by Emily Carriveau | Jan 1, 2026 | Gift Guides, Noteworthy
I’m excited to kick off 2026 with Lake Minnetonka Magazine and its readers. As a stay-at-home mom turned social media influencer, I love sharing pieces of my life with followers—and now readers. My pages are filled with everything from fashion to crafting and...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Jan 1, 2026 | Outdoors, Wellness
Preparing kids for summer camp includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen. Campers’ health and well-being at day or sleepaway camps takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane to camp. Starting points often include a visit to a health...
by Editorial Staff | Jan 1, 2026 | Best of Lake Minnetonka, Noteworthy
Let’s start the year with some exciting news. Best of Lake Minnetonka is moving—to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is the month of love, and we all adore our local businesses and service providers. Our 2026 annual readers’ choice poll will...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Jan 1, 2026 | Arts, Featured, People
Local poet and painter discusses her creative practice and original poem form. Long Lake’s Laura Rockhold finds inspiration for her poetry and visual art just about anywhere. “Reading, discovering poets and artists, [and] visiting museums and galleries are central to...
by Emily Maxson | Jan 1, 2026 | Drinks, Gift Guides, Noteworthy, Recipes
Make this easy-to-assemble powdered hot chocolate mix to have on hand for a quick warm treat. This recipe is rich and creamy with a kick of spice from the cinnamon and cayenne. Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix 1 cup coconut milk powder 1 ½ cups coconut sugar ½ cup...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 19, 2025 | Giving Back, Local Makers
The Excelsior location has been recognized for going above and beyond. In October, Kowalski’s Excelsior Market was recognized by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) with its Direct Support Professionals (DSP) award. DSP awardees...
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 | Uncategorized
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, 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...
