July 2018 St. Croix Valley Magazine

In the July issue we're checking out some local daycation spots for those of you who don't have time for a big trip this summer!

During a trip to his childhood home in Stillwater, woodcarver Ron Nelson found a pin he had carved for his mom in the seventh grade. That was in 2001. Since then, Nelson has carved thousands of pieces for his community and family.

 

Escape rooms are becoming popular as a great way to have fun in groups. These are adventure games where participants solve a series of riddles and puzzles using clues, hints and strategy to complete a task. The rooms are often themed and the events timed.

 

Kids scurry between cars in their socks. Others perch on top of minivans, pillows stacked up around them. In hatchbacks—bungee-corded down slightly to keep views clear—blankets and toes stick out. Friends chat around still-hot grills, lawn chairs flanking cars and coolers.
 

 

Summer’s here, and with the rising temps comes an inescapable urge to plan a getaway. You can add a dose of the interesting and exotic to your week—with nary a sideways glance from co-workers or stress of packing a suitcase—with these close-to-home experiences.

 

If the idea of getting into shape seems too difficult or if finding the right nutrition or workout plan requires too much research, we’ve done some legwork for you. Here are alternative ways to achieve your wellness goals from two local gyms in the St. Croix Valley area.

 

Ashleigh Harris firmly believes things happen for a reason—and if we stop to notice them, sometimes the unexpected, little things turn out to bring the most joy.

 

For most people, an airplane is something they sit inside to get from point A to point B. Something they watch whizzing through the air in their favorite war movies or coloring the sky at a local county fair.

 

Immerse yourself in 1860s baseball through the St. Croix Vintage Baseball Club. Washington County Historical Society’s executive director Brent Peterson shares a little bit of what to expect.
 

 

The St. Croix Valley is the focus or backdrop to some of the most beautiful photography. And Instagram is a great place to spotlight and share what both professional and amateur photographers capture along the way.

 

All aboard for an evening full of fireworks. Celebrate the Fourth of July with dinner on the St. Croix River and watch fireworks burst overhead in Stillwater and Hudson. For dinner, hop on the Grand Duchess. This cruise offers herbed, baked chicken and barbecue ribs.

 

If you still need help getting into the swing of summertime fitness, Sara Jesperson from Trumi has some ideas.

For Kids

 

When there’s ice cream involved, it will never rain on your parade. Or, at least, it won’t be as bad if it does. For a good time, check out the 30th Annual Lake Elmo Fourth of July parade put on by the city of Lake Elmo.