Woodbury - May 2026 by Local.

SIDE QUESTS

Joseph Shoemaker inherits his grandfather’s love for photography

Success Stories

"We had an outstanding experience working with Wade Hanson and his associate Mia Dahl to sell our home. From day one, his professionalism, market knowledge, and strategic approach were evident. He positioned our luxury property perfectly, marketed it with precision, and delivered results — selling our home in less than a month.

Wade understands the Minnesota luxury market at a high level. His attention to detail, communication, and ability to navigate negotiations gave us complete conﬁdence throughout the process. He is proactive, polished, and truly represents his clients’ best interests.

If you are buying or selling a luxury home in Minnesota, we highly recommend Wade. You won’t ﬁnd a more dedicated, knowledgeable, or results-driven real estate professional." -Ted T.

Oakridge Trail S

Unique solutions for living.

Photo: Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome, dear Readers, to our travel and outdoor living issue. I must admit, these pages are chock-full of stories and ideas that inspire a sense of adventure—I hope they inspire you as much as they do me.

As I planned this issue, I found myself reminiscing about past vacations and scrolling through new locales on social media as a way to escape the winter chill. I’m often inspired by travel bloggers, including Minnesota’s Lizanne Dooner (@lizannelately on Instagram), who has been documenting a cross-country RV trip.

Closer to home, local photographer Joseph Shoemaker, a frequent contributor to our Focus on Woodbury photo contest, continues to capture the beauty of daily moments and faraway places alike. In this issue, Shoemaker shares his story of discovering his photography style and how he explores international destinations, capturing the vibrant energy and atmosphere of countries around the world (page 29).

Now, adventure doesn’t always require a passport—sometimes, it can begin right outside your back door. In these pages, we also explore ways to create a paradise of your own. I have been thinking about how to make my small backyard—bordered by woods and featuring a compact patio—feel more like home. A raised garden bed may be in my future, though I have yet to decide what to grow. If you are dreaming up your own outdoor retreat, Green Oasis shares ideas and inspiration to help transform your space into a haven (page 24).

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or reimagining your outdoor space, I hope this issue encourages you to embrace the season ahead. And if you have suggestions for what thrives in a full-sun raised garden bed, I’d love to hear them; after all, this is my first growing season in Woodbury, and I’m eager to dig in. Here’s to fresh air and making the most of life—wherever you are.

See you next month,

hailey@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Side Quests , page 29

Photo by: Joseph Shoemaker

Hailey Almsted

Photo: Chris Emeott

VOL. 21 NO. 10

May 2026

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

Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Alexandra Tostrud and Paige Udermann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angie Hong, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson, Diane Meyer, Kate Thompson and Avery Vrieze

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, Resident ; 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 and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT

Pete Burgeson

TRAVEL GUIDE

The

Travel doesn’t always mean packing a bag and making flight reservations. The perfect day trip awaits throughout the greater Twin Cities area and beyond. Escape the everyday with a relaxing drive along winding roads, explore small town charm and point yourself away from your oft visited locales. Take a day tour off the traditional beaten path to discover natural vistas, beautiful venues and welcoming people—prepared for your visit in the most hospitable way.

perfect day trip. Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Make it a weekend worth savoring. Trade crowded city nights for vineyard sunsets at Two Silo Winery & Vineyard in Grant, Minnesota. Our 22-acre estate blends historic farmhouse charm with modern luxury, just minutes from the Twin Cities. Enjoy small-batch wines, curated tasting flights and elegant farm-inspired fare in a cozy, sophisticated setting. Extend your stay in our vineyard-view farmhouse, perfect for intimate gatherings or refined weekend escapes. Sip. Stay. Savor.

Explore the National Parks

At Home

When Bryan Huang immigrated to the United States from Taiwan as a teenager in 1990, he didn’t anticipate that it would become his second home. He moved to Minnesota in 2007 for his career, where he met his wife, Teresa Wu from California; the couple lived between Taiwan and Minnesota for several years before settling down in Woodbury with their twin daughters, Ashley and Kaitlyn, 9, in 2023—the perfect place to raise a family, Huang says.

Although the couple anticipated difficulties moving back, their core group at Eagle Brook Church and their former neighbors at Stonemill Farms welcomed them back with open arms. “Having that village in Woodbury has really been able to keep us afloat,” Wu says. “We’re really blessed that we have our home away from home.”

“We’ve seen Woodbury is growing,” Huang says. “We were away for four years, and we came back, and it’s continued to grow. Not only that, but in the last two years, we noticed Woodbury has a lot more diverse restaurants and cultural food. So that’s another huge plus, and it’s welcoming.”

Although the family has moved over the years, Huang says Woodbury is their forever home. Wu adds, “Woodbury is a great city, a great place to live with great education and schools. No complaints. It’s a beautiful city.”

—Avery Vrieze and Hailey Almsted

A couple of years ago, my in-laws gifted me a book perfect for travelers: USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Eyewitness. As someone who enjoys visiting various national parks, I have thoroughly enjoyed this guidebook, which includes helpful information, historical facts, popular hikes, practical tips and ways to explore each national park.

Recently, I referenced this book for planning our end of summer trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Plus, it’s a lovely conversation starter that also makes for a great coffee table book. —Hailey Almsted

Photo: Bryan Huang

Colletti Royale

This May, the Colletti Royale is the perfect cocktail to celebrate Mother’s Day. Featuring rosé and blood orange juice, this beverage is sure to be a refreshing delight.

One of the most influential bar and lounge owners in New York City, Julie Reiner, introduced this gem of a cocktail at her bars in 2013, and it has been catching eyes ever since. It adds elegance and flair to one of America’s most popular cocktails, and its spritzy—yet boozy—flavor profile will satisfy anyone looking to shake things up this Mother’s Day!

Ingredients:

» 1 ½ oz. tequila

» ½ oz. Cointreau

» ½ oz. St. Germain

» ½ oz. blood orange juice

» ½ oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed

» 2 dashes orange bitters

» sparkling rosé, chilled, to top (approximately 2 oz.)

» blood orange, to garnish

In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients except for sparkling rosé, and shake until chilled. Strain into a wine glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling rosé. Garnish with a blood orange wheel. Enjoy.

Tip: Want to make it even more unique? Experiment with different types of sparkling wine in place of rosé! Brut, for example, would make it less sweet. Meanwhile, Moscato D’Asti would make it sweeter.

Mark Lange of Woodbury is the owner of Minnesota School of Bartending. Sip more at mnschoolofbartending.com.

Photo: Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand

Blooming Business

A roadside flower stand is a family affair.

By Mollee Francisco

Like many young entrepreneurs, 15-yearold Oliver “Ollie” Heng got his first taste for business running a lemonade stand in fourth grade. But not long after starting, the Afton native wasn’t content to limit himself to selling just lemonade. Soon, Ollie tapped his father’s prolific flower garden to add a line of colorful bouquets to his burgeoning business, Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand. Today, Ollie has two flower stands and five years of sales under his belt. “It’s so much fun,” Ollie says. “I love this business.”

From July through October, Mason jars bursting with beautiful blooms beckon passersby to stop and take a closer look. Ollie operates two stands, one near his home at the corner of 50th Street and Pheasant Court in Afton and a second near his grandparents’, Duane and Mary Jane Heng, home in Woodbury on Dale Road near Woodbury Drive. The business has become a family affair, and mom, Kari Kull-Heng, couldn’t be happier about it. “It’s a way for our family to connect, get off our screens and get some sun,” she says.

Each May, dad, Dave Heng, plants flowers on a half-acre of land at their house and another quarter of an acre of land at Duane and Mary Jane’s home in Woodbury. When the flowers begin to bloom in July, the family, including Ollie’s younger brothers, Wendel, 13, and Graham, 9, trek out to the garden each morning to snip flowers and make the arrangements. Duane and Mary Jane play a role in cutting the flowers too.

The Heng children, Ollie, 15, Wendel, 13, and Graham, 9, enjoy all aspects of their family business, Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand. From July to October, flower bouquets are available for pickup from their stands in Afton and Woodbury.

Right: About 10 Mason jar bouquets are available on weekdays at Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand—while up to 100 jars and potentially garden produce are available on weekends. Dahlias, snapdragon, sunflower and zinnias are a few of the flowers grown for the bouquets.

Each day of the week, about 10 jars are put out at each stand. On the weekends, they put out more, with up to 100 jars (as well as the occasional excess of garden produce) lining the stand during the height of the growing season. The jars include small and large arrangements, and those who return the jars to the stand can take $1 off a future purchase. It’s all done on the honor system with customers placing cash in the cash box or sending money via Venmo.

Ollie says he’s saving up his portion of the proceeds for college. “I’ve learned it’s better to save earlier,” he says. The family has also earmarked profits to take a ski trip to

Park City, Utah. “We could raise prices and make more money, but it’s not about that,” Kari says. “We want to provide happiness. That’s the goal.”

This summer, plenty of happiness is in store as they gear up for their sixth year of operations. Dave has purchased more than 2,200 Mason jars and 15,000 snapdragon, sunflower and zinnia seeds to plant alongside some 400 dahlia tubers. Kari is also pushing for him to add an area to grow some greenery to elevate their bouquets. “We’re definitely looking to expand and add more,” she says. Last year, Jolly Ollie’s provided flowers for their first wedding and made arrangements

Left: Kari Kull-Heng and Dave Heng and their sons, Ollie, Wendel and Graham, enjoy spending time together as a family while working on their business, Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand.

Photos: Chris Emeott; Jolly Ollie’s Flower & Produce Stand

for a local soup kitchen. “It’s neat to see that people have responded to this,” Dave says. Ollie adds, “I like having people know about the business.”

And he’s only getting started. Ollie has big plans to follow in his parents’ footsteps in the business world. He’s already signed up for two business classes in high school and intends to study business in college. “Ollie has a knack for business,” Kari says. “He has learned so much already.” Jolly Ollie’s

HINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME

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Spot On

A national service offers local dog owners extended outing options.

By Renée Stewart-Hester

Keeping dogs entertained can expand beyond running zoomies around the kitchen table or taking leashed loops around the neighborhood. Sniffspot is to dogs what Airbnb is to people—but for playtime not sleep time.

Similar to other online marketplaces, connecting property owners with guests in search of long- or short-term stays, Sniffspot links hosts with dog owners who

are searching for spaces for playing and running; trails suited for hiking; private lakes, ponds or pools ideal for swimming; and indoor venues for agility or general exercise.

Sniffspot, founded by David Adams in 2018 while he was living in Seattle, was inspired by his dogs Soba (black Labrador and pit bull mix) and Toshii (basenji, husky, Pomeranian and Rhodesian ridgeback mix).

Photo: Sniffspot

“It was really difficult to get my dogs the exercise they needed,” says Adams, who was living in a high-rise at the time.

Other dog owners can sympathize; it’s not always easy to get dogs the exercise and sensory experiences they require. Sniffspot, available via its website and a mobile app, allows dog owners to search for and reserve desired sites. Interested parties on either end of the arrangement should note that prices are set by the hosts. “We’re basically a marketing platform for our hosts,” says Adams, noting that Sniffspot does establish some boundaries. Locations can’t be parts of shared or public property and must be devoid of hazards. “If you have a pond full of alligators, not allowed. If you have an open well, not allowed. It’s basic stuff,” he says.

Today, Sniffspot has marked its territory in every state in the nation, Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa. “It’s grown organically,” Adams says, noting that 90 percent of the business is in the United States. At the time this article was written, of the 30,000 host spots, 665 are in Minnesota, including Woodbury and the Metro. “It’s still not enough coverage,” says Adams of the Minnesota market. “We are focused on expanding our current network.” As the business grows, he’s resolute in maintaining Sniffspot’s original mission: make the world a more dog-friendly place.

To that end, pet owners and their canine charges certainly benefit from rented spaces; the hosts are also on the receiving end of positive outcomes. Adams notes that acting as a Sniffspot host offers passive income. (Some make as much as $3,000 a month.) Unlike running an Airbnb, Sniffspot doesn’t require washing bedding or cleaning out the fridge. Hosts have some basic obligations to prepare the venue, but it’s a decidedly light lift. Earning income is certainly an incentive, but Adams is most impressed by another motivation of many of the hosts; they are simply “dog lovers helping other dog lovers.”

For Sniffspot’s Guest Guide, visit woodburymag.com.

Sniffspot sniffspot.com @sniffspots

Sniffspot is to dogs what Airbnb is for people— but rather than sleeping, it’s an opportunity for play time. In Woodbury, there are several options for pet owners to reserve spaces for playing, swimming and more.

Multigenerational Memories

Local travel agents explain the how, what and why of family travel.

By Kassondra Burtis

Photo: Meadowbrook

Throughout the decades, various travel trends have emerged: cost-conscious travelers using budget airlines, digital nomadism and solo travel, cruises and influencer travel. Now, there’s an uptick in focused time spent with family as multigenerational travel is rising in popularity.

Multigenerational travel can include two, three or even four generations of family members traveling together. As co-owners of Meadowbrook Travel, Rebecca RuprechtBarrett and Lee Faulkner have helped plan an increasing number of multigenerational trips in recent years. The women, who have known each other since middle school, have traveled most of their lives. After venturing into different professions, they eventually found themselves individually helping their families and friends plan travel. It’s something they both realized they enjoyed doing, which prompted the opening of their business in 2023.

Neither is surprised by the uptick in multigenerational travel. They’ve both taken numerous trips with their own families and value the time spent together. “The most common that we see would be parents, generally in their 30s or 40s, where their parents are the grandparents, and then their kids too,” Ruprecht-Barrett says. “There seems to be a trend for experiences over things. There’s also a finite amount of time in life to be able to travel … Time seems to keep going faster, so if I can take a trip with both my parents and my kids at the same time, it’s a win-win.”

The motivation for travel tends to differ from generation to generation. “Oftentimes, grandparents are coming from a generation where they have worked for their whole life and have maybe not done as much traveling as they wanted to,” Faulker says. “Then we have the ‘parent’ generation who’s coming with more of a ‘seize the day’ or ‘make it happen’ approach.”

Throughout their years of planning vacations, Ruprecht-Barrett and Faulker note several key topics to consider when planning a multigenerational trip. While two families can visit the same destination, they can have completely different experiences based on the wants and needs of their own families.

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Meadowbrook Travel co-founder Rebecca Ruprecht-Barrett has personal experience in planning multigenerational trips, including a family trip to San Diego, California, where they embarked on a San Diego Harbor Cruise.

Make sure family members are on the same page about what a trip will look like and what everyone expects from it.

• Budget: Consider how much will be spent in total, including the quality of lodging and airfare or which excursions to do. Higher-class and budget-friendly options can carry significantly varying price tags.

• Destination: The location is one of the first aspects to discuss. From a domestic trip to an international locale, there are many spots to choose from.

• Expectations: How will the vacation be structured? Is the goal relaxation or exploration? Will travelers want to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, or sleep in every day and do one activity during the day? Know what type of activity level everyone prefers.

• Timeframe: What time of year will the trip take place? Retired grandparents may be more flexible with timing, whereas working parents with children involved in school activities may have more things to work around.

• Togetherness. Will everyone be together the entire trip, or will travelers split up for certain activities and come together every evening for dinner?

These aspects of travel are just the beginning when it comes to planning. While this can seem daunting, it’s exactly where travel agents come into play. From researching destinations to booking flights, hotels and excursions—and anything in between—travel agents can take the burden of responsibility off the traveler’s plate. Additionally, they can supply a packing list and ensure that travelers have their most important documents, whether that’s a REAL ID or passport—and ensuring a passport doesn’t expire within six months of travel, which some countries require—a visa or a preapproved electronic customs form. “With all of the logistics involved, it makes it much less stressful for everyone,” Faulkner says. “There’s usually a point person for the group that we’re working with, but for that person to not have the stress of figuring out all the details, making

all the decisions, that’s what we’re there for.”

In terms of when to start planning a multigenerational trip, the old adage of “the sooner, the better” applies. Planning and booking earlier will allow for more options, especially for larger groups that need more seats on a flight or more rooms at a hotel.

Throughout the process of planning, booking and preparations, it’s important to remember the reason for taking the trip in the first place. “The bottom line that we tell people is enjoy the time together,” RuprechtBarrett says. “I tell families who are going to Disney, ‘Don’t be so focused on getting on a particular attraction’ … or ‘Don’t be so focused on seeing a particular landmark in Europe or a particular excursion in the Caribbean, that you lose sight of the fact that you are fortunate enough to be able to spend this time away from daily lives together. That’s why you’re doing this.’”

Meadowbrook Travel meadowbrooktravel.com @meadowbrooktravel

Lee Faulkner, co-founder of Meadowbrook Travel, has taken multigenerational travel to the international level, as seen here on their family vacation to the Angkor Wat Theraveda Buddhist temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

THE BACKYARD BLUEPRINT

Plan to make the most of patio season.

Written by Ashley Cardona

Summer in Minnesota is synonymous with outdoor living. After enduring months of winter and the lingering slush of “spring,” the general consensus about when nice weather arrives is to get outside and stay outside.

For many homeowners, the best way to enjoy the warmer days is from the comfort of their own backyard. While it may be tempting to buy whatever flowers and shrubs are available at the local garden center to spruce up the outdoor spaces, landscaping experts like the designers and lawn care professionals at Green Oasis, which serves Woodbury and surrounding areas, suggest a different approach. Whether the goal is a lush, green lawn, terraced gardens or an expansive paver patio with an incorporated fire pit, taking the time to plan before reaching for a shovel is essential for success.

Identifying what doesn’t work is an obvious starting point, but then what? “Every yard is unique,” branch manager Zach Schuster says. What he’s referring to is the multifaceted consideration that goes into landscape design. “It’s never one-sizefits-all. Some homeowners want a sea of grass, while others

Zach Schuster of Green Oasis says each backyard is different from the next—and it’s all about the homeowners’ personality. To create a dream backyard, he recommends mapping out functional zones to determine how to best use the area.

Photo: Jeff Wegge Photography

Conducting an evaluation of the yard is an important element of the planning process, Green Oasis’ Zach Schuster says. Considerations such as sunlight patterns and soil conditions shouldn’t be overlooked during the process.

would be happy to never mow again,” he says. When executing a successful backyard design plan, the trick is integrating feasibility, form and function. “Some things don’t make sense for a Minnesota yard,” Schuster says, noting the particular nuances of Woodbury properties, as areas with mature trees and hills require different considerations than flat fields of new construction. Schuster shares a few pointers for creating a backyard worth enjoying all season long.

TIP 1: MAP OUT FUNCTIONAL ZONES

Think through who uses the space and for what activities. What is the path of travel? Where are there privacy needs? This creates a natural priority list. Designating zones for a particular function improves efficiency, especially in smaller yards. It can also highlight areas that are currently being underutilized. “If there’s an area where grass simply doesn’t grow, consider shifting its use to a paver patio or a gravel fire pit,” Schuster says.

TIP 2: CONDUCT A YARD EVALUATION

At the very least, homeowners building a landscaping plan should assess factors like grading and drainage since these directly affect their home. Tracking the sunlight patterns throughout the day and testing the soil condition is essential to plant health. Green Oasis performs a complimentary comprehensive evaluation for customers that assesses these features and more. “When someone wants to know why a plant doesn’t look so good anymore or why one part of the yard grows faster than the others, we can tell you,” Schuster says.

TIP 3: THINK ABOUT NOW AND LATER

Thinking about short- and long-term goals can prevent mistakes, like overcrowding or planting something where it won’t thrive. Clarity about the goal and the desired aesthetic composition can prevent haphazard purchases and lead to a cohesive result. Also, keep in mind what it will look like in winter—evergreens and hardscapes will still have presence long after the hostas go to sleep until spring.

TIP 4: BE HONEST ABOUT YARD WORK

When it comes to yard work, it’s important to determine how much is acceptable and how much is too much. Not everyone is willing to weed a garden on their hands and knees, and since there is a limited number of those precious summer weekends, it’s important to manage the neediness of a landscape plan either through thoughtful choices or lawn care services. “Instead of spending your weekends doing yard work, let us handle it, so you can enjoy your free time with your family,” Schuster says.

A final tip Schuster offered might be the best one yet: There’s still time to reclaim the weekend to relax on the new patio or to transform a humble backyard into a stunning oasis for patio season. After all, Minnesotans must enjoy every drop of the season.

Green Oasis greenoasis.co @_greenoasis

Any time of year is the right time to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can focus on what matters most, without the burden of home maintenance. Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:

• A warm

• On-site

• Chapel and spiritual support

• Salon, barber shop and boutique

• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth

If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.

Come see for yourself why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for 10 years.

to use the

you’ve built up in your home for financial needs like:

Boat purchases

Side

Joseph Shoemaker inherits his grandfather’s love for photography.

Quests

Written by Hailey Almsted

Photos by Joseph Shoemaker

Whether it’s the beaches of Australia, the architecture in Tokyo or the streets here in Woodbury, Joseph Shoemaker finds beauty all around the world. “Every country is unique in their own way,” he says. “I want to bring the experience of traveling back home for people who might not get out and about.”

Page 29: After pitching their tent in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park last June, Joseph Shoemaker and friends decided to hike up the dunes to watch the sunset. Taken by his friend, Sofia, with his Sony A7IV camera paired with a Sony 28–75mm F2.8 lens.

Left: In April 2023, Joseph Shoemaker and friends visited Australia’s Blue Mountains, where the mountains are tinted blue from surounding trees releasing eucalyptus oil in the air. “I discovered this scenic cable car going back and forth every 30 minutes, so I had to time my shot just right when it passed by using my Sony A7III camera and a 24–220mm lens,” Shoemaker recalls.

Right: In March 2025, Joseph Shoemaker and his sister, Christine, visited the Sensōji Temple in Tokyo, where they witnessed the Golden Dragon Dance. “You can see two performers on either side, and I just happened to find an opening in between them to take the perfect shot,” he says.

Page 32: During his last undergraduate semester, Joseph Shoemaker studied abroad in Sydney, where he joined the University of Sydney Photography Club. During a club beach walk, he captured the famous Bondi Beach. “It just felt like a Where’s Waldo? picture just by the sheer amoung of equally spaced people,” Shoemaker says, noting he used a Sony A7III and Sony FE 24–240mm lens to capture the scene.

Right: Joseph Shoemaker shares a different viewpoint of Woodbury with his drone photography. Taken in March 2023 with a DJI Mini Pro 3, Shoemaker captures Prestwick Golf Course donned in autumnal orange, red and yellow tones. “I flew my [drone] straight up from Colby Lake Park and managed to capture the beautiful fall colors of the trees in transition,” he says. “This was my favorite photograph I had taken that day as the sunlight was just right.”

Shoemaker’s passion for photography started as a young child growing up in Woodbury; his grandfather, Harold Revoir, enjoyed taking photos as a hobby and curated a collection of cameras. Revoir ultimately taught Shoemaker the basics, and that’s when the passion started taking form.

Although Shoemaker is a scientist by day—he obtained a Bachelor of Science in chemistry at the University of Minnesota— he inherited his grandfather’s love of photos and pursues it as a side quest. But the two are similar, Shoemaker says. “Fellow friends of mine who do photography inspired me to keep going and keep doing something I love as a passion rather than something that’s aggressively pursued,” he says. “That’s what has made it more enjoyable and fun, and I can experiment [with photography] like a scientist.”

Shoemaker’s style has evolved over time. “I really like trying new things. I think [photography is] super subjective. There’s no right, wrong, good or bad. It’s just a photo,” he says. Recently, he has been toying with drone photography and utilizing older equipment (including a camera on his Nintendo DS) to capture scenes around the world. “It’s old school and brings you back to childhood. I love the terrible quality, so why not shoot photos with it?” he explains, noting that the aesthetically-pleasing graininess of the photos falls into a category all its own.

No matter what style of photography he’s pursuing at the moment, Shoemaker hopes to evoke a variety of emotions—including wonder, a feeling that he says is challenging to elicit as an adult. “It’s an emotion we all share as human beings, whether you’re a kid or an adult,” he says. “Our imagination is harder and harder to come by as we become adults.

“Every country is unique in their own way. I want to bring the experience of traveling back home for people who might not get out and about.”

Joseph Shoemaker, photographer

We go to work. We come back. We have our routines set in stone. As a kid, the world is still so young and open. There’s so much to explore … I want to keep the mystery alive through my photographs.”

Although there are some post-production edits, such as increasing the brightness or contrast, Shoemaker doesn’t typically rely on artificial intelligence (AI) or photoshop to add color or alter what he’s captured. Instead, he prefers the experience of taking the photo and applying minimal edits vs. manipulating preexisting architecture and tones. As for his go-to camera? Currently, it’s a Sony a7 IV with a Tamrom 28–75mm f2.8 G2 lens—“The most versatile combination that I could’ve settled on for photography,” Shoemaker says. And when he’s experiencing creative burnout (“I don’t try to hide it away or lie to myself about it,” he says.), he turns toward the camera in his pocket: an iPhone 17 Pro Max. “It has a physical capture button on the side that opens the camera,” he says. “Which has been extremely handy for quickly capturing the moment.”

No matter the locale or the equipment, Shoemaker says it all goes back to wonder. “Keeping that alive keeps the world going round,” he says.

View Shoemaker’s photographs on display at Central Park (8595 Central Park Place) throughout May.

Joseph Shoemaker domoresidequests.com @joeshoeeeephoto

to Ōhara, Kyoto, where they visited Sanzen-in Temple, which “dates its origins back to the early ninth century by Saicho, the founder of Tendai Buddhism,” he says. Christine captured this photo on the temple grounds.

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In March 2025, after visiting Tokyo, Joseph Shoemaker and his sister, Christine, took the Shinkansen (bullet train)

TASTE

Feast Buffet & Banquet brings authentic Asian cuisine to Woodbury.

SOMETHING

Written

NEW

by Paige Udermann — Photos by Chris Emeott

Feast Buffet & Banquet guests will find a variety of choices, such as Beef and Broccoli (left plate), as well as new flavors like stone crab, fried rice and pea shoots (right plate). Sushi options are abundant, with unique picks such as the Volcano Roll.

Last September, Feast Buffet & Banquet (1690 Woodlane Drive) opened, becom ing Woodbury’s first upscale, Asianinspired buffet restaurant. Walking through its doors, guests are welcomed into a modern eatery with various food stations to choose from. The traditional buffet style takes on a higher-end feel with individually plated dishes.

Co-founders Kevin Ni and ZeGui Qiu, known for Sushi Train in Minneapolis and Captain Crab in Brooklyn Center, along with a team of dedicated individu als, brought Feast Buffet & Banquet to life.

Ni first came to Minnesota in 2015 and, as a passionate foodie, noticed that many of the local cuisines had been Americanized—and he was motivated to introduce authentic, diverse cuisines to the area. In 2017, Ni and Qiu opened Sushi Train, a concept inspired by Japan’s popular conveyor-belt sushi. After opening a few more restaurants with an amazing team of partners, Ni saw a chance to bring Asian food to Woodbury. He wanted to tap into the local market and elevate the dining scene with genuine Asian dishes. “I said, ‘Well, there aren’t many options in Woodbury, so where are Woodbury people going to eat? Do they have to spend money in other cities that they could be spending in their own town?’ So I thought, ‘Why don’t we give it a shot?’” Ni says.

In 2023, he and his team searched for the ideal location as ideas for the restaurant took shape. They envisioned the restaurant as a high-end buffet and drew inspiration from similar venues in Las Vegas. This kind of restaurant would need a unique space, and when the space previously known as Cowboy Jack’s came up for sale, Ni and his team knew it was the perfect choice. They spent over eight months designing and building the restaurant.

All of the food is prepared in-house, with seafood sourced from Boston and specialty ingredients imported from Asia. Besides bottled beverages, nothing is prepackaged. Everything is fresh.

“I want to eat healthy food; at the same

W OODBU RY

time, I want my guests to eat healthy food too,” Ni says.

The menu features Asian-inspired dishes, such as Buddha Temptation soup, chicken feet, Dungeness crab, garlic-baked oysters and scallops. Dessert options include a boba bar, cotton candy and shaved ice. There are familiar options, such as fried rice and sushi, but

Ni and his team truly want their guests to have the opportunity to try foods they might have never tasted before, with a special focus on seafood. Ni imagines a space where guests slow down and savor the exploration of new foods.

“The main thing is to put yourself in the customers’ shoes and see things from their point of view before taking

Left: The Salmon Poke Bowl layers crisp textures with fresh ingredients, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Right: A wide selection of sushi awaits diners, who can discover new flavor combinations alongside familiar favorites.

Cancer took her from us way too soon.

action,” Ni says. “We’re customers too, so we know what we expect when we go to a restaurant, and it’s the same as what your customers expect.” Lines have stretched out the door, and the team consistently served more than 1,000 customers per day after opening. “I would say the community support is 120 percent,” Ni says.

“Lori was such a special person to me. She started as my ﬁrst “real admin,” and became one of my closest friends. You don’t always realize someone is one of your closest friends, until they’re not there anymore. You look back and see the blessing they were in your life, and you thank God for all the wonderful times and memories you take with you. She was a bright light to many, and our team was better because of her. We remember her with every checklist we pull up, every photo we look back on, every client event we host. She will be missed, but we will see her again in glory.”

-Angela

Race Around the Lakes

This spring, enjoy a run on Woodbury’s beautiful trails.

Take in the views of Woodbury’s many scenic lakes during Athena Clydesdale Racing’s Woodbury Lakes Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on May 9. Each race kicks off at Colby Lake Park and circles Powers, Markgrafs and Wilmes lakes before ending back at the starting point.

“It’s so fun to see everyone come out there [and see] all different kinds of runners, from the super fast [runners] to the ones out there to just complete it [and] people being with friends and family,” says Brooke Selb, Athena Clydesdale Racing co-owner and race director (athenaclydesdaleracing.com).

Races start at staggered times with the half-marathon beginning at 8 a.m., 10K at 8:30 a.m. and 5K at 9 a.m. A post-race celebration is scheduled for each race and includes snacks and music. Each runner will receive a hand-cut, engraved wooden medal, and an awards ceremony for the top three male and female finishers of each race will follow the races.

“We have an incredible community of runners, and this town is just a wonderful place to put on these events,” Selb says. “We’re so thankful to everyone to keep coming out there and helping us.” —Avery Vrieze

05.01 and 05.02

Our Town

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town hits the stage at Woodbury High School. Performance times vary. whsactivities.org

05.01–05.03

Clue

East Ridge High School presents their spring play, Clue. Times vary for the performance, which is held on the Loft Stage. theloftstage.org

05.02

Craft and Gift Show

Over 75 vendors will be available for browsing and shopping from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lake Middle school. destinationwoodbury.com

05.06

Scoops for Success

Mention the Woodbury Chamber Business Foundation from 3–9 p.m. at Bridgeman’s and 20 percent of the purchase will go toward funding community programs. woodburychamber.org

05.06–05.09

Kids’ Items Sale

Just Between Friends Woodbury will be hosting its annual Kids Sale at the Fieldhouse at M Health Fairview Sports Center. The event will have over 100,000 unique items to peruse for children of all ages. woodbury.jbfsale.com

05.07–05.09

Lions Club Garage Sale

This annual, community-wide garage sale will take place at various homes across locations. woodburylions.org

Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Community Awards Gala

The Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Community Awards Gala on January 16 at Central Park, in which Woodbury Magazine is a proud Silver Sponsor. Attendees enjoyed a 360-degree photo booth, live music from Gary LaRue and a wine pull. A plated dinner served by Lake Elmo Inn and the unforgettable dessert auction topped off the event.

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

Photos: Carter Walters

In Full Bloom

“The bees were really focused on the plant, so I figured I could get quite close to grab the shot, and they wouldn’t pay any attention to me,” Greig Metzer says. Metzer captured the busy bees last year in mid-August, when the native Joe Pye weed in his backyard was in full bloom. —Avery Vrieze

FOCUS ON WOODBURY

Photographer: Greig Metzer Title: Backyard Bee Category: Wildlife Award: First Place

Equipment: OM Systems OM-1 Mark II and 60mm macro lens

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