BEST OF 2025
JUNE/JULY 2025
Welcome to our Best of St. Croix Valley issue, where we’re celebrating all things summer.
“Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.” —Mary Oliver, American poet
Photo: Forged Guides
Over the River and into the Northwoods, page 31
DEPARTMENTS
Escape the Everyday
Explore
20
Hooked on the St. Croix
Area guide Ryan Bunnell offers advice for fishing in the Valley.
22
Cue to Create
Stillwater DJ and teacher J.T. Tasch brings his artistry to the classroom. FEATURES
Best of St. Croix Valley
Over
Discover
TASTEMAKERS
from the EDITOR
When we made the move out to Polk County four years ago, my now-husband and I set some intentions. We hoped to find community, build a localized food system and learn how to sustain ourselves and find fulfillment close to home.
I’m the great-granddaughter of farmers—as I’m sure many of us are—but much of that generational knowledge was long lost by the time I entered the picture. Ours was a grand plan; we needed support, and we found it in the farming community of the St. Croix Valley. Shepherds and seed farmers, vegetable growers and apothecaries—even musicians and artists—welcomed us into the fold, sharing wisdom, conversation and hope for the future of our world.
These years have shown us that we’re capable of more than we know, and each day has infinite possibilities. On our 5 acres, we grow and preserve food, raise poultry for meat and eggs, host community gatherings and endeavor to make all our meals from scratch with local ingredients. Read all about my favorite adventures and destinations in western Wisconsin on page 31.
Now that I’ve shared my best of St. Croix Valley, we’re thrilled to announce your picks for our annual Best of St. Croix Valley Reader’s Choice Poll on page 24. It’s always so exciting to see who you choose. Kudos to all of the winners and finalists for serving our communities so well.
In this issue, I also get to share one of my go-to summer recipes with you, Readers. Head to page 38 to explore my favorite hummus recipe alongside a collection of incredible dips from our editorial team.
As we dive into summer, let’s look inward as well as outward. What have we been waiting for, and how can we make it happen in the time that remains in 2025?
Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co
On the Cover: Best of St. Croix Valley, page 24
Illustration by: Jamie Klang
Photo: Chris Emeott
Saint Therese of Woodbury continues its commitment to quality living and expert care.
When Bud and Diane Maraist moved from North Carolina to be closer to family, the couple’s extensive search for a senior living community led them straight to Saint Therese of Woodbury and The Redwoods. “The building is beautiful and being able to walk to the main campus to do everything down there is nice,” Bud says.
Saint Therese of Woodbury, a nonprofit, Catholic senior living community offers multi-level living situations, including independent and assisted living; memory care; long-term care; transitional care; and home health care. The Redwoods stands tall with intentionally curated amenities and services for independent living and is part of Saint Therese’s campus.
Units include stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and large closets for day-to-day use and storage. Ground-level units offer private entrances, and second floors include spacious decks. Some upgraded apartments feature kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.
Social amenities are just as important. “The Redwoods is unique in its family-like atmosphere,” says Samantha Gerland, executive director. “All the residents know each other, and there are several committees and activity groups. It’s a very vibrant social community.” The Community Club, site of monthly potluck dinners, boasts a bar/kitchen, large screen TV and a library with impressive book and puzzle collections.
The game room includes beanbags, Ping-Pong and a pool table, and daily exercise classes are provided by the Ascend Therapy team.
Underscoring the importance of spending time outdoors, Saint Therese’s campus is ideally situated on pastoral grounds, featuring plenty of green space, ponds and walkways. Nearby La Lake has wonderful pedestrian trails, perfect for nature walks.
Staying connected to the broader community is also valued. “We sponsor events like a prayer breakfast, golf tournaments and the Woodbury Expo, just to name a few,” Gerland says. “The Redwoods residents are very generous with their time, giving back to the community and local nonprofits.”
Faith life is also a priority, and monthly communion is offered at The Redwoods. Additionally, the main campus’s chapel hosts several spiritual activities.
7555 Bailey Road, Woodbury 651.209.9100 • sainttherese.org
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Zoe Yates
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
Alexandra Eve, Ben Thietje and Lori Schaefer
DIGITAL INTERN
Taylor Hamilton
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Nathan Hall, Hall Family Foundation ; Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation ; Rosetta Peters, Brookside Bar & Grill ; Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, La Vie Est Belle ; and Jennifer Sayers, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson
Western Wisconsin Health’s Dr. Wendy Liu, focuses on patient care and education.
1100 Bergslien St., Baldwin, Wisconsin 715.684.1111 • wwhealth.org
Western Wisconsin Health has been caring for patients since 1936 and is supported by more than 400 dedicated employees. The organization continues to grow, meeting the needs of the community, with expertly trained staff, such as Dr. Wendy Liu, who joined in 2023.
Dr. Liu attended medical school at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed residency at Creighton School of Medicine–Phoenix Campus and did her fellowship at New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center. Her interest in medicine began early. “I was always intrigued with the human body and its workings,” she says. “During my residency, I met my mentor who really showed me the beauty of minimally invasive surgery.”
Dr. Liu believes patient care and education are critical. “I think it’s of utmost importance that patients understand everything there is to know about their body and disease process,” she says. “I explain in detail—in language they understand—what pathologies are present and fully explain surgical procedures. While I share my expert opinion, I never push patients to undergo any operative intervention.”
Dr. Liu studied bariatric/weight loss surgery during her fellowship. “I appreciate seeing patients’ major life transformations and how it positively impacts their lives,” she says. “I also concentrate on foregut operations, a major one being the treatment of reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. This was thought of as a medical disease and was treated with medications. Today, it’s increasingly viewed as a structural problem that we can fix.”
Another primary focus is abdominal wall health. “This is a fascinating field that has truly expanded and entails hernia repair,” Dr. Liu says. “I trained with a world-leading expert during residency and am proud to bring my knowledge and care to patients.”
With advanced training and commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Liu helps Western Wisconsin Health redefine what’s possible in rural health care. Through cutting-edge robotic general surgery and life-changing bariatric procedures, she’s expanding access to specialized care and empowering patients to live healthier, fulfilling lives.
BEST OF FAQS
While the voting is complete, and the numbers are tallied, there may be a few questions about how our annual Readers’ Choice Poll operates—before, during and after all is said and done.
1. One entry was allowed per person; each ballot needed to include an email address.
Let’s start here. Voting ran online the month of January with three rules*:
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, 2025.
FAQs
*Any rule not adhered to may have resulted in entire entries being discarded, and all results were subject to editorial discretion.
How are the categories chosen?
What’s a finalist vs. a winner?
The top three vote-getters in each category became finalists and were announced in March on our website. (Our team fact-checked the address and contact information for each finalist. If a finalist was no longer a valid selection due to a closed business, etc., the next highest vote-getter(s) moved up to become a finalist.) The top vote-getter is the winner and is announced in this issue and on our website, starting on June 1.
Each year, our teams evaluate the categories to ensure our poll is reflective of our local businesses and in tune with our readership’s interests and suggestions—all while providing relevant and engaging content.
How does vote tallying work?
Can a business or organization be a finalist if it’s located outside of the magazine’s coverage area?
Absolutely. In order to qualify, each business or organization must be located in the community and/or provide services to local residents.
How can a business get on next year’s ballot?
Encourage clients or customers to vote for your business in our next Readers’ Choice Poll, which goes live on our website on January 1, 2026.
Once the poll closed and the votes were validated, tabulators determined which businesses or locations were the top three (There were ties!) vote-getters.
I’m a winner! How do I purchase a framed cover?
Winners can request a free digital copy of the Best of St. Croix Valley cover design, which also indicates the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can purchase a framed award certificate, which is 14x17 inches and features a black, wood frame. The cost is $150 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/bestofwinner.
Editorial Staff
A Meaningful Platform
Minnesota had a special spokesperson this past year. Alissa Staloch became Mrs. Minnesota in June 2024 and has been using her platform to promote traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness throughout her tenure, which ends this June.
Staloch, originally from Stillwater, lives in Afton with her husband, Joe Staloch, and three children, Sylvia, Sullivan and Rosie. She’s utilized her Mrs. Minnesota platform to increase TBI awareness across the state, a cause near and dear to her family. Staloch’s sister, Amanda White, sustained a TBI at work in 2016; her dad, Terry Chial, was in a snowmobile accident that resulted in a TBI in 2018.
“I’ve spent more time getting across the state, reaching more people, more networks and more organizations that support individuals, whether they’re patients or caregivers,” she says. Much of her awareness activism revolves around providing people with information about available resources. “If a TBI happens to you, where do you start?” she says.
Staloch suggests making sure that loved ones have up-to-date information that would be needed in an emergency—passwords, insurance information and other details. “If something were to happen, make sure you have people you can lean on that know your most important information and how to advocate for you,” Staloch says. Read more at stcroixvalleymag.com —Meredith Heneghan
VIEW
Visit the Art Bench Trail
For nearly two decades, the Art Bench Trail has provided a place where community, art and the great outdoors come together. Peppered throughout the St. Croix Valley, these unique, artistdesigned benches are much more than a place to rest your feet—they’re a lasting tribute to the people and places that make this region special.
This year, a new addition joins the trail. The latest art bench, located at the Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin Campus in Hudson, was created by local artist Lana Sjoberg in collaboration with
Willow River Elementary students. Titled Give Them Wings, the bench has a sculptural bird-like shape and features a glass mosaic of the St. Croix River flowing through the design, surrounded by various birds and flowers.
I invite you to explore the trail, take a seat and experience one of the most unique outdoor art offerings in the region.
Ben Thietje serves as the executive director of The Phipps Center for the Arts. For more on the Art Bench Trail and to plan your visit, go to artbenchtrail.org.
Photos: Chris Emeott; Art Bench Trail
Space, Your Signature.
The Art of Landscaping Design
Take a Day Trip
Northfield is a charming and familyfriendly getaway that offers something for everyone. Start your Saturday morning at the Riverwalk Market Fair, where the scenic Cannon River sets the stage for a vibrant mix of local artwork, live music, a farmers market and delicious local treats.
The fair is every Saturday from midMay through mid-October except on September 6. After lunch, step back in time at the Northfield Historical Society where you can learn about the infamous defeat of Jesse James and the town’s rich history. If you’re visiting on the third Sunday of the month, don’t miss dinner at the Red Barn Farm—a must for pizza lovers and animal enthusiasts alike. Savor fresh-from-the-oven pizza while the kids delight in meeting the farm’s friendly chickens, roosters, outdoor cats and horses.
For an even more memorable trip, plan your visit for September 3–7 to experience the town’s iconic Defeat of Jesse James Days, a lively celebration filled with events and activities for the whole family. Find information at northfieldmn.gov. —Editorial Staff
Looking for more summer adventures? Consider a unique microcation in the Metro area (page 18).
Photo: Red Barn Farm
Red Barn Farm
STYLE
A Heart for Heirlooms
When I think about my favorite items in my wardrobe, it’s not the latest fashion trends or that perfect pair of jeans—it’s heirlooms and gifted jewelry that hold the most value.
Each piece tells a story, carrying with it memories of the people who gave them to me and the moments we’ve shared. A deli cate turquoise bracelet from a close family friend, a necklace gifted by my grandpar ents or a ring passed down through generations—these aren’t just accessories, they’re pieces of my heart.
Jewelry has a unique way of connecting us to our past and future. Unlike many gifts, it doesn’t fade or wear out easily. It’s enduring, timeless and often carries more meaning with every passing year. When someone gives you a piece of jewelry, they’re offering more than just something beautiful—they’re giving you a tangible memory, a symbol of love, and sometimes, a piece of family history.
What I love most about heirloom jewelry is its ability to transcend time. Long after trends change and styles evolve, these pieces remain constant, ready to be passed down to future generations and carrying the legacy of love, tradition and personal stories.
Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for styling help this season, visit alexandraeve.net.
Photo:
DESTINATIONS
Escape the Everyday
Explore mini getaways that feel worlds away.
By Editorial Staff
Sometimes, you just need a break—but your schedule might laugh at the idea of a weeklong getaway. Enter the microcation: the perfect way to escape without actually escaping. From boutique hotels with dreamy amenities to unexpected nature escapes, these microcations deliver maximum relaxation with minimal effort. Consider this your sign to upgrade your getaway game—without going too far out of the Valley.
Explore more destinations by visiting stcroixvalleymag.com.
Travel North
Located between Minneapolis and Duluth, the Postcard Cabins in Kettle River welcomes lodgers to stay in a tiny home, nestled under the stars and among the trees. Each tiny cabin is equipped with one or two queen size beds; mini kitchens, featuring a mini fridge, stovetop, cutlery and dishware, a kettle and more; a bathroom; provisions, such as coffee, insect wipes, firestarters or s’mores kits (at an additional cost); a cellphone lockbox (for a true escape!); and air conditioning and heat—so you can get away in nature at any time of the year. Don’t forget about the bonfire pit, and its close distance to many serene hikes. Willow River; postcardcabins.com
Go West
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 restaurant, 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
Drive South
Have you always dreamt of staying in a fantastical treehouse? Now is your chance with the Tree House Luxury Stay, where nature meets nostalgia. This treehouse is perched atop a 150-yearold burr white oak tree, and the home is 1,200 square feet, features two bedrooms and overlooks 500 acres of nature.
Custom-designed with the game of chess in mind, owner Michael Bushilla says the treehouse features unique steps in every one of its seven spaces, including a hidden room, that delights couples, families and solo travelers. Cottage Grove; treehouseescape.com
Stay Close
Step back in time with a getaway at The Outing Lodge at Pine Point. Located amid 300 acres of wooded parkland (including miles of trails open to a variety of all-season activities) and just 6 miles from downtown Stillwater, the family-run 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 and is a popular site for group retreats and weddings. Stays also include a continental breakfast. Stillwater; outinglodge.com
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Top: Outing Lodge at Pine Point Bottom: Tree House Luxury Stay
OUTDOOR LIVING
Hooked on the St. Croix
Area guide Ryan Bunnell offers advice for fishing in the Valley.
By Rachel Schuehle
Fishing is the quintessential year-round sport for many Midwesterners. And when it comes to the Valley, there’s no better challenge and delight than fishing the St. Croix River. A federally protected waterway under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the St. Croix is one of the cleanest rivers in the country and brings endless adventure to those interested in traversing its waters.
We connected with Ryan Bunnell, a local fisherman and guide with Croix Boys Guided Adventures, to learn more about how to fish this beautiful waterway.
What kinds of fish are you likely to see on the river?
The St. Croix is abundant with fish, ranging from walleye, sauger, bass, crappie, Northern pike, muskie, carp, paddlefish, lake sturgeon and flathead catfish that’ll give you a run for your life.
What sections of the river are best for fishing?
I typically go down to Bayport or north up by the High Bridge. You can take a boat out of William O’Brien [State Park] and fish that part of the river. If you launch there, you can go south of the High Bridge. You’re not supposed to go north of the High Bridge [by boat]. They don’t want to spread zebra mussels up there.
When is the best time to fish? Spring through early fall brings some of the best walleye fishing on the St. Croix River with odds best at first and last light. If you want to catch walleye, you’re going to want to get on a boat. Come summertime, the fish move out deeper and spread out in the river; you’re not going to find
Photos: Croix Boys
Guided Adventures
Top: Ryan Bunnell with a Northern pike caught from the shore near Bayport.
Bottom: Ryan Bunnell and his clients show off a limit of walleye on a trip on the St. Croix River last September.
them near shore. In the winter, sturgeon become very active, so ice fishing is an excellent time to catch one.
Where do you recommend fishing from shore?
If people do want to fish from shore, I would encourage them to go to William O’Brien. You can rent canoes up there and explore. There’s a lot of islands; you can beach a canoe and go swimming. It’s shallower up there, so you’re talking the deepest part is probably 8 or 9 feet, but the majority of it you can see to the bottom.
What gear do you need to fish the St. Croix River?
I fish with [a] St. Croix Rod. A medium power/fast action rod with a 2500–3000size reel—that’s going to fish most of the fish there. If you want to fish for sturgeon though, you definitely need to upsize your gear. You want to fish with 50–80 lbs. test braid [and] heavy to extra-heavy rods. The tackle shop in town, Walleye Willy’s, carries all the sturgeon gear you need to fish the St. Croix.
What lures and bait see the most success?
I like to let the fish tell me what they want to eat. It’s always good to have different lures and bait in the boat. As far as lures go, [I like] casting swim baits, stick baits [and] Rapalas. You can throw Rapalas all day, but I like to cover water and troll with swim baits, Flicker Minnows or Rapala CD-7s. Go with bright colors or white. I recommend minnows for up to 60-degree water temp, nightcrawlers or leeches for 60–80-degree water.
Why the St. Croix?
It’s such a different river. You’ve got sections that are wide and open, but then you go up north, and you’ve got islands and backwaters everywhere. It’s one of the prettiest rivers you’ll fish on, and that’s kind of why I like it. And we always catch fish.
Croix Boys Guided Adventures; 763.742.7017; croixboysguidedadventures.com
Croix Boys Guided Adventures
Make this summer unforgettable with the gift of music! At K&S Conservatory of Music in Woodbury, we offer high-quality music lessons taught by passionate, specialized instructors who tailor each lesson to your goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our expert teachers will help you grow—all in our soundproof studios with top-tier instruments.
Spaces are limited —reserve your spot today! Make music your summer adventure!
K&S Conservatory of Music 1976 Wooddale Dr. Woodbury, MN 55125 651-739-7848
kandsmusic.org
ENLIGHTEN
Cue to Create
Stillwater DJ and teacher
J.T. Tasch brings his artistry to the classroom.
By Jennifer Pitterle
J.T. Tasch has been teaching at Stillwater’s Rutherford Elementary for 23 years (mostly fifth-grade math) and has zero desire to slow down. “I love showing up every morning, and I can’t wait to see the kids,” Tasch says. “My life is filled with smiles and inspiration because I get to
hang out with kids all day and be a part of what they’re doing.” Tasch’s positivity and creativity infuse everything he does— including his night and weekend gig as an electronic dance music (EDM) show promoter and DJ.
Tasch was classically trained on violin and viola as a kid and immediately found his “thing” in music. “Hopefully, we all find our niche,” he says. “And for me, it was orchestra and skateboarding.”
After moving from Appleton, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis for college in 1990, he attended a show at First Avenue. “The energy and influence the DJ had was really similar to how you would perform in an orchestra—just with different music,” Tasch says. He started DJ’ing at clubs around the city and for a local radio station in 1991 and launched his
independent music promotion company, Sound in Motion (SIMshows), in 2002.
One summer, after the radio station he worked for was bought out, Tasch worked at a summer recreation program for kids, and realized he’d found his next “thing.”
“I thought I should explore teaching,” he says. “I loved it. Twenty-four years later, here I am.” SIMshows is still going strong, and Tasch devotes his nonteaching hours to running the company and playing his own DJ gigs.
He brings his nontraditional path and business experience to the classroom too. “Our education system is so built around reading and math, and yet kids have talents so far beyond that,” Tasch says. “I’m in this position where I can see kids for who they are, and I try to guide them to … understand they have unique talents
Photos:
J.T. Tasch; Tyler Allix
Left: Students at Rutherford Elementary paint J.T. Tasch’s car in May 2024.
Right: J.T. Tasch poses with the crowd at a performance at The Armory in 2021.
that they can own and build and, ideally, create a powerful future with.”
Something Tasch has found in both a fifth-grade classroom and at EDM shows is a strong sense of community. “I want to see my students succeed individually, and I also strive to help them come together as a collective,” Tasch says. “I’d like to believe that we can raise children to become open-minded and proactive parts of a community.”
Tasch has a pretty rad springtime tradition to wrap up the school year with his fifth graders: He lets them paint his car. (Yes, his actual car.) “It started when I was in high school when some of my friends covered my car with stickers,” he says. “I just thought, maybe I should let my kids paint my car.”
Every year, he buys a vehicle on its last legs (fully intending to drive it just for the year) and lets his students go to town with their brushes and imaginations. “For me, selfishly, it was so amazing to feel like I had a piece of my kids with me, even after they left my class,” he says.
The car painting project is a reward that must be earned, collectively, by the class, and Tasch says it’s a stellar motivator. “It’s a privilege,” he says. “We come from different backgrounds, and we’re here every day in this class together, working together.”
Say hello to summertime and the results of our Readers’ Choice Poll.
Dining
Best Bakery
1. St. Croix Baking Company
2. Buddy’s Bakery
3. Keys Cafe & Bakery
Best Bar, Brewery or Distillery
1. 45th Parallel Distillery
2. Hop & Barrel Brewing
3. Pitchfork Brewing
BEST OF ST. CROIX VALLEY
Summer is here, and you know what that means … we’re thrilled to congratulate the winners and finalists of our annual Readers’ Choice Poll, as chosen by the St. Croix Valley community! These businesses, organizations and service providers are the heart and soul of the Valley.
And there’s no better time to appreciate these exceptional members of our community than summertime, when we can appreciate the best patios, start on a home and garden project, take up a hobby or find a new corner of the Valley to explore. From restaurants and breweries to spas and swim schools, we hope you reference this list on all your summer adventures.
Best Breakfast or Brunch
1. Keys Cafe & Bakery
2. Oasis Café
3. San Pedro Café
Best Burger
1. Barker’s Bar & Grill
2. Milwaukee Burger Company
3. Agave Kitchen
Best Dessert or Ice Cream
1. Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts
2. Nelson’s Ice Cream
3. Dipsy Ice Cream Shoppe
Best International Cuisine
1. San Pedro Café
2. Miko Thai Kitchen
3. Sapporo Japanese Restaurant
Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop
1. Ember and Bean Roasting Co
2. Joe to Go
The results are listed in order of placement.
3. Wheelhouse Coffee
Best Outdoor Dining Space
1. Pier 500
2. San Pedro Café
3. Urban Olive & Vine
Best Pizza
1. Bricks Neapolitan Pizza
2. EJ’s Pizzeria
3. Melt Pizza Company
Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu
1. Urban Olive & Vine
2. The Wild Hare
3. Protein House
Best Restaurant
1. San Pedro Café
2. Lolo American Kitchen and Craft Bar
3. Pier 500
Abode
Best Carpet and Flooring Store
1. Carpeting By Mike
2. H & F Home Furnishings
3. Tie: Abbott Paint & Carpet; Hamernick’s Flooring Solutions
Best Custom Home Builder
1. Tie: Derrick Custom Homes; Wittstock Builders
2. Hartman Homes
Best Garden Center/Nursery
1. Farrill’s Sunrise Nursery and Garden Center
2. Rose Floral and Greenhouse
3. Abrahamson Nurseries
Best Home Décor or Furniture Store
1. The 715
2. H & F Home Furnishings
3. Rustic Eagle Home Décor & Furnishings
Best Interior Design Firm
1. Kelli Kaufer Designs
2. Bobbie Peterson Interiors
3. Brick + Linen
Best Landscape Design Service
1. Willow River Company
2. Stone & Leaf Landscaping
3. Myhra Design Group
Best Remodeler
1. Wildwood Kitchens and Baths
2. Derrick Custom Homes
3. The Fortress Project
Best Senior Living Residence
1. The Sycamore of River Falls
2. The Deerfield
3. Boutwells Landing
Self Care
Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services
1. Prohibition Barbers
2. The Barber Shop - River Falls
3. 4 North Beauty Collective
Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio
1. Light House Yoga + Fitness
2. Fit PT
3. Inspiring Actions Yoga
Best Hair Salon
1. 4 North Beauty Collective
2. Tangled Salon & Spa
3. The Hair Tailor
Best Manicure and Pedicure
1. 21 Nails
2. INails & Spa
3. Turbo Nails Oak Park Heights
Best Massage
1. Just for Me “The Spa”
2. River Bend Massage Therapy
3. Tie: Lori’s Salon & Day Spa; The Healing Hand
Best Med Spa
1. St Croix Skincare
2. Stillwater Skin Medspa
3. Willow Medspa & Fitness
Best Spa
1. Just for Me “The Spa”
2. Stillwater Skin Medspa
3. Sandalwood Skin Studio
Wellness
Best Chiropractic Practice
1. Vitality Chiropractic
2. Tie: Croixview Family Chiropractic; Move•Well Chiropractic and Sports Therapy
Best Dental Practice
1. St. Croix Kidds Pediatric Dentistry
2. Oakwood Dental
3. Ashley Dental
Best Dermatology Practice
1. Advanced Dermatology Care
2. Tareen Dermatology
3. Forefront Dermatology
Best Family Medicine Practice
1. Hudson Physicians
2. HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater
3. Western Wisconsin Health
Best Holistic Wellness Practice
1. Healing Waters Health Center
2. Fit PT
3. Evensong Wellness
Best OB-GYN Practice
1. Hudson Physicians
2. Evensong Wellness
3. Western Wisconsin Health
Best Orthodontic Practice
1. Brettin Orthodontics
2. Orchin + Orchin
3. Valley Orthodontics
Best Physical Therapy Practice
1. Fit PT
2. Twin Cities Orthopedics
3. Velocity Physical Therapy
Best Pediatric Practice
1. St. Croix Kidds Pediatric Dentistry
2. Hudson Physicians
3. Central + Priority Pediatrics
Learning
Best Dance Studio
1. Helmer Dance Studio
2. The Dancing House
3. The Phipps Center for the Arts
Best Learning or Tutoring Center
1. Bright Star Tutoring
2. Mathnasium of Stillwater
3. Learning Rx - Hudson
Best Preschool Program
1. Trinity Academy
2. Bethel Highlands Preschool
3. Sunny Hill Preschool
Best Swim School or Lesson Provider
1. Hudson YMCA
2. Little Crappie Swim School
3. Foss Swim School
Best Vision Care Practice
1. Associated Eye Care
2. Christensen Vision Care
3. Pearle Vision
Pet Care
Best Dog Park
1. Hudson Dog Park
2. River Falls Dog Park
3. Andy’s Bark Park
Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service
1. Paws and Claws Pet Resort
2. K9-Playtime
3. Goldwood Kennels
Best Pet-Friendly Dining or Retail Businesses
1. Urban Olive & Vine
2. Hop and Barrel Brewing
3. River Siren Brewing
Best Pet Grooming Service
1. Angel’s Pet World
2. Diggity Dawg Grooming
3. Paws and Claws Pet Resort
Best Veterinarian Practice
1. Animal Care Center of Hudson
2. Croix Valley Veterinary Hospital
3. Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Shops
Best Apparel Boutique
1. Tie: La Rue Marche; One:Nine Boutique
2. Mainstream Boutique
Best Florist
1. Hudson Flower Shop
2. Rose Floral & Greenhouse
3. Blooms For Happiness
Best Gift Shop
1. The Bees Knees
2. Rose & Lavender
3. Tie: Smith + Trade Mercantile; The Purple Tree
Best Jewelry Store
1. Beth’s Jewelry Shop
2. The Jewelers Bench
3. Diamonds on Main
Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store
1. Grand Fête
2. Hudson Grocery Co-op
3. Urban Olive & Vine
Leisure
Best Beach, Open Space or Park
1. Willow River State Park
2. Perch Lake
3. Lakefront Park
Best Date Night Spot
1. Lolo American Kitchen + Craft Bar
2. Pier 500
3. San Pedro Café
Best Outdoor Location for Graduation Photos
1. Willow River State Park
2. Lakefront Park
3. Stillwater Lift Bridge
Best Place for Family Activities
1. Willow River State Park
2. St. Croix National Golf and Event Center
3. Eagle Eye Farm
Best of the East Metro
Best Alpine Hill or Nordic Ski Trail
1. Afton Alps
2. Trollhaugen Ski Area
3. Willow River State Park
Best Alterations or Tailoring Service
1. Sew For “U”
2. Tom’s Tailor
3. St Croix Cleaners
Best Biking or Hiking Trail
1. Willow River State Park
2. Brown’s Creek State Trail
3. Gateway State Trail
Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store
1. Tie: Bella Bridal Boutique; Raffiné Bridal
Best Electrician Service
1. Crown Electric
2. Tie: JWC Electric; Steiner Plumbing, Electric & Heating
Best Family Photographer
1. Gwen Larson Photography
2. Lisa Buth Photography
3. NP Design & Photography
Best Financial Services
1. Todd Kockelman at Kockelman Financial
2. Chris Wood at CrossCountry Mortgage
Best Golf Course
1. St. Croix National Golf and Event Center
2. White Eagle Golf Club
3. River Falls Golf Club
Best Heating and Cooling Service
1. Anderson Heating
2. K&C Air Systems
3. Boldt’s Plumbing and Heating
Best Home Cleaning Service
1. Dunn Right Cleaning Services
2. Cleaning with Meaning
3. Integrity Cleaners
Best Home and Property Management Service
1. Tie: Jenkins Property Management; Pro Care Property Maintenance
2. Telus Property Services + Solutions
Best Law Practice
1. Angela Olson Law
2. Galowitz Olson Law Firm
3. Doar, Drill & Skow
Best Local Concert Series
1. Concerts in the Park, Hudson
2. Hillside Music Series, New Richmond
Best Music School
1. Brickhouse Music
2. Rock U Music School
3. Tie: Hovland Conservatory of Music; Jen’s String Studio; The Phipps Center for the Arts
Best Outdoor Skating Rink
1. Perro Park
2. Burton Field
3. St. Croix Recreation Center
Best Plumbing Service
1. Johnson Brothers Plumbing
2. Tie: Boldt’s Plumbing and Heating; Countryside Plumbing and Heating
Best Private School
1. Trinity Acadamy
2. Saint Patrick Catholic School
3. St. Mary School
Best Professional Theatre
1. The Zephyr Theatre
2. St. Croix Festival Theater
Best Roofing Service
1. Becker Roofing & Construction
2. Bohl Home Services
3. Tie: Fultz Roofing and Siding; JTR Roofing
Best Senior Portrait Photographer
1. NP Design & Photography
2. Lisa Buth Photography
3. Isa Wines Photography
Best Staycation Hotel
1. Hotel Crosby
2. Lora Hotel
Best Summer Camp
1. YMCA Camp St. Croix
2. YMCA Camp DayCroix
3. Hidden Pines Ranch
Best Venue to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
1. Lakefront Park
2. Lowell Park
3. Pioneer Park
Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer
1. Tie: Ashley Foster Photography; Katie Lee Photography
2. Tie: Dakota Layne Photography; Isa Wines Photography
Best Wedding Venue
1. Oehme Oasis Wedding & Events Venue
2. Tie: JX Venue; St. Croix National Golf and Event Center
Best Winery
1. Rustic Roots Winery
2. Dancing Dragonfly Winery
3. Tie: Belle Âme Vineyard; Cracked Barrel Winery
St Croix Skincare’s dedicated team offers expert, advance practice
Nestled in the heart of Hudson, St Croix Skincare Med Spa stands—since 2014—as a beacon of empowerment. The all women-operated team of registered nurses, advanced practice estheticians, certified laser technicians and professional support staff help patients embrace their natural beauty.
The team at St Croix Skincare understands that embarking on the journey to enhance beauty is a deeply personal experience, and great care is taken to respect the uniqueness of each client’s path. “Our commitment to personalized skincare involves taking time to listen to individual needs and beauty aspirations, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored for each client,” says Jocelyn Young, founder.
Whether clients find satisfaction with one treatment or choose to explore multiple options, St Croix Skincare’s primary focus is to ensure clients love their results. “Together, we collaborate to achieve beauty goals, making clients experiences at our medical spa as fulfilling and empowering as possible,” Young says. “Their journey with us is not just about the treatments, it’s about realizing their vision of beauty with expert guidance and personalized attention.”
Great results also come by way of being experienced in all its offerings. As a trusted leader in advanced med spa treatments, St Croix Skincare is proudly in the top 1 percent in the nation with Galderma Global.
The med spa industry has seen significant expansion, primarily driven by the rising demand for fillers and neurotoxins. St Croix Skincare is enthusiastic about this growth while remaining dedicated to promoting natural and safe enhancements. Its focus is on education, subtle changes and accessible options, which also extend to its team.
“We are committed to delivering advanced practice services through professional training and ongoing education,” Young says. “This month, we are attending the aesthetic convention in Las Vegas, which means new services may be on the horizon!”
St Croix Skincare extends its appreciation to its loyal and devoted clients, who voted it as a finalist for Best Med Spa in St. Croix Valley Magazine’s Best of 2025 readers’ poll contest.
1515 Livingstone Road Suite C, Hudson, Wisconsin 715.808.0815
stcroixskincare.com
Boutwells Landing (Presbyterian Homes & Services) enriches
the lives of residents with expert, quality care.
Boutwells Landing encourages families and potential residents, who are looking for an ideal senior living community that focuses on physical, social and spiritual well-being, to discover the community’s extensive services and senior living options.
Since 1955, Presbyterian Homes and Services has provided housing and services for older adults, earning a strong reputation through its person-centered philosophy and commitment to innovative care.
Established in 1999, Boutwells Landing is a Presbyterian Homes & Services senior living community, located near Stillwater in Oak Park Heights, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care options along with transitional and long-term care. Ideally located on more than 100 acres, Boutwells Landing is graced with ponds, paved walkways and rolling parkland—welcoming residents to enjoy outdoor living.
Providing opportunities for healthy and active living is also an important aspect of life at Boutwells Landing. A full suite of wellness activities, recreational programming, special events and shopping trips fill the calendar. Residents come from diverse occupational backgrounds and life experiences and find ways to continue their interests and passions. Many of the activities on campus are resident inspired and led. “Boutwells
Landing has given me many opportunities to use my talents to bring neighbors together for social fun of all kinds,” says resident Judy R.
At the heart of this newly renovated community lies the Town Center—the focal point of the community—featuring a variety of amenities, such as indoor pools, banking facilities, a private movie theater, a fitness center, an art studio, a workshop, dining options, a boutique-style convenience market and so much more!
“While we are delighted to highlight our community features, exploring senior living is more about finding a place where you feel at home,” says Linnea Hill, community relations director. “When searching for a senior living community, we want our residents to find fulfillment, purpose and joy,” says Natalie Strese, housing counselor.
Call to schedule a personal tour and learn more about available assisted living options.
OVER THE RIVER AND INTO THE NORTHWOODS
Discover new adventures in western Wisconsin.
Written by Zoe Yates
When I moved to Polk County in 2021, I was hesitant. While I loved the idea of my tiny abode in rural western Wisconsin, I remember wondering what I was going to do “out there.” It was, and still is, a fair question. Hundreds of Minnesotans have moved across the St. Croix River
over the past decade, searching for more affordable housing options as the Metro grows—us among them. And though population growth has inevitably brought more businesses and services to the area, it didn’t take long for me to discover the vibrant culture of community
collaboration that has made this area a joy to residents and visitors for decades. Suffice it to say, I love it here. So let’s dive into some of my western Wisconsin highlights—from outdoor adventures and activities to unrivaled dining destinations.
45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, sources its grain from a farm 8 miles down the road.
Top: 45th Parallel Distillery is the place for wood-fired pizza and locally made and sourced spirits. It also hosts a beautiful farmers market every Sunday starting in June.
Bottom: Fiddlehead Kitchen is a foodie destination that operates out of The Barred Owl in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. Menus change often, bringing unique flavors and options—with seasonal ingredients.
FOODIE FINDS
When it comes to truly great food— you don’t have to look too far. Western Wisconsin is home to some phenomenal dining destinations that make for delicious food-fueled day trips.
Looking for a caffeine refuel? Star Prairie’s Jewelltown Roastery is a local mainstay for fresh-roasted coffee, espresso drinks and baked goods. Located in a historic building (that served as the town’s post office in the early 1900s), the company’s name hearkens to Star Prairie’s original name: Jewelltown. The Wrenholt family roasts beans weekly in-store, a routine appreciated by locals as the scent of coffee fills the town. The roastery has plans to open a second location in New Richmond’s new library building, set to be completed this autumn. 301 Main St., Star Prairie; 715.494.1090; jewelltownroastery.com
MED SPA + SKIN + LASER
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Thank you for voting us a, BEST MED SPA FINALIST!
NEUROTOXINS
DERMAL FILLERS
B12 INJECTIONS
TATTOO REMOVAL
DR PRP TREATMENTS
CUSTOMIZED FACIALS
HYDRAFACIALS
DERMAPLANE
FAT REDUCTION
SKIN TIGHTENING
MICRONEEDLING
FACIAL PDO THREADING
CO2 SKIN REJUVENATION
SECRET RF TREATMENTS
LASER HAIR REDUCTION
MEMBERSHIPS
| 715.808.0815 NEW CLIENT SPECIAL 25% OFF Any One Spa Service*
*MAY NOT COMBINE DISCOUNTS
If you haven’t made a trip up to Balsam Lake, you’re missing out! This lake town comes alive in summer—with many chasing the mouthwatering farm-focused creations of Fiddlehead Kitchen. Thursday through Saturday, chefs Marlee Crave and Sarah Mittelstadt work their magic at Fiddlehead’s home kitchen at The Barred Owl—a cocktail lounge and wine bar. Each weekend brings a new menu with delightful fusions and flavors inspired by the season. 111 W. Main St., Balsam Lake; fiddleheadkitchenwi.com
Head to Osceola for a locally sourced meal in a quaint, natural setting. Founded in 2014, Watershed Cafe is a hidden gem of the Valley, located on Main Street just steps from the stunning Cascade Falls. On a warm summer day, enjoy a meal on the patio, overlooking Osceola Creek. Daily fare includes a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches—all made with local ingredients. The dinner menu shines with sustainably sourced proteins; my go-to is the seasonal risotto bowl with lake trout. 99 N. Cascade St., Osceola; 715.294.2638; thewatershedcafe.com
SCAN ME WITH YOUR CAMERA Scan me with your camera
Just 20 minutes from the St. Croix Crossing Bridge is New Richmond’s 45th Parallel Distillery. The company has a grain-to-glass approach to distilling with grain supplied by a family farm just 8 miles down the road. The menu includes a variety of craft cocktails and Italian-inspired scratch-made dishes. (The wood-fired pizzas are revelatory.) 1490 Madison Ave., New Richmond; 715.243.5565; 45thparalleldistillery.com
HIKE AND BIKE
The eastern St. Croix Valley is defined by acres of rolling hills and winding roads. It’s the ideal landscape for explorations on foot and two wheels.
One of my favorite local hiking destinations is the Osceola Bedrock Glades State Natural Area just north of downtown Osceola off of County Road S. Embark on the Ridge View Trail to find the bedrock glades, a stretch of rocky basalt bedrock that’s one of just four large acid bedrock glades in the state. Other trails along County Road S include the Osceola/Chisago Loop Trail and, farther
toward the Centennial Bedrock Glade State Natural Area, the Copper Mine Trail and Skyline Trail. Both natural areas are under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and were designated State Natural Areas in the early 2000s. County Road S, Osceola; dnr.wisconsin.gov
For hiking, running and biking, the level, crushed limestone surface of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail appeals to various forms of recreation. The 14-mile trail extends from Dresser to Amery, passing seven picturesque lakes, along with farms, forests, prairies and wetlands. From May to October, rest stops with restrooms are open along the trail. The area allows for diverse wildlife viewing. On a recent bike ride, I stopped to watch a downy woodpecker who stopped on a cow parsnip just a few feet away. It was a close wildlife encounter that I won’t soon forget. stowersevenlakestrail.org
The Woolly Mountain Bike Trail in St. Croix Falls is a great destination for mountain bikers of all experience levels. The trail system includes five major
loops that cover 600 vertical feet. The trails are connected to the Gandy Dancer State Trail, which offers 47 miles of level trail. The trailhead, complete with picnic tables, a bicycle workstation and a grill, is at the corner of Lincoln and Maple drives. woollybikeclub.com
ON THE WATER
For me, summer in the St. Croix Valley necessitates as much time in the water as possible. Midwesterners all have a favorite lake, but there’s reason enough to take a trip to western Wisconsin for water-focused excursions.
One of the area’s big draws is boating on Cedar Lake, a 1,120-acre lake on the boundary of Polk and St. Croix counties. It’s a stunning body of water that seasonally features sandbars that are accessible by boat and a great place to stop for lunch. Folks fond of fishing will enjoy that the lake is home to bass, musky, Northern pike and panfish. I especially enjoy heading over to Meister’s Cedar Lake to finish out a day on the water. Located right on the shore, the
Photos:
Left: The Woolly Mountain Bike Trail in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, has five loops that cover 600 vertical feet.
Right: Choose your own adventure on the Apple River. Open to shuttling yourself? Head to Star Prairie, Wisconsin, for beautiful, quiet tubing and kayaking options.
grill and bar includes boat and seaplane docks—and parking for cars, of course. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset. 1176 County Road H, New Richmond; 715.248.7012; meisterscedarlake.com
While I could spend any odd day exploring the St. Croix River, one of my favorite summer activities is floating the Apple River. A lot of us have heard the stories from the southern section of the river! I prefer to travel on quieter parts of the river and have become familiar with two stretches that are easily accessible and ideal for varying time constraints. The section from the W. Church Road Bridge to downtown Star Prairie is wide and slow and takes two to four hours. The section from Star Prairie to the landing off Old Mill Road can be as quick as 45 minutes and is a swifter journey with a few obstacles. (Note: You’ll need to have two vehicles for shuttling and your own floatation devices.) For rentable tubes and shuttling services, float the southern section with River’s Edge, 1820 Raleigh Road, New Richmond; 715.247.3305; appleriver.com
Allergy Services
Summer should be fun—not full of sniffles, sneezes, and itchy eyes! If you’re battling pollen, mold, insect bites, smoke, or even sun-triggered allergies, our expert team is here to help you breathe easier and enjoy the season. Schedule your allergy consultation today!
Symptoms Include:
• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes, ears, throat
• Coughing or postnasal drip
• Fatigue
• Hives or swelling
RAMP UP THE ADVENTURE
This area is chock full of exciting outdoor opportunities—you just need to know where to look.
For a thrilling evening adventure, check out Cedar Lake Speedway—a dirt oval racetrack founded in 1957 that hosts a weekly Saturday NASCAR racing program. It’s one of the nation’s leading short-track facilities and welcomes more than 100 skilled drivers from across the region each week. Throughout the season, onlookers can enjoy sprint car races, prestigious Late Model events and even a school bus race. It’s a unique activity that offers plenty of excitement. 2275 County Road CC, New Richmond; 715.248.7119; cedarlakespeedway.com
Every time I visit Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls, I’m on the lookout for cliffside climbers. It’s an amazing sport—and one that’s more accessible than you’d think. People of all ages and abilities can learn to climb towering basalt cliffs with the help of a guide. Forged Guides is an area guide service that specializes in planning personalized rock climbing excursions. Owner Mason Henke is an apprentice rock guide and AMGA-certified single-pitch instructor whose business is entirely focused on adventures in the St. Croix Valley. Offerings include half-day, full-day or multi-day trips in climbing, hiking, rappelling and advanced skills. 715.503.0581; climbforged.com
New to the area is Osceola Skatepark, a community-funded project by Osceola Main Street, 15 years in the making. Completed in September 2024, the skatepark is a living sculpture designed and built by Primary Concrete featuring artwork by muralist Phoebe Joynt. It’s open to nonmotorized equipment, including skateboards, roller skates, scooters and bikes. All experience levels are welcome. 382 Sixth Ave., Osceola; info@osceolaskatepark.org; osceolaskatepark.org
Top: Cedar Lake Speedway is an action-packed destination in Somerset, Wisconsin.
Bottom Left: Osceola Skatepark is open to bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards.
Bottom Right: Forged Guides specializes in planning climbing excursions in the St. Croix Valley.
Written by Editorial Staff —
by Chris Emeott
TAKE A DIP
Summer days will be even brighter with fresh takes on appetizing spreads.
Photos
If there’s one thing Minnesotans do best, it’s summer get-togethers. Whether your party finds its rhythm poolside or on a sun-soaked patio, there’s one appetizer that’s sure to be on the menu: dip. No crudités, charcuterie or bowl o’ chips is complete without a flavorful dip. Simple to make and a versatile addition to the appetizer table, a quality dip is sure to get more repeat customers than the main course.
Miso White Bean Hummus
With Chimichurri
This recipe is on the weekly rotation at our home. My husband is sensitive to chickpeas, and cannellini (white) beans are a beautiful alternative. In the spring, we love experimenting with new toppings— here, chimichurri features abundant summer herbs for a bright, elevated party treat. Serve with fresh pita or pita chips.
—Zoe Yates, editor of St. Croix Valley and White Bear Lake magazines
Hummus:
• 1 garlic clove
• 15 oz. cannellini beans
• ¼ cup tahini
• 5 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. coriander seeds, coarsely ground (or 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander)
• 2 tsp. white miso paste
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
Mince 1 garlic clove in a food processor. Add the beans, tahini, lemon juice, coriander, miso and salt. Pulse until smooth; add olive oil slowly while pulsing. Place the dip in a serving dish and refrigerate while starting on the topping.
Chimichurri Topping:
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 shallot
• ¾ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup olive oil, or more if desired
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
Pulse garlic and shallot in a food processor until minced. Add remaining ingredients, and pulse until smooth. Spoon over top of hummus. Serve.
Ruby’s No-Fuss Green Chutney
After moving to Canada from India, my mother missed the tastes of home, so she turned to a recipe book my grandmother had given her before she left Mumbai. But the recipes were too complicated, so she devised her own super quick chutney
recipe. This can be used as a dip with naan chips, as a sandwich spread or placed on top of a salmon fillet, tightly wrapped in foil and baked at 350 F for an hour. —Feroza Mehta, editor of Edina Magazine
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 tsp. ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp. garlic paste
• 1 green chili (Omit if you don’t want it to be spicy, add 2 to 3 more if you’d like more heat.)
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¾–1 1/2 cups filtered water
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (or to taste)
Wash cilantro, and pat dry. Slice and discard 1/2 inch off the bottom of the stems.
Miso White Bean
Hummus withChimichurri
To a blender, add grated coconut, cilantro, garlic paste, ginger paste, green chili and salt. Blend until everything is chopped and starting to come together. Pour in lemon juice and blend until smooth. Next is the tricky part. Different stores bunch up cilantro in varying quantities, so each time you make this dip, the amount of water needed will vary. Start with ¾ of a cup. If it’s still too thick, continue adding water in ⅛ cup increments until the chutney is thick and saucy—smooth enough to scoop with no excess liquid. Just remember, “Be the dip that doesn’t drip.” Place in a decorative serving bowl and chill for 20 minutes before serving.
Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
This recipe falls into the oldie but a goodie category, since it’s been in my nibbles repertoire for as long as I can remember. I don’t think sun-dried tomatoes get their due, so I happily feature them whenever a recipe needs some depth of flavor. Additionally, this recipe has weight to it, meaning you can use a dipping vehicle of your choice: Chips, crackers or crudités can equally carry this dip from plate to palate without a hitch. —Renée Stewart-Hester, managing creative director and editor of Lake Minnetonka Magazine
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (I often substitute with Greek yogurt for added protein.)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Healthier versions can be used.)
• 10 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ¾ tsp. pepper, freshly ground
• scallions, sliced (The more the merrier, I say.)
Puree the ingredients through the pepper in a blender or a food processor. Add two sliced scallions. Pulse twice. Place the dip in a serving dish; add extra sliced scallions for garnish. Serve.
Come to Pine Tree’s
Head to stcroixvalleymag.com for more recipes, including Curry Veggie, Dairy-Free Spinach and Layered Taco dips.
SMALL TOWN SPARK
The Lake Elmo 4th of July Kids Parade celebrates community connection.
For nearly four decades, an annual parade in Lake Elmo has been devoted to the city’s youngest residents. The town’s 4th of July Kids Parade draws more than 1,300 people annually as Lake Elmo Avenue is opened to community celebration.
This year’s parade is an important one, as Lake Elmo celebrates its 100th anniversary. “It’s a very special event to our community,” says Tara Cadenhead, Connect Lake Elmo board member and parade co-organizer. “It symbolizes that small-town feel of Lake Elmo and our emphasis on family and community.”
At an earlier start time of 10 a.m., children of all ages will take off on foot, bikes, rollerblades and scooters. Some will appear on lawnmowers, tractors or trailers pulled by antique trucks. “Kids are the focus,” Cadenhead says. “People are just so happy.
Adults dress up, and the joy is indescribable.”
After the parade, enjoy family-friendly activities around town sponsored by area businesses and organizations, including an ice cream social with the Lake Elmo Rotary, a dunk tank, face painting, fire trucks and minnow races. “We really want the whole community to stick around and engage and just have fun with the festivities,” Cadenhead says.
The event is organized by Connect Lake Elmo, a nonprofit with a mission to connect residents, businesses and nonprofit partners, and the City of Lake Elmo.
—Zoe Yates
The Lake Elmo 4th of July Kids Parade; connectlakeelmo@gmail.com; connectlakeelmo.org
Connect Lake Elmo
Children parade through Lake Elmo on bikes, foot, roller skates and even on trailers pulled by tractors and antique vehicles.
“THANKS FOR YOUR WINNING CARE!” – Jessie Diggins, US
Dr. Allison Kassen & Dr. Renee Kinney
Locally Owned 2 Generations & 50 yrs Serving Woodbury and the St. Croix Valley
At Our Patient-Centered Practice, We Do Things Differently — For You
“I am genuinely passionate about helping my patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. This is the philosophy of our entire team at Art & Science Family Dentistry and everyone here is committed to that.”
- Dr. Renee Kinney
Art & Science Family Dentistry
artsciencedentistry.com • (651)739-1894
1000 Radio Drive, Ste 240, Woodbury
LOCAL EVENTS
06.06–06.08
The ArtOPENer Tour
Experience different styles of art at The ArtOPENer Tour. All ages. Free. 4–9 p.m. June 6 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 7–8. Various studio locations; csart51@gmail.com; artopener.org
06.22
Midsummer Pride Party
Enjoy pride with art workshops, drag, puppets and a DJ at Franconia Sculpture Park. All ages. Free, $10 donation per car encouraged. 5–10 p.m. Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail N., Shafer; 651.257.6668; franconia.org
06.28–06.29
Strawberry Festival and Market Place
Celebrate the heritage of strawberries with vendors and artists in the historic town of Afton. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 28 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. June 29. Afton Town Square Park, 3418 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 701.269.4639; exploreafton.com
07.04
The Fourth of July at Big Rock Creek
Celebrate with food trucks, live music, bounce houses, fireworks and more. All ages. $8. 2–11 p.m. Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; 715.501.8172; bigrockcreekwi.com
07.26
St. Croix Crossing Race
Run or walk a half marathon, starting in western Wisconsin and ending in downtown Stillwater. All ages. Prices vary. 7 a.m. info@runstillwater.com; runstillwater.com
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
06.14–06.15
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Stroll along the Mississippi River while exploring art from over 200 vendors. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. West River Parkway, 11th Ave. S. to N. Fourth Ave., Mpls.; 952.473.6422; stonearchbridgefestival.com
To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@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.
Strawberry Festival and Market Place
Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
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Year in Review
Our Annual Photo Contest is a Few Clicks Away
Each year, we invite readers to share fresh perspectives of the Valley through our annual Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit images that capture the unique essence of the Valley, whether the focus is on local scenery, friends and family, community events or creative self-expression.
Look through your images from the last year, and submit those that best encapsulate the beauty and spirit of the St. Croix Valley. We look forward to viewing your submissions!
Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife. Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category.
The Details:
• Submissions are accepted between 8 a.m. June 1–5 p.m. July 31 at stcroixvalleymag.com.
• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the St. Croix Valley.
• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.
• Photos should be taken in the St. Croix Valley.
• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.
• Readers’ Choice voting is open August 15–31 on our website.
• Winning images could be featured in our magazine and on our website and social media platforms.
• The results of the contest will be posted on our website on September 1. —Editorial Staff
Visit stcroixvalleymag.com for additional rules and information.
in Golden Hour, by Thomas Valine captures a tranquil moment of the historic lift bridge over the St. Croix River. It placed First in the Places category of our 2024 Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest.
LENS
Stillwater
Cycling Without Age Program at Saint Therese of Woodbury
WHAT IS CYCLING WITHOUT AGE?
Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elders get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. He then got in touch with a civil society consultant from the City of Copenhagen, Dorthe Pedersen, who was intrigued by the idea and together they bought five trishaws and launched Cycling Without Age, which has now spread to all corners of Denmark, and since 2015 to another 50 countries around the world.
HOW IT WORKS
Volunteers (pilots) sign up for bike rides with the elderly as often or as rarely as they want to. It’s all driven by people’s own motivation. At present more than 2,200 chapter locations around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 3,000 trishaws – and the numbers are still growing. More than 33,000 pilots ensure that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, out on the bikes to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them. They give them the right to wind in their hair.
OUR DREAM
“We dream of creating a world together, in which the access to active citizenship creates happiness among our fellow elderly citizens by providing them with an opportunity to remain an active part of society and the local community. We do that by giving them the right to wind in their hair, the right to experienece the city and nature close up from the bicycle and by giving them an opportunity to tell their story in the environment where they have lived their lives. That way we build bridges between generations and we reinforce trust, respect, and the social glue in our society.”
Can you give up a couple of hours a month?
You can make a real differenece by becoming a trishaw pilot- and you don’t have to be an expert cyclist! We are looking for Volunteer Pilots!
(651) 228-6929 | tina.licari@rbc.com
