Woodbury - May 2025 by Local.

A COUPLE SHARE A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH THE GARDEN AND HOME THEY’VE OWNED FOR NEARLY SIX DECADES

PLANTING PRIDE

The OB-GYN care you need, when you need it – it really should be that simple. Whether you need pregnancy care and planning, birth control options, or menopause treatment, you’ll find the right OB-GYN within HealthPartners’ connected care system. Plus, you can get convenient virtual care. And it’s all designed to give you an easy, streamlined experience.

HealthPartners is the largest multi-specialty care group in the Twin Cities. Our clinics, hospitals, care teams and virtual services are all connected to make your health care simple.

healthpartners.com/obgyn

primal perfection

Kowalski’s Certified Akaushi Beef comes from the largest purebred group of Akaushi outside of Japan. You won’t find a more tender steak. Our Certified Akaushi Beef is hand-cut and fork-tender with ribbons of creamy white marbling for a rich, buttery taste you won’t forget! A supreme steak built for the ultimate steak lover!

CERTIFIED AKAUSHI BEEF

ARTS AND OUTDOOR LIVING

issue the

ALMA FLOR ADA CARES ABOUT WOODBURY

“Tu familia es nuestra familia.” Your family is our family!

Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy is making a meaningful impact in the Woodbury community by blending early childhood education with a strong foundation in culture, language, and social-emotional development. With programs designed for children ages 16 months to 6 years, the academy offers a nurturing, bilingual environment that helps young learners thrive.

“Our mission is to create a space where children feel safe, loved, and empowered to explore,” says founder Lucilla Dávila.

“We want every child to see themselves reflected in our classrooms—through language, through culture, and through meaningful relationships.”

At the heart of the school’s mission is a commitment to empowering children through a unique fusion of Spanish immersion, cultural appreciation, and STEM-based exploration. This thoughtful approach supports not only academic growth, but also fosters confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

“We believe that combining STEM with language and cultural experiences gives children the tools to think critically and compassionately,” Dávila explains. “It’s about preparing them for the future while honoring who they are.”

With a strong background in education and a passion for innovation, Dávila brings both vision and heart to the academy. She also plays an active role in the local community, supporting efforts that strengthen families and build bridges between businesses and residents.

“We’re proud to support the Woodbury Community Foundation and the work they do to bring people together,” she says. “It aligns so closely with our values of connection, inclusion, and communitybuilding.”

Currently enrolling for childcare, preschool, summer camps, and afterschool programs, Alma Flor Ada invites families to explore everything the academy has to offer.

To learn more or to schedule a tour, call (651) 999-3952 or visit them at 8420 City Centre Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.

This May, enjoy all the beauty that the Earth gifts to us. “Always, it’s spring, and everyone’s in love and flowers pick themselves.” —E.E. Cummings, American poet

Photo: Lunds & Byerlys

Meat Your Match, page 44

from the EDITOR

Welcome to our arts and outdoor living issue, dear Readers. As I put this issue together in the depths of winter, I found myself longing for greenery and the warmth of summer air. I hoped to transport myself to a warmer locale—dreaming of what Minnesota would look like in just a few months. And now, here we are: The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and life is in full bloom once again.

I’m deeply inspired by one home garden in particular—that of Rod and Eileen Lund. The remarkable couple has called Woodbury home for nearly 60 years, settling in the community even before it was officially designated as a city. Their garden is a reflection of their dedication and love for the land—and for each other. Looking at their beautiful bounty and blooms, knowing each plant is carefully nurtured with patience, is more than just a visual delight, it’s a heartening reminder of the beauty that flourishes when passion takes root (page 38).

Also in this issue, explore an innovative golfing app created by a Woodbury local (page 22); meet a nonprofit organization raising funds for a veterans foundation (page 18); and plan a mini-getaway for the summer (page 26).

We’d love to see what you’re growing! Tag us in your photos on Instagram @woodbury_mag. Cheers to longer days and new adventures—I hope these pages encourage you to get out, whether in the garden or out and about town.

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

ON THE COVER Planting Pride, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 38

SEE WHAT WE’RE DOING BEHIND THE SCENES AND AROUND TOWN! Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag CELEBRATING THE WOODBURY AREA SINCE 2004.

Photo: Chris Emeott

VOL. 20 NO. 10

woodburymag.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

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

Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton, Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Taylor Hamilton

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, South Washington County Schools Community Education, SoWashCo CARES ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury

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, Mary-Catherine Hartel and Sara Johnson

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

“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

Greg Foote Jewelers

Personal Jewelry Services

YOUR WEDDING, OUR PAGES

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life—filled with romance, the love of family and friends and, of course, all those wonderful, unforgettable details. At Woodbury Magazine, we embrace celebrating local love stories, and we want to feature yours!

We’re interested in showcasing your extraordinary wedding in our very special wedding issue, which will be published in February 2026. Your wedding could be featured alongside articles, highlighting

premier, local businesses in the wedding industry and information important to others planning their upcoming nuptials.

Was your wedding (or one you photographed!) an elegant, one-of-a-kind celebration? Were your guests treated to a black-tie affair, a lavish destination event or a curated soirée? From couture fashion and bespoke décor to breathtaking venues and personal touches, we’re looking for weddings that stand out and inspire. —Editorial Staff

To view our debut wedding issue, visit woodburymag.com.

To be considered, wedding gallery submissions will be accepted from May 1 through September 1, 2025, for weddings that took place from September 1, 2024, onward.

For all submission requirements, guidelines and FAQs, visit woodburymag.com.

Personalize Your Garden

Just like writers can suffer from writer’s block, gardeners can suffer from gardener’s block. Feelings of being unsure what to do with a space, what to tackle first or a lack of inspiration can hit. When that’s the case, I like to give a small piece of advice: How can your outdoor living areas reflect you and your interests? Do you love hosting people in the summer? This may be the year to build that new patio space or pergola. Do you have a favorite color? Find plants that bloom in your favorite hues to fill the gaps in your garden. Or are you ready to go all in? Design your landscape and everything in it to fit your personal aesthetic. Chloe Hurst, known as The Goth Garden or @theg0thgarden on Instagram, has done this impeccably. She has crafted her Zone 5 garden to exude Gothic vibes, featuring dark-hued florals and plants throughout her landscape. Sometimes, having a purpose and a vision is all one needs to get out of one’s gardening slump. If you find yourself there this season, I encourage you to look inward, find what you like and start creating!

Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content strategist at Bailey Nurseries. Grow more at firsteditionsplants.com.

VIEW

Colors of the Night Sky

Andy Venn is no stranger to aurora borealis, capturing Miller Barn beneath a curtain of colors on May 10, 2024. “This scene was very interesting to me due to the historic barn color offset by the mystic sky,” Venn says. “It seemed rare to look southwesterly in Woodbury to see the aurora.” Find more of Venn’s work on Instagram at @ajvenn. —Emma Souza

Photographer: Andy Venn

Title: Valley Creek Park Aurora

Equipment: Sony 7M4 with a 20mm, 1.8 lens at one-second exposure

Location: Valley Creek Park

Category: Places

Award: First Place

Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea

Photo: First Editions® Shrubs & Trees

READ

Heart of the Sun

Best-selling author Mia Sheridan releases her next novel, Heart of the Sun, on May 20. Set in the orange groves of California, childhood friends Emily Swanson, a rising pop sensation, and Tuck Mattice, who is fresh out of prison, are brought together once again when Emily hires Tuck as her bodyguard. The two, alongside Emily’s boyfriend, Charlie, are on a private jet set for New York City when a solar flare disrupts the electrical grid. When society is plunged into darkness, they begin to understand all they’ve lost, and Emily and Tuck find their way back to one another on a weekslong journey.

I received an advancedreader copy of the novel, and I can attest to its interesting plotline that intertwines romance with a dystopian future. I found Heart of the Sun to be a fast-paced read that captured my attention, and fans of enemies to lovers, slow burn romance and dystopian fiction will enjoy this book. —Hailey Almsted

3004 Edgewater Dr. Woodbury

#1 Agent Coldwell Banker Realty Woodbury 2020-2024

“ I worked with Hyounsoo recently for the sale of a h ome in Woodbury. When looking for the perfect realtor, I did my rese arch and found how qualified she was, (her numbers tell the story of h er success ) but it was in meeting her and experiencing her energy that I was totally blown away. One of the key questions we asked her w as what she would do for us that would be different than any ot her Realtor and she replied, “everything”! This sold me on what she was willing to do! The amazing part is that Hyounsoo actually did!! For Hy ounsoo, it is never that you are just another client, you become a frie nd, and there is an immense amount of trust built very quickly. It is f or this reason that you know she will achieve the best experience possible for you! Hyounsoo Is passionate about her work and for those she care s about.

French 7Tea5

Legend has it that the original Soixante-Quinze (French 75) was created during World War I by a Parisian bartender. It included gin, lemon, grenadine, applejack brandy and water. Since its inception, this fancy-looking, easy-to-make drink has gone through several evolutions, eventually adopting today’s signature Soixante-Quinze splash of Champagne in place of water. Join us as we give this classic cocktail yet another tasty twist—tea. Craftily named French 7Tea5, our recipe centers around blackberrysage black tea from The Republic of Tea and includes simple syrup, gin, lemon juice and, of course, Champagne. We also add a splash of Chambord for that beautiful berry color and garnish with tea leaves and a refreshing twist of orange.

» 1 blackberry-sage black tea bag, The Republic of Tea

» 1 tsp. granulated sugar

» 1 oz. gin

» ½ oz. tea simple syrup, plus more for brushing (Find the recipe at woodburymag.com.)

» ¼ oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

» ¼ oz. Chambord

» 4 oz. Champagne

» orange twist, for garnish

I will always consider it a blessing to have had Hyounsoo enter into my life and be the person that proactively and professionally guided me through su ch a significant transition that was more than just a transaction. You are phenomenal at what you do!”

-Michele

by a Subsidiary of

To make one cocktail: Cut open the tea bag and, on a large plate, mix the dried tea leaves with the sugar. Using a pastry brush, brush a strip of the tea syrup on the outside of a Champagne flute. Gently roll the Champagne flute in the teasugar to coat the side. Place the Champagne flute in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the gin, tea syrup, lemon juice and Chambord. Shake for 20 seconds or until the cocktail shaker is frosty. Strain into the prepared flute and top with the Champagne. Garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy.

advisors LLC

Photo: Lunds & Byerlys

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

• 10+ years of experience advising local and national businesses

• Trusted counsel to healthcare, technology, and professional service organizations

• Business & Corporate Law

• Information Technology & E-Commerce Law

• Intellectual Property Law Colman Sutter Attorney csutter@hjlawfirm.com 952-746-2125

Playing for a Cause

Pickleball tournaments raise money for area veterans foundation.

By Meredith Heneghan

Dan Osterman and Barry Schalkle were on the pickleball court when they had the first conversation about starting a veteran support organization. Last July, they launched USA 4 Veterans Foundation “to empower, foster and invest in military personnel … to enhance their well-being and enjoy the principles they have protected through service,” according to the foundation’s mission statement.

“We were at Colby Lake Park playing pickleball, and I said, ‘What if we start a pickleball tournament for veterans?’ and

Barry said, ‘Let’s do more!’” Osterman says. The duo recognized that pickleball, a fast-growing and popular sport, is a way of building community and creating connections.

“It’s about letting people know about the cause but also letting those people get together,” Schalkle says. “Pickleball has this dynamic range, from young kids to our 90-year-old friend, Shirley. It’s a common community where friendships and acquaintances develop where you wouldn’t expect.” Developing these

Photo: Chris Emeott

Barry Schalkle and Dan Osterman

connections and bringing people together has been their main focus in the first year of the foundation. “The idea started with pickleball, but it’s about raising money and raising awareness for the community,” Schalkle says.

The foundation looks at existing support organizations for veterans, and if their mission statements align, the funds generated through their pickleball tournaments are donated directly to these aligned organizations. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation and Pat Tillman Foundation are recipients of funds from USA 4 Veterans Foundation. The duo acknowledges that there are many resources available to veterans, but it can be difficult to know what’s out there and how to engage. “The awareness factor is huge,” Schalkle says.

Osterman and Schalkle have organized pickleball tournaments in multiple states—including Duel in the Desert on May 3 in Mesa, Arizona, proving that their idea of merging one of the country’s most popular sports is a great way to educate and engage communities in support of a cause. “The people have been so responsive,” Osterman says.

Schalkle, whose career was as a CPA and retirement planner, is a United States Army veteran, and many of his family members also served. Osterman was in the construction industry for over 50 years and is the only nonveteran on the foundation’s board, but he is passionate about the cause. “I am passionate about what we’re doing for veterans because the cause is so great,” Osterman says. Both Osterman and Schalkle are enthusiastic about creating connections across generations and among various people in the community.

“Many of the people who play pickleball may not be veterans, but they have family members who are or can connect with us and understand our passion. If you have one common denominator, it’s easier to come together,” Schalkle says.

USA 4 Veterans is committed to local engagement alongside their multistate tournament schedule. “There are 15,000 veterans in Washington County, and while there are these great national organizations, they don’t always focus on smaller communities. We’re focused local,” Schalkle says.

usa4veterans.org

Strike Change

SuperCoaches connects students and athletes with tutors and coaches.

By Emily Gedde

When it comes to finding a solution to an issue, Jennifer Shawgo is all in.

Last fall, Shawgo launched SuperCoaches, a website charged with connecting students and athletes with experienced local athletic coaches and academic tutors, who have completed thorough training and background checks. The platform simplifies scheduling and securing payments while assisting parents with identifying the perfect match to help their child excel.

“We created a process that people can trust when they’re looking to hire

someone as a tutor or a sports coach,” Shawgo says. “We want to make it easy for people to connect.” The scope of the coaching and tutoring is vast. Even parents who are hesitant to enroll a child in an organized sport team can hire a local athlete to, for example, kick around at a soccer field or open space to see if the child has interest in the sport before joining a team. Older and more serious athletes can also get the extra coaching they need, and the same goes for varied academic needs.

The 1998 Woodbury High School

graduate says the idea came from her own experiences. Shawgo often found herself in search of a tutor for school or extra hockey coaching for her sons, Tucker, 18, Tyler, 16, and Beckett, 13. “I would be given a name and a phone number for a tutor, but I didn’t know what they charged, if they’ve been background checked, what their availability is or how I would pay them,” she says.

Shawgo majored in entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas, and as a natural connector and fixer, she combined her skills for the concept for the

Photo: Chris Emeott

The theme of SuperCoaches’ website took on a superhero look to match its motto: Strike change in your community. “When you are hiring a tutor or a coach, you’re striking change in lives—just like superheroes do,” says Jennifer Shawgo, owner and founder.

SuperCoaches website. Her husband, Tom Shawgo, offered expertise on the technical side of her brainchild. “This website helps parents with what I struggled with, and it helps teachers and coaches who could use a side income,” she says.

While still in its infancy, Shawgo says the website is generating excitement from users on both sides. She has been busy meeting with counselors at local schools who are especially appreciative of the background check process. “Background checks are a huge piece of mind. We complete a background check both federally and locally,” she says, adding the checks are run annually. Coaches and tutors must be at least 16 years old.

Tutoring or coaching can be in person or virtual, depending on the preferences of both parties. Each coach or tutor fills out a biographical form, which can be favorited by users for future reference. Once a meeting time is established, text reminders are sent out to help streamline the process even further. “After the session, parents are asked to rate the coach or tutor, and the coach or tutor is asked to give feedback to the students on what they need to work on,” Shawgo says.

Future business goals include incorporating specialized coaches. Shawgo says she recognizes the importance of offering support for clients who have disabilities, for example. She is also paying attention to philanthropic opportunities to help students and athletes who need financial assistance for tutoring or coaching sessions.

When it comes to numbers, Shawgo aims to grow the coach and tutor inventory to 250 individuals within a year. “That means we successfully figured out the recipe here,” she says. “But I am very flexible with expectation. We’re just really excited about this and looking forward to striking real change in our communities.”

supercoaches.org SuperCoaches @super_coaches @supercoaches

Photo: Chris Emeott

Swing, Share and Improve

Improve your game with an innovative golfing app.

By Daniel Huss

The hypothesis behind Shots – The Golf App is simple: Golfers like to critique other golfers’ swings.

“Subconsciously, we see a swing and think, ‘Oh, that’s really good.’ Or, ‘Oh, that’s really bad,’” says Shots application designer Matt Foster.

Shots is a short-form video-sharing app that delivers golf-related content to golf enthusiasts. At its core is a social space that allows golfers to share their swings while simultaneously encouraging fellow golfers (users) to comment and critique.

Users can form groups, both public and private, and chat within these groups. Golfing buddies can even thumbs-up or thumbs-down to your swing, alongside four different reactions, too. Constructive criticism, coupled with straightforward advice, can lead to improvement, and that’s the point. “Golfers post on the app, looking for big changes and little tweaks,” Foster says. “That’s just what they do.”

Foster’s path to app design is akin to an errant golf shot, not exactly the straightest trajectory. Born in Australia, he came to the United States to play college football. He was a punter and a computer science major. He started at Purdue University in Indiana and finished at Sam Houston State University in Texas. He met his wife, Kelcie Foster, who is from Stillwater, in Austin, Texas; the two married, had their child, Bowie, 18 months old, and moved to Woodbury in 2023 to be closer to Kelcie’s family.

Nic Catterall, Foster’s business partner, is also from Australia. Catterall is

Through a new app, Shots – The Golf App, golfers upload a video of their swing, then request feedback as to how to improve it.

a high-performance coach to PGA and LIV Golf tour players. He specializes in musculoskeletal therapy and sports science. Users can expect his expertise to be available on the app.

Foster is quick to note that apps are works in progress. In other words, they’re always evolving. As an example, he was putting the finishing touches on a shottracker feature three months after the app was first released. He’s talked about connecting golfers with golf pros for lessons and making it easy for foursomes to fill missing slots. “Technology is what it is,” Foster says. “It’s always going to change.”

Going Live

Shots – The Golf App was soft-launched in October. It’s available free of charge at the Apple App Store and is only compatible with IOS platforms, but expect that to change. “We want to keep it free,” Foster says.

While its user numbers are still growing, as one would expect after a soft launch, Foster and Catterall have great expectations. “Our goal is to have 100,000 users by the end of 2025,” says Foster, who notes that at the time of writing, Shots – The Golf App currently has 150 users.

Early reviews are positive. One reviewer gave it five stars while adding, “Great app, which gives you a customized feed of golf content. [Rather] than scrolling through other apps and being interrupted by nonrelevant content, this app brings golf all to one platform!”

The next step, obviously, is to take the app to market. “We’re going to have to advertise,” Foster says.

Foster is counting on the notion that golfers are passionate about everything golf. “When we decided to develop an app, we knew it had to be niche, and we knew people had to be passionate about it,” Foster says. “That’s golf.”

Foster’s golf game? “I was on my high school golf team, but I’m not very good at it,” he says. “I am on the app, so ...”

shotsnetwork.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

Matt Foster

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!

ESCAPE

WRITTEN BY EDITORIAL STAFF

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Explore mini-getaways that feel worlds away.

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. Whether you’re craving a spa-like staycation, a cozy cabin vibe or a day of exploring, there’s no need to go far. Minnesota is packed with hidden gems, quick retreats and mini-adventures that make it easy to hit refresh without the hassle of flights or packing stress. Consider this your sign to upgrade your getaway game—without going too far out of the Metro.

Explore more destinations by visiting woodburymag.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 (including a shower!); 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

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

STAY EAST

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-novelinspired 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

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 white oak tree, and the home is 1,200 square feet, featuring two bedrooms and overlooking 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 travelers. Cottage Grove; treehouseescape.com

DRIVE SOUTH

Couples looking for a romantic getaway can check into a room at Nicolin Mansion. This historic bed and breakfast features five unique rooms for two, as well as a gourmet three-course breakfast. Located in downtown Jordan, the mansion is across the street from Brew d’Etat and a short walk from Mousse Sparkling Wine Co., as well as City Hall Creamery & Coffee and other independently-owned restaurants and shops. Want to get your heart pumping? Try ziplining at the nearby Sand Creek Adventures or Kerfoot Canopy Tour. Jordan; nicolinmansion.com

Campers who want to stay connected to the internet as well as nature can find that balance in the Whitetail Woods Regional Park cabins operated by Dakota County Parks. Pick from five cabins—three in the pines and two on the prairie, both of which

have heat and air conditioning. The cabins accommodate up to six people, and reservations are available four months in advance. Young campers will love building forts and water dams in the Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area. Farmington; dakotacounty.us

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, ping pong, 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

Top: The Nicolin Room, nestled in the historic Nicolin Mansion in Jordan, provides a romantic getaway.

Left: Immerse yourself with nature in the Tree House Luxury Stay located in Cottage Grove.

Written by Lisa Havelka

Photo: Visit Lake City

After a long winter, I buckled up my kids for a quick spring road trip to stretch our legs and see the landscape as it started to bloom along the Mississippi River. For impressive scenery within a few hours of our home in Southern Minnesota, we drove from Red Wing to Winona along the Great River Road. Not only is this road trip one of my family’s perennial favorites, the route is also an official All-American Road and National Scenic Byway!

HIKING & HISTORY IN RED WING

Our first stop was Barn Bluff Regional Park in Red Wing. The 2.9-mile hike took us to the top of a limestone bluff with panoramic views of the river and historic downtown. Back on Main Street, we visited the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum — home to both the beloved Minnesota brand and the World’s Largest Boot.

GARAGE SALES & WATERSKIING IN LAKE CITY

Traveling south to Lake City, we couldn’t resist stopping along the way to find treasures from the 100 Mile Garage Sale. The annual event occurs the first weekend in May and includes sales in 15 historic river towns along the river. We popped into the quintessential Chickadee Cottage Cafe for a coffee to go as we set out to explore the lakefront.

Lake City sits on the shores of Lake Pepin, which is the widest spot of the Mississippi River. As the birthplace of water skiing, celebrated with the town’s annual Water Ski Days in June, we had to take a family selfie with the giant bronze statue of Ralph Samuelson, the inventor of water skis.

ANTIQUE TOYS & CAROUSEL RIDES IN KELLOGG

Back in the car, we continued south

LARK Toys National Eagle Center

Bloedow Bakery

to the Wabasha-Kellogg area for a stop at LARK Toys, an eclectic store that’s part amusement park and part antique toy museum. No visit would be complete without a ride on the hand-carved wooden carousel, where each animal is a rideable work of art.

VISITING THE NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER IN WABASHA

Heading into downtown Wabasha, bald eagles soared above us along the river. Eager to learn more, we hit the National Eagle Center. We loved standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the incredible view of the river and nesting ground to hundreds of bald eagles. The kids loved the Center’s Ambassador Avenue where we were up close to the resident bald and golden eagles.

The Build-A Nest interactive

Photo: Paul Vincent

Red Wing Shoe Company Museum

activity in the Center was a great way to build up an appetite for lunch at Slippery’s. Known for its appearance in the movie “Grumpy Old Men,” one of the most famous movies filmed in Minnesota, it filled our bellies and gave us more spectacular views of the eagles along the banks of the Mississippi.

A DAY’S CLIMB TO FIND A SWEET STOP IN WINONA

Finally, as we wrapped-up our little family road trip we made a sweet treat stop at Bloedow Bakery in downtown Winona. Easily my favorite doughnut shop in Minnesota, these donuts are not just for breakfast! The kids grabbed some doughnuts from the bakery case, and I bought a frosted cookie.

With more great river views, we took our treats to Levee Park where the kids burned off their dessert delirium by climbing the man-made boulders in the park.

MORE GREAT RIVER ROAD ADVENTURES

The Great River Road is brimming with incredible adventures for every type of traveler. Take a road trip to dozens of charming Mississippi River towns right here in Minnesota, head to Itasca State Park to drive the Mississippi River Trail as it winds across Minnesota and continues south to the Gulf of Mexico, or plan a camping trip at Great River Bluffs State Park, where awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi will leave you breathless.

Find more travel inspiration and plan your trip at ExploreMinnesota.com

Explore Minnesota; exploreminnesota.com

Explore Minnesota @exploreminnesota

Deeply nestled in the pines of the Superior National Forest along Minnesota’s historic Gunﬂint Trail, Bearskin Lodge offers beautiful cabin lodging adjacent to over one million acres of pristine wilderness in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness (BWCA). Canoe, kayak, hike, bike, swim, ﬁsh and explore in a family-friendly environment. Natural sand swimming beach and daily free family crafts and activities. One of Minnesota’s premier resorts since 1925.

MUSIC as MEDICINE

AUSTIN AND SARA ATTEBERRY BRING THE GIFT OF SONGSAS-HEALING TO KIDS WHO FACE SERIOUS ILLNESSES.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

When Austin and Sara Atteberry first met, they connected over their passion for helping kids—especially those who were going through a hard time. Sara was working as a child-life specialist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her patients were often very sick, sometimes with life-threatening

illnesses, and she noticed how much music therapy helped them. Austin (her then-neighbor) had moved to Nashville to focus on his music career, and she encouraged him to volunteer with pediatric patients at the hospital. “I started by asking them to tell me a story about whatever they wanted, and we would turn that into a song,” Austin says.

His story-to-song process was so popular with the kids at the hospital that he

decided to scale it and offer the opportunity to more patients and musicians. “We put the Sing Me a Story process online and were able to reach others,” he says. This allowed other musicians, some who weren’t located in Nashville, to contribute their talents without needing to go through the official volunteer/visitor process at the children’s hospital.

Sara is now a pediatric nurse practitioner at a critical-access hospital in

Photo: Sing Me a Story

Through Sing Me a Story, children in need write and illustrate stories that get turned into songs by songwriters/musicians and sent back for the children and their families to enjoy.

Baldwin, Wisconsin, and the family— now including their three kids, Elouise (Ellie), 8, Briggs, 5, and Willa, 2—landed back in Woodbury six years ago to be closer to Sara’s family. While she pursued her career in caring for kids in a clinical setting, Austin grew Sing Me a Story from its Nashville roots into a global nonprofit. Austin has now been the executive director of Sing Me a Story for 13 years, and the organization has worked with more than 5,000 songwriters and 300 organizations that serve kids in need.

One of those 5,000 songwriters is Kat Perkins, a former semi-finalist on The Voice who’s based in the Twin Cities. “Austin contacted me and said, ‘Here’s what we do. Would you be interested in being one of the writers?’ It was a nobrainer for me,” she says.

Perkins’ first collaboration with Sing Me a Story resulted in Hey Brother, debuted with the family and brothers who wrote it; one of the brothers had tuberous sclerosis, a rare disease. Chicken Strong, the next song, is based on the story of a young girl battling cancer. “We did a whole documentary on it for PBS,” Perkins says. She describes seeing the girl’s reaction at the song’s debut. “I’ll never forget her face when we took her story and made it into this song. She was stunned—you could just see the magic in her eyes.”

For Perkins, the experience was transformative. “To help these kids use a creative outlet to get through something very difficult means a lot,” she says. “There is so much power and healing in creativity.”

Producing songs for Sing Me a Story has challenged Perkins in unique ways, too. “When I write for myself, I can do whatever I want,” she says. “But with this, you’re working with someone else’s lyrics, someone else’s poem, someone else’s idea. It’s a cool juxtaposition of creativity and challenge.”

Since 2017, Perkins has formed close bonds with the families she’s worked with. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to take their ideas and make something beautiful—and catchy—that they can sing along with and remember,” she says.

Dan Gullick, a music teacher at Liberty Ridge Elementary, got his fourth- and fifth-grade choir students involved with Sing Me a Story—partly thanks to Austin and Sara’s daughter, Ellie, who was one of his kindergarteners. Austin reached out to tell Gullick about Sing Me a Story’s

commission process, where an emerging composer, often a college student, is matched with a musician or ensemble to create a song for a child in need. “They offered us a free commission,” Gullick says. “We connected in the spring, and over the summer, the organization worked with the family on their story, which they then sent to the composer.”

By the fall, Gullick had drafts of the commissioned piece, Butterfly Saves the Day. The story, as he recalls, was whimsical: “The story is about a family vacation. They go to a place with lots of pools and a beach. They ride the rainbow dolphins to an island, but then the rainbow dolphins leave. They are stuck, so butterfly (a purple stuffed animal) gets giant and flies them back to their hotel.”

Preparing the Liberty Ridge choir for the spring performance was no small feat. “We started rehearsing in January,” Gullick says. “It was a tricky piece for 90 fourth and fifth graders, but they loved it. We worked through it in chunks, focusing on unison sections and building up to the more complex parts.”

The Sing Me a Story family got to attend the concert, and the performance was recorded, so they’ll have a keepsake of the day. Gullick says the experience was powerful for his choir students, too. “They talked a lot about how we’re giving back to our community through doing this and giving to this family.”

Brian Anderson is the executive

director of HopeKids Minnesota, a local chapter of a national organization that provides free events and activities for children (and their families) going through cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions. “We do close to 500 events a year here in Minnesota,” Anderson says. “Private movie screenings, theater concerts, sport events, ice fishing—all kinds of things.”

Austin reached out to Anderson to see if one of the organizations, Hope Kids, would like to create a song with Sing Me a Story. “I thought the concept was really unique,” Anderson says. “And I found a family pretty quickly that I thought would be a good fit.”

Anderson attended the debut performance of the child’s song. “It was fun to see it come to life,” he says. “The mom and dad told me it was a really good process. The story they wrote was kind of silly, which is great. That’s what’s wonderful about children—their creativity just comes out.”

Anderson also mentions the importance of including the entire family in the process. “When there’s a sick child, attention often goes to them out of necessity, but we don’t want to leave the siblings overlooked,” he says. “This project allowed the whole family to work together to celebrate their Hope Kid. It strengthened their bond, which is what it’s all about.”

That’s what it’s all about for the Atteberry family, too—helping not only children going through medical crises, but also entire families who have been touched by struggle. “We connected with a little girl named Esme, whose mom was going through cancer treatment,” Austin says. “Esme had written a story about a pet mouse who goes on an adventure—a silly story, right? But when we saw her mom hearing this song performed for the first time, the mom just sobbed. She said she was so grateful to be here to see this.”

It’s evident that the ripples of Sing Me a Story—for young patients, their families, the composers who help write the songs and the musicians who bring them to life—are reaching from Woodbury out into the wide, wide world, one lyric at a time.

singmeastory.org

The Sing Me a Story Foundation @singmeastoryofficial

Austin and Sara Atteberry

Planting Pride

A couple share a sense of accomplishment with the garden and home they’ve owned for nearly six decades.

Written by Emily Gedde Photos by Chris Emeott

There’s something about dirt under their fingernails that gives a longtime Woodbury couple a sense of pride.

Rod and Eileen Lund may be in their 80s, but the pair doesn’t need a landscaper to tend to their extensive backyard garden. Instead, they get in the dirt, planting, weeding, raking and more to bring their personal oasis to life. “As long as I’m capable, we’ll be out there,” Rod says. “We’ll get it done for several more years.”

Taking pride in their garden and home produces a special feeling for the couple, who have been married for 62 years. They’ve lived in their Woodbury home for 58 years—before Woodbury was an official city—and looking out over what they’ve literally grown from the ground up creates a real sense of accomplishment. “We live in a beautiful neighborhood, and that’s why we’ve stayed here as many years as we have,” Rod says. “We take pride in taking care of our property and being a good neighbor.”

That noticeable joy radiates from the front curb of their Royal Oaks neighborhood. From cleanly mulched hostas to the massive oak tree, it’s clear the couple understands the value and

Rod and Eileen Lund’s backyard, situated among the Royal Oaks neighborhood, is a gardeners haven.

Asiatic (hybrid) lilies grown from bulbs.

importance of eye-catching curb appeal. “We’ve had neighbors say they bought their house based on the view of our backyard,” Rod says with a laugh. Eileen agrees. “They have a better view than we do,” she says.

There’s been a lot of growth in the nearly six decades the Lunds have called their house home. When they moved in, their oldest child, Terry Lund, was only 14 months old. Their family grew in that home, adding three daughters Kelly Lundquist, Julie Schaffer and Tracey Threinen. “We have so many memories here,” Eileen says, adding the couple also have 12 grandchildren, ages 14 to 30.

The oak tree in the front was also small in 1965. Hovering just a few inches above the ground, the couple say when the front yard was being planted, the tree almost didn’t make the cut. Rod saved it, however, and it now stands more than 40 feet tall. “A lot of the trees in this neighborhood are 150 years old,” he says.

Moving to the backyard, the garden has also grown. While it started small when Eileen worked as a hairstylist outside the home, it really took off when she retired in 1997. One garden

turned into two, a rock garden became tiered and kept extending across the yard, and more terraces and a white picket fence were added. “It’s kind of like our own park,” Rod says. “And we don’t even have to leave the house.”

The backyard has been the backdrop for several family gatherings and events, but surprisingly never a wedding. The couple says a reoccurring request is from neighbors who have high school seniors to have their graduation photos taken in the backyard. They agree that it’s a beautiful spot.

Green Growth

Growing up around gardening and rose gardens, Eileen has always had a green thumb and passed the interest down to her children. “I told my son I wanted a panoramic view of the gardens off my sun porch, so I started digging up the garden by hand, and Terry came with his rototiller,” she says.

And now, after a knee replacement and some lower back issues spurred by gardening, Eileen says she has let some of it

go to fern overgrowth. “I can’t do as much as I used to, but my daughters have offered to help,” she says. “That’s where I come in, too,” Rod says.

Garden Menu

As someone who has years of gardening under her belt, Eileen says her backyard is a mix of perennials and annuals. “Because of the oak trees, we have a lot of shade, and I have to be careful what I plant and where,” she says. “I like impatiens and New Guineas to add some color. I also have hydrangeas, cornflower and lilies. When I plant, I balance it out to have something from spring until fall.”

What about pests? The question sparked sighs from the couple, who say their biggest nuisance lately has been rabbits. “They are terrible,” Eileen says. Rod agrees. “I can’t (live) trap them; they’re too smart,” he says.

The couple say they’ve never had rabbits infiltrate as much as they’ve had over the last handful of years and shared a laugh as

they revealed the solution—albeit temporary—they discovered. “I have an air horn I keep by the door,” Eileen says. “If I get really irritated with the rabbits, I’ll blow it. They fly out of here.”

Squirrels have also been an ongoing problem, taking a special interest in red tulips. “I almost gave up on planting tulips altogether,” Eileen says. “But the blow horn works for them, too.”

Heart and History

While the rabbits may be irritating, the Lunds have little to complain about when it comes to their home. While they’ve considered moving, nothing else has ever compared to their Royal Oaks home. “I’ve heard statistics saying people move about every seven years,” Rod says. “We do go out and look about seven years. When we go through other houses, I ask my wife what a house we looked at had that she wishes ours did.”

The answers have varied. One response was a skylight in the kitchen and an interior bathroom. So, Rod installed a skylight in both of those areas. Seven years later, the request was for more

Rod and Eileen Lund

mirrors in the home to give it a larger feel. “I put mirrors on one wall in our living room,” Rod says.

Eileen says they’ve also put on two additions since purchasing their home for about $19,000 in 1965. What started as about 1,200 square feet is now about doubled. “The first [addition was] in 1974, to make room for our youngest daughter, and the second in 1987, to just make more room and make the home more comfortable,” Rod says. “We didn’t want to move out of the neighborhood.”

“The house doesn’t look 60 years old because we’ve maintained it,” Rod says. “In the 58 years we’ve lived here, I’ve put 150 gallons of paint inside and outside this home.” He says the only reason he kept track was an ongoing discussion of when the painting was last done and what color was chosen. To make things easier, Rod began recording painting projects.

The Lunds’ home was the fourth built in the area that now has more than 550 houses. Rod recalls moving into what was Woodbury Township when he started working at 3M. “There

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) grown from roots and divisions.

was a small group of us that decided we really need to get incorporated, or we were going to get annexed by Maplewood or Newport,” he says. “In 1967, we pushed for incorporation and got it. I was on the park board and used to have people calling me about buying land instead of adding infrastructure. My comment was you have one shot at land. We could buy an acre for around $300. We got it while it was reasonable.”

Pride in Ownership

Whether it’s their home or the city they live in, the Lunds stress taking pride in ownership. “I enjoy my home and gardening, and I like to see it when it’s done,” Eileen says. “It gives me great satisfaction. It’s a sense of accomplishment.”

Rod agrees. “We’ve enjoyed the growth in the area,” he says. “Actually, another fun fact is Eileen and I have known each other since we were little. We grew up in the same neighborhood about 11 miles from where we live now. So, this area has always been and always will be home.”

Written by Josie Smith — Images courtesy of Destination: Woodbury

AN OPEN INVITATION

A new marketing organization, Destination: Woodbury, welcomes residents and guests alike.

Ready, set, explore! The month of May has finally arrived, so step outside, grab a friend and discover Woodbury’s hidden gems.

Try lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails at Tamarack Nature Preserve. A rare wetland in the Twin Cities area, the preserve spans more than 100 acres with floating boardwalks and woodland trails. Wind down for the evening with dinner at one of your favorite local restaurants, such as Angelina’s Kitchen or Carmine’s Restaurant and Bar.

“Woodbury has everything; you don’t really need to leave,” says Eric Satre, the

marketing manager for Destination: Woodbury.

The City of Woodbury launched the brand-new destination marketing organization and website to boost tourism at local hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, city-owned facilities and more. “Our location in the Metro is key. We’re blessed by being right off Interstate 94,” Satre says.

Residents will benefit by receiving free visitor resources when hosting out-oftown guests and planning special events such as weddings, meetings and other social gatherings. Moreover, Satre notes that Woodbury is beloved because of its

“Woodbury has everything; you don’t really need to leave.”

Eric Satre, marketing manager for Destination Woodbury

Central Park Exterior

impressive shopping areas and unique recreational opportunities. “I think about the skate park at Ojibway Park and the beach at Carver Lake [Park and Beach],” he says. “If you look at M Health Fairview Sports Center, there are so many soccer fields. [There’s] baseball and softball. That’s a big part of that recreation piece.”

In his new role with Destination: Woodbury, he’s looking forward to revamping the city’s parks and trails map. “It’s a labor of love,” he says. “The parks and trail system is just so expansive. People think they can get that all online, but with a map like this, you really have to see it in print.” Although residents will be able to download an online version, copies of the new map will be available at the visitor center at Woodbury’s Central Park when it reopens this fall.

Meanwhile, the community is teeming with excitement amid news that Top Golf is coming to the city. The year-round indoor/outdoor sports entertainment complex, featuring high-tech golf games, will open in late 2025. “That will honestly be a game changer for Woodbury. It’s going to bring in a lot of people, in a good way,” Satre says. That’s one more win for a city that’s already thriving. “The quality of life is very high here. That translates into quality of visit as well,” Satre adds.

destinationwoodbury.com

Destination: Woodbury

@destinationwoodbury

Destination Woodbury

Eagle Valley Golf Course

Angelina’s Kitchen

TASTEMAKERS

MEAT YOUR MATCH

Slather it, smoke it and savor every bite this National Barbecue Month.

Written by Hailey Almsted

Find

the recipe for Smoked Baby Back Ribs on page 47.

Say hello to the warmer months of summer with the savory aroma of barbecue sizzling on the grill. May marks National Barbecue Month—and May 16 even marks National Barbecue Day—which is the perfect excuse to fire up the coals, gather with friends and family, and indulge in a feast of slow-cooked meats, tangy sauces and classic sides. Katie Tomsche from Lunds & Byerlys shares a few mouth-watering recipes, including the star of the show and its sides, and together we explore the four most popular regional barbecue styles found in the country.

SIZZLING REGIONAL STYLES

 CAROLINAS

One of the oldest styles of cooking meat in the United States, there are two types of Carolina Style: North, which prefers pork shoulder brushed with spice-andvinegar mop sauce; and South, which includes slow-roasting a whole hog for 12 to 24 hours. Both styles are served with hush puppies, green beans and coleslaw.

 KANSAS CITY

Follow the three S’s when perfecting the Kansas City Style: Sweet seasonings, sugary sauces and slow smoking. Brown sugar is most often the base of this type, and heat is kept to a minimum as to not char the caramelized sugar. Burnt ends are the hallmark of a Kansas City barbecue. Served with barbecue beans and coleslaw.

 MEMPHIS

Pork is the foundation for a delicious Memphis barbecue, also known as Tennessee barbecue. Most often prepared in two ways—wet and dry—this style is either prepped by brushing wet ribs with sauce before, during and after smoking, or coated in a dry rub prior to smoking. Pulled pork sandwiches reign supreme. Typically served with coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, greens, and mac and cheese.

 TEXAS

Everything is bigger in Texas—including its barbecue styles! Beef ribs, East Texas hot links and brisket are several savory options. The rub is often made of salt and pepper, and flavors are gained from the wood its smoked on. Most often served with beans and cornbread.

HOMEMADE

MAC & CHEESE

Make delicious homemade macaroni and cheese in less than an hour. This homestyle macaroni and cheese is rich, creamy and so easy to put together. It’s a family favorite for a reason.

Serves: 4–6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15–20 minutes

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups half and half

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 ½ cups white cheese (white cheddar or Sartori MontAmoré work well), small crumbles

• 1 ½ tsp. white pepper

• 1 tsp. salt

• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

• ¼ cup whole milk

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni, uncooked

Heat oven to 350 F. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of milk and half and half to just below a simmer, about 185 F. Add cheeses, white pepper and salt, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and ¼ cup milk. Add ¼ of cheese mixture into starch mixture. Add starch mixture into saucepan of cheese sauce. Combine pasta and cheese mixture. Pour into casserole dish. Bake 15 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle additional MontAmoré cheese on top; allow to melt. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

THE ABCS OF BBQ

» Bark: The flavorful and crispy outer layer formed from seasoning/smoke

» Baste: The process of brushing sauce/ juice onto meat while cooking

» Dry Rub: A blend of spices/seasonings applied to meat before cooking

» Glaze: A sauce/syrup brushed onto meat toward the end of cooking; gives a glossy appearance to the meat

» Hot and Fast: Cooking temperature higher than 300 F; cooks for a short period of time

» Low and Slow: Cooking temperature between 90 and 125 F; cooks for several hours

» Mop Sauce: A thin, vinegarbased sauce applied during cooking to keep meat moist

» Pitmaster: A barbecue expert

» Reverse Sear: Slow-cooking meat first, then searing over high heat for a crispy crust

» Smoke Ring: Pink meat found beneath the bark (see left) caused by a reaction between smoke and myoglobin in the meat

Homemade Mac & Cheese

SMOKED BABY BACK RIBS

Here we use the 2:2:1 method: Basically, you smoke the ribs for 2 hours, wrap them in heavy aluminum foil and cook them for another 2 hours, and then finish them unwrapped for 1 hour. You’ll want to keep the smoker at 250 F throughout the whole process.

After cooking in smoke and low heat for several hours, the ribs emerge forktender, chewy and intensely flavorful. All that smoke, spice and tangy-sweet barbecue sauce permeate the meat right down to the bone. We love how crispy the ribs get in the smoker, too. In part, that’s because we slather them in barbecue sauce while they’re cooking (rather than after), so it bakes onto the ribs. Side benefit: These ribs are a little less messy than most, which is great because you’re going to want to gnaw the meat off the bone.

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 hours

• 2 racks of baby back ribs

• 6 Tbsp. barbecue seasoning

• spray bottle with apple cider vinegar

• 1 bottle barbecue sauce

Heat the smoker to 250 F. If necessary, remove the membrane from the back of the rib racks, and pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Liberally sprinkle the seasoning rub on both sides of the ribs, and work it into the meat with your hands until they are completely covered. Place a foil pan on the grate of the smoker; fill half way with water. The water will keep the smoker hydrated and the meat juicy. Place the ribs on the grate of the smoker, meaty side up, and cook for 2 hours, spraying with apple cider vinegar at the top of each hour. Remove the ribs from the smoker; slather them liberally with barbecue sauce on both sides. Wrap the ribs in a double layer of heavy foil, and cook them for another 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker, unwrap them, brush on some more barbecue sauce; cook them for another hour or until the internal temperature reaches 195–205 F. Transfer the ribs to a platter, and allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Photo:

Gochujang Corn Ribs

& Byerlys

GOCHUJANG CORN RIBS

It’s corn on the cob made ribs style—in the air fryer. The coolest and most delicious part about this recipe is the way the corn opens up as it cooks, letting flavor seep into the kernels in a way the traditional cob style just doesn’t allow, resulting in a ton of delicious buttery flavor in every bite. (Just don’t eat the actual cob.) Your next barbecue is begging for this dish.

Serves: 2–4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 12–15 minutes

• 4 cobs of corn

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 2 Tbsp. gochujang

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• cilantro, chopped, for garnish

• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for garnish

Heat an air fryer to 400 F. Place a damp paper towel on your work surface, and place a cutting board on top to hold it securely in place. Using a sharp knife, remove the ends of 4 cobs of corn. Stand each cob up on one end and, carefully and forcefully, slice them lengthwise into quarters. In a small microwavesafe bowl, combine butter, gochujang and onion powder. Cover; microwave on high for 1–2 minutes or until the butter is melted. Stir to combine. In a large bowl, combine the corn ribs and melted butter mixture. Toss to coat. Air fry the corn in a single layer for 12–15 minutes or until slightly charred and curled, flipping halfway through. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Lunds & Byerlys, 7050 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.999.1200; lundsandbyerlys.com Lunds & Byerlys @lundsandbyerlys Lunds & Byerlys @LundsandByerlys

“Angela did a fantastic job making sure everything went smooth. Highly recommend the Sadat group for a worry free transaction.”

~ Joshua

More than 600 households register for the annual Woodbury Lions Garage Sale—and thousands of shoppers are perusing the sales!

SHOP LOCALLY

Enjoy the 48th annual Woodbury Lions Garage Sale.

It’s that time of the year again—residents eagerly await the annual Woodbury Lions Garage Sale, which is celebrating its 48th event.

“It started back when the city was looking to consolidate and have [garage sale] signs up every weekend when everyone was having sales over the summer,” says Chris Holthe, Woodbury Lions Garage Sale chair. “The Lions came up with an idea to coordinate efforts and come up with a weekend to host a city-wide sale … That really turned into a community effort.”

The weekend is now one of the most anticipated events of the year. Holthe estimates that more than 600 households register their sales through the Woodbury Lions, and there may be more sales that choose not to register. “[Those] that paid to register are to be published in our directory. They get official garage sale

signs and their listing of wares published in print and our online directory,” he says, noting that thousands of folks shop the sales.

All registration fees are considered donations to the Woodbury Lions. “This money is our largest fundraiser of the year that supports our efforts to give back to the community in our five focus areas, including childhood cancer, environment, diabetes, hunger relief and vision/ eyesight,” Holthe says. —Hailey Almsted

The Woodbury Lions Garage Sale takes place 8 a.m.–5 p.m. May 8 through May 10. For more information and a digital directory, visit lionsgaragesale.org, or find the printed directory at area Holiday, Kwik Trip and Speedway locations.

Women in Business

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!

WIB GUEST PASS

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT NETWORKING EVENT

MAY 17

BONFIRES, BIKES, BOWS AND BAIT

FOR FREE!

Women’s networking opportunity—meets on the third Friday of each month from 8–9:30 a.m. at the Cottage Grove City Hall Training Room. Email laurie@cottagegrovechamber.org for more info.

Women in Business 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove 651.458.8334 cottagegrovechamber.org

Vertex Detailing delivers more than just a clean car—we restore it to peak condition with expert care. Easy online booking, top-tier results and stunning transformations make us your go-to detailer.

Vertex Detailing Google Us! 651.363.4422 vertexdetailingmn.com

Spend an afternoon at Carver Lake Park, practicing your archery, fishing and biking skills, followed by s’mores. Ages 4–13. $20 per person, registration required. 1–4 p.m. Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov

Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza

LOCAL EVENTS

05.03

Woodbury Home Show

Shop and talk with professionals in exterior and interior home improvement and turn project ideas into reality. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 952.232.1765; minnesotahomeshows.com

05.10

Woodbury Lakes Half-Marathon Participate in a half marathon, 10K or 5K run around four of Woodbury’s stunning lakes and natural landscapes. All ages.

Prices vary. 8–11 a.m. Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road; hello@athenaclydes daleracing.com; athenaclydesdaleracing.com

05.25

Memorial Day Ceremony

Honor fallen soldiers with the Woodbury community in a ceremony featuring anthems, cannon salutes, a helicopter flyover and more. All ages. Free. Program starts at 11 a.m. Woodbury Veterans Memorial, 8301 Valley Creek Road; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov

05.31

Spirits With a Twist

Explore a wide variety of funkyflavored spirits with Total Wine in this taste-testing class. Ages 21 and older. $20. 5–6:30 p.m. Total Wine, 7150 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.735.0910; totalwine.com

AREA EVENTS

05.03

Shakopee Food Truck Festival

Snack on food from over 30 food trucks and enjoy live music and activities. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. The Landing, 2187 County Road 101, Shakopee; 763.694.7784; threeriversparks.org

05.11

Mother’s Day Concert

Celebrate Mother’s Day by listening to St. Paul Civic Symphony’s annual concert. All ages. Free. 1–3 p.m. Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W., St. Paul; 651.292.3225; landmarkcenter.org

05.16–05.18

An American in Paris

Enjoy the musical-inspired ballet and experience art and love through Paris in the 1950s. All ages. Children/students $30, seniors $35, adults $40. Times vary. E.M. Pearson Theatre, 312 Hamline Ave N., St. Paul; 651.313.5967; balletcolaboratory.org

05.24–05.25

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo

Visit vendors, artists and small businesses for creative unique pieces at this weekend expo. All ages. Tickets start at $11.55. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave., Mpls.; 612.335.6000; minneapolis.org

05.29

Sesame Street Live

Enjoy a night of family-friendly songs and dances with beloved Sesame Street characters. All ages. $45–85. 6 p.m. The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St Paul; 651.370.2953; first-avenue.com

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Red Noise

Woodbury-based band NUNNABOVE held its experience, Red Noise, at the Green Room in Minneapolis. The show is a nod to the therapeutic frequency of red noise, which helps with anxiety, masking or blocking out distracting sounds—and this show was all about that rejuvenating feeling. The Nunn siblings, Cadence, Mattie, Bennett and Wisdom, took the audience on a journey, singing original songs and covers, including The Wiz Read more about NUNNABOVE at woodburymag.com.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.

Photos: Kaden Demer GALLERY

Memorial Day

“During last year’s Memorial Day ceremony, it was raining very heavily. This was especially poignant as Memorial Day recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” says hobbyist photographer Patricia Dolan. “During the flag folding ceremony, I saw an opportunity to capture the beauty and significance of this event by focusing on the hands folding the flag. Each fold of the flag has significance during this ceremony. The flag folding ceremony reminds us all of the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.”

Photographer: Patricia Dolan

Title: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Equipment: Nikon Coolpix P950 with Nikkor 83X wide optical zoom

Location: Woodbury Veteran’s Memorial at the Memorial Day ceremony

—Hailey Almsted

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

Category: People Award: Second Place