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....
by Laurie Junker | Apr 3, 2026 | Interior Design, Renovate
Boyer Building Corporation updates a dated 1980s home for a busy family of five. Caitlin and Jack Hillen already knew their Shady Oak Lake neighborhood was great before they moved in, because Jack grew up just down the street. “We loved the lake and the walking path,...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Apr 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
Welcome to our latest issue, which focuses on homes. I hope you’ll enjoy our articles about beautiful, locally created art; an intentionally (and joyfully!) curated home renovation; personalized interior design and even the creation of a reading home for children. As...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Apr 1, 2026 | Entertain, Ingredients, Recipes
Foodie Michele Phillips offers a fresh look at classic egg dishes. With Easter arriving on April 5, the month brings a bit more attention to eggs. After all, there are hunts to be organized and brunches to prepare! But there can be more to eggs than hard boiling,...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Apr 1, 2026 | Interior Design
If there is a word that describes the aesthetic and spirit of Andrea Soule and Chase Hull’s Deephaven home, it must be community. Admittedly, it’s not a word that’s typically used to articulate a home’s visual or historical narrative, but this abode is special,...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Apr 1, 2026 | Book Club
April 22’s Earth Day, marked since 1970, is meant to raise awareness about the environment. While there may be local and state-wide events planned, don’t forget to visit the Hennepin County Library System for Earth Day-related books for all ages. For the younger set,...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Apr 1, 2026 | Interior Design
An interior designer is leaving her creative imprint on places near and far. When the back of a business card reads: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Santa Barbara, New Orleans, Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Houston, Palm Springs and Naples, you know something exciting is in the...
by Emily Carriveau | Apr 1, 2026 | Interior Design, Noteworthy
Starting over in my 40s came with one clear intention: create a home that fits the life I’m building with my boys. For my youngest son, that vision centered around one long-held dream: a Lego room, a space to proudly display his creations and a place that felt more...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Apr 1, 2026 | Book Club
When Excelsior author Mara Ryan watched her then-second grader struggle to find a book that felt like it truly belonged to her, something shifted. The moment was small—just an after-school conversation—but it would eventually spark Mara’s debut children’s book, Lucky...
by Andrew Akhaphong | Apr 1, 2026 | Ingredients, Noteworthy, Recipes, Wellness
Carrots are often associated with spring, renewal and growth—fitting themes for the Easter season. Rainbow carrots, ranging from deep purples and sunny yellows to vibrant reds and soft whites, offer a wide spectrum of nutrients. Purple carrots are rich in...
