Noteworthy

MOVE

HIDDEN GEMS

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A MIDWESTERN FALL —the colorful foliage, the crisp air and the breathtaking views that envelop our community. Several hiking trails are located throughout the Valley. Some, like Interstate State Park or Willow River State Park, though no less beautiful, are more well known than others. Here are two of my favorite hikes around the Valley, both of which are family-friendly.

Vermillion Falls Park On the southern end of the Valley is Vermillion Falls Park. Located in Hastings, Vermillion Falls features a 35-foot waterfall and limestone ravine (which was once used to power a gristmill), an overlook of the Vermillion River and ruins from Old Mill Park (built in 1856). 215 21st St. E., Hastings; 651.480.6175; visithastingsmn.org

St. Croix Boom Site Originally serving as a log boom operation site and located near Stillwater, the St. Croix Boom Site features a one-mile round-trip trail running along the St. Croix River. Locate the stairs on the north side of the parking lot, and follow the well-worn trail to the waterfall—be on the lookout for the limestone cliffs and a large cave along the way. Located off MN-9, Stillwater; 405.533.8433

—Hailey Almsted

STYLE

Packing Tips & Tricks

Vacations are full of fun activities, sightseeing and experiences, but packing for a vacation can feel overwhelming. Here are a few of my go-to packing tips and tricks for any destination:

• Make a packing list, so you are sure to remember all of the basics.

• Pre-pack a few days before your trip. You can edit this down as it gets closer.

• Plan out all of your outfits ahead of time, so you know exactly what you need.

• Plan versatile and interchangeable looks. One piece can be worn in different ways.

• Leave enough room for purchases you might make on your trip.

Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for packing and styling help for your next trip, visit alexandraeve.net.

TASTE

You Go, Grill!

My husband and I recently refurbished my outdoor gas grill. We’ve done this several times before, opting to install new components rather than trash the whole thing. This time, the overhaul was a little more extensive and took a little longer.

But once everything was finally pieced back together and fully operational, I was gunning to make up for lost time. I started grilling everything. Tomatoes. Salad. Strawberries. Of course, I grilled fish and lots of chicken.

I could eat chicken every day, especially off the grill. It takes on a wide variety of seasonings incredibly well, and there are tons of ways to enjoy it—sliced atop a salad, on pasta or in a sandwich. The key, for me, is to always marinate it.

I start by drizzling my chicken liberally with oil before seasoning to taste with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and just a pinch of white or brown sugar. I almost always use granulated garlic and onion (fresh garlic burns easily), plus some dried oregano or marjoram. Measuring only with my heart, I’ll add the following to push whatever flavor profile I’m partial to. Listed in proportional order, from most to least:

Italian: dried parsley and basil, plus crushed red pepper and extra oregano Mexican or Southwestern: ancho or chipotle chile pepper, sweet paprika, ground cumin and fresh lime zest, plus oregano and sugar Mediterranean or Greek: choice of dried rosemary, dried thyme or fresh mint, plus dried or fresh parsley and fresh lemon zest

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

READ

The Winners

Author Fredrik Backman blesses us again with the eagerly anticipated third installment of the Beartown Trilogy. Be prepared to lose yourself in this enduring and exceptionally wellwritten story and to navigate this novel with characters that you’ll be so happy to see again.

Two years have passed since the events of Us Against You, and we fi nd ourselves back in the small, hockey-captivated Swedish towns of Beartown and Hed. You don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy this novel because it’s so much more than hockey: It’s small-town living, toxic sports parents and corruption, politics and grief.

As always, Backman brings his greatest gift to this book, which is his ability to pull at his readers’ heartstrings and to introduce us to characters and stories that stay with us long after we’ve fi nished the fi nal chapter.

Rachael Johnson is the assistant manager at Valley Bookseller. Find The Winners in-store or online at valleybookseller.com. Apples for everybody! Apples in pies, doughnuts, rollovers, muffins, bread and cider. FUN for the whole family with a corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkins.

C’mon out... This is the place to make you smile.

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96 651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com See our website for our calendar of events!

From Minnesota Women's Care

Introducing PamperSuite™

Minnesota’s First MedSpa Just For Moms-To-Be.

At Minnesota Women’s Care, we know a thing or two about pregnancy. We provide care to pregnant women every day – every step of the way – through one of life’s most amazing experiences. Now we’re making that journey even better. Meet PamperSuite, our new medspa

just for pregnant women. We have developed a variety of spa services that are safe for pregnant women. For instance, we have facials to bring out your glow and address your skin concerns. Our prenatal massage is designed to reduce anxiety and relieve muscle aches and pains. And when your energy is low, we have a cozy nap room. Plus, there’s more.

Learn more about PamperSuite. Visit mnwcare.com/pampersuite

Phone 651-461-4770 or visit mnwcare.com/pampersuite Our location 1687 Woodlane Drive | Woodbury, MN 55125

Halloween isn’t just for the younger set. Prepare some spirited beverages for your over-21 guests at your own trick or treat celebration.

THE ZOMBIE COCKTAIL

» ½ oz. white rum » 1 ½ oz. golden rum » 1 oz. dark rum » ½ oz. 151 rum, optional » 1 oz. lime juice » 1 tsp. pineapple juice » 1 tsp. papaya juice » 1 tsp. superfine sugar

Mix all ingredients (except the 151 rum). Shake well. Pour mixture over cracked ice. If using, float 151 rum on top of the mixture. To float rum, slowly pour it over the backside of a spoon and into the glass. For added flair, carefully ignite layered 151 rum with a candle lighter. Garnish with mint, orange slice or other fruit.

(SMASHED) PUMPKIN MARTINI

» 1 Tbsp. sugar » ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice » 3 Tbsp. vodka » 2 Tbsp. half-and-half » 1 Tbsp. canned pure pumpkin puree » 1 Tbsp. maple syrup » ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract

Combine the sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice on a small plate. Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in water, and dip in the sugar to coat. In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, half-and-half, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract and the remaining ⅛ teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice. Shake vigorously, and strain into the prepared glass.

For big batch beverages that pack a punch, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

John F. Farrell III is vice president of sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com. Are you planning that special vaca�on? An LEB Home Equity loan product can help make your trip a reality.

NMLS 403447 S�llwater • Lake Elmo • Oakdale lakeelmobank.com

651.777.8365

Member FDIC

Over 20 years of professional design and remodeling experience creating the best value in beautiful kitchens.

Stillwater 651-275-0700 (1 block North of Hwy 36)

Woodbury 651-600-3310 (Next to Keys Cafe)