by Ashley Cardona | Jun 1, 2026 | Featured, People, Sports
Jenna Perkins reflects on her role with the Special Olympics USA Games. “This isn’t just a bunch of games and sports we are playing. This is a movement. This is about inclusion. It’s the Inclusion Revolution,” says Jenna Perkins, honorary co-chair of the 2026 Special...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | May 1, 2026 | Featured
It fills me with great joy to open the door to May to our travel and outdoor living issue, which features some interesting takes on the topics. This month’s lineup has inspired me, and I hope it does the same for you. Paige Udermann connects with expert horticulturist...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | May 1, 2026 | Arts, Featured, People, Travel
Regardless if the excursion is near or far, a trip to a hotel, museum or tourist destination gift shop is a must for even the most well-seasoned traveler among us. But how many magnets, mugs or marginal T-shirts can one collect? For Brookie Brandt, her visits around...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | May 1, 2026 | Arts, People
Kelly Carámbula focuses on clay, fiber, metal, paint and wood, exploring themes of control and imperfection and incorporating elements of surprise, which can move viewers to examine the piece from a different perspective. “First and foremost, my art is an extension...
by Ashley Cardona | May 1, 2026 | Featured, Travel
A virtuoso travel advisor takes a personal approach to luxury excursions. As the founder of Destination Directive in Wayzata, Alicia Oberg lights up when she talks about the benefits of travel. “It’s so much more than exploration, adventure or leisure,” Oberg says....
by Paige Udermann | May 1, 2026 | Garden, Outdoors
A horticulturist shares ideas for cultivating a cutting garden that produces beautiful blooms—outdoors and in. April showers bring May flowers along with excitement for a new season of vibrant gardens. There’s truly nothing quite like nurturing a flower garden that...
by Lynette Kalsnes | May 1, 2026 | Noteworthy, Outdoors, Wellness
Many of us spend hours each day stuck in our cars in traffic and in front of our screens. What if we chose to do the opposite, disconnecting from technology and spending meaningful time outdoors, connecting with nature? Nature–Based Therapeutic Services is a...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | May 1, 2026 | Arts, Education, Featured
An artist showcases her work and welcomes others to share the spotlight. Joy reveals itself in a multitude of ways. And for passersby along Third Street in Excelsior, an intentionally painted building is meant to offer happiness to all who come into view of its—polka...
by Diane Meyer | May 1, 2026 | Outdoors, Sports, Wellness
Minnetonka youth gear up for an exciting tri-sport extravaganza. The Tonka Youth Triathlon invites adventurous young athletes to swim, bike and run their way to the finish line. Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 16 at Minnetonka Middle School East, the morning promises to...
by Emily Gedde | May 1, 2026 | Entertain, Featured, Local Makers
Excelsior’s Fromage Co. takes charcuterie to the next level. Inspiration to launch a new business doesn’t always arrive like a bolt of lightning. Sometimes, ideas need time to percolate and develop into the just the right blend of creativity and business know-how....
by Diane Meyer | May 1, 2026 | Book Club, Noteworthy, Travel
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler, beginner backpacker or perfectionist planning the next family vacation or honeymoon, The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, hosted by Amanda Kendle, tackles travel challenges and triumphs while staying grounded in humility and cultural...
by Molly Rivard | May 1, 2026 | Book Club, Noteworthy
As Memorial Day is marked this month, there are many great picture books for children that highlight the reason behind the holiday. A Day for Rememberin’ by Leah Henderson is inspired by the first Memorial Day and imagines the event through the story of Eli, the...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | May 1, 2026 | Photo Contest
A lake in Carver Park offered this familial scene, captured by Camille Nelson, who was captivated by the parent-child moment. Her winning photograph reflects scenes throughout the area and state, where the Common Loon serves as our state bird. But the question...
by Madeline Kopiecki | May 1, 2026 | Travel
Bloggers share insider tips for traveling with kids. Zweber family road trips look a bit different than most. When Katie and Ben Zweber reach their destination for the day, daughters Juniper, 4, and Senya, 1, trade their car seats for a fold-out toddler bed and...
by Emily Maxson | May 1, 2026 | Drinks, Noteworthy, Recipes
Whether for Cinco de Mayo or throughout the summer, these recipes offer flavor-filled recipes to serve at any festive gathering. Pork or Jackfruit Carnitas Carnitas, which means “little meats” in Spanish, is a dish made of pork, served shredded in tacos or burritos....
