by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2025 | Giving Back, People
Ted Hooley’s humanitarian nonprofit brings care and healing to rural communities. Ted Hooley, a Stillwater native and the founder of humanitarian nonprofit Senitizo, grew up in a community that fostered generosity and service. “It was kind of like the ideal...
by Rosie Peters | Dec 1, 2025 | Arts, Featured, People, Wellness
Rosetta “Rosie” Peters is an extraordinary poet, storyteller and business owner, living in Marine on St. Croix. Since moving to the Valley in 2011, she’s become a valued member of this community and has worked to build up the arts in the Valley—from founding a poetry...
by Diane Meyer | Dec 1, 2025 | Arts, Entertain, Outdoors
Afton invites neighbors to embrace the magic of the season. Afton receives a magical makeover during the holiday season as timeless tradition and community connection coalesce. The Afton Village Holiday returns over three weekends in November and December. “There’s...
by Emily Gedde | Dec 1, 2025 | Drinks, Entertain, Recipes
There’s a whole new world of delicious options available for people looking to enjoy an alcohol-free holiday bash. Alexandra Zauner of Lucille’s Alcohol-Free Social Experiences of knows exploring options can be overwhelming. “We can help guide what you need, whether...
by Zoe Yates | Dec 1, 2025 | Local Makers, Recipes
Cooking with foraged ingredients has remained a significant part of Ruth Alliband’s life, and her bookshelf is lined with a diverse selection of recipe books, many of which center around wild-harvested foods. Last year, while dreaming up a silent auction item for...
by Claire Krieger | Nov 18, 2025 | Giving Back, Shops, Style
The limited-time installation features exclusive customer experiences. Through March 2026, Love Your Melon (LYM) is back at the Mall of America with a pop-up store. The brand, owned and founded by Valley resident Zachary Quinn, supplies beanies to children battling...
by Claire Krieger | Oct 15, 2025 | Local Makers
The waffle business has big plans for its small drive-thru shop. Wilder Waffle Co. is opening its first permanent location on the corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 12 in Hudson. Usually found traveling the valley (and beyond) as a mobile trailer, the shop plans to...
by Claire Krieger | Oct 1, 2025 | Local Makers, Shops
The shop will continue making artisan chocolate under a new owner. The St. Croix Chocolate Company is turning over a new leaf this fall with a change in ownership. St. Paul’s Jason Moldan, a retired sergeant major and creator of The Minnesota Chocolate Lab, took over...
by Zoe Yates | Oct 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
As we are pulled deeper into the slow, steady rhythm of autumn, so too are we called home. These cold months remind us of the importance of our shelter, which may feel long-neglected after months spent enjoying the sun and sky. Our food, homes, and entertaining issue...
by Missy Austreng | Oct 1, 2025 | Giving Back, Noteworthy, People
Metta Belisle lived her name. In Sanskrit, metta means loving-kindness—a philosophy she carried into every part of her life, from rescuing animals to planting flowers and trees. A third grade teacher for nearly 30 years, Metta believed that how we treat animals and...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Oct 1, 2025 | Local Makers, Restaurants
Chef Cristian De Leon brings Mayan-inspired cuisine to Stillwater. In an unassuming storefront on the Highway 36 frontage road in Stillwater, chef Cristian De Leon is crafting some of the most innovative Latin food in the Metro—and doing it all with a commitment to...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Oct 1, 2025 | Build, History, Interior Design
Architect Greg Elsner and his family tune into nature at their distinctive home in Taylors Falls. Greg Elsner brings a uniquely Minnesotan sensibility to his work. “I love embracing the seasons here that don’t happen elsewhere,” Elsner says. “I love water skiing and...
by Zoe Yates | Oct 1, 2025 | Giving Back, Outdoors, Wellness
The local nonprofit is helping first responders, law enforcement, veterans and more through adventures in nature. Stillwater resident Chris Tetrault spent decades serving his country in the National Guard and as a law enforcement officer. Now, he’s continuing his...
by Ellie Heyerdahl | Oct 1, 2025 | Arts, Education, Noteworthy, Outdoors
Only 72 days after opening, the Natural Heritage Art Centre in Osceola, Wisconsin, was destroyed by a fire in January 2023. The destruction of the building left founder Jessica Turtle uncertain about the next step. “I was looking for a way to do art ecology with more...
by Tricia Christiansen | Oct 1, 2025 | Giving Back, Local Makers
Hudson Daybreak Rotary shared a dynamic selection of artisan food and wine at the Taste of the Valley event in Lakefront Park in Hudson, Wisconsin. This year, guests voted on their personal favorites with Los Habaneros Mexican Grill & Bar receiving top nods as a...
