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Never Hang ’em Up
As part of Scandia’s Vinterfest January 29, local businesses put on a hockey tournament fundraiser for the new outdoor rink, especially designed for those who “never hung up their skates.” Read more about Never Hang ’em Up
The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride Celebrates 50 Years
The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride will return to the Washington County Fairgrounds on April 24 for the 50th riding of the annual opener to the road-riding season. The recreational ride draws thousands of cyclists each year and is the longest-running century (100 mile) bike ride in Minnesota. The Ironman offers several routes, ranging from 14- to 60-mile loops that crisscross the Minnesota side of the scenic St. Croix River Valley; riders can do multiple loops to reach 100 miles. Read more about The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride Celebrates 50 Years
Four ArtOPENer Artists Share Their Creative Lifestyles and Imaginative Inspirations
Each spring the St. Croix Valley Studio Tour connects artists with their admirers, and as in years past, the 2016 artOPENer doesn’t disappoint, showcasing local art with an eclectic behind-the-scenes tour that opens studio doors to the public. Read more about Four ArtOPENer Artists Share Their Creative Lifestyles and Imaginative Inspirations
English Garden Landscape Tips
If you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway with captivating colors and quaint allure, you might not have to look further than your own yard. Bring the enchantment of Europe to your home, inspired by an English garden design. Read more about English Garden Landscape Tips
There’s No Place Like Homes
Our Best of the St. Croix Valley celebration continues this month with all of the winners in our homes-related categories. That’s right: Last October, you voted, and last month we presented the majority of winners in the readers’ choice survey. Now we present the second batch of finalists, all of these builders, designers, decorators or others in some other way related to that very special place we call “home.” Read more about There’s No Place Like Homes
Local Florist Cindie Sinclair Offers a Look in her Gardens
Cindie Sinclair always considered herself an artist. She just never knew that her art would involve flowers. “I have always been an artist at heart, I just never found the right medium,” Sinclair says.
Sinclair studied graphic design at Minneapolis Technical College and interior design at the University of Minnesota, but says she didn’t really know exactly what she wanted to do for a career. After college, she spent five years working in a downtown Minneapolis flower shop. On her last day before leaving to spend six months in England, she met a local peony grower. Read more about Local Florist Cindie Sinclair Offers a Look in her Gardens
Local Artist Combines Painting and the Outdoors
Bob White used to page through outdoor magazines, looking at the illustrations. “While the stories were compelling, the artwork reached out and grabbed me,” White says.
Growing up in southern Illinois, White loved to hunt and fish, and he dreamed of having his illustrations appear in print. He would create drawings of moments or memories he had from being out in the woods. Read more about Local Artist Combines Painting and the Outdoors
Flying Home
The Midwest might be considered flyover country by some, but for migratory birds like the osprey and spotted sandpiper that winter in Costa Rica, the Midwest is a flyway to their summer home in the St. Croix Valley. The St. Croix River region is such a special place for migratory birds that the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica have a sister-park partnership that has grown to include 13 other national parks and monuments in the Upper Midwest, and seven national parks and protected areas in Costa Rica. Read more about Flying Home
Books: Into the Woods
For the past 16 years, book lovers from across the Midwest have made their way to Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais for a long weekend of reading, discussion and scenery. The annual Books in the Woods event, co-sponsored by Stillwater’s Valley Bookseller, includes facilitated discussions, guided nature activities and author talks. This year’s featured authors are Nicole Helget and Allen Eskens, who will give presentations followed by book signings. Read more about Books: Into the Woods
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