When we made the move out to Polk County four years ago, my now-husband and I set some intentions. We hoped to find community, build a localized food system and learn how to sustain ourselves and find fulfillment close to home.
I’m the great-granddaughter of farmers—as I’m sure many of us are—but much of that generational knowledge was long lost by the time I entered the picture. Ours was a grand plan; we needed support, and we found it in the farming community of the St. Croix Valley. Shepherds and seed farmers, vegetable growers and apothecaries—even musicians and artists—welcomed us into the fold, sharing wisdom, conversation and hope for the future of our world.
These years have shown us that we’re capable of more than we know, and each day has infinite possibilities. On our 5 acres, we grow and preserve food, raise poultry for meat and eggs, host community gatherings and endeavor to make all our meals from scratch with local ingredients. Read all about my favorite adventures and destinations in western Wisconsin.
Now that I’ve shared my best of St. Croix Valley, we’re thrilled to announce your picks for our annual Best of St. Croix Valley Reader’s Choice Poll. It’s always so exciting to see who you choose. Kudos to all of the winners and finalists for serving our communities so well.
In this issue, I also get to share one of my go-to summer recipes with you, Readers. Explore my favorite hummus recipe alongside a collection of incredible dips from our editorial team.
As we dive into summer, let’s look inward as well as outward. What have we been waiting for, and how can we make it happen in the time that remains in 2025?
