March 2016 St. Croix Valley Magazine

In the March issue we reveal the winners of the innaugural Best Of St. Croix Valley voting!

Randall Raduenz’s passion for art began at a young age. In grade school, he got in a bit of trouble for selling his work to his peers. “Well, actually, I wasn’t selling it—they were giving me their lunch money,” he says. “That really didn’t go over too well.”

 

Whether he’s busy working the line or dreaming up new cocktails, it’s clear that restaurateur Mark Hanson infuses his culinary vision into every part of Marx Fusion Bistro & Bar.

 

Valley residents could get their heels dirty with a good old-fashioned wine stomp at St. Croix Vineyards in September.

 

On the first Wednesday of each month, mystery book authors and their fans gather at the Dock Café in Stillwater for an evening of discussion and drinks.

 

The St. Croix Valley always has been unique—not only because of the historic downtowns of Stillwater and Hudson, but because of the connection the two towns have, facing each other on opposite shores of the St. Croix River.

 

Anyone who knows the St. Croix Valley appreciates its impressive combination of rich colors and textures that evoke wonder in the eye of the beholder.

 

On April 22, Earth Day events will be held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It’s a fitting time to catch up with Kristin Klemetsrud, project lead for the Main Street Stillwater Independent Business Association’s S.E.E.D.

 

Even if it doesn’t feel like spring yet, Cooks of Crocus Hill will warm up all five of your senses with a fun and engaging cooking class.

 

While this likely doesn’t come as a shock to Stillwater residents and visitors, the city was named one of the “most picturesque small towns” in the United States by USA Today Travel.

 

Grant resident Emily Bretzel enjoys a good read at Cable Bay Winery on Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand.

 

In its inaugural 99 Beers in 99 Cities ranking, livability.com put Stillwater at No. 17 on its list of the best cities in the United States for craft beer.

 

Every March for the past 14 years, the Bed & Breakfast Inns of the Scenic St. Croix River Valley has put on Chocolate March, offering attendees the chance to tour historic inns while enjoying quality chocolate treats at each stop.

 

When it comes to wine, Swirl in downtown Afton has it all.