Many theater and gallery venues went dark in 2020 as it became necessary for audiences to seek alternate entertainment experiences. But, the 2021 summer spotlight is shining on many great arts and culture venues in the valley as they prepare for a comeback.

Heather Rutledge, executive director at ArtReach St. Croix, reflects on how heavily impacted the arts have been by the pandemic. “It’s been a year where people’s earned income, particularly in performing arts, went from 100 [percent] to zero,” Rutledge says. Read more about Summer Showcase

Sharing his love for science with others, Hudson resident and librarian Christopher Mick created Space St. Croix to make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) content more accessible to curious kids. Growing up in northern California, the child of a former pilot, Mick was exposed to local NASA centers, flight and all things science. With a dream of becoming an astronaut one day, his hopes fell short as he grew too tall (6 feet, 5 inches to be exact) to become one. Read more about Launch into Learning

Cabin owners know the drill. Head up (or over) to the lake in springtime for opening, plant the garden beds and flower boxes, return home and hope for the best. Either at the next visit or any other time during the summer, arrive to find death-by-thirst plants or a florae crime scene, thanks to local rabbits and/or deer populations Read more about Green Acres

This is the first book I recommend when customers ask for a historical account of Stillwater, and I’ve had many of them come back to buy more copies for family and friends. It offers a fascinating historical perspective told through over 50 different stories that take a look at The Valley’s early territorial days, which were filled with promise and tenacity but also hardship and misfortune. You’ll get a glimpse of the dangerous logging industry upon which the town of Stillwater is built and will learn why the St. Croix was nicknamed the “River of Graves.” Read more about Rach the Bookseller recommends …