Minnetonka Regional Trail offers cyclists, runners and walkers a lovely pathway. Photos: Nate Estrada, Three Rivers Park District
When it comes to arranging florals, the Power of Three is said to provide depth and variety. I contend that the principle applies elsewhere, including how to arrange a lovely day—inside or out.
Come along as I share how I picked and arranged a selection of community experiences that provided me (and whoever came along for the experience) brilliant bouquets of fun.
A Trip, a Dip and a Sip
A biking trip along the Minnetonka Regional Trail, particularly from Excelsior to Victoria, is a fun ride for those of all abilities. With an easy-to-maintain pace, one can get out and back in about an hour. (Kudos to you if you dip below the hour mark, but we weren’t out to win any races.) The trail offers a bit of interval exercise with stop signs sprinkled in here and there over not-so-busy roads. With open sunlight, dappled and full shade segments, it’s easy to enjoy the sun without too much heat.
But, if a cool down is desired, a dip into Lake Minnetonka off Excelsior Beach offers a refreshing way to bring down your temperature while giving your body a gentle chance to stretch its muscles. If you want to create your own float massage, sit in the shallows off the point between the two beaches, and let the waves (natural and boat-made) roll and lull you into a relaxed state of bliss.
Next, it’s off to Excelsior Brewing Co. for my recommendation—a glass of Big Island Citrus Blonde Ale—bright, refreshing and the perfect sip to toast a lovely day in Excelsior. And if all of that leads up to an appetite, there’s plenty of nearby restaurants to order take-out nibbles or nosh to enjoy at the brewery.
Excelsior Brewing Co. has plenty to offer when it comes to local brews. Photo: Chris Emeott
Excelsior Brewing Co., 421 Third St., Excelsior; 952.474.7837; excelsiorbrew.com
A Pretzel, a Schnitzel and a Strudel
There’s just something about a gathering with stands and tents filled with German food and hoppy beer that nudges me back to family reunions, hosted by my German grandmother, where a roasted pig, German potato salad (Vinegary meets salty in the most delightful, warm way!) and other treats crowded picnic and card tables while polka music played throughout my grandparents’ southwestern Minnesota backyard. September’s Delano Oktoberfest, presented by St. Peter Lutheran Church-Watertown and Lupine Brewing Co., didn’t disappoint when it came to bringing those memories to the fore.
Delano’s annual Oktoberfest, presented by St. Peter Lutheran Church-Watertown and Lupine Brewing Co., offers a wonderful sense of community spirit. This year’s event is September 20–21. iStock/VvoeVale
Our spot at a picnic table featured a warm, salty pretzel, a gently fried serving of schnitzel (should have ordered two for the table!) and a toasty apple-filled strudel. With tasty treats, plenty of sips and a manageable shoppers’ market, the annual community event was downright entzückend (delightful). Add in music from the likes of Sergeant Sauerkraut’s Polka Band (an interesting mashup of polka meets The Beatles’ music catalogue), and it was an evening well spent.
Photos: St. Peter Lutheran Church-Watertown
Perhaps, the best part of the night was the people watching. Groups, large and small, gathered in laughter and conversation. The spirit of community connectiveness was as visible as it was palpable. Friends, neighbors and friends—joining together in their own mini reunions.
A Steak, a Sip and a Song
It was date night and my turn to make a plan. The dinner reservation was made—Birch’s on the Lake. Let’s get going. A glass of Champs de Provence rosé started off the evening, followed by Brisket Burnt Ends with homemade Waffle Chips. With the definition of tender meets crispy, I’m here for it. The Autumn Orchard Salad, featuring baby greens, spaghetti squash, apples, peaches, red onion, dried cranberries, blue cheese crumbles and creamy cider vinaigrette led to the oft uttered, “Why can’t I make this at home?” For the entrée, let the record show that I don’t typically order steak while dining out—give me a filet cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet at home, and I’m good. But, Birch’s Filet Mignon with Béarnaise sauce was well worth the order. Tender. Flavor filled. Satisfying.
Filet Mignon with Béarnaise sauce hit the ticket for a smart order. Photos: Chris Emeott
After sharing a bowl of Chocolate-Pistachio Ice Cream, it was off to listen to live music in the lower level brewpub. Here’s where the night got even better. I enjoy Espresso Martinis, but I’m particular about how I like them made, so I ordered Birch’s version with Three Olives espresso vodka, Tattersall crème de cacao and Kahlúa (hold the cream)—a perfect after-dinner sip.
Espresso Martinis are not created equal, but this one fit the bill with its smooth arrival at the table.
Next up, Prank Williams hit the stage, and we were gobsmacked. This trio is talented beyond measure with its cover interpretations of classic songs—weaving different tunes through choruses and hooks with natural ease. Founding members Chris Hollister (guitar, vocals and a fair amount of humorous narration) and Tony Petersen (banjo) were joined by Natalie (fiddle). Lakeside views, live music—reservations made.
Birch’s on the Lake, 1310 Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.473.7373; birchsonthelake.com
Sweets, Sleigh Rides and Santa Claus
I’m one who appreciates the cold snap of winter, but when cozy vibes can be felt outside, it’s all the better. Christmas in Cottagewood gives off all the Hallmark movie feels right here at home. For at least 25 years, Cottagewood Store, closed from Halloween through springtime, opens up for a day in December to host an annual three-hour celebration.
The spirit of the holiday season comes alive in Deephaven when neighbors gather each December for a very special meet-and-greet. What can be better than snow, sweets and Santa? Photos: Cottagewood Store
Last year, I tucked in among neighborhood families as they gathered for wintry sweets (adorable, frosted cookies and giftbags for children), a roasting bonfire, horse-drawn sleigh rides and, of course, the main event—a visit with Santa Claus.
This is a neighborhood event, and residents sign up to secure their spot in line to visit with Santa. While it might not have all the jingle bells and whistles of a larger event, this is a wonderful example of what makes this and other similar neighborhoods around the area so special. The spirit of community shines through in fun, celebratory ways. Christmas in Cottagewood is clearly an innovative, spirited example of a traditional neighborhood block party.
“We are so lucky to have this unique, sweet and charming location in our neighborhood,” says store manager Laurie Jenkins, who also serves as its foundation’s executive director. “It’s magical.”
Readers, how does your neighborhood gather? Share with us your ideas of how we all can bring our neighbors together—all year long.
Cottagewood Store, 20280 Cottagewood Ave., Deephaven; 952.470.8400; cottagewoodusa.com
