by Claire Krieger | Dec 10, 2025 | Featured, Outdoors, Sports
The country club continues to embark on new and exciting improvements. Lake Minnetonka’s Lafayette Club has undergone, and continues to plan, many changes to its historic Crystal Bay venue. The country club is known for its strong ties to the community, providing...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Featured
What a year! As we close out 2025, I want to give one last nod to our 20th anniversary year. While May was our “official” anniversary month, when we were graciously fêted at Art Girls during a lovely evening of celebration and community, we marked the entire year as...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2025 | People
When Minnetonka’s Julie Burton first envisioned ModernWell, her Minneapolis co-working space, she wanted to craft a sanctuary for professionals seeking connection and inspiration. “It’s a space where people can get out of their house or their office and carve out time...
by Mollee Francisco | Dec 1, 2025 | Giving Back, Noteworthy, Shops, Style
If a penny saved is a penny earned, then there are plenty of pennies to go around by shopping at PennyWise Thrift Store. Treasures abound at the nonprofit in the Grace Family Center, 2443 Commerce Blvd., Mound. “It’s almost easier to say what you can’t find,” says...
by Barb Lindgren | Dec 1, 2025 | History, Noteworthy
While Christmas gift-giving fuels today’s consumer economy, its roots go back to the 1870s and 1880s, following the growing traditions of Christmas cards and decorated trees. Gifts were given to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of giving to the community....
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Book Club, Featured, Gift Guides
Make gift giving easier this season by leaning into a specialty theme or carefully curated focus. With experiential gifting maintaining its holiday footing and the inclination to eliminate clutter remaining strong, the gift of books, which can be shared with others to...
by Diane Meyer | Dec 1, 2025 | Arts, Education
Local singer set to take the Ordway stage with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs. How many performers dream of looking out at an audience from the stage at the Ordway? Madeleine Schroeder—only 12—already had her chance. Madeleine, a seventh grader at Minnetonka Middle...
by Editorial Staff | Dec 1, 2025 | Community
The Excelsior Fire District Fire Prevention Open House and Safety Fair welcomed community members of all ages. The event featured activities, exhibits and demonstrations. Sparky the Fire Dog greeted guests at the popular annual gathering while firefighters shared...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Outdoors
Annual community event embraces the season. The season sparkles and shimmers with special events, and Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, is the place to be from 4:45 to 6 p.m. on December 6 for Minnetonka’s annual Light up the Commons celebration. Connect with...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Style
Stylist offers wardrobe recommendations to exquisitely match the season. You’re not alone if the holiday season ranks up there as a favorite time of year when it comes to style. Jessica Hilde agrees. The Wayzata-based, award-winning stylist, personal shopper and...
by Emily Gedde | Dec 1, 2025 | Noteworthy, Pets
Getting members of your household ready for holiday photos can be a logistical challenge—from photo-ready outfits to fresh haircuts. You, spouse and kids: check, check and check. But did you remember to schedule dog grooming for one of the most photogenic family...
by Katie Tomsche | Dec 1, 2025 | Noteworthy, Recipes
This recipe is light and fluffy, filling the kitchen with the dreamy scent of maple syrup. And that buttery maple-rum glaze? It forms a golden, almost butterscotch-like crust, taking this cake to the next level. It’s an outstanding make-ahead hostess gift that can be...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Featured, Gift Guides, Local Makers
Let holiday desserts serve up sweet flavors and stunning table décor. Does anyone else fall victim to SHDF—seasonal holiday decision fatigue? The questions come tumbling down this time of year like a never-ending blizzard. What to buy, bake or serve; who to gift,...
by Diane Meyer and Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Outdoors, Sports
Frozen Lake Minnetonka serves a wintry mix of outdoor activities. When Lake Minnetonka—in all its dynamic beauty—sits right in your community backyard, it warrants attention—all year-round. We’re well versed by now when it comes to warm-weather exploits. Winter also...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2025 | Photo Contest
In the depth of winter, it’s often lovely to receive a reminder of what awaits after the thaw and springtime emerges. And in this time of gift giving, voters in our annual photo contest gifted James Diebel’s Spring Double Rainbow with the Readers’ Choice Award. “This...
