605 Stops By

When they downsized, the couple also had to get rid of nearly three-fourths of their furniture before moving everything into the apartment downtown.

“We bought the table and chairs when we were first married and lived right outside of New York City,” she said.

Another staple piece she couldn’t part with was her piano, which she got from Steinway Hall in New York City. The large black instrument sits to the left of the front door, greeting anyone who enters.

“Some people have much more contemporary lofts, and this could be too, but we just kind of gathered stuff. My place in Costa Rica is more contemporary, so you get that fun part and then the farmer’s traditional here,” explained Lavallee.

With access to countless restaurants and shops, Lavallee keeps busy when she isn’t working as the CEO of Children’s Home Society of South Dakota.

She loves to visit various locations within walking distance or even in her own building for some food and entertainment.

“Somebody said I’d be great at Children’s Home Society. They had an opening for a new CEO. I’ve been there for two and a half years, and it’s been a blast.”-Michelle

Lavallee about work

“The boutique bars like The Treasury, Highball, and Carpenter Bar, gave us something high quality to enjoy.” -Michelle Lavallee

“We laughingly call Carpenter Bar our living room,” she explained.

For a bite, her favorite restaurants include Parker’s Bistro, Minervas, and Crawford’s.

“So much of downtown is great. You can’t do better than the bike trails. It’s such a walkable city. I often walk to work—about 2.5 miles,” said Lavallee.

When her grandkids are in town, she loves taking them downstairs to EightyOne Arcade Bar to try their hands at some competitive Pac-Man Battle Royale or Pump It Up, a dancing game. “The Hello Hi could be in my top two because the pizza is so good,” insisted Lavallee. “If I don’t feel like cooking and I’m not dieting, I will zip in there and get a piece of pizza in two minutes.”

But her favorite place to spend time is right outside of her building on Carpenter’s patio on Phillips Avenue.

“It’s a blast to just sit downtown on the weekends when it’s nice out. You walk by the Carpenter, and you know everybody,” said Lavallee. +

A Taste of SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORY

First Dakota is celebrating 150 years of business by remembering the many things that make South Dakota great. In addition to our truck giveaways, we’re thanking our communities by creating a new cookbook loaded with local recipes. Best of all? 100% of proceeds go to the South Dakota Community Foundation.

Dakota Cuisine

The First Dakota 150th anniversary cookbook will feature dozens of delicious family recipes submitted by South Dakotans. We’re talking hot dishes, special salad dressings, quirky desserts—whatever Dakota cuisine means to you.

Visit www.firstdakota.com/cookbook and submit your favorite South Dakota recipe.

SHARE YOUR S.D. RECIPE WITH US

605 Stops By The Crow’s Nest

written by Dawn Geertsema + photos by Alana Snyder

Tim Smith was happy in the home he was living in, but when he stumbled upon a place he couldn’t refuse, it was time to change his plans.

“I don’t really need a big house, but I fell in love with the property and the views so much I just had to buy it,” said Smith.

The property sits on the west edge of Rapid City, while the other side faces about 500 acres of forest views.

“I’m in the Black Hills sleeping, but I’m 10 minutes away from fine dining,” said Smith. Since the house is much bigger than what he required, he rents out an apartment above the garage to a friend and another section of the house called The Crow’s Nest on Airbnb for couples or individuals to have a place to get away.

“It justified me buying it as a single man,” Smith explained with a laugh. “I get a kick out of Airbnb. I think it’s super fun.”

In the past, he would rent out his home to visitors, so he’s had over two years of experience with the app. Now he’s a superhost for the suite.

Set up like a studio apartment, the open space of The Crow’s Nest is home to a sizable kitchen, a cozy living room, a modern bathroom, and a sleeping nook with a king size bed. Kelli Shaw with Walnut & Pine Design (pictured above) is behind the details of the suite. She brought in pine paneling and combinations of charcoal and white colors to create a clean, modern space.

The property itself is a mere 10-15 minute drive from the center of Rapid City, where there's everything from casual eateries and activities to fine dining and events.

World-class health care STARTS AT HOME.

We are dedicated to becoming the most advanced, most connected, most accessible and widest-reaching health care system in the country. Improving quality of life through better health. Providing quality care close to home. Wherever home may be. Not just for the future of our health, but for the health of our future.

HERE FOR ALL.HERE FOR GOOD.

Fact:

Find Smith in the “booze business” in the Black Hills as he owns Smith’s Liquor Gallery and is involved with Independent Ale House and Spearfish Public House.

“From the moment you get in your car to the heart of Rapid City, it’s about 10 minutes.” - Tim Smith