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MINNETONKA BEACH LAKESHORE
I'm thrilled to share that I’ve joined Ispiri as General Manager and Partner, leading our new division: Ispiri On the Lakes. We’re focused on custom builds, tear-downs, and major renovations in the Lake Minnetonka area.
It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and create exceptional homes. Let’s connect— I’d love to hear from you!
-Eddie Near
FAMILY, PETS AND SENIOR LIVING
“It
Photo: Chris Emeott
from the EDITOR
I had never heard sounds like I did that day. I had never felt as though an entire building disappeared before my eyes. I had never watched as generations of pine trees fell like soldiers defeated in battle, booming as each hit the water-saturated ground.
While thunderstorms are not uncommon in our state, there’s something about witnessing their destruction from a lakeside picture window that can be very unsettling, and the way storm sound travels over water is disconcerting.
Several years ago, I was at our family cabin Up North with my father, daughter and our aging dog, Charles Nelson Reilly. That storm’s rain and wind hit our side of the lake with a fervor not witnessed by our family in nearly 50 years of ownership. Gone were many towering Norway, red and white pines that hosted our hammocks, shaded our lawn chairs and whispered to us through their gentle breezes. While our cabin survived, our garage across the road went down like an accordion—flattened right on top of itself.
As some of you know, the effects of heavy storm damage lingers long after the weather system has calmed or moved on. Filing insurance claims, rebuilding, replanting and repurchasing lost items can go on for well over a year. For us, Charles was left with some scars of his own. The sounds of the storm left him quaking in his little crooked paws, and he was never quite the same. Every subsequent loud noise, be it fireworks, trains changing tracks or storms, gave our beloved pet reason to seek the nearest hiding spot and heavily pant and whimper until the sound abated. We tried everything, or so we thought, to help him.
Sadly, Charles has passed away, but we are always aware of ensuring Pippa Marie Kravitz (our current dog) doesn’t suffer the same fate. Thankfully, on page 16, an article offers starting points for animal owners to consider when spring storms and summer celebrations become a bit too much for their animals. (For those of who have experienced the loss of a pet, visit our Noteworthy article on page 15 to learn more about grieving for a pet.)
Regardless of the circumstances, taking thoughtful care of our animals should be a given. “I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs,” notes James Herriot, British veterinary surgeon and author.
Until next month,
Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co
Photo:
On the Cover: Mike Rakun, page 39
Photo by: Chris Emeott
STAY CONNECTED AND CELEBRATE LAKE MINNETONKA
VOL. 20 NO. 2 lakeminnetonkamag.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Laurel Famigletti, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Lynette Kalsnes, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Taylor Hamilton
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer ; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce ; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel
Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.
That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.
In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.
I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows
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MORNING MENU
With Father’s Day on June 15, we got to thinking: Mothers aren’t the only ones who deserve a decadent breakfast in bed or a lovely brunch, served at home. While egg bakes have long been a recipe staple, Mediterranean Egg Bake offers an elevated take on a classic and combines sheet pan roasted veggies with buttery layers of dough and custard. Feta and goat cheeses enter the mix, creating a crowd-pleasing dish—perfect for leisurely weekend mornings and special celebrations!
For the complete recipe, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
Photo:
What happens when a literary icon reimagines a classic?
You get James: A Novel, a bold retelling of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man. Percival Everett’s masterful novel transforms Jim into James—a man of agency, intellect and resilience—offering a searing exploration of freedom, identity and survival.
The story begins with James fleeing after learning he’ll be sold and separated from his family. On Jackson Island, he meets Huck Finn, who has faked his death to escape his abusive father. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River. While Twain’s original narrative remains recognizable—with storms, scams and danger lurking at every turn—Everett shifts the focus to James’ humanity. His intelligence, compassion and determination shine as he navigates a world rife with brutality and hypocrisy.
Everett’s prose is both playful and profound, blending humor with harrowing depictions of slavery’s horrors. James’ reflections on race, religion and the human condition elevate the narrative into a powerful meditation on freedom.
James resonates with this month’s Juneteenth themes of liberation and resilience.
Rima Parikh is the owner of the Thinking Spot, where James: A Novel is available. Read more at thethinkingspot.us.
Calling All Cats
Are you delighted by an easy-to-grow plant species that comes back year after year and blooms from late spring into fall? Are you looking for a variety that looks beautiful in mass groupings or on its own? Perhaps, you are in the market for plants that attract pollinators or even one that is pleasing to you and your cat. Look no further than catmint.
Its lavender blooms and soft, mint green leaves hold the chemical compound nepetalactone, which protects the plant from being devoured by pesky insects. As fate would have it, this chemical closely resembles the feline sex
pheromone as well. (Even tigers and lions will respond favorably to its scent.)
To Note: Catmint is not the same cultivar as catnip. Both are in the Nepeta genus and look quite similar. Catmint is in the hearty mint family, so you don’t have to worry much if your cat rolls around or takes a nap on this lowgrowing, flowering perennial; it should bounce right back.
Alison Feik of Excelsior has a degree in landscape architecture and holds a wealth of knowledge about local plants and gardening. Grow more at beingstronginnature.com.
REMEMBER
Pet Loss
Grief is often associated with the loss of human life, but the reality is that pet owners often move through the grieving process when their pets pass away. The little-discussed topic of grief associated with pets can be challenging to navigate, given the lack of awareness and direction toward healing resources.
Tanja Philhower, a veterinary social worker with the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center, says, “In the short term, it’s really important for people to allow their grief to be what it is.”
Focusing on self-compassion and taking time to feel emotions while the grief settles in is important. “When we are talking about self-compassion, we are really just talking about offering ourselves that same level of kindness and grace that we would offer to a friend of a loved one and instead, offering that to ourselves,” Philhower says.
Philhower recommends creating a memorial space for the pet, stressing the importance of “… having a spot that serves as a representation or a place where you can go when you want to feel a connection [and] when you want to specifically sit with grief because grief stays with you.” She adds, “When you want to have a moment of honoring or remembrance, having a place to go can be helpful and healing for people.”
Books can be excellent resources to help navigate grief. Philhower recommends The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O’Connor. The book examines how to manage the unexpected aspects of grief. And I Love You Still ... A Thoughtful Guide and Remembrance Journal for Healing the Loss of a Pet by Julianne Corbin offers reflections and journal entries to help the grieving process. —Ellie Heyerdahl
PETS
Calming Words
Experts offer recommendations for soothing animals triggered by the sounds of the season.
By Emily Gedde
A late-night thunderstorm or fireworks on the Fourth of July are familiar sounds this time of year, but they create anxiety for some pets, leaving owners looking for ways to restore peace and calm.
Kelly Brenning, doctor of veterinary medicine at Village Animal Hospital in Minnetonka, offers ways to calm pets.
How can we help dogs?
The best thing to do is discuss these situations with your veterinarian. They will be able to address each pet as an individual and know what the best plan would be. Making sure you have a good working client-owner-pet relationship with a
veterinarian is the first step to helping a pet get relief.
What about using medications?
There are several prescription and nonprescription options. Some of the nonprescription options work to naturally help calm a pet. There are oral medications, supplements, pheromone collars or sprays. Sometimes, you have to try several before finding the best fit for your pet. Each medication or product has its own set of rules of when to use or give and how often. A veterinarian’s advice and input can help pet owners narrow down the variety available.
What about natural remedies?
Some of the pheromone therapies like Adaptil or Feliway and even a calming jacket [similar to swaddling babies] work well to naturally help calm a pet ... You can even find natural supplements that contain nondrowsy products that induce calming.
Are behavioral methods used?
Training and calming protocols can help. It will help give confidence to the pet that they are safe, which is really what they are seeking when scared. Using white noise or a radio playing calming music is a great tool. There are some great [dog calming] playlists on some of the music streaming services.
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com for details about age, breeds and cats.
Village Animal Hospital, 17660 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.474.4194; villageanimalhospital.org
Village Animal Hospital @ villageanimalhospitalmn
Photo: Chris Emeott
NINE FOR EQUINE
Area lakes aren’t the only beautiful natural vistas; there is plenty of horse country in this neck of the woods. With open spaces providing suitable conditions for fireworks displays, horses can be affected by the booms, crackles and whistles. We turned to Krishona Martinson, Ph.D. and University of Minnesota equine extension specialist, for input.
“Fourth of July fireworks can cause panic in some horses, especially if displayed nearby,” Martinson says. “Here are nine tips to help keep your horse calm during the fireworks.”
1. Keep routines consistent. Moving horses to a different location or separating them from the herd can cause just as much fear.
2. If moving horses to a different location (or inside the barn), give them about a week to acclimate to the new surroundings.
3. Limit potential injuries by checking the paddock or stalls for possible issues, including uneven ground, sharp edges and broken boards.
4. If your horse is housed inside, play soothing music or turn on fans to help drown out the fireworks noise.
5. Use a slow-feeder to divert the horse’s attention.
6. Some horses will tolerate ear plugs to reduce noise.
7. Do not try to comfort your horse during the fireworks. It will be safer for you and your horse if you are not inside the paddock or stall.
8. Desensitize horses to loud noises. It might not help for this year but may help in the future.
9. If necessary, talk to your veterinarian about a use of a sedative. Keep in mind, some of these products may be prohibited at some shows.
Renée Stewart-Hester
extension.umn.edu
Good Finds, Good Mission
For more than 100 years, Wayzata church hosts annual rummage sale.
By Renée Stewart-Hester
You know a rummage sale is a big deal when it has a director. And you also know it’s something special when the queen of the local hunter/gatherer scene Emily Carriveau, social media influencer and crafter extraordinaire, hits the sale too. “It is well mapped out super organized and literally has something for everyone,” she says.
Since 1921, Wayzata Community Church (WCC) has hosted its annual rummage sale, benefiting several nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations and social service ventures, including Bricks to Bread, Daystar University in Kenya, DOUGH, Gigi’s Playhouse, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army and more. Over the years, the event has raised millions (north of $180,000 in
2024) as shoppers gather up thousands of items, according to Bill Boulware, director of rummage sale ministries.
This year’s sale is set for from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. July 16 and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. July 17 at WCC. While some donations are accepted all year, the bulk of the items for this year’s sale will be accepted from June 1 to July 8 at the church. While the list of unaccepted items is available on WCC’s website, donors should know that popular items include bicycles, clothing, furniture, housewares and shoes.
“One of my favorite things about the sale is that it’s organized by department, so you have everything from sporting goods to toys [and] clothing to furniture,” Carriveau says. “I start by winding my way through all of the tents of
Service With Purpose
Bill Boulware volunteered after he joined Wayzata Community Church (WCC) and accepted the director of Rummage Sale Ministries post after its former director left the position.
The leadership position charges Boulware with acting as the WCC staff liaison, leading the committee and department heads and recruiting volunteers. That can be a heavy lift, but he finds satisfaction in his directorship through “meeting our customers’ and donors’ needs, working with volunteers [and] seeing people find what they need at a price they can afford," he says.
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Left: Bill Boulware, director of Rummage Sale Ministries (left), gathers with dedicated volunteers.
Right: Toys and more toys are a hit with the younger shopping set.
Top: Calling all cabin owners: Here’s your chance to outfit your lakehome with yard equipment of all sorts and brands.
Bottom: If any age group knows about clothes, it’s teens. These volunteers put their fashion know-how to good use, organizing items for Wayzata Community Church’s annual sale.
If You Go
Emily Carriveau offers some tips for shopping Wayzata Community Church’s annual sale. “I always get to the sale 30 minutes to an hour early, not necessarily because I want to be the first in line, but I want to find a parking spot,” she says. “The amount of people that attend is truly significant.”
Carriveau keeps her hands free to pick and choose her treasures, using a crossbody bag or a small backpack to carry her essentials. And for those must-have purchases, she brings reusable nylon shopping bags, making it easier to shop different departments and locate her bags in the holding tent when her mission is complete!
furniture. If you find a piece that you want to purchase, there are plenty of staff members around to put a sold tag on the piece of furniture. You pay for it, and it is set aside for you in a holding tent ... so when I’m done shopping the sale, I just take my car around and pick up all of my treasures.”
Carriveau has her favorite departments, including housewares, where she has purchased Christmas platters to reuse for cookies during the holidays, gift wrap, paper for greeting cards and tags, ribbon and tulle, stationary and much more. “Collectibles is another really fun department to visit,” she says. “For this room, you typically have to wait in line, but I always seem to find something.” The hardware department has been a goldmine for organizational items, tools and wooden crates.
Between 300–400 volunteers accept, sort, display and sell the goods. With all the items that have come in over the years, there has to be some standouts— for one reason or another. Boulware says list toppers include a phone booth, an elk’s head, furs, a jukebox and collections of books, collectables and jewelry, for example.
So who prices everything for those up to 2,000 shoppers? Remember those 300–400 volunteers? Some of them serve as department heads (22 in total) and there is a staff of pricing experts, who lead the way in determining the value of the items and an affordable and fair price point.
Like any sale, there are “leftovers,” which are distributed to service organizations, including Bridging, Epilepsy Society, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Clothes for Vets and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd. E.; 952.473.8877; wayzatacommunitychurch.org
Wayzata Community Church @wayzatacommunitychurch
Emily Carriveau; smalltownme.com
Small Town Me @smalltownme @emilycarriveau
All ages find their creative groove at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts.
Written by Meredith Heneghan
Learning How to Learn
Before or after retirement, one never knows if another work opportunity is around the bend. Take Frank Picos for example. He enrolled in classes, including stone carving, at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts (MCFTA). He developed such skill and passion for the medium
that, as a retiree from a career in supply chain and construction, he now serves as the center’s stone carving instructor.
“The community has been great, and I was lucky enough to connect with other instructors and other artists [who] were encouraging me and getting me to take
it to another level,” Picos says. “Learning how to learn and learning how to teach and present information was a big part of that process.”
“He’s created a whole new career following his retirement. His enthusiasm and commitment to the art center is so
“His enthusiasm and commitment to the art center is so obvious,” says Roxanne Heaton, the art center’s executive director.
For over 70 years, MCFTA has provided high-quality, diverse art education and programming, creating a community resource that enriches across ages, interests and abilities.
Around two-thirds of MCFTA students are 55 and older, according to Heaton’s estimate. “If you’re asking why older people are drawn to art making, it’s a lot about the search for that ideal that we all hope for: that you remain healthy
and vibrant and relevant and heard in your older years,” she says. “People get to a certain stage in their life, and they have a bit more time on their hands. If they’re lucky, they can retire and spend some time focusing on themselves and their own needs, and they often look to art making as their way to find a voice, express themselves and to grow and engage with life in a different way and still remain vital,” she says.
MCFTA offers dozens of art classes taught by skilled professionals who cater
Frank Picos serves as a stone carving instructor at Minnetonka Center for the Arts.
to all experience levels. “Our instructors are excellent at meeting people where they are,” Heaton says. “They’re well equipped to deal with folks of all ability levels, and they do so regularly.”
Stories abound of students who arrive at an art class with little to no experience but end up surprising themselves. Heaton once cajoled her previously nonartmaking husband into taking an introductory welding class with her at MCFTA. He not only loved it but was good at it. “His first piece was absolutely extraordinary,” Heaton says. “I had a sculpture teacher stop me in the hallway and say he’s got a natural knack for it. The second piece got into our very competitive members’ jury show, and he was hooked. This was somebody who kept saying, ‘I’m not an artist.’ You just never know.”
It’s not only about learning a new skill. “A lot of folks taking classes are very experienced and capable themselves, and they are not there so much for the instruction but for the community that it provides,” Heaton says. “I think that’s another advantage of these experiences. As you age, it’s important to engage with others, getting out of the house and then focusing on something completely different than your normal day to day.”
Hesitancy is common when it comes to new endeavors. To quell doubt, interested students can observe classes before registering, and shorter-term workshops are available as opposed to longer multiweek classes. “We also have older adults in particular who may not necessarily be interested in artmaking, or for whatever reason, they’re physically not capable of artmaking, but they come to us for other things, like our lectures or our exhibit program,” Heaton says. “We have a great gallery that has a rotating menu of exhibits throughout the year, and when the building’s open, the gallery is open, and admission is free.”
Regardless of how one experiences MCFTA, it’s a hub of vibrant activity, and as Picos says, “It’s a community arts center—emphasis on community.”
Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 N. Shore Drive, Wayzata; 952.473.7361; minnetonkaarts.org
Minnetonka Center for the Arts @minnetonkaarts
Written by Editorial Staff
TICKET TO RIDE
Buckle up for local and area takes on microcations.
You know what they say: quality over quantity. While the adage can be applied to many circumstances in life, we think it aptly fits when it comes to vacationing. The concept of microcations has been circulating for a few years now. Typically, the category features brief trips, four days or less, to locales at least 100 miles away from home. We flipped the narrative and took a different look at microcations. The benefits of shorter stays in venues closer to home shouldn’t be understated. From boutique hotels with dreamy amenities to unexpected nature escapes, these microcations deliver maximum relaxation with minimal effort. Grab a compass, and let’s go!
Explore more destinations by visiting lakeminnetonkamag.com.
Domes in Eden Prairie features two geodesic domes, creating one of the most unique stays in the Metro. Kids, and kids at heart, can dive into loads of tricked out indoor and outdoor fun. (Turn to page 30 for details.)
Double
TRAVEL NORTH
Take a breath of fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors—while staying at the Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey. This KOA property, located in Maple Grove, features 20 acres of maple and oak trees, a playground and a game room, mini golf, horseshoes and basketball, a dog park and seasonal holiday hayrides. Lodging includes two one-room camping cabins that sleep up to four people, as well as tent camping and RV sites. Maple Grove; koa.com
Nestled on the St. Croix River, Wilder Retreat in Shafer is an Airbnb destination for peace and relaxation. A stay at the Writers Cabin includes a woodfired sauna and hot tub, plus river access. The sleeping loft in the small pine cabin fits two, and the space includes a propane cooktop, pump sink and basic cooking pans and utensils. The cabin is solar powered, and a fireplace keeps the space warm in the winter. Nearby activities include Franconia Sculpture Park, canoe and kayak rentals and great hiking trails. Shafer; airbnb.com/slink/ebfcqt0s
Photos: Nikole Ruth; The Pink Castle
Top: The Outing Lodge at Pine Point provides an idyllic, dreamy location for gatherings of all kinds, including weddings or even a book club weekend meeting to discuss the latest romance (or suspense) novel!
Bottom: While the Pink Castle in Hudson, Wisconsin, has Victorian roots, it certainly vibes 4,400 square feet of modern-day fun.
HEAD EAST
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point in Stillwater rests amid 300 acres of wooded parkland (Miles of trails open to a variety of all-season activities.) and just 6 miles from downtown Stillwater. The familyrun bed and breakfast has all the makings of a Jane Austen-novel-inspired romantic retreat. The ivy-laden European-style country estate looks out on a sprawling green lawn, ideal for group retreats and weddings. Stillwater; outinglodge.com
The Pink Castle in Hudson, Wisconsin, is a Victorian mansion where everything is—you guessed it—pink and includes a heated pool and hot tub, a cabana pool house and a dining table surrounded by gold thrones. The 4,400-square-foot home was formerly a bed and breakfast, so many of the unique bedrooms include their own bathrooms. The property is also available for hourly home and pool rentals. Hudson, Wisconsin; fleetwoodrentals.com
Have you always dreamed of staying in a fantastical treehouse? Consider Tree House Luxury Stay, where nature meets nostalgia. This 1,200-square-foot treehouse is perched atop a 150-yearold burr white oak tree and features two bedrooms, overlooking 500 acres. Custom-designed with the game of chess in mind, the treehouse includes unique steps in every one of its seven spaces, including a hidden room. Cottage Grove; treehousefarmlodging.com
DRIVE SOUTH
Four new cabins opened at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. The cabins, which accommodate up to six people, are available year-round and can be reserved up to one year in advance. In
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warm months, enjoy swimming and fishing in Cedar Lake, as well as hiking and biking throughout the park. There’s also kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals available on summer weekends. Restaurants and coffee shops in New Prague are only about a 10-mile drive away, and downtown Prior Lake is about a 20-minute drive. New Prague; threeriversparks.org
Double Domes features two geodesic domes connected to create a unique space with six bedrooms (nine beds) that sleep up to 18 guests. It’s tricked out with an indoor tube slide, a putting green hallway, bubble hockey, table tennis, a movie theater room and a fitness room. The domes sit on about 2 acres with a fire pit, trampoline, 200-foot zip line and a tube slide off the deck, as well as landscaped waterfalls, ponds and fairy gardens. Bryant Lake Regional Park is across the street and includes a swimming beach, biking, hiking, disc golf, paddling, boating and more. Eden Prairie; thedoubledomes.com
Nicolin Mansion features five unique rooms for two, as well as a gourmet threecourse breakfast. Located in downtown Jordan, the historical mansion is across the street from Brew d’Etat and a short
walk from Mousse Sparkling Wine Co., as well as City Hall Creamery & Coffee and other independently-owned restaurants and shops. The Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, a short drive away, offers excellent biking and hiking trails. Jordan; nicolinmansion.com
GO WEST
“Nature has a fantastic way of bringing people together—helping them connect with each other, and reconnect with themselves,” according to the YMCA. Camp Ihduhapi, situated on 175 acres of vibrant maple forest along the shores of Lake Independence, is just a skipping stone away from the West Metro. Discover nature and a new way to connect with family members, whether for a reunion or another special occasion—all while communing with the camp’s natural prairie, wetland and woodland surroundings. Loretto; ymcanorth.org
STAY CLOSE
If you’re looking for an elevated “basecamp” for steps-away biking/hiking, dining, shopping and taking walks along a
panoramic view of Lake Minnetonka, consider The Hotel Landing. Lake Street is bustling with restaurants for varied tastes and retail locales for art, clothing, décor and more. Discover the paved Dakota Regional Trail to embrace the lakeside, marshland and wooded vistas. After a day of enjoying the excursion of your choice, the hotel’s Läka Spa awaits, and its ninetwentyfive not only offers inspired menu options but also food-centric events. If visiting Minneapolis is a draw, the hotel is only 15 minutes away from the city’s music, restaurant and sports venues. Wayzata; thehotellanding.com
Boating, fishing, swimming and other lake-centric activities are easily at your sandy feet with a stay at Lake Minnetonka’s The Shoreline. The aptly named boutique hotel offers guests stunning views, beach access, boating (including a pontoon with a captain if needed), kayaks, paddleboards, surf lessons and more. For land lovers, bike rentals are available to hit the nearby Dakota Rail Regional Trail (bike or run/walk). Cabana Anna’s features indoor and outdoor breakfast, lunch and dinner service. What more do you need? Spring Park; shorelinehotel.com
Photo:
at The Shoreline on Lake Minnetonka offer
views of the activityfilled beachfront and the iconic lake.
Tiny Spaces, Big Adventure
Do you prefer The EDGE or The Nest? Regardless, you’ll find yourself tucked away in a woody canopied blanket of respite, overlooking Lake Superior.
Minnetonka residents Dan and Jessica Yudchitz operate their tiny pieces of peace in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Their micro home rental company, Tempus Wilde, is aptly named: Tempus means time in Latin, and Wilde is a nod to Irish playwright Oscar Wilde.
It could be said the genesis for their foray into tiny house living began when father and son architect duo Bill Yudchitz and Dan Yudchitz in 2009 decided to create a compact, modular home with multifunctional furniture that supported sustainable living. While the family used the space as its vacation spot, they opened it up for rental in 2022. The project, tagged The EDGE, (Experimental Dwelling for a Greener Environment), is a 325-square-foot retreat, overlooking Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and is a stone’s throw from Pike’s Bay Marina and the Brownstone Trail.
“Tempus Wilde is a modern tiny home retreat, specifically designed to embrace the outdoors. Whether it’s rest, relaxation or adventure, Bayfield is the place to be,” Jessica says. “Bayfield is known in the Midwest as the gateway to the Apostle Islands. There are organic farms, orchards, wineries, adventure breweries, sailing and North Woods-inspired boutiques, which showcase the local community spirit.”
Father and son built off of that initial experience to create The Nest, which similarly embraces minimalistic living and is about 150 feet from The EDGE. The couple is working to get The Nest available for summer rental to tag team with The EDGE to provide extra sleeping space.
Stays are donated to support nonprofits, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and Clean Water Action Minnesota, and the team is working with Eagan’s Friends of San Lucas, a nonprofit, focusing on education, housing and sustainable farming in Guatemala.
—Renée Stewart-Hester
tempuswilde.com
Tempus Wilde @tempus_wilde
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The owners of Everly Farms create a gathering place, focused on food, drinks and family.
Written by Jennifer Pitterle
When husband-and-wife team Frank and Esther Weigel closed on their Minnetrista orchard and winery in 2021, they were diving into a true passion project. “We really had no experience with wine, except that we like to drink wine,” Frank says. Their family—which includes three young-adult children and now 6-year-old twins—was dividing time between home base in California and a vacation home on Lake Minnetonka. When COVID-19 began, they found themselves spending more and more time in Minnesota. “Then, this orchard came up for sale, just six minutes from our house,” Frank says. “I was going to retire and had always wanted an orchard.”
It was a match made in heaven. The Weigels purchased Minnetonka Orchard (renamed Everly Farms) from
Esther and Frank Weigel, photographed with their children, have reimagined and reinvigorated what is now Everly Farms. Even more additions are coming this summer!
its longtime owners, the Schaper family, and decided to breathe new life into the beloved you-pick apple orchard and the on-site winery, which was mostly defunct. “We basically started from scratch,” Frank says. “We hired a new winemaker and bought new equipment.” They named the winery and orchard Everly Farms after their 6-year-old daughter, Everly, and also make hard apple cider under the label Easton Cider Co., after Everly’s twin brother, Easton.
After a summer of hard work, by autumn 2021, the Weigels were ready to open the orchard for its first you-pick apple season. They’re slowly renovating and adding to the buildings on the 43 acres, which include a retail barn, various food huts, play structures and the winery. A large event space hosts weddings and event meetings. And for the past few summers, Everly Farms Winery
has offered popular wine-and-pizza nights, where visitors can try a new bottle of wine and a wood-fired pizza in the beautiful setting of the orchard. “Pizza nights grew rapidly,” Frank says. “We’d open at five o’clock and have people lining up at four for pizzas. We’d sell out within an hour and a half.” These events, in particular, have been a great way to show off the winery to neighbors and guests. “We’ve had great support from the community, and it’s been a great experience to get to know the people that live around here,” Frank says. The orchard has historically been a favorite gathering place for families in the area, and he’s eager for that sense of community to continue. “We also really wanted to raise our twins outdoors,” he says. “I think when you grow up on a farm, it’s just a good way to start life.”
This summer, Everly Farms is ready to
right:
Right: “We bring in quite a few Minnesota grapes, like Marquette, La Crescent and Itasca,” winemaker Sean Reeves says. He wants to help expand the tastes of Midwest wine drinkers, focusing on drier and more complex varieties.
Top left: Everly Farms (formerly Minnetonka Orchard) has been a mainstay visit for many local families and school groups.
Top
Everly Farms Winery has just around an acre of its own vines.
Photos:
Everly Farms
Winery and Everly Farms
expand its wood-fired pizza concept— and then some—at a new full-service restaurant, The Table at Everly Farms, opening this summer. “We’re really excited about this restaurant and winetasting room,” Frank says. “It’ll be upscale but still approachable and family-friendly with lots of shared plates, wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards.” The restaurant will suggest specific food-and-wine pairings, so guests can taste the winery’s wares with optimal complements. “This will really help us make the orchard itself a year-round destination,” Frank says.
Everly Farms Winery and Everly Farms, 6480 County Road 26, Minnetrista; 763.325.4024; everlyfarmswinery.com
Everly Farms Winery @everlyfarmswiner
CORKS FOR A CAUSE
As they worked to reinvigorate the orchard and Everly Farms Winery, Frank and Esther Weigel looked for a way to give back to their community. In 2023, they hosted the winery’s first Corks for a Cause, a gala that raised funds for the Eli Hart Memorial Playground at Surfside Park in Mound. Last summer, the winery’s second annual fundraiser benefited Minnesota’s Crescent Cove, one of the country’s only hospice and respite facility, specifically for children. “Families who have terminally ill kids need a lot of help and care,” Frank says. “Crescent Cove provides nursing care and helps take some pressure off those families.” Last year’s Corks for a Cause—which included gourmet pizzas, Everly Farms wine, desserts, an auction and live music—raised nearly $100,000 for the organization. This summer, Corks for a Cause will once again benefit Crescent Cove.
Corks for a Cause 2025: August 16 (Time TBD) at Everly Farms Winery. Purchase tickets at everlyfarmswinery.com.
Photos: Everly Farms Winery and Everly Farms
Top: Creating wonderful dishes for The Table at Everly Farms is a delightful endeavor.
Bottom: Philanthropy, including Corks for a Cause, is important to the Everly Farms Winery team.
VINEYARD WISDOM
Sean Reeves is Everly Farms’ winemaker and cidermaker, who was brought on by the Weigel family to help overhaul the winemaking operations and bring the taste of Midwest grapes to new palates. His journey to Everly Farms is as serendipitous as they come. “I was originally an engineer,” he says. “My wife and I actually went to Minnetonka Orchard [now Everly Farms] years ago, and they were doing a wine and cider class. I love it, and it inspired me to start making wine and cider at home as a hobby.”
The couple relocated to California, and Reeves made the leap to get his degree in enology. When he moved back to Minnesota, he discovered that the orchard team was hiring for its new Everly Farms venture. “I realized it was the same place that inspired me to make a career change. It’s very cool,” he says.
Reeves guided the winery team in purchasing new equipment, including high-quality barrels, and sourcing regional grapes. “We bring in quite a few Minnesota grapes, like Marquette, La Crescent and Itasca,” he says. (Everly Farms has just around an acre of its own vines.) Reeves wants to help expand the tastes of Midwest wine drinkers, focusing on drier and more complex varieties. One way he’s doing that is through the Everly Farms wine club. Members sign up to receive eight or 16 of the winery’s bottles each year and receive discounts on food at the restaurant and merchandise. “And we’re talking about orchard season passes,” Reeves says. “We want to make the wine club a way for people to come out and really enjoy some wine, apple picking, and family and friends in this beautiful environment.”
Minnetonka’s Mike Rakun, co-owner of Northern Hospitality & Co., shares some insight about cooking with the sous vide method.
Let’s be Precise
What is it about sous vide that has even chefs intrigued?
Written by Emily Gedde and Renée Stewart-Hester
Photos by Chris Emeott
A cooking method that has created its own popularity steam has been a favored food prep method for a local chef/proprietor for more than a decade. Minnetonka’s Mike Rakun, co-owner of Northern Hospitality & Co., a restaurant group with seven locations across the upper Midwest, including Wayzata’s Benedict’s, has been a fan of sous vide (French for under vacuum) cooking, appreciating it for its convenience and precision.
“The ability to cook meat wall-to-wall is really great,” Rakun says. “You season whatever cut of meat you’re using, and cook it at the exact temperature you want it to be.” As a career chef and restaurant entrepreneur, Rakun knows his stuff when it comes to good food. He described feeling most at home in a busy kitchen, and the convenience of the sous vide method is what first appealed to him and a growing number of home
and professional chefs. “It’s basically set it, and forget it,” he says. In basic terms, the cooking method includes preparing food, which is sealed in a plastic pouch, by precision cooking it in a carefully controlled water bath at a consistent temperature.
For first-time sous vide home chefs, Rakun recommends starting with a favorite cut of steak, such as ribeye (see recipe on page 42), but the versatile cooking method isn’t just for meat. He has used other food, including eggs, chicken, salmon and vegetables. Regardless of what items are used, Rakun notes some things to consider. “It’s important to keep in mind it will change the texture of some [food],” he says. “It’ll come down to your preference.” Rakun also stresses the importance of wearing gloves while working with meat to avoid introducing bacteria into the cooking process.
For those looking to explore sous
vide, Rakun says it’s a rather easy style of cooking to learn, even for those with little to no kitchen experience. In addition, he recommends Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide by Thomas Keller. (He is the only American chef who has been awarded simultaneous three-star Michelin ratings for two different restaurants. His restaurants have seven Michelin stars: Per Se in New York City [three]; The French Laundry in Yountville, California [three]; and The Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, Florida [one].) In this cookbook, Keller explains the process and how to determine the precise amount of heat to achieve the best results.
For Rakun, sous vide is just another tool in his culinary arsenal, one that complements his lifelong love of cooking, which began at a young age. He started in the restaurant business at 13, working as a
Left: Sous vide doesn’t need to be complicated. As with any cooking method, make sure all the necessary equipment is on hand, and follow the recipe!
Right: In basic terms, sous vide cooking includes preparing food, which is sealed in a plastic pouch, by precision cooking it in a carefully controlled water bath at a consistent temperature. Some cooks brown or sear the meat before plating, enhancing flavor, texture and visual appeal.
dishwasher and doughboy at Jake’s Pizza in Chicago. He worked his way through high school in various kitchens, developing a love for the chaos surrounding restaurant kitchen lines.
When it came time to make a decision about his future, Rakun saw a commercial on TV for a culinary school. That was it. “I never looked back,” Rakun says about carving out a career in the cooking/restaurant business. “There’s nothing more fun to me than being in the middle of the line and controlling the chaos. Being in the trenches with the guys and gals and watching it all come together is incredibly gratifying.”
Northern Hospitality & Co.; nohoandco.com
Learn more at lakeminnetonkamag.com.
THE FAMILY FAVORITE
At home in Minnetonka, Mike Rakun enjoys cooking for his family, which includes his wife and business partner, Abby Rakun, and their three children Nadia, 21; Keller, 17; and Mercy, 13. Here he shares a family favorite—ribeye steak.
Sous Vide Ribeye and Chimichurri and Mushroom Sauces
Ribeye Steak
• 16 oz. ribeye steak
• salt
• black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
Chimichurri Sauce
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Sauce
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button or your choice)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste
Generously season the ribeye steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Fill the sous vide container with water, and set it to 130 F for medium-rare. (If you prefer a different doneness, adjust the temperature accordingly.) Place
the seasoned ribeye in a vacuumseal bag. Add the crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme and olive oil to the bag. Vacuum seal the bag to remove all the air. Submerge the vacuum-sealed bag in the preheated water bath. Cook for 2 hours. The sous vide method ensures the steak cooks evenly and retains its juiciness. Once the ribeye has finished cooking in the sous vide bath and cooled, remove it from the bag, and pat it dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over high heat, and add a bit of oil. Sear the steak for about 1–2 minutes on each side until a beautiful crust forms. Baste it with butter to finish. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to set.
Chimichurri Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well; let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
Mushroom Sauce: Using the steak skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion; cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the chopped garlic; cook for another minute. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5–7 minutes. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half. Then add the heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
TRIATHLON’S RETURN
Run, bike, swim and support philanthropy at Lake Minnetonka’s annual triathlon.
The Lake Minnetonka Triathlon returns at 7 a.m. June 21 at Excelsior Commons off Lake Street in Excelsior.
The race, expecting around 650 racers, will travel along three legs, including around Excelsior Commons, Excelsior Public Beach and a bike course. (Visit the website for a full course map.) The 5K course follows the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka. For spectators, Excelsior Commons serves as the main hub for the race and offers an ideal space to cheer on participants as they race toward the finish line. Be sure to visit the refreshments areas, and stay for music provided by a local DJ.
Lake Minnetonka Triathlon has expanded its charities, allowing participants to determine which charity their donations go toward. The charities included are Angel Foundation, Community for The Commons, Lake Minnetonka Triathlon Fundraising and Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000.
Registration is open until race day, but spaces typically fill up quickly. Participants can enter individually, as a relay or family teams and for aqua biking. Clydesdale and Athena divisions are also available as an option. Prices vary. —Ellie Heyerdahl
Additional information is available at lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com.
Triathletes charge into Lake Minnetonka for another leg of their race, which returns June 21 in Excelsior.
Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
LOCAL EVENTS
06.09–08.22
Arts Summer Arts Camp
Enjoy full or half days of painting, sculpting, ceramics and more. Each week covers a different artistic skill taught by working artists with teaching experience. Ages 5–15. Prices vary. Times vary. Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata; 952.473.7361; minnetonkaarts.org
06.14
Spring Lawn Sale
Declutter your closets, and donate to the Cottagewood Spring Lawn Sale. All proceeds benefit the Cottagewood Community Foundation. All ages. Free. Donation drop off 8–9:30 a.m.; shop the sale 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Cottagewood General Store, 20280 Cottagewood Ave., Excelsior; 952.470.8400; cottagewoodstore.com
06.14-06.15
Art on the Lake 2025
Enjoy food vendors, a silent auction, magicians, art and more at Excelsor’s Art on the Lake. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. June 14 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. June 15. 312 Water St., Excelsior; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
06.28
Summer Fest 2025
Celebrate the start of summer with multiple activities throughout the day and fireworks at the end of the night. All ages. Free. 4–10:30 p.m.
Photo:
Lake Minnetonka Triathlon
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE: MEDIA SPONSOR
06.21-06.22
WAYZATA ART EXPERIENCE
Shop for art, enjoy food trucks, listen to live music and ride on a sailboat at the Wayzata Art Experience. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. June 21 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. June 22. Lake Street, Wayzata; 952.473.9595; artexperience.wayzatawestmetrochamber.com
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AREA EVENTS
06.03–06.08
The Ordway Presents: Mystic Pizza
Follow the love lives of three waitresses in Mystic, Connecticut, in this musical. Recommended ages 12 and older. Prices vary. Times vary. Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651.224.4222; ordway.org
06.04–06.07
Comedy Festival
Let out laughs with over 90 comedians at the third annual Loons on the Lake Comedy Festival. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Highway 65 NE, Mpls.; 612.220.6515; loonsonthelake.com
To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@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.
Minnetonka & Plymouth
Memory care that celebrates each moment.
Contact Cari at 952.443.6113 or cari@giannahomes.org
2025 Arc Gala: Celebrating 75 Years of The Arc
The Arc Minnesota celebrated its 75th anniversary at its annual gala, hosted at the Depot in Minneapolis. Lake Minnetonka Magazine was proud to be the media sponsor at the event, which raised more than $550,000. Each year, the gala highlights an area of need, and this year’s focus was on employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc says despite their abilities, people with disabilities face obstacles in finding meaningful employment. Money raised helps The Arc continue its mission of connecting individuals with job opportunities, educating employers and helping employers and employees navigate workplace accommodations.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co.
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE: MEDIA SPONSOR
Aquacide Company Serving Minnesota Lakeshores 800.328.9350 killlakeweeds.com
Improve your water quality, restore water oriented activities and increase the value of your property by controlling aquatic nuisance weeds this year. Aquacide products will help manage your recreational lake or pond to make the most of your property’s potential. The
Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help!
Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com
Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.
Passing the Torch
“My dad [Gary Marquardt], was teaching my son Frank [now 15] how to drive an inboard boat, and it was a gorgeous night, so my mom and I decided to tag along for the lesson,” says Jennie Oko, explaining the photograph’s scenario. “My dad plays taps at sunset in Spring Park Bay, so he brought his trumpet and played from the boat that night. This picture was taken on the way home.”
It’s often interesting to understand what photographers appreciate about their photos. “I love the colors on the water, but I also really like what you can infer from the picture,” the Minnetrista resident says. “I think it’s clear that Frank’s a novice from his posture and the position of his hands on the wheel, and dad, sitting in the passenger seat wearing his captain’s hat, indicates that he’s passing the torch.”
Oko says, “What I appreciate the most though, is the memory of that night. My parents each have unique and important parts that they play in my kids’ lives, and learning about Lake Minnetonka and boating has always been a rite of passage with my dad.” —Renée Stewart-Hester
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to learn more about Gary Marquardt’s commitment to performing taps to honor those who have served our country.
Photographer: Jennie Oko
Title: Life Lessons
Equipment: iPhone 15 Pro
Location: Black Lake
Category: People
Award: First Place
To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA
Healthier starts here
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