With experiential gifting maintaining its holiday footing and the inclination to eliminate clutter remaining strong, the gift of books can easily...
Noteworthy
Finding Balance This Winter
Occasionally, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can throw you off-kilter. When that happens at the Phipps Center for the Arts [PCA], we slow...
For the Valley. For Good.
Thirty years ago, guided by a vision of generosity and community, a group of civic leaders formed the St. Croix Valley Foundation to connect the...
Sweet and Savory Holiday Pairings
When it comes to family gatherings, I became the de facto dessert-bringer many, many years ago. There’s always plenty of food at a Perron party, and...
Your Community, Your Vote
Let’s close the year with some exciting news. Best of St. Croix Valley is moving—to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is...
A Legacy of Loving Kindness
Metta Belisle lived her name. In Sanskrit, metta means loving-kindness—a philosophy she carried into every part of her life, from rescuing animals...
Treehaus Studio Blends Art and Ecology
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...
“Little Shop of Horrors” Comes to the Phipps Center for the Arts
Memorable characters abound in the Phipps Center for the Arts’ production of Little Shop of Horrors, but the real star of the show is the one that...
Seasonal Pie Recipes From Chef Cory Western
Hickory Nut Pie is a staple of chef Cory Western’s holiday tradition. “This pie is special to me because of my Grandma Barb and Grandpa Jerry,”...
JG Everest Ends Residency on a High Note
A walk through the woods reveals a natural symphony: Birds chirp, the wind moves through the trees and water burbles in nearby streams. At Wild...
Celebrate Summer with Seasonal Flavors
This recipe shines with its balance of crunchy, creamy and crispy textures and combination of sweet, nutty and fresh flavors. It’s also a great...
The Growing Kindness Project Is Blooming
Stillwater resident Amy Sonnek was feeling disconnected from her community during COVID-19 when she found an opportunity to bloom. “I was searching...
Little Moments Count
In the St. Croix Valley, a quiet revolution is underway—one bedtime story, lullaby and belly laugh at a time. The Little Moments Count initiative,...
Visit the Art Bench Trail
For nearly two decades, the Art Bench Trail has provided a place where community, art and the great outdoors come together. Peppered throughout the...
A Heart for Heirlooms
When I think about my favorite items in my wardrobe, it’s not the latest fashion trends or that perfect pair of jeans—it’s heirlooms and gifted...
Take a Day Trip To Northfield
Northfield is a charming and family-friendly getaway that offers something for everyone. Start your Saturday morning at the Riverwalk Market Fair,...
Recipes for Sustainability
This lemon cleaner recipe is courtesy of Laura Paulisich and Behzad Afshar-Naseri at ToxyFree in Stillwater. “We’ve made our own lemon cleaner for...
“Animal, Vegetable, Miracle”
One of my favorite books of 2025 may be nearly two decades old, but that isn’t going to stop me from recommending it wholeheartedly to everyone I...
A Scenic Walk at the Arcola High Bridge Viewpoint Trail
For a pet-friendly hike this spring, try the Arcola High Bridge Viewpoint trail near Stillwater. This 2-mile local favorite begins in the Arcola...
A Puppet for a Pet
Pets aren’t typically found at The Phipps Center for the Arts, but this past winter, the organization fell head-over-heels in love with a reindeer....
