Arts & Culture

Perch Lake Morning by Bob Lyksett

What’s my inspiration behind this photograph? I crave situations where the lighting can change dramatically during a shooting session. The combination of early morning light and fog always present a challenge because both change so fast and independently!

Garden, terrarium

Terrariums are a great way for kids to learn about how plants grow, life cycles, water cycles, evaporation, precipitation and Mother Nature. Building your own terrarium doesn’t need to be time consuming or expensive. In fact, it can be quite budget friendly and fun.

Book recommendation, Plant book

This is the perfect book for environmentally conscious gardeners of all skill levels. It is by far the best regional gardening guide I’ve read. It highlights the best plant choices for the Midwest and details how to successfully grow them.

"terra cotta" vases made from baking powder and paint

We’re hanging out at home a lot more these days, so why not put that extra time to good use!

Hot air balloon illuminated by moonlight

We regularly feature photo submissions from our Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest in the pages of St. Croix Valley Magazine and online.

Amanda Paa in her kitchen

From breakfast and sourdough to dinners and desserts, food and lifestyle blogger Amanda Paa sure knows her way around the kitchen—and the farmers markets, too.

Hot air balloon liftoff

Even though many events had to be canceled or postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, the Hudson Hot Air Affair (HHAA) committee decided to proceed with year’s event, but with some changes in order to protect the health and safety of the communit

Willow River Falls

"Winter at the Falls" won in the City Landmarks category of our 2019 Lens on St. Croix Valley Photo Contest.

Gifts wrapped in the furoshiki method.

It’s easier than you think to come up with green alternatives to traditional giftwrap and boxes.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

"Anxious People" overflows with so much love and a deep understanding of the human condition.

An ornamented tree sits in the foreground in front of the Stillwater Life Bridge

We love the view and the nod toward the joy of the holidays in this Lens on St. Croix Valley submission.

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