White Bear Lake - July 2025 by Local.

BEST OF 2025

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James, American-British author

Photo: Chris Emeott

from the EDITOR

Every summer is ripe with opportunity. It can be challenging to decide what projects to take on, where to travel for warm weather activities and how to make the most of the fleeting, sun-drenched season. But it’s a good challenge and one I wholly look forward to in the months leading up to the thaw. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy the summertime, and we’ve devoted this issue to encouraging you to do just that, Reader!

This is our Best of White Bear Lake issue, and you’ll find the news you’ve all been waiting for—the results of our annual Reader’s Choice Poll—on page 14. View the winners and finalists, and use the list to start making your summer plans—whether you’re hoping for a spa day, a date night destination or new family-friendly activities. These exceptional businesses, organizations and service providers deserve a round of applause. Thank you for all you do for this community.

On page 20, I highlight my favorite sustainable shopping destinations in my annual Editor’s Picks. These area businesses are committed to reducing waste and operating efficiently while highlighting quality second-hand, vintage and artisan products. And later, you’ll find new recipe inspiration for summer’s favorite dish: dip. Our Editorial Team compiled a few of our go-to dips and spreads for summer gatherings on page 24.

And that’s not all. Manifest a microcation with our ideas on page 12, and meet a young musical trio that is making waves at area events, including Marketfest, on page 10.

Here’s to a season of fun in the sun.

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

CELEBRATING THE WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SINCE 2012.

On the Cover: Best of White Bear Lake , page 14

Illustration by: Jamie Klang

Photo: Chris Emeott

VOL. 12 NO. 6 whitebearlakemag.com

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, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alexandra Eve, Ellie Fuelling, Kelly Neeb, Katie Tomsche and Kia White

DIGITAL INTERN

Taylor Hamilton

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Kevin P. Donovan, White Bear Rotary ; Kelly Neeb, community volunteer ; Lexi Munson, White Bear Center for the Arts ; and Russ Reetz, White Bear Lake Area High School

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

WHY BE A BEAR?

• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.

• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.

• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.

• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.

• We are transforming learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

While the voting is complete, and the numbers are tallied, there might be a few questions when it comes to how our annual Readers’ Choice Poll operates— before, during and after all is said and done.

BEST OF FAQS

Let’s start here. Voting ran online the month of January with three rules*:

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

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

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

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

FAQs

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 July 1.

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

Each year, our teams evaluate the categories to ensure our poll is reflective of our local businesses and is in tune with our readership’s interests and suggestions—all while providing relevant and engaging content.

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?

How does vote tallying work?

Once the poll closed and the votes were validated, tabulators determined which businesses or locations were the top three (There were ties!) vote-getters.

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.

I’m a winner! How do I purchase a framed cover? Winners can request a free digital copy of the Best of White Bear Lake 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

Book Picks for the Beach

For me, the perfect beach read is a blend of lighthearted and funny with some earnest reflection on life thrown in. I want escapism, but I also want to relate to the characters and feel grounded in the story. An author who never misses the mark is Emily Henry (Her first book is fittingly titled Beach Read.) Henry always manages to craft stories with endearing characters, quaint summer settings and the perfect amount of tension. You know everything will turn out as it should, but the journey there has lots of twists, turns, angst and romance. My favorite book of hers is People We Meet On Vacation, but you really can’t go wrong with any of her feel-good stories. Her newest release from this spring, Great Big Beautiful Life, is as fun and heartfelt as the rest of her work.

Kia White is part of the team at Lake Country Booksellers. For more beach reads, including recommendations from co-owner Faith Basten, visit whitebearlakemag.com, or call the shop at 651.426.0918.

VIEW

Don’t Give Up

When you trust Bonfe with your A/C installation, you’re not just getting a cooling system. You’re getting a promise: that we’ll stand by our work with a Lifetime Warranty on all recommended repairs and replacements.

That means for as long as you live in your home and maintain your equipment, we've got you covered. We've been serving Twin Cities homeowners since 1993—family owned, locally operated, and always on call.

Every year, White Bear Center for the Arts hosts Northern Lights, a juried art exhibition. This year, a new artistic voice emerged from the crowd: Dan Volenec, whose piece Carapace won this year’s Best of Show award. Carapace, a sculpture that is a delicate balance of strength and grace, is a 4-foot-tall lapis-blue turtle shell that shimmers with gold veins and weighs only about 7 pounds.

At the Northern Lights Community Reception earlier this year, Volenec shared a message with the crowd: “I attempted this piece ten years ago, but failed. Now, 10 years later, it’s winning a Best of Show award.” He ended with the advice, “Don’t give up!”

Stories like this reflect the spirit of Northern Lights, an exhibition that not only celebrates the finished products but also the journeys taken to create these works of art.

Cynthia Maya is the marketing associate at White Bear Center for the Arts. Learn more at whitebeararts.org.

A detail shot of Carapace by Dan Volenec.

TASTE

Celebrate with Seasonal Flavors

For a dish that’s sure to stand out at summer parties, Parmesan Walnut Endive Cups feature balanced textures and fresh flavors. Visit whitebearlakemag.com for the full recipe.

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

Learn Your Communication Style

It’s such an honor to join the White Bear Lake Magazine team of contributors and share insights with the community on topics near and dear to my heart. Since much of my professional work aligns with communication and this is the Best of White Bear Lake issue, I wanted to kick off my column by sharing my top tip for communicating effectively, both personally and professionally.

Communicating effectively starts with learning and understanding communication styles—not only yours but also those of the people you interact with daily, including work colleagues, family and friends. When we understand how we communicate, we can face challenging conversations with ease. You can take my favorite communication style assessment, Straight Talk, for free at gostraighttalk.com. Understanding communication styles takes work, but when we learn and adapt our communication style to the person, conversations can become more productive.

Amelia Reigstad, Ph.D., is a communication consultant, best-selling author and founder of The Women Collective, a curated retail experience in White Bear Lake.

Meet The Mothers Band

Three White Bear Lake Area High School students are bringing beautiful harmonies to their community and beyond.

By Paige Udermann

For a dynamic trio of incoming seniors at White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS), a shared passion for music kick-started a journey of friendship, growth and perseverance.

Holly Flood, Luisa Maruyama and Freya Sanders bonded in middle school through their mutual interest in theater. As eighth graders, they performed together at a school award ceremony. They didn’t know it then, but this show was the start of something special.

When the girls entered high school, the school talent show brought the three together again. When they signed up, they realized they needed a name and settled on

The Mothers Band. “Our moms all enjoy hearing us play,” Holly says. “They have always been our core, so we named it after our moms, and it stuck.”

After the talent show, Luisa’s mom, Ellen Maruyama, suggested The Mothers Band apply to perform at Marketfest, an annual summer event series in White Bear Lake, featuring activities, entertainment and vendors. The Mothers Band was accepted to play for the festival in 2023.

“Without our moms’ support, I would have never felt as confident to sing at Marketfest,” Freya says. “They are always front row, and they believe in us.”

While their mothers gave them the

initial push, it’s the girls’ shared passion for music that keeps them singing together. Their harmonies are what truly distinguish The Mothers Band.

The trio reworks well-known songs into something uniquely their own. With Luisa’s knowledge of music theory and the group’s extensive experience singing together, their voices blend in beautiful harmony.

“I love sharing music with the world

Holly Flood, Luisa Maruyama and Freya Sanders are the faces of The Mothers Band.

Photo: Chris Emeott

because I think it helps other people and brings them together,” Luisa says.

Since Marketfest 2023, the band has taken the stage at multiple local events, including a second show at Marketfest in 2024 and performances at the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest, a Polar Lake Park movie night and various school events.

Preparing for these gigs has encouraged personal and professional growth. “It’s a lot of perseverance and just knowing each other and being patient because it’s sometimes a grueling process,” Holly says. “... We have really hard moments where we’re focused, but then we have moments where we take breaks and go get gelato. We still have those friendship moments where we don’t lose sight of why we’re doing this, which is really important.”

The band plans to continue performing locally. Beyond that, the future remains uncertain. For now, they are soaking it all in and are grateful to have the opportunity to sing with the people they love and share their passion with the community.

Outside of the band, each member is involved in different pursuits. Luisa is deeply immersed in music. She is making history as the first WBLAHS student to simultaneously participate in band, choir and orchestra. She is also preparing to produce her own album and work toward a music career. Holly balances music with leadership and enjoys volunteering as a theater director in the district’s middle school program. She hopes to pursue a profession in the STEM field. Freya excels in both the arts and athletics. She juggles choir and theater with basketball and softball, embracing all the possibilities to come.

“We would like to play with a lot of joy in whatever we do, wherever we do it, and put our all into the music,” Freya says. “I will look back on this time and be so grateful.”

@mothersband Mothers Band

DESTINATIONS

Escape

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 Metro.

Explore more destinations by visiting whitebearlakemag.com

Travel North

Nestled on a quiet property 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. You won’t want to leave—but if you do, nearby activities include Franconia Sculpture Park, canoe and kayak rentals and great hiking trails. Shafer; airbnb.com/slink/ebfcqt0s

Head East

Looking for a unique destination for a relaxing girls trip? The Pink Castle is a glamorous Victorian mansion where everything is—you guessed it—pink! It’s a vacation destination fit for royalty with a heated pool and hot tub, a cabana pool house and a dining table surrounded by giant, gold thrones. Another great feature: The 4,400-square-foot home was formerly a bed and breakfast, so many

Photos: Nikole Ruth, Double Domes

Top: Outing Lodge at Pine Point

Bottom: Double Domes in Eden Prairie

of the unique bedrooms include their own bathrooms. It’s a kitschy setting for a bachelorette party or family staycation. The property is also available for hourly home and pool rentals. Hudson, Wisconsin; fleetwoodrentals.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-year-old burr 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

Go West

Book accommodations in every kid’s dream home at the Double Domes

Two geodesic domes connect to create a unique space with six bedrooms that sleep up to 18 guests. The home is also tricked out with playful features, including 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, and outdoor attractions include a fire pit, trampoline, 200-foot zipline and a tube slide off the deck, as well as landscaped waterfalls, ponds and fairy gardens to explore. Eden Prairie; thedoubledomes.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 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 and is a popular site for group retreats and weddings. Stays also include a continental breakfast. Stillwater; outinglodge.com

BEST OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

Summer is

Dining

Best Bakery

1. Key’s Cafe & Bakery

2. GoodThings Café

3. 350 Degrees Bakery

here—and so are

the results of our annual Readers’ Choice Poll.

Summer brings opportunities for many of our favorite pastimes here in White Bear Lake. From sailing and waterskiing to patio dining and evening bike riding, it’s a delightful time to reside in this part of the world. At White Bear Lake Magazine, sharing the results of our annual Readers’ Choice Poll is a highlight of the season. These businesses, organizations and service providers are the heart and soul of our community—chosen by you as the best of the Best of White Bear Lake. We hope these results inspire your summer adventures. Cheers to warm days around town and on the water! —Zoe Yates

The results are listed in order of placement.

Best

Breakfast or Brunch

1. Key’s Cafe and Bakery

2. Brickhouse Food & Drink

3. Cobblestone Café

Best Burger

Best

Dessert or Ice Cream

1. Cup and Cone

2. Orso Bianco Gelato

3. Sweets by Brickhouse

Best International Cuisine

Best Bar, Brewery or Distillery

1. Brickhouse Food & Drink

2. The Alchemist

3. Washington Square Bar & Grill

1. Brickhouse Food and Drink

2. Cabin 61

3. Bear Town Bar and Grill

1. Ban Thai Restaurant

2. Mizu Japanese

3. Young’s

Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop

1. The Anchor Coffee House

2. Cajeta Coffee

3. The Wild Bean

Best Outdoor Dining Space

1. Brickhouse Food & Drink

2. Tie: Rudy’s Redeye Grill; Washington Square Bar & Grill

Best Pizza

1. Pizzeria Pezzo

2. Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub

3. Pino’s Pizza & Pasta

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. PLNT BSD

2. Nautical Bowls

3. Brickhouse Food & Drink

Best Restaurant

1. Brickhouse Food & Drink

2. Rudy’s Red Eye Grill

3. Acqua Restaurant & Bar

Abode

Best Carpet and Flooring Store

1. Abbott Paint & Carpet

2. Suburban Floor Covering Abbey Carpet

Best Custom Home Builder

1. Lake to Lake Construction

2. Pratt Homes

3. Hagstrom Builder

Best Garden Center/Nursery

1. White Bear Floral Shop & Greenhouse

2. Costa Farms

3. Bachman’s

Best Home Decor or Furniture Store

1. Tie: Haus Theory; Leona Rose Interiors

2. That Old Blue Door

Best Interior Design Firm

1. Christina Lynn Interiors

2. Leona Rose Interiors

3. Blue Pencil Collective

Best Landscape Design Service

1. Myhra Design Group

2. Tie: DreamScapes Landscaping & Design; Longville Landscapes

Best Remodeler

1. Pratt Homes

2. Preferred Kitchens

3. Hagstrom Builder

Best Senior Living Residence

1. St. Andrew’s Village

2. Encore at Mahtomedi

3. Tie: Cerenity Senior Care; Waverly Gardens

Self Care

Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services

1. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

2. Revive Salon and Medspa

3. Indulge Salon & Spa

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. Summit Pilates and Training

2. Club Pilates

3. Studio One Yoga

Best Hair Salon

1. Revive Salon & Medspa

2. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

3. Indulge Salon & Spa

Best Manicure and Pedicure

1. Indulge Salon & Spa

2. Lovely Nails

3. Nails&Spa

Best Massage

1. A Little TLC Massage

2. Tie: DW’s Therapeutic Massage; Indulge Salon & Spa

Best Med Spa

1. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

2. Revive Salon and Medspa

3. Advanced Esthetics Med Spa

Best Spa

1. Sunbear Salon & Medical Spa

2. Revive Salon and Medspa

3. Indulge Salon & Spa

Wellness

Best Chiropractic Practice

1. The Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake

2. Lux Family Chiropractic

3. Wilson Family Chiropractic

Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice

1. Lund Family Dentistry

2. Tie: Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery; Minnesota Women’s Care

Best Dental Practice

1. Orchard Dental Group

2. White Bear Smiles

3. Lund Family Dentistry

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Advanced Dermatology Care

2. Dermatology Consultants

3. Minnesota Women’s Care

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Synergy Family Physicians

2. Entira Family Clinics

3. HealthPartners

Best Holistic Wellness Practice

1. Synergy Family Physicians

2. Core Chiropractic & Health

3. Tie: Embolden You; Lux Family Chiropractic

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. HealthPartners

2. Tie: MetroPartners OBGYN Clinics; Minnesota Women’s Care

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Signature Orthodontics

2. Erickson-Aamodt Orthodontics

3. Village Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Practice

1. HealthPartners

2. Tie: Children’s Minnesota: Hugo Clinic; Northern Lights Pediatrics

Best

Physical Therapy Practice

1. Bloom Physical Therapy & Wellness

2. OSI Physical Therapy

3. Summit Orthopedics

Best Vision Care Practice

1. White Bear Eye Clinic & Optical

2. Birch Lake Eye Clinic

3. St. Paul Eye Clinic

Learning

Best Dance Studio

1. 4th Street Dance Centre

2. Inspiration Performing Arts Center

3. White Bear Dance Center

Best Learning or Tutoring Center

1. World Around Us Child Care

2. Mathnasium

3. Liberty Classical Academy

Best Preschool Program

1. Preschools of St. Andrew’s

2. Liberty Classical Academy

3. My Nature Preschool at Tamarack Nature Center

Best Swim School or Lesson Provider

1. Foss Swim School

2. White Bear Area YMCA

3. Life Time

Pet Care

Best Dog Park

1. Otter Lake Off-leash Dog Area

2. White Bear Lake Dog Beach

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Goldwood Kennels

2. Oneka Pet Resort

3. All Star Pet Hotel & Day Care

Best Pet-Friendly Dining or Retail Businesses

1. Washington Square Bar & Grill

2. Brickhouse Food & Drink

3. Tally’s Dockside

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Goldwood Kennels

2. Jazzy Paws

3. Haute Dog Spa

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. White Bear Animal Hospital

2. Lake Animal Hospital

3. Birch Lake Animal Hospital

Shops

Best Apparel Boutique

1. Primp Boutique

2. GoodThings

3. Mainstream Boutique

Best Florist

1. White Bear Floral Shop & Greenhouse

2. Hazel & Goose

3. Lakeside Floral

Best Gift Shop

1. GoodThings

2. Oldies & Goodies

3. Naptime Faith & Life Gift Shop

Best Jewelry Store

1. Evari Silver & Stone

2. White Bear Jewelers

3. Graham Jewelers

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Eat! @ Banning and 5th

2. Olive Branch Oil & Spice

3. Kowalski’s Markets

Leisure

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Memorial Beach/West Park

2. Tamarack Nature Center

3. Tie: Mahtomedi Beach; Matoska Park

Best Date Night Spot

1. Brickhouse Food & Drink

2. Acqua Restaurant & Bar

3. The Alchemist

Best Outdoor Spot for Graduation Photos

1. Tie: Matoska Park; Tamarack Nature Center

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Dellwood Country Club

2. Tamarack Nature Center

3. Orso Bianco Gelato

Best Alpine Hill or Nordic Ski Trail

1. Tie: Afton Alps; Wild Mountain

2. Trollhaugen

Best Alterations or Tailoring Service

1. Sew What!

2. Reyna’s Alterations

3. Tony’s Tailors

Best Biking or Hiking Trail

1. Gateway State Trail

2. Brown’s Creek State Trail

3. Tamarack Nature Center

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. A.B. Ellie

2. Tie: Bella Bridal Boutique; The Wedding Shoppe

Best Electrician Service

1. Tie: Chris Electric; Tillges Electrical

2. Tie: Aquarius Home Services; Marshall Electric

Best Family Photographer

1. Amanda Jean Photography

2. Lucie Photos

3. Ideatap Studios

Best Financial Services

1. Paladin Financial

2. Tie: Ramsay and Associates; WealthStory Advisory

Best Golf Course

1. Dellwood Country Club

2. Gem Lake Hills Golf Course

3. Manitou Ridge

Best Heating and Cooling Service

1. Reibel Heating & Air Conditioning

2. White Bear Heating and Cooling

3. Aquarius Home Services

Best Language Immersion Program or School

1. Lakes International Language Academy

2. Matoska International

3. Yinghua Academy

Best Law Practice

1. GDO Law

2. Tie: Scott P. Heins & Associates; Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm

Best Local Concert Series

1. Marketfest

2. Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Best Music School

1. Inspiration Performing Arts Center

2. Minnesota School of Music

Best Outdoor Skating Rink

1. Podvin Park

2. Tie: Guidant John Rose Minnesota OVAL; TCO Sports Garden

Best Plumbing Service

1. Tie: Hugo Plumbing and Pump Service; White Bear Plumbing

2. Tie: Aquarius Home Services; Paul “The Plumber”

Best Private School

1. Liberty Classical Academy

2. Frassati Catholic Academy

3. Tie: Magnuson Christian School; St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School

Best Professional Theater

1. Hanifl Performing Arts Center

2. Ashland Productions

3. Guthrie Theater

Best Roofing Service

1. Lake to Lake Exteriors

2. Alexander Home Services

3. Gold Creek Construction

Best Senior Portrait Photographer

1. Amanda Jean Photography

2. Lucie Photos

3. Briana Fernandez Photography

Best Staycation Hotel

1. Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn

2. Hotel Crosby

3. Lora Hotel

Best Summer Camp

1. Leo Lion’s Summer Blast Camp at Liberty Classical Academy

2. Tie: Hidden Pines Ranch; Tamarack Nature Center Day Camps

Best Venue to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

1. Memorial Beach Park

2. Tie: Brickhouse Food & Drink Rooftop; White Bear Lake County Park

Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer

1. Amanda Jean Photography

2. Lucie Photos

3. Briana Fernandez Photography

Best Wedding Venue

1. Dellwood Country Club

2. Kellerman’s Event Center

3. 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery

Best Winery

1. 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery

2. Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

3. Rustic Roots Winery

Leona Rose Interiors offers bespoke design and expert customer service.

Kelly McGauley was drawn to interior design even as a young girl. “I’ve always had a passion for homes and their interiors,” she says. In 2009, McGauley launched her design business out of her own home, renaming it in 2018 to Leona Rose Interiors after her grandmothers. Today, her experienced and creatively-driven design firm has grown and includes a retail location in downtown White Bear Lake.

“We offer complete interior design services, ranging from new construction or remodeling to a simple home refresh or holiday decorating,” McGauley says. With the Leona Rose team at the helm, clients can expect small and grand touches to their homes. “I believe that the investment homeowners put into their homes creates an environment that generates a personalized mood or ambience that is appealing to homeowners and guests alike,” McGauley says. And doing so takes vision and experience. “A home’s essence impacts people each and every day,” McGauley says. “Capturing and creating that feeling is truly a blend of artistry and science—all specific to each project.”

Leona Rose’s team of experts, including designers and a project manager, seamlessly dovetails those concepts into any design assignment—large or small, local or throughout the country and even in Paris. Clients here and abroad have come to expect diverse collections with quality craftsmanship and exceptional service.

To bring ideas to fruition, communication is key, which leads to finished projects that not only meet clients’ visions, but often exceeds them, offering timeless homes they can enjoy for years to come. And that is evident through client satisfaction. For example, a client expressed appreciation to the Leona Rose team for capturing her design essence, maintaining responsiveness, adhering to the budget and offering connections to excellent subcontractors “This creative endeavor with Leona Rose has been a true blessing,” she says.

“This is why we do what we do,” McGauley says. “It inspires me to keep bringing our best to each project.”

Written by Zoe Yates

Sustainable Picks

Shopping small has never felt so good.

Last summer, I stopped buying bread. It was a small change to push myself to explore new recipes and improve as a baker. I quickly learned how to make biscuits, pita, sandwich bread, sourdough loaves, tortillas and more. The choice was also a symptom of my broader mindset as a consumer—to reduce single-use plastic purchases, buy second-hand goods and recycle well.

I’m privileged to have the capacity to pursue

sustainability on many levels, and, while I’m aware my impact on the world is small, taking these steps gives me hope and brings me joy.

It felt fitting for my Editor’s Picks this year to focus on sustainable businesses in the White Bear Lake area. These stores provide the community with an alternative way to use our purchasing power, allowing people to choose both local and sustainable options.

Haus Theory

Growing up in California, it didn’t take long for Paula Carrillo to fall in love with vintage. Drawn to the colorful ’60s and ’70s garments tucked in thrift store racks, Carrillo dressed in vintage (from her hair to her shoes) six to seven days a week after graduating high school. “That’s how the collection started, and then it just got kind of out of control,” Carrillo says.

In 2004, she started selling vintage clothes online. Nearly 20 years later, in 2023, Carrillo opened Bad Little Woman Vintage at Avalon Mall in downtown White Bear Lake. The racks and shelves are filled to the brim with treasures that rotate with the seasons. Her approach to sustainability is entwined with family lessons on resourcefulness and gratitude. Stains and tears don’t hold Carrillo back from resurrecting an item of clothing. “I’d like to give everything a second life,” Carrillo says. She also thrifts all her display items. Even extra cardboard is used to make price tags, which often include a note on the item’s backstory.

Though Carrillo does get help from employees on days she’s sourcing goods, she loves being at the store, helping customers find the perfect item. “She comes

home excited,” says Gorge Rodriquez, Carrillo’s partner. “And not about how much she sold, but … the impact she made on the people that came in.” 2179 Fourth St. Suite 1D; 507.400.1132; blwvintage.com

Alexander and Jordan Akens met as high school students in 2007 when Alexander was here on exchange from Germany. Eighteen years on (and now a family of four), the Akens founded a thriving zero-waste brand. Bamboo Switch supplies sustainable and eco-friendly home goods to thousands of shops and boutiques around the country.

The brand launched in 2018 when the couple decided to focus on providing alternatives to common plastic essentials—starting with toothbrushes—and find a way to make the eco-friendly concept less luxurious. They found a solution in bamboo, the fastest-growing plant on Earth. The company now sells more than 300 products with most filling a need in the bathroom and kitchen.

Bamboo Switch pursues sustainability on all levels, ensuring that workers abroad and at home are paid a fair living

wage. In White Bear Lake, the company employs seven full-time workers, using natural packaging and reusing boxes from area businesses whenever possible. You won’t find plastic in the company’s Third Street shop, either. It’s all part of a mission to spread the word on green living. “I want to be able to meet people where they are, at any point,” Jordan says. “The more people that see that this is possible, that they can afford it and that there are other alternatives, the better for the mission of the planet.” 2208 Third St.; 612.495.9272; bambooswitch.com

Stepping into Haus Theory feels like entering a cozy home filled with treasures. The Third Street home goods shop has a sustainable mission of encouraging thoughtful homemaking by rehoming vintage furnishings and goods. “There’s so much stuff that exists in the world that there’s plenty for everybody already. So, finding ways to incorporate the things that speak to you is possible already,” coowner Amanda Evans says. “There’s a way to feel good in your home, knowing that you’re doing something that isn’t harmful or wasteful.”

Left: Bad Little Woman Vintage Right: Bamboo Switch

Amanda and her husband, co-owner Dan Evans, spend each week sourcing, repairing, curating and peddling these special items. “All of our furniture is vintage, and then we focus on the really quality stuff and repairing and restoring—making sure things are still viable and can live another entire lifetime,” Amanda says.

Any new product at Haus Theory has been intentionally chosen with its creation and end life in mind and is made with natural or recyclable materials. “If we bring in a new thing, it’s because it’s really well-designed and useful,” Amanda says. The shop also has a sustainable approach to utilities and operations; it

relies on wind-powered electricity and uses only recycled packaging materials with carbon offset shipping. “The way we shop matters, so having choices and knowing that it’s a choice is important,” Amanda says. 2182 Third St.; 651.429.0963; haustheory.com

Engaging in sustainable shopping practices is often a matter of balance. At Oldies & Goodies, this concept shines clear as day. Along with a collection of vintage and second-hand clothing, owners Emily Blake and Amber Puschinsky have curated a selection of products and creations from area artists. Previously operating as two neighboring businesses,

Blake and Puschinsky joined forces in 2023 when they moved to a vibrant, welcoming 2,600-square-foot space on Clark Avenue in downtown White Bear Lake. Blake’s passion lies in bringing creatives together. The shop currently features work from 73 artists and often holds art classes in subjects like painting and woodworking. Puschinsky tackles the vintage side, which includes both homeware and ’80s–’90s casual vintage. Choosing vintage and second-hand clothing isn’t just a matter of look or quality, it’s about reducing the amount of clothing headed for landfills. “I just see the waste because I’m always out there looking for things,” she says. “That’s really a

Photos: Chris Emeott; Park + Coop

big reason why it’s important to me.” The upside of her work is learning the stories of vintage items, especially those that are donated to the shop by community members. A beloved lace tablecloth, a unique purse—even a table made from a bowling lane—have come from one home to be treasured in another, all through Oldies & Goodies. “We’ll keep it safe until we can pass it on to the next person,” Puschinsky says. 4717 Clark Ave.; 612.888.4520; oldiesandgoodiesmn.com

Mahtomedi’s Carmen Olsen spends a lot of time in the kitchen with her three daughters, who all love to cook and bake. As her youngest grew out of her toddler apron, Olsen sought a sustainable, functional alternative. “I ended up not finding a product I liked,” she says. After learning that nearly 11 million tons of textile waste head to U.S. landfills each year, she enlisted her sister’s help to design an apron using upcycled denim in 2022. Three years later, Park + Coop has saved a half-ton of fabric from landfills and expanded from upcycled denim utility aprons to napkins, bags and more.

Operating out of a White Bear Lake workshop, the company pursues unique community initiatives to support nonprofits and promote sustainability, including Denim Drives where organizations are paid per pound of collected denim.

It also offers Memory Products, where customers can supply a special textile to be upcycled. “It’s important to me—if I’m truly keeping textiles out of landfills— that I’m making things that last,” Olsen says. “Each of the pieces is intended to be a heritage piece where it can be passed on and reused again and again.”

All of the decisions Olsen makes, from sourcing hardware to recycling and reusing shipping materials, are anchored in a sustainable mission. “I understand that not every consumer can buy 100 percent of their items sustainable in today’s world, but they can make the difference with each and every purchase and with their support of small and sustainable businesses,” Olsen says. general@parkandcoop.com; parkandcoop.com

Top: Haus Theory

Bottom Left: Oldies & Goodies

Bottom Right: Park + Coop

TASTEMAKERS

Take a Dip

Brighten up gatherings with fresh takes on appetizing spreads.

Written by Editorial Staff

If there’s one thing Minnesotans do best, it’s summer get-togethers. Whether your party finds its rhythm lakeside or on a sun-soaked patio, there’s one appetizer that’s sure to be on the menu: dip. No bowl o’ chips, charcuterie board or crudité platter 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. In the spring and summer, 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

• 1 garlic clove

• 15 oz. cannellini beans

• ¼ cup tahini

• 5 Tbsp. lemon juice

• 2 tsp. coriander seeds, coarsely ground (or 1 ½ tsp. ground coriander)

• 2 tsp. white miso paste

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• ¼ cup olive oil

Mince garlic clove in a food processor. Add the beans, tahini, lemon juice, coriander, miso and salt. Pulse until smooth; slowly add the olive oil while pulsing. Place the dip in a serving dish, and refrigerate while starting the topping.

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Chimichurri Topping:

• 2 garlic cloves

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• ½ 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

• ½ 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 the top of the 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 a 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

• ½ tsp. ginger paste

• ½ 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

• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (or to taste)

• ¾–1½ cups filtered water

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Wash cilantro, and pat dry. Slice and discard ½ inch off the bottom of the stems. To a blender, add cilantro, coconut, ginger and garlic pastes, green chili and salt. Blend until everything is chopped and starting to come together. Add lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Note: Different stores bundle cilantro in varying quantities, so each time you make this dip, the amount of water needed will vary.

Start with ¾ 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. Place in a decorative serving bowl; chill for 20 minutes before serving.

Curry Veggie Dip

This veggie dip has become a mainstay at all Kopiecki family gatherings. The Madras curry powder adds the perfect zip without the heat, making it ideal for even those milder Minnesotan palates. I serve it up with baby carrots, cauliflower, celery, English cucumbers, radishes and snap peas. It’s also been known to make an appearance on burgers when the grill gets going. —Madeline Kopiecki, digital editor and editor of Plymouth Magazine

Dairy-Free Spinach Dip

I adapted this recipe from the Alternative Spinach Dip in Didi Emmons’ excellent cookbook, Entertaining for a Veggie Planet, when I had to (begrudgingly) give up dairy. Don’t be intimidated by the tofu—you won’t even know it’s there, and it adds a wonderful protein boost. This dip is fabulous with veggies, crackers or bread, and I love using leftovers as a sandwich spread. —Liz Potasek, editor of Cities South Magazine Collection

Layered Taco Dip

I first tried this recipe when my motherin-law, Janice Jorenby, made it one summer evening. With five layers, it brings together all the best flavors of a taco into one delicious dip. It’s perfect for summer get-togethers, a day on the water or a picnic spread. This dip pairs wonderfully with—you guessed it!—tortilla chips, but why not try something different? Pita chips or naan make delightful partners to this recipe. —Hailey Almsted, managing editor and editor of Maple Grove and Woodbury magazines

To find the full recipes, visit whitebearlakemag.com

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

Apples for everybody! Apples in pies, doughnuts, rollovers, muffins, bread and cider.

Fresh apples and apple pies available mid August.

North of White Bear Lake oﬀ East Hwy. 96 651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com

See our website for our calendar of events!

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CLOSED BETWEEN STRAWBERRIES AND APPLES .

RALLY FOR A CAUSE

The annual Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic celebrates 40 years.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, an annual event that draws tennis players and fans to Lifetime in White Bear Lake for a cause.

It all began in 1986 when Mary Ann and Ron Peterson founded a mixed doubles tournament to thank the staff at Children’s Minnesota who supported their daughter through a cancer diagnosis. In 2018, event volunteers established the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF), a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research. To date, the tournament has raised more than $8 million. Children’s Minnesota remains the primary recipient, and research funded by PTACF has impacted more than 600 hospitals in 66 countries.

The tournament includes four divisions: junior, open, masters and grand masters. There is no entry fee for players, but they are asked to fundraise for the cause. One of the top fundraisers last year was White Bear Lake Area High School girls’ tennis coach Marla Menne, who raised nearly $24,000.

“I think it’s truly amazing to see the community—not only the tennis community but the White Bear Lake community and surrounding communities—come together for this one weekend to celebrate the cause,” says Lisa Mushett, executive director of PTACF.

The tournament will be held from July 31 to August 3 at Life Time in White Bear Lake. The event is free to attend and features a children’s craft area, silent auction and food and merchandise vendors. —Ellie Heyerdahl

For more information on the tournament, volunteer opportunities and ways to give, visit ptacf.org.

Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

LOCAL EVENTS

07.04

Manitou Days: Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day and the end of Manitou Days with a performance by the Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band and a fireworks display to end the night. All ages. Free. 8–10:30 p.m. West Park, 2350 11th St.; info@manitoudays.com; manitoudays.com

07.07–07.17

Summer Musical Theater Camp Sing, act and dance at this eight-day musical theater camp with a special performance for parents/guardians on the last day. Ages 5–13. $275, registration required. 9 a.m.–noon. White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045 Division Ave.; 651.407.7501; whitebear.ce.eleyo.com

07.17

Public Health and Safety Night

Experience this special Marketfest sponsored by White Bear Lake’s Police and Fire departments alongside a resource fair. All ages. Free. 6–9 p.m. Downtown White Bear Lake, East of Highway 61 between Third and Fourth streets; 651.243.0114; marketfestwbl.com

08.05

Art In The Park

Experiment with clay and create a clay coil pot with Kelly Tokay, a former elementary school art educator. Ages 4–12. Free, registration required. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Spruce Park, 3653 McKnight Road, St. Paul; tokaykelly@gmail.com; themnvangoghproject.net

To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@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.

Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic

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

Year in Review

In 2025, we celebrated milestones, welcomed new faces and discovered new ways to enjoy all the goodness around White Bear Lake. It is our great joy and honor to continue sharing stories from the White Bear Lake area and the people who call it home. —Zoe Yates

Our Annual Photo Contest is a Few Clicks Away

Each July, we invite readers to share fresh perspectives of White Bear Lake through our annual Lens on the Lake photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to submit images that capture the unique essence of White Bear Lake, whether the focus is on local scenery, friends and family, community events or creative self-expression. Look through your images of the last year, and submit those that best encapsulate the beauty and spirit of White Bear Lake. 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. July 1 through 5 p.m. August 31 at whitebearlakemag.com.

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the White Bear Lake area.

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

• Photos should be taken in the White Bear Lake area.

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

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

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

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

Visit whitebearlakemag.com for additional rules and information. Editorial Staff

Cash Granger was fishing in a tournament on White Bear Lake in midsummer when he captured this photograph. “There were only a couple minutes left in the tournament, and I noticed the sunset,” Granger says. “I used my hand to make a splash in the water while capturing the photo on my iPhone 8 with my other hand.” Along with being our Readers’ Choice winner for this image, Granger won the fishing tournament with five largemouth bass.

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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.”