After a long winter, spring is finally making an appearance in Minnesota. The snow is melting, birds are chirping, and more people are venturing out of their homes to enjoy the outdoors. For those who are looking for ways to embrace the season, the St. Croix Valley has an abundance of parks, state trails and nature centers. Read more about Brown’s Creek Trail Connects People With Nature
When the first signs of spring appear and the river valley bursts into color, a troop of volunteer gardeners will be ready to dig into community service. They are master gardeners, part of a statewide program of volunteers who receive extensive home horticulture training, then branch out to serve their communities. Read more about Interest in Master Gardening is Growing in the St. Croix Valley
The St. Croix Valley is a community rich in history, natural beauty and the arts. This year, its literacy programming received a boost through a $15,000 matching grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which will fund a local iteration of the national reading initiative called The Big Read. ArtReach St. Croix is proudly leading the program. Read more about Valley Reads Gets Big Boost from the National Endowment for the Arts
Rebecca Erickson is a local beauty legend with 39 years of experience in the salon industry. This might sound like a lofty statement, but after visiting her business, Salon Ultimissimo in Hudson, and speaking with her regular clients, it’s clear that legend isn’t so much of a claim as it is an affirmation. Customers adore her. Read more about Getting to Know Rebecca Erickson of Salon Ultimissimo
Combine the classic tunes of Neil Sedaka with a witty story set in 1960 and you get Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, playing at the St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre this month. A show at the dinner theater 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 its opening in 2006. Jim Zimmerman carefully selects each cast and, after four weeks of production time, is ready to raise the curtain and entertain audiences. Read more about A Tune to Hum
During National Poetry Month in April, or any time of the year, I love to pick up a volume of poetry with no expectations and then be blown away by reading just what I needed to hear. That was the case with Tony Hoagland’s new release, Twenty Poems That Could Save America and Other Essays (Graywolf Press). Two examples of his choices include “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver and “America” by Allen Ginsberg. Read more about Poetry Pick
The name “Ironman” brings some very specific images to mind: athletes running swiftly from water to bicycle in a series of herculean feats of athleticism. Here in the St. Croix Valley, we’re a bit more relaxed. For us, the Ironman Bicycle Race isn’t a triathlon—in fact, it’s not really a race at all; it’s an opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to take a recreational bike ride in a beautiful setting. But go ahead and call yourself an ironman if you choose to participate. Read more about Take a Ride
The Warden’s House Museum is kicking off its summer season with an open house, a free affair that will give guests a sneak peek at this season’s exciting exhibits. The residence was built in 1853 to house the territorial prison’s warden and family. Thirteen families lived in the home before the prison’s closure in 1914, leaving behind rich stories. Read more about Historical Open House
When Dick Zimmerman was approached with an opportunity in 2007 to become a conductor of the famous Stillwater Trolley, he was uncertain. After all, the trolley had become a popular tourist attraction since it ran its first present-day route in 1989. After just one ride, however, Zimmerman knew that this was what he wanted to do—and he’s been on board ever since. Read more about Dick Zimmerman describes life as a conductor on the Stillwater Trolley
In the April issue of St. Croix Valley Magazine you will find a touching remembrance of a local inspiration, a business that is redefining the salon experience, a guide to nearby trails and parks for the nature enthusiast, and so much more! Read more about April 2015 St. Croix Valley Magazine
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