Welcome, readers, to 2025 and our annual Best of St. Croix Valley Readers’ Choice Poll, which celebrates life in this beautiful river valley. We...
Noteworthy
David Palmer’s Life of Philanthropy
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...
Creative Gift Wrap Ideas
Make your Christmas presents stand out this year with these creative and unique wrapping ideas. Pick a theme: Choose a cohesive theme, like rustic,...
An Artful Season at The Phipps Center for the Arts
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...
Fiddler on the River
When 9-year-old Brian Wicklund first heard the quick-tempo twang of bluegrass from his mother’s Flatt and Scruggs album, he fell in love. Wicklund’s...
How To Use Vanilla Bean Paste
Ever wonder about how to use vanilla bean paste? Sara and Andy Kubiak, founders of Vanilla Bean Project in Lakeland, share that vanilla bean paste...
Autumn Adventures Close to Home
It’s the time of the season for unforgettable local explorations. Whether you embark on a day trip or settle in for a weekend staycation, don’t...
Many Ways To Serve
It’s a rare nonprofit in the St. Croix Valley that Linda Robertson and Warren Schneider haven’t supported through servant leadership, volunteerism...
“Día de Los Muertos”
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is traditionally celebrated by those of Mexican heritage in late October or early November. While its...
Back to School Shopping
As summer fades and the new school year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school clothes shopping. With a few tips and tricks,...
Flowers for Seniors
Growing old is not for the faint of heart. Aging can cause one to become less active and less social—two things that are very important to mental...
A Joyful Guide to Cleaning Your Home
Let’s talk about House Love: A Joyful Guide to Cleaning, Organizing, and Loving the Home You’re In, a recent release by Twin Cities author Patric...
Fall Daytrips Are in Season
September marks the beginning of apple ripening in Minnesota. According to the University of Minnesota, most apple varieties in the area should be...
Enjoy the Best of the Midwest This Summer
Summer is here, and we’re packing up the car and returning to some of our favorite Midwest destinations! The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan: Drive...
“Malibu Rising” Dives Into Summer
Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again in one of her most recent historical fiction novels, Malibu Rising. Malibu, California, August 1983. Nina Riva is...
Give Where You Live
Jim and Judy Freund grew up on family farms in Wisconsin. They saw generosity embodied by family and community members who cared for each other,...
A Sign of Spring
If you are anything like me, you’re probably itching to breathe some fresh air and get your hands dirty this spring. Studies have shown that being...
Meet a Music Maven
“The most important thing that you can do in the whole world is to give back to your community,” says Kristin Tjornehoj, a lifelong resident,...
Doggy Destinations Around St. Croix Valley
It’s time for the annual return to the outdoors! I know our pups will be grateful for it, so let’s give our companions the ultimate Valley...
“The Berry Pickers”
Set in Maine and Nova Scotia, The Berry Pickers opens in the early 1960s when 4-year-old Ruthie, the youngest in her Mi’kmaq family who travels to...
