For nearly 30 years, photography was an after-hours passion for Hudson-based Jeff Bucklew. He’d work in the dark room late into the night and head to his day job the next morning. Then last June, Bucklew retired from the printing industry to become a full-time photographer. “It’s a transitional point for me,” he says. Read more about A Tender Moment
On March 17, all one really needs is a place where the company’s good, the beer is flowing and the corned beef is in abundance. You’ll find all of this and more at Paddy Ryan’s Irish Pub in Hudson, where owners Mike and Connie Fassino have grown accustomed to a full house on Ireland’s national holiday. In years past, they’ve had live music by The O’Briens and crowds large enough to warrant posting a “St. Patrick’s Day Survival Guide” on the pub website. Read more about St. Patty’s at Paddy Ryan’s
A home’s rhythm is developed over time—where its inhabitants set their keys, gather to eat, do homework or read is defined by repeated use, and these patterns are unique to each family. When one Stillwater couple looked to make changes to improve the flow of their home, they hired local builder and remodeler Ispiri LLC to accomplish that vision. Read more about Remodel by Ispiri improves function and flow for Stillwater homeowners
Brad Glynn and Trevor Cronk sit down at the classic wooden bar with two beers in front of them, ready to explain how a poker league 12 years ago became a stepping stone to their dream of opening Lift Bridge Brewing Company. Read more about A Brilliant Brew
To cure the winter blues, nothing excites quite like spring shopping. St. Croix Valley residents don’t have to go far to find spring inspiration along Hudson’s Main Street and throughout the business community. Read more about Spring Shopping in Hudson
Start with the basics, said Bud Brine, the original owner of Brine’s Meat Market and Restaurant in Stillwater: “If they love the ground beef, they’ll come back for the steak.”
A family-owned and -operated business, Brine’s got its start in 1958 in downtown Stillwater. Fifty-seven years later, the business has grown and continues to thrive under the watchful eyes of Bud’s sons, Mark and Jerry Brine. Read more about The Sandwich Generation at Brine’s in Stillwater
In the 1994 Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump, the title character sat at a bus stop and passed along a simple life lesson—“Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re gonna get.’” With that in mind, Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) took on new adventures and met a host of interesting people along the way.
In that same spirit of exploration and chocolate surprises, the Bed & Breakfast Inns of the Scenic St. Croix River Valley is once again holding its annual Chocolate March this month. Read more about The Sweetest Tour
Whether your travels take you across the pond or just across the river, we’d love to see where our St. Croix Valley Magazine readers are going. Snap a photo of yourself holding a copy of the magazine, send it in and tell us a little bit about where the picture was taken. You just might see yourself in an upcoming issue.
Email photos to stcroixvalleymag@tigeroak.com, along with your name(s) and hometown(s). Bon voyage! Read more about Show and Tell
Nothing sets the scene for a good mystery like glowing streetlamps, shadows on the river and a cocktail in hand. That’s what you’ll find at the Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour hosted by Valley Bookseller in Stillwater. The monthly event takes place at the riverside Dock Cafe, where a mystery author discusses a recently published book with fans. It sells out every month, so participants should reserve their spots as early as possible. Read more about Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour
It’s time to toast St. Patty with a glass of Irish cheer. Pub 112 of Stillwater recommends The Big Ginger, the signature cocktail of Minnesota-based 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey. It’s 1.5 ounces of 2 Gingers, topped off with ginger ale and a wedge each of lemon and lime. Pour over ice, and say, “Cheers!” Read more about A Nod to Ireland
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