December 2021/January 2022

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two helping hands: one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” —Audrey Hepburn

Read the digital edition.

I’m entering the holiday season with joy in my heart. Joy for having had the opportunity to share local stories about amazing people doing cool things in the St. Croix Valley in the pages of your community lifestyle magazine.

 
Calm Morning in Stillwater - Michael Huber

Lens on St. Croix Valley: Calm Morning in Stillwater.

 
assortment of grain

Why does pasta get so much of the culinary glory? Granted, it transforms dishes, comes in shapes galore and has “comfort food” written all over it.

 

Marty and Chelsea Dyck of Stillwater had a blast marking off all 25 Ice Cream Bingo spots with their children, Gus and Mav. Ice Cream Bingo was originally published in the June/July 2021 Best of St. Croix Valley issue of St.

 
Wedding at the Stillwater Event Center

Creating lasting memories for over 30 years, the Stillwater Event Center, formerly KC Hall, has undergone renovations to create a more accommodating atmosphere for every occasion.

 
wine set out on table

Wine can be appreciated all year, but it’s especially apropos during the holiday season. Dinner parties, restaurant gatherings and holiday gift giving tend to make wine top of mind for many revelers.

 
Sean Coffey

Most people think working 40 hours a week is more than enough to stay busy. For Sean Coffey, it’s just the beginning.

 
family kayaking

Continuing to better the landscape of the region, the St. Croix Valley Foundation created a new Environmental Field of Interest Fund to help ensure a greener future.

 
snow sculpting

The cold and snowy days of winter usher in a new season of activities and competitions. Hockey games fill up local arenas, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, and snowmobilers head to the trails.

 
Snowflake Cocktail

Entertaining this winter but not sure what to serve as a signature cocktail? I’ve whipped up this wintry sip to much acclaim and highly recommend you try it at your next snow season shindig!

 
personal cocktails

If I have a party trick, it’s the ability to whip up personalized cocktails on the fly. But it’s much less impressive than you think—anyone who can remember “211” can make a custom cocktail.

 
The People Remember

Please share this gorgeous book with the children in your life.

 
children snow tubing

For the past five decades, the Badlands Snow Park has been a prominent recreation area in Hudson, Wis. Founded in 1970, the resort offers snow activities and relaxation.