Join us at the Stillwater Public Library on Thursday, April 26 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm for Play & Learn: Block Party. Come play, build, and learn together at a block party - library style! We’ll have a construction-themed storytime followed by open play with a variety of blocks. Ages 0-6.
Program is free and no registration required. Read more about Play & Learn: Block Party
Marjorie Wade has called the St. Croix Valley her home for 24 years, and it’s where she started Spiritworks Pottery in 1998, after a longtime interest in art and creative pursuits. The name came from “the elements of spirit—earth, fire, water and air,” which she says all come together as she makes her pots. Read more about Handmade with St. Croix Spirit
The secret behind Sara’s Tipsy Pies is an incredible crust. The crust is so important to Sara Hayden, founder and co-owner of the St. Croix Valley-based business, that she says one of her mottos is, “In Crust We Trust.” The recipe is Hayden’s mother’s, and she says it’s the best she’s ever tasted. Customers seem to agree, as since we last checked in with the fledgling company, Hayden has expanded to more than 50 locations metro-wide.
Read more about Sara’s Tipsy Pies Are Heavy on Originality and Flavor
Many a morning patron to Chilkoot Café and Cyclery in Stillwater recognizes the value of a neighborhood gathering space. Regulars frequent this corner shop kitty-cross form Meister’s on South Fourth Street in Stillwater. The ambience is evident in the featured artists’ paintings for sale (which change monthly after an artist’s gallery showing in the back-of-building bike shop the first Friday of each month) and the twinkle lights framing the windows all times of year. Read more about Wine and Dine at Chilkoot Café and Cyclery
Set in fictitious Bunyan Bay, Minn., a town with rich Norwegian heritage, this wonderful new musical comedy at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre will entertain audiences of all ages throughout April.
A show at the Dinner Theatre is truly an event. Co-owned by director Jim Zimmerman and his wife, Jill, it has been a cultural fixture in the St. Croix Valley since 2006. Zimmerman carefully selects each cast and, after four weeks of production time, is ready to raise the curtain and entertain audiences.
Read more about Embracing Our Roots
When Carrie Ellingson and her Mom first happened upon Funkie Gardens, it was a quirky establishment run out of an oversize yard behind a colorful old home in Prescott, Wis. The charming place—with all its interesting plants on display—had an instant connection with Ellingson’s mom, who comes from a long line of gardeners.
Read more about Funkie Plants
In a time when influencing is a marketing buzz-term, the positive impact of these affecters among us sometimes gets overlooked. But the reality remains influencers can inspire people, educate them and help them achieve their goals and make their lives better. St. Croix Valley residents Ann Bancroft, Richard J. Leider and Craig Hansen are far-reaching influencers who inspire countless others, and find their own inspiration in the river valley they call home.
Ann Bancroft
Explorer and educator
Read more about Ann Bancroft, Richard J. Leider and Craig Hansen Are Influencers in the Valley
Pavers can withstand a certain amount of winter salt, but if you're parking cars on them, over years they wear down—sealing and sand can help preserve them.
April is when we start contemplating time spent outside, breathing in the fresh air. A patio or a new driveway plays a huge part. This month we answer what to consider when planning a paving project.
Evaluate the site. Read more about Ten Tips to Consider When Planning a Paving Project
The St. Croix Valley is brimming with artistic talent. From painters to sculptors to photographers, the many creatives who make this community home likewise help make it a vibrant place to live. To choose just two would be impossible, so we asked for help—these local artisans were nominated by Heather Rutledge, executive director of ArtReach St. Croix, and they discuss their inspiration in the Valley.
Anita Otteson
Jewelry
Read more about A Look at ArtReach St. Croix’s Nods for Excellent Local Artists and Artisans
The St. Croix Valley might seem a far cry from the ocean this time of year, but stepping into the Tilted Tiki Tidbits and Cocktail Lounge will make you feel like you've landed in the tropics. The downtown Stillwater bar opened in the Grand Garage building back in November 2016 and celebrated its first anniversary last fall. Nearly at its year and a half milestone, things are still going strong. Read more about Cocktails from the Tilted Tiki in Stillwater
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