by Editorial Staff | Mar 1, 2023 | Best of St. Croix Valley, Featured
It’s time to meet the finalists for Best of St. Croix Valley 2023. In January, we invited St. Croix Valley Magazine readers to reflect on their favorites in the Valley and cast their votes in our annual readers’ poll. Now, it’s time to announce the...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Feb 23, 2023 | Restaurants
Brookside Bar & Grill reopens with four new leaders at the helm. Nestled on the shore of the St. Croix River in historic Marine on Saint Croix, Brookside Bar & Grill has been a feature of the small community for years. Now, four locals will continue the...
by Hailey Almsted | Feb 1, 2023 | Featured
The first time I went on an airplane was in ninth grade during a school trip to New York City. I was 14 years old, had only visited three other states aside from Minnesota (Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana) and was petrified of flying. After I made it through the...
by John F. Farrell III | Feb 1, 2023 | Drinks, Noteworthy
When it comes to marking St. Patrick’s Day, some folks enjoy a spirited sip to toast the celebration. Need suggestions? Wine: Try Perseverance zinfandel. (While this is a California maker, the label’s Celtic cross makes it work.) Serve it with lamb, stew or corned...
by Hanna McDaniels | Feb 1, 2023 | Education, Giving Back
Miss River Valley Scholarships honor young women making a difference. Pageants are more than just beautiful gowns, outstanding talent, sleek sashes and pretty crowns. These competitions let women showcase their confidence and skills that encourage community growth and...
by Shelli Erck | Feb 1, 2023 | Noteworthy, Style
Personal flowers, also known as “flowers to wear,” have had importance and place throughout history. Early in history, personal flowers served a practical function. Evidence of personal floral adornment was found in the ancient artifacts of Egyptian civilization,...
by Susie Eaton Hopper | Feb 1, 2023 | Shops
Two friends team up in boutique that supports handmade makers. Many women dream of opening their own business. Few imagine it and open a brick-and-mortar store in less than 45 days. Natalie Krause and Autumn Hill, both mothers of three young children, each with a...
by Josie Smith | Feb 1, 2023 | Drinks, Featured, Local Makers
Scandia couple creates a family-friendly destination for wine lovers. “Take Comfort. Drink Well.” This warm and welcoming phrase can be found on the label around every bottle of wine sold at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia. Here, you’ll find a family-owned business...
by Bob Lyksett | Feb 1, 2023 | Arts
What’s my inspiration behind this photograph? I crave situations where the lighting can change dramatically during a shooting session. The combination of early morning light and fog always present a challenge because both change so fast and independently! Artist: Bob...
by Nicole Berglund | Feb 1, 2023 | Drinks, Noteworthy
Buna means “coffee” in Amharic, but for Megan Lee, it represents much more. “We have gained many friends who are Ethiopian or Eritrean immigrants,” says Lee, who started her mobile coffee cart in July 2022. “They do a coffee ceremony in their house for friends and...
by Nicole Berglund | Feb 1, 2023 | Outdoors
The popular winter festival has returned to the St. Croix Valley. The Hudson Hot Air Affair winter ballooning festival is back for another great year. This annual family-friendly event combines the joy of hot air balloons with community spirit in a variety of...
by Nicole Berglund | Feb 1, 2023 | Photo Contest
Hobby photographer captures the beauty of St. Croix County. While shooting a beautiful December sunset, hobby photographer Lucy McNellis captured this image of ice fishermen on Perch Lake, who added “an element of life and activity to the winter landscape,” she says....
by Amy Overgaard and Hailey Almsted | Feb 1, 2023 | Arts, Travel
The Airport Foundation MSP’s art program invites travelers to pause. An average person traveling through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) may not notice the extensive collection of art scattered throughout the two terminals. But slow down and you...
by Mollee Francisco | Feb 1, 2023 | Featured, People, Travel
Minnesota Public Radio host Kerri Miller offers guided adventure trips. There is a saying that travel broadens the mind, but Kerri Miller takes that notion a step further. The Hudson resident and long-time Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) host offers a unique travel...
by Rachael Perron | Feb 1, 2023 | Noteworthy, Recipes
My husband learned early on in our relationship that I had serious skills in the kitchen. I learned early on that he loved any pasta dish with chicken in it. This Valentine’s Day, our 31st together, I plan to make him this internet favorite, and serve it with a simple...