September 2015 St. Croix Valley

In the September issue Mad Men star Rich Sommer returns home to the St. Croix Valley, Mainstreet Boutique offers a local take on fall fashion and consignment shops offer hidden treasures in downtown Stillwater.

From the stunning landscape to the breathtaking sunset on the river, the St. Croix Valley is a marvelous sight—particularly seen through the eyes of local artist Joni Jurek.

 

As the days grow shorter and we enter a season of crisp autumn evenings, we begin to crave dinners that are roasted with herbs and served with an array of fresh harvest vegetables.

 

The second annual Log Jam event took place in Stillwater on July 17-19. After Lumberjack Days was held in Stillwater for 80 years, Log Jam was created as a way to refocus the event as a community-based celebration for Stillwater and its surrounding towns.

 

The Stillwater Public Library Foundation hosted its annual Fourth of July “Light a Spark” fundraising event on the library’s Johnson Terrace. The evening’s celebration included food, entertainment and, of course, a spectacular view of Stillwater’s fireworks display over the St. Croix River.

 

While some might not think a winery is the most family-friendly outing on an autumn afternoon, Saint Croix Vineyards offers a delightfully different adventure that everyone can enjoy—stomping barefoot in a barrel of grapes.

 

September is here, which means many women in the St. Croix Valley are packing up their summer clothes and enjoying the harvest of beautiful colors, textures and trends that always appear in the fall.

 

The moment I picked up Rich Sommer’s phone call in late April, 30 minutes after our scheduled interview time, the actor from AMC’s hit drama series Mad Men was quick to apologize.

 

Consignment shoppers who stroll down Main Street in downtown Stillwater can happily find unique and affordable treasures that will delight the men, women and children in their lives.

 

When Teresa and David Grim closed their Stillwater shop, Doozie Chic Boutique, in 2011, they had an idea for an entirely new way to run a retail clothing shop—on four wheels.

 

You’ve finally convinced everyone to take a family photo: your busy husband, camera-shy son, and can’t-sit-still-for-a-minute daughter.

 

Ann Haraldson, of Stillwater, holds her granddaughter, Liliana Haraldson, during a trip to Yellowstone National Park. (Pictured above)

 

Hudson’s Spirit of the St. Croix art festival is just a snapshot of the area’s illustrious art scene.

 

It’s all in the name. St. Croix Valley’s annual “Take Me to the River” art tour will be in full swing September 12–28. The collection of festivals across the area celebrates creativity, tradition and a whole lot of outdoor fun.

 

The town of Afton prides itself on a rich tradition of community, art and fun, and the annual Art in the Park festival epitomizes that tradition.

 

With the need to follow the most up-to-date trends and styles, many fashionistas revert to the timeless motto “Shop ’til you drop.”