by Editorial Staff | Dec 3, 2024 | Best of St. Croix Valley, Noteworthy
Welcome, readers, to 2025 and our annual Best of St. Croix Valley Readers’ Choice Poll, which celebrates life in this beautiful river valley. We don’t know of a better way to step into the year than by showing support and appreciation for local businesses, service...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2024 | Featured
Winter is here again. As this issue goes to press, the snow has not yet fallen—which gives me a romantic take on this season that I’m all too happy to share. I’m already pining for the slower season of life: cooking my favorite comfort foods, gathering with friends...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2024 | Photo Contest
A hobby photographer captures an award-winning image at the World Snow Sculpting Championship. A snow sculptor at the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater is the subject of this colorful image, taken by area resident Maribeth Lundeen. “I was attracted to...
by Editorial Staff | Dec 1, 2024 | Giving Back, Pets
On October 5, volunteer-driven nonprofit Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue held its annual hoedown gala in Somerset, Wisconsin. The event featured a concert under the stars by the Jake Nelson Band, dinner, beverages, a live auction and raffle.
by Daniel Huss | Dec 1, 2024 | Giving Back
Gary and Richelle Jader respond to hundreds of letters each holiday season. Six years ago, a Hudson, Wisconsin, couple was asked a simple question with significant impact: Would they promise to write back? Gary and Richelle Jader thought long and hard before agreeing...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2024 | Wellness
For breast cancer survivors, three-dimensional areola restorations uplift and empower. When Jennifer Turnquist found out she had breast cancer in early 2023, her world shifted. “I had a long history of abnormal mammograms and had always been fine. But this time I...
by Alauna Yust | Dec 1, 2024 | Giving Back, Noteworthy
Some of David Palmer’s earliest lessons in giving came from odd teachers: venison steaks and chicken–the payment his father received for the medical care he provided when his patients in northern Minnesota could not afford it. “I learned concepts of philanthropy and...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2024 | Education, Featured, Giving Back, Travel
Polar explorer and educator Ann Bancroft on discovering your path, spreading hope and embracing the adventure outside your door. There’s a kaleidoscope of color waiting at the edge of the world. Through sheets of ice and a blanket of snow, guarded by intense winds and...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2024 | Arts, Outdoors
Stillwater’s World Snow Sculpting Championship to headline new winter festival. It’s been four years since Stillwater became the home of the World Snow Sculpting Championship, an international event that draws thousands of visitors annually. This year, the Greater...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2024 | Arts, Education
A St. Croix Falls couple expands their reach from a successful gallery to a new art school. In the heart of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, a new chapter in the town’s artistic evolution is about to unfold. Husband-and-wife team AJ Meadows and Beth West are expanding WHAT...
by Alexandra Eve | Dec 1, 2024 | Gift Guides, Noteworthy
Make your Christmas presents stand out this year with these creative and unique wrapping ideas. Pick a theme: Choose a cohesive theme, like rustic, vintage or modern, to tie all your gifts together, so they look pretty under the tree. Start simple: A versatile base...
by Meredith Heneghan | Dec 1, 2024 | Arts, Entertain, Featured, Shops
Florists share how they make wreaths that stand out and how you can too. In this festive time of year, what livens up the season more than decorating your home in a celebratory and personal way? We connected with three local florists who specialize in wreaths about...
by Hailey Almsted and Tia Benson | Dec 1, 2024 | Drinks, Featured, Recipes, Restaurants
There’s so much to love about seasonal cocktails. These winter mixed drinks can stir nostalgia and holiday spirit in just a sip. Made with seasonal flavors like gingerbread, nutmeg or peppermint—everyone is sure to find something to love from one of these many local...
by Ben Thietje | Dec 1, 2024 | Arts, Noteworthy
With nearly 40 events in a typical season at The Phipps Center for the Arts, we’re often asked, ‘How do you choose?’ Although it’s not a simple process, I’ll do my best to explain. The Phipps takes much of its direction from a group of volunteer arts councils. Dance,...
by Zoe Yates | Oct 1, 2024 | Featured
Good things take time. It’s an adage I’m sure we’ve all heard, and (while a bit cheesy), I believe there’s no better way to introduce our food, homes and arts issue and the delightful stories within. Though, perhaps, good things can come quickly—there’s something to...
