by Liz Potasek | Jun 1, 2025 | Featured
I remember vividly the day my oldest daughter realized that I was the one who picked her name. She was about 3 years old, and we were driving in the car. I’m not sure how the conversation started, but I do remember her incensed response: “Why did you get to pick my...
by Liz Potasek | Jun 1, 2025 | Featured, Outdoors, Sports, Wellness
While I have no plans to compete in a serious triathlon anytime soon, my perfect summer day definitely involves a beach, a bike ride and a run, hike or walk. I love exploring our local parks and trails, and these are a few of my favorite stops in Apple Valley,...
by Daniel Huss | Jun 1, 2025 | Arts
Chalk art festivals are growing in popularity with artists and art-lovers. The road becomes a canvas as artists descend on two local downtowns to celebrate community and creativity through chalk art. “We’re using art as a platform to engage with the community,” says...
by Katie Tomsche | Jun 1, 2025 | Noteworthy, Recipes
With Father’s Day on June 15, we got to thinking: Mothers aren’t the only ones who deserve a decadent breakfast in bed or a lovely brunch served at home. While egg bakes have long been a recipe staple, Mediterranean Egg Bake offers an elevated take on a classic...
by Meredith Heneghan | Jun 1, 2025 | Book Club
Apple Valley resident is an expert at helping parents find the perfect name. Steph Coffield is a gregarious creative with a unique talent: helping people choose a name for their baby. The Apple Valley resident, whose name consulting business has taken off thanks to...
by Editorial Staff | Jun 1, 2025 | Best of Cities South, Featured
Discover the results of our Readers’ Choice Poll. Even the most passionate fans of winter have to admit that summer in Minnesota can be magical. After spending months in hibernation, there’s a special delight in reclaiming long hours spent outside, reconnecting with...
by Editorial Staff | Jun 1, 2025 | Entertain, Featured, Recipes
Summer days will be even brighter with fresh takes on appetizing spreads. If there’s one thing Minnesotans do best—it’s summer get-togethers. Whether your party finds its rhythm poolside or on a sun-soaked patio, there’s one appetizer that’s sure to be on the menu:...
by Editorial Staff | Jun 1, 2025 | Travel
Explore microcations that feel worlds away. Need a break, but lack the time? Seek out one of these microcations—destinations without a ton of travel time. Minnesota is packed with hidden gems, quick retreats and mini-adventures that make it easy to hit refresh without...
by Emma Souza | Jun 1, 2025 | Entertain, Outdoors
Lakeville’s annual Panorama of Progress (Pan-O-Prog) festival returns for its 59th year this July with nearly two weeks of exciting activities. Whether you feel like relaxing to some music in the park, enjoying a waffle breakfast or breaking a sweat at a pickleball...
by Liz Potasek | Jun 1, 2025 | Noteworthy, Outdoors, Travel
Experience the joy of camping without the hassle of a tent at the Camper Cabins in nearby parks. Four new cabins opened in October at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. The cabins, which accommodate up to six people, are available year-round and can be reserved up to one...
by Editorial Staff | Jun 1, 2025 | Photo Contest
Our annual photo contest is a few clicks away. Each year, we invite readers to share fresh perspectives of the Apple Valley, Lakeville and Prior Lake communities through our annual Focus on Cities South photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels...
by Casie Leigh Lukes | Jun 1, 2025 | Book Club, Noteworthy
James by Percival Everett National Book Award winner in 2024 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is brilliantly and graciously crafted. Told from the perspective of Jim, this is an enlightening, fascinating and...
by Kathy Dawson | Jun 1, 2025 | History, Noteworthy
The Grainwood Hotel opened May 15, 1879, on the shore of Prior Lake with a grand ball for distinguished guests from all over the state. At first, it was a resort for well-to-do Southerners (especially from St. Louis), who came by way of the Hastings Dakota...
by Scarlett Larson | Jun 1, 2025 | Arts, Noteworthy
Dan Petrov’s Bowl of Lemons quietly reflects on the ordinary moments that hold deeper significance. As an oil painting instructor, Petrov’s mastery of his craft is clear in the way the lemons spill from the tipped bowl, introducing movement and a sense of casual...
by Casie Leigh Lukes | May 15, 2025 | Book Club, Wellness
Healing With Nature: Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma by Rochelle Calvert This gem of a book includes written and audio meditations focused on rewiring your nervous system and releasing stored trauma through nature by tuning into breath, sensory,...
