’t have to be sweet. Sample something a little more savory with The Better Half’s take on a Dirty Martini. The cocktail includes Brovo vodka, olive juice, dry vermouth and peach bitters, garnished with black lava salt, a spicy garlic stuffed olive and a whipped blue cheese olive in addition to a regular olive. The Better Half, 20851 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.214.7402; thebetterhalfmn.com

PERFECT CHEMISTRY

This refreshing martini is on Barley + Vine Kitchen/Bar’s spring and summer menu. With Bombay Sapphire gin, rosemary, blood orange, lemon juice, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur and orange bitters, “it is the perfect combination of juicy, floral and herbaceous, balanced by the dry gin,” says bar manager Dylan Nelson. Barley + Vine Kitchen/Bar, 17516 Dodd Blvd., Lakeville; 952.683.1765; barleyandvinekitchen.com

NITRO CHAI

Cream and vanilla syrup mixed with nitro cold brew coffee and chai makes this drink stand out from your typical iced coffee or tea. It’s also special because Tapestry Coffee puts a lot of care into each component of this drink—the chai, nitro cold brew and vanilla syrup are all made in-house. “We didn’t want our syrups to have any preservatives or high fructose syrups, so we decided to make them from scratch,” says Kiley Van Daalen, one of the owners of Tapestry Coffee. “Vanilla, for example, is just vanilla beans, syrup and water. It’s simple but delicious. Our cold brew is a shop staple. We roast all our own beans, so we are able to make cold brew out of our Abstract blend. Our chai is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet with cinnamon and other spices.” Tapestry Coffee, 20788 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.595.6025; tapestrycoffeemn.com

Meet

SPICY PINEAPPLE MARGARITA

Mary-Catherine Hartel Senior account executive

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: I love meeting new people and learning about their marketing plans. Seeing things in their eyes helps me see the world in a different way.

Q: What are you listening to or reading right now?

A: I am currently reading/listening to Adam Grant’s new book, Hidden Potential. I reread Think Again every year and this book is just as good.

Mary-Catherine Hartel Sales Associate Question? Answer: Question? Answer: Question? Answer:

Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?

A: Currently, I am building a small book nook. I love books and having a few mini book nook scenes on my shelf feels magical.

SPICY PINEAPPLE MARGARITA

Homshuk Mexican Kitchen + Bar has created an entire menu of distinctive margaritas, and this Spicy Pineapple Margarita is perfect for those hot days that need a little extra heat. Made with gold tequila, fresh pineapple, chili diablo, fresh lime, Tajin and agave, it’s

Photo: Chris Emeott

Follow us on Instagram where we showcase local people, places and events.

STAY CONNECTED AND CELEBRATE CITIES SOUTH

PACK YOUR BEACH BAG

A beachfront park in Lakeville opens with major upgrades.

AFTER A YEAR-LONG closure for renovations, one of Lakeville’s most popular parks has reopened in time for beach season. A sculpture of a bronze deer with large antlers that light at the tips will greet visitors at the newly improved Antlers Park.

Improvements to the 20-acre park include a new pavilion, seasonal food concessions operated by Lakeville Brewing Company, playground, sand volleyball courts and expanded parking. The park, which is home to a beautiful swimming beach, will also contain the Lake Marion Regional Greenway Trailhead, linking up to regional walking and biking trails. Lakeville’s Antlers Park has long been a recreational destination in the Twin Cities. In the 1920s, the park had a Ferris wheel and a train stop, making it a popular weekend getaway, and its latest incarnation promises to continue attracting visitors for years to come. —Liz Potasek

Antlers Park, 20141 Ipava Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.4600; lakevillemn.gov

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp

LOCAL EVENTS

Big Rig Rally 06/01

See fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow trucks and garbage trucks at this big rig event. Guests can participate in face painting, refreshments and giveaways. All ages. Free. 4–7 p.m. Eagan Central Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman Point, Eagan; 651.675.5000; cityofeagan.com

Eagan Art Festival 06/22–06/23

This two-day art festival will feature

The Antlers Park Pavilion in Lakeville.

CREATE. LAUGH. LEARN.

Your child will grow and develop through a research-driven, relationship-oriented, play-based learning curriculum. Serving infants through Pre-K children. Family- and Locally-owned since 1976. www.EspeciallyforChildren.com

Best Dental Practice

80 local artists, entertainment for all ages, community arts experiences and local food vendors. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. June 22. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. June 23. Eagan Community Center, 501 Central Parkway, Eagan; 612.321.8079; eaganartfestival.org

Great Scott Bike Ride 07/04

Choose between the 25-mile and 50-mile bike routes to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the outdoors. Participants will also enjoy stops and lunch. All ages. $15–$30. 7:15 a.m. Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway, Prior Lake; 952.479.0038; greatscottcycling.com

Lakefront Music Fest 07/12–07/13

Soak in summer with Prior Lake’s Music Fest. Enjoy headlining music from rock band Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and country singer Dierks Bentley. All ages. Price varies. Gates open at 5 p.m. Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway, Prior Lake; 952.479.4339; lakefrontmusicfest.com

Lakefest 07/16

Celebrate July with Lakefest. Learn how to fish, play games with community members

Photo: Brenda Lyseng

Women Walking

and enjoy local food vendors. All ages. Free. 5–7 p.m. Thomas Lake Park, 4425 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan; 651.675.5000; cityofeagan.com

AREA EVENTS

St. Anthony Park Arts Festival 06/01

Usher in summer at this communitywide celebration of art. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Como Ave., St. Paul; artsfest@stanthonyparkartsfestival.org; sapfest.org

Morning Wetland Hike 06/01

Take in a rich variety of plants, animals and ecosystems by hiking up to 2 miles through a trail of wetlands. Ages 16 and older. $24–$36. 8–10 a.m. Hilltop Classroom, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton; 651.436.5189; belwin.org

World Ballet Festival 06/07–06/09

At this first-of-its-kind festival, dancers will showcase titular scenes from classic productions including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote

and more. All ages. $55–$105. Times vary. Pantages Theater, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.373.5665; hennepintheatertrust.org

Golden Valley Pride Festival 06/08

Enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, bouncy houses and games to celebrate this pride month where all are welcome. All ages. Free. Noon–6 p.m. Brookview park, 200 Brookview Parkway N., Golden Valley; info@golden valleypride.com; goldenvalleypride.com

Spotlight Showcase 2024 06/10–06/11

Over 1,600 talented students will perform in this showcase. All ages. $20–$100. 7:30 p.m. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.org

Women Walking 06/15

Enjoy easy yogic exercises, walking meditations and refreshments around a fire. Ages 16 and older. $20–$50. 6–9 p.m. Savanna Center, 795 Indian Trail, Afton; 651.436.5189; belwin.org

Stone Arch Bridge Festival 06/15–06/16

At this festival, which overlooks the Mississippi River, makers and lovers of food, art and music come together for a weekend of summer fun. All ages. Free. 10 a.m. Stone Arch Bridge, 100 Portland Ave., Mpls.; 952.473.6422; stonearchbridgefestival.com

Midsommar 06/15

Dance around the midsommar pole, make flower crowns and enjoy live music featuring a special festival menu with the American Swedish Institute on the longest day of the year. All ages. Prices vary. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Mpls.; 612.871.4907; asimn.org

To have your event considered: email citiessouthmags@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.

Since 1986 we have been serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We offer a rigorous curriculum in a safe environment with no hidden agenda, building leaders with a heart to serve their community.

Christian Heritage Academy 7320 175th St. W., Lakeville 952.953.4155 chacademy.com

Year in Review

Looking back at this year’s issues, we are so grateful for the strong and vibrant communities that inspire our titles. From trending jewelery and trendsetting restaurants to healing horses and home design, each piece has been a joy for our staff to write and produce. It will always be an honor to be trusted with your stories. —Liz Potasek

GALLERY

Making a House a Home

PROVIDING

INNOVATIVE AND LIFE-ENRICHING SERVICES TO CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS & ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Homeward Bound currently operates 22 Residential Homes for persons with severe disabilities. We provide services to individuals who through no fault of their own find themselves waking up each day to extraordinary challenges.

We strive to exceed the expectations of the people we serve and their families by finding better ways of delivering care, housing and programmatic services. Each person is encouraged and empowered to develop skills and capabilities needed to increase self-reliance and enhance quality of life. We are asking for your support with donations for new homes, community activities, staff training and recruitment, necessary medical equipment and transportation. Individuals can sometimes be forgotten, please choose to help and show the community everyone is important.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Rusty Fifield’s image, Cannonball!, won first place in the Wildlife category of our 2023 Focus on Cities South photo contest.

To view other Focus on Cities South photo contest winners, visit citiessouthmag.com.

Focus on Cities South

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

Each July and August, the Cities South Magazine collection invites readers to submit their favorite photos to our Focus on Cities South photo contest. From the novice to the hobbyist to the professional, photographers of all abilities and ages are encouraged to share their unique, creative perspectives. Scroll down your digital files or flip through your film—whatever it takes. Submit photographs that capture the beauty, essence and spirit of Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake.

Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife. Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category. —Editorial Staff

The Details:

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

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville or Prior Lake.

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

• Photos should be taken in Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville or Prior Lake.

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

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

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

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