Lake Minnetonka February 2021

GOLDEN GIRL BLOGGER SHARES HER LOVE OF TRAVEL— ONE WORD AT A TIME

A TALE OF TWO STAYS

Pack some health safety knowledge for your next overnight travel

BAKERY BINGO

The Sign of Success on Lake Minnetonka.

Edina Realty Wayzata/Lake Minnetonka 1000 Superior Blvd., #200 Wayzata, MN 55391 (952) 475-2411 | wayzata.edinarealty.com

2629 N SAUNDERS LK DR MINNETRISTA Spectacular custom built home nestled on a private wooded lot. A gourmet kitchen, gorgeous great room, screened porch, formal dining room, main floor office, custom media room and grand family room with wet bar, provides space for everyone to enjoy!

Renelle Kunau 612-968-2262

ONCE IN A LIFETIME… Exquisite renovation of the original VanDusen house and stables. Simply stunning inside and out. Sandy, private neighborhood beach. Deeded access with permanent dock slip on Lake Minnetonka. $1,999,990 Kathy Murphy and Melissa Murphy Olmscheid 612-328-4039

500’ LEVEL SAND LAKEFRONT Full recreational Bryant Lake, Eden Prairie. Private peninsula luxury home on 2.2 acres. Seeking ultimate privacy, nature, and water views from every window?

Look no further as interior fit/finish is a must see!

Beautiful landscaping and firepit area provide a pristine lakeshore experience.Superb location convenient to airport, shopping, and more.

Catherine Seck 612-599-3028

Your Health. Your Smile. Your Dentist.

HALIMA ADEN, UNICEF AMBASSADOR AND RUNWAY MODEL —Smile Design by Dr. Holger Meiser

A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth!

Find out from us how keeping your teeth and gums healthy can impact your overall health.

COMPLETE HEALTH DENTISTRY Dr. Holger Meiser, DDS MAGD • Dr. Rochelle Akradi, DMD • Dr. Benjamin Trapp, DDS Minnetonka: 17601 Highway 7, Suite 200, SW Corner of Highways 7 & 101 • 952-217-5201 Downtown MPLS: 825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 1427, Medical Arts Building • 612-333-8988 holgerdentalgroup.com

Craveable curbside. Delicious delivery.

With so many reasons to “dine in” this winter, Kowalski’s has the comfort foods you love and the convenience you crave. Swing by the deli for home-style Grab & Go meals, explore international flavors via curbside pickup, and discover how delicious delivery can be. Hibachi, pasta and select flavors of chicken wings are also available on the DoorDash and Grubhub apps.

The joy of good food to go.

H I B AC H I B OW L S

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CONTENTS

FEBRUARY ’21 Without Valentine’s Day, February would be ... well, January.

Jim Gaffigan

in every issue EDITOR’S LETTER 6 NOTEWORTHY 9 ON THE TOWN 41 TASTEMAKERS 4 4 LAST GLANCE 4 8

departments 1 4 SCENE

Pairs Well With …

Cheers to more ways to enjoy your favorite wines.

1 6 TRAVEL

Golden Girl

Blogger shares her love of travel—one word at a time.

features 20

Frozen

Local anglers enjoy their fishing … on ice.

26

Pack some health safety knowledge for your next overnight travel.

34

Stay and Play

“This beautiful city is our main amenity.”

PAGE 44

4 | FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTO BY CHRIS EMEOTT

A Tale of Two Stays

Love Lake Minnetonka Magazine?

FROM THE EDITOR Get Connected & Find • Upcoming local events • Web exclusive articles • Editors’ and writers’ blogs • Submit story ideas to Lake Minnetonka Magazine

Renée Stewart-Hester, lakeminntonkamag@tigeroak.com

T

ravel is one of the themes for this month’s issue, and I was delighted when Barbara Sykora of the Deephaven Historical Society reached out with news about a small facelift to one of the oldest structures in Deephaven. Read along to discover one of the many reasons folks traveled back in the day to the area for much-needed summer respite.

Last fall, the Northome Stone Arch (now owned by the City of Deephaven) on Northome Road received a new plaque—the original’s notation was 30 years off of the correct build date. “The error was not intentional by those who put up the incorrect plaque,” Sykora says. “Researching takes a lot of time, but it is now easier with computers and searching online … so it is an easier task to do that it once was.” Residents near the arch donated funds for the updated project.

The arch’s history begins with Charles and Virginia Gibson, of St. Louis, Mo., who purchased all 130 acres of the Northome peninsula on Lake Minnetonka in 1875 for $2,680 and built a home there the following year. The couple and their six children relished being in this area to escape St. Louis’ oppressively hot and stifling humid summers. Sadly, the home burned down in 1895.

The Gibsons clearly loved to travel to this area and also owned the land on which the Hotel St. Louis (one of Lake Minnetonka’s grand hotels) was built and sat on just over 108 acres. It opened in 1882 and overlooked Carson’s and St. Louis bays.

Before his 1899 death, Gibson platted out much of which is now Deephaven Park for lots for cottages and estates. “One of the landmarks used in platting out these new lots for homes was the Northome Stone Arch, which was referred as The Big Stone Gate,” Sykora notes. “At one time, the stone arch had a gate attached to it. If you look today, the bolts to the gates are still there.”

Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com, and use the keywords “Hotel St. Louis” on the search section for more information about early travel to the area and the hotel.

Until next time,

Visit us online for even more about Lake Minnetonka.

FOLLOW US: See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

G O LD EN G I RL

Chris Emeott

6 | FEBRUARY 2021

A TALE OF TWO STAYS

Pack some health safety knowledge for your next overnight travel

BAKERY BINGO

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Molly Golden page 16

FROZEN // A TALE OF TWO STAYS // STAY AND PLAY

On the Cover

BLOGGER SHARES HER LOVE OF TRAVEL— ONE WORD AT A TIME

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

Lake Minnetonka Magazine

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE @LAKEMINNETONKAMAG @LMTKMAG

FEBRUARY 2021

lakeminnetonkamag.com

[ VOL. 16

NO. 9 ]

lakeminnetonkamag.com

publisher

SUSAN ISAY

editor RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

managing editor ANGELA JOHNSON

associate editor HAILEY ALMSTED

copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY

staff writers

AVA DIAZ

MADELINE KOPIECKI CLAIRE SWENSON

editorial interns

ANITA STASSON

editorial advisory board JACQUELINE GETTY, Minnetonka Public Schools TRACY HVEZDA-LEHTOLA, Hennepin County Library-Excelsior MIKI HUNTINGTON, Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce CHLOE LAPPEN, Gray Home + Lifestyle

SOLD

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PRICE UPON REQUEST 5 BED, 5 BATH, APPROX. 5,990 FSF

Custom-built in 2013. Welcoming oversized front porch, fabulous floorplan, inviting entry, two main floor offices, and tons of storage throughout. 4 bedrooms up, sport court, and community association pool & clubhouse.

Exclusive family compound. Soaring vaults and 27’ bi-fold doors that effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Bonus detached matching 4-car garage with the ability to hold eight cars with lift.

MOLLIE MICHURA, The Glow Lounge SAMANTHA CAPEN MULDOON, Community volunteer KIM TUCKER, Tucker Thomas Interior Design

*Sport court included in square footage.

MICHELE PHILLIPS, blogger, writer, photographer JENNY BODURKA, Minnetonka Community Education

senior managing art director

art director

junior graphic designer

lead staff photographer

print production director production coordinator digital production director project coordinators

senior account executives

SARAH DOVOLOS EMILY HANDY ALLISON NOLDEN CHRIS EMEOTT BRITTNI DYE ALEX KOTLAREK DEIDRA ANDERSON ANGELA BEISSEL BROOKE BEISE

KATIE FREEMARK CYNTHIA HAMRE SARA JOHNSON

circulation and marketing

KATIE RINGHAND

credit manager

APRIL MCCAULEY

president and ceo chief operating officer

SOLD

PENDING

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tonka bay

OFFERED AT $1,850,000 4 BED, 6 BATH, APPROX. 4,600 FSF

OFFERED AT $2,695,000 4 BED, 6 BATH, APPROX. 5,400 FSF*

Jyland custom-built cedar shake cottage in Cottagewood USA! Private main floor master suite, executive office, gorgeous chef style kitchen, soaring stone fireplace. Lower level rec room that walks out to the pool and spa, and much more!

Entertainers dream home on Lake Minnetonka.

Approximately 100ft of lakeshore, an indoor pool, spa, sauna, exercise room, and home theatre; this is the complete package! *Pool room not included in square footage.

R. CRAIG BEDNAR SUSAN ISAY

Lake Minnetonka Magazine

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Search for homes on our mobile app: Lake Minnetonka Homes

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 7

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIRM, A DIFFERENT KIND OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Client Focused: Our family is the largest client of the firm Experience: Josh has been a money manager in the Twin Cities for over 40 years. Judd spent almost 20 years on Wall Street at 3 of the largest hedge funds in the industry Performance: Since 2016, our proprietary client portfolio has generated net returns of +230.4% compared to 80.6% for the S&P 500 1

We offer a free, 48-minute no cost, no obligation consultation on your investment portfolio.

We regularly meet with clients in our Edina Office.

JOSH ARNOLD | INVESTMENT CONSULTANT 6750 France Avenue South, #325, Edina, 952.925.5608 josh@investarnold.com judd@investarnold.com

(1) Disclaimer: Investing in the stock market contains risk, including risk of loss. All written content is for discussion purposes only. Our compliance and legal folks, who are excellent people, require us to add the following language since we are disclosing our returns. For some reason, the regulators want to make it hard for firms to be transparent. They would prefer that all investment management firms advertise by projecting a “nouveau riche meets buttoned up, aristocratic” aesthetic as if investment professionals will teleport you and your family to a new strata of society. We harbor no such illusions. The two of us are the largest client of the firm.

All of our money is invested alongside our clients. We make the majority of our income from returns on our own assets as opposed to fees we charge our clients. If all our clients left tomorrow, we would still be grinding it out everyday…hunting for the next opportunity because we love what we do. We cannot promise, in fact no one can, that investing with us will always lead to positive returns. Some, or all years you will lose money. It will be painful. All we can do, and try to do, is the best we can. Investing in the stock market contains risk, including risk of loss.

All written content is for discussion purposes only. Proprietary client portfolio (“PCP”) returns reflect the net returns of an actual client account with a median risk tolerance. On a ten-point scale, our clients identify between a “3” and a “7.” Client’s with a lower risk tolerance will typically generate lower returns as compared to clients with a higher risk tolerance. Individual client returns will vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risk tolerance, income tax considerations given gains/losses against their basis, client directed

transactions, time of withdrawals or contributions and the duration a client has been invested in the PCP. The PCP is typically allocated to equities and fiat. PCP returns are benchmarked against the S&P 500 with reinvested dividends, while the PCP does not reinvest dividends – without the re-investment of dividends, S&P 500 returns would have been lower over the disclosed time periods. We believe the S&P 500 is an appropriate benchmark as the PCP is equity based, with larger capitalization holdings. However, when comparing the PCP to the S&P 500, ex-ante and ex-post volatility, GICS sector allocations, correlation and covariance to other securities and commodity markets, as well as BARRA style factor characteristics of the S&P 500 as compared to the PCP may not be analogous over any given time frame or in totality. Investors may benefit from comparing the returns of the PCP to additional benchmarks to further evaluate its past performance and ex-post risk, as well as evaluating if the ex-post risk is indicative of the prospective risk profile. Advisory services are offered by Josh Arnold Investment Consultant, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor in the State of Minnesota. Performance data is unaudited. PCP outperformance, or underperformance, in any given period may be driven by the PCP having a higher, or lower, amount of actual risk vs. the benchmark as opposed to the realization of positive, or negative, alpha. Past performance is no guarantee of future success. Investing in public securities contains a multitude of risks – including risk of loss. The foregoing is not intended, nor considered, to be an offer of securities, specific performance or a guaranteed rate of return.

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL TIPS, TIDBITS & INSIGHTS

SIP ENJOY A SLEEK AND

ISTOCK.COM/MINDSTYLE

MEDIUM BODIED WINE. If you’ve not enjoyed wines from Ridge Estate, I highly recommend picking up this one.

Ridge Estate is very high quality with deep roots in Sonoma, specializing in age-worthy reds, zinfandels and blends.

The Three Valleys, Sonoma County wine is its entry level red. Comprised of 70 percent zinfandel, the balance is a mix of petite sirah, mourvèdre and carignan. Moderate oak aging gives this wine a touch of tannin, but it is still pretty sleek and medium bodied. Enjoy berry flavors backed by notes of white pepper and licorice.

Kevin Castellano, general manager at Wayzata Wine and Spirits, is a lake area wine and liquor expert. wayzatawineandspirits.com

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 9

N OT E WO RT H Y

VIEW

“Stephanie Dillion’s signature heart paintings are like pieces of the past, hardships that one never thought they were capable of getting through, yet we do. And somehow, our heart is put back together stronger and more beautifully than we ever thought possible by grace and love. And … it’s just what the world needs now, love, sweet love,” says Hollie Blanchard, co-founder of The Art Girls Minneapolis.

Title: Heart #44 original mixed media on canvas Artist: Stephanie Dillion of Minneapolis

For more information about this or similar artwork, contact the Art Girls at artgirlsmpls.com; hollie@artgirlsmpls.com Art Girls Minneapolis @art_girls_mpls

EXPLORE

MICRO TRAVEL SHINES AS A SIGN OF THE TIMES. This has been a year of cancelled, postponed and uncertain travel plans, and if you can’t escape to somewhere warm and sunny, don’t waste time pining for tropical beaches. Winter opens up some amazing opportunities for micro travel—visiting places nearby that transport us out of our everyday lives without the need for passports, airplane tickets or long drives.

How about spending a day in Twin Cities neighborhood known for a specific immigrant community? Visiting markets, restaurants and shops can feel like traveling to a different world.

However, even that may not be possible in the same way this year, so turn to the great outdoors. Through the miracle of freezing temperatures, vast areas that were untraversable or could only be experienced in warmer seasons by watercraft are now accessible by skis, snowshoes, skates or just boots.

I love walking through the cattails in winter, following the paths that the deer make and even finding their little sleeping spots, where they have tamped down the reeds for a sleep above the snow. Marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams all become new territories to explore, so bundle up, go out, and explore the world of winter. As an added benefit of micro travel, you won’t have to unpack your suitcase upon return!

[Before venturing out on frozen waterways, be sure to check safety conditions.]

Anne Marie Ruff Grewal is a writer, editor and environmentalist.

10 | FEBRUARY 2021

ARTWORK BY STEPHANIE DILLION

Artist offers “what the world needs now.”

DISCOVER

Ball’s Bank Block circa 1891.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELMHS

EXCELSIOR BUILDING HAS A DYNAMITE HISTORY. For over 50 years, a gas station has occupied the corner of Water and Third streets in Excelsior. In another lifetime, a noble two-story brick building held the spot.

The Bank of Excelsior was established

by Miner Ball in 1886, and the construction of Ball’s Bank Block became a hometown project. The plans were made by a local resident Lewellyn B. Stetson, and it was constructed of brick from the newly-opened Sampson & Gates brickyard in Excelsior. The Bank Block also housed a grocery store and doctor, lawyer and real estate offices, as well as a hotel and restaurant.

The building was destroyed by fire on May 4, 1898. The Minneapolis Journal speculated that the building was burned intentionally, so that it could be burglarized.

The ruins of the bank building remained an eyesore for at least four years. The Minnetonka Record, on April 11, 1902, described how someone attempted to take matters into his/her own hands through the use of dynamite. However, this only loosened a corner of the building.

The last mention of the building was two weeks later after a second blast of explosives landed several hundred more bricks in the basement. The site remained vacant until a gas station was built sometime between 1930 and 1949. Records show the current gas station was built in 1972.

Scott McGinnis is a local historian and volunteer for the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. elmhs.org

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 11

N OT E WO RT H Y

TRAVEL

READ

AUTHOR PROVIDES AN ENJOYABLE TAKE ON MODERN ROMANCE.

Raela Schoenherr is an editor at a Minnesota publishing company. She loves discussing books and writing on Twitter at @raelaschoenherr.

12 | FEBRUARY 2021

Gift yourself with an adventure.

Have you ever gifted yourself with a retreat or group travel experience? I have had the privilege of curating and guiding retreats (specifically for women), but I imagine any retreat shares a common vision. I refer to it as a privilege because it’s remarkable to witness the magic, the— transformation—that occurs on our adventures.

While many retreats might have a different purpose, the aspiration is that these experiences are an investment in you. I’ve curated and guided women’s retreats to Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, Joshua Tree and a remote area outside of Tucson. While each of our adventures has been different, a few things remain the same.

It is time to truly be you, rather than the many titles we identify ourselves with, such as a spouse, sibling, parent and so on. Show up, let go of your cares and simply be.

It is time to feel rejuvenated, inspired and empowered, creating a ripple effect in our homes, communities and workplaces by returning inspired by our fresh surroundings, experiences and new friendships. It’s a chance to say yes to things that might feel out of your comfort zone and be

surrounded by remarkable people.

It provides catharsis and play. Life can become repetitive and downright dull, but people return from our adventures and feel as though it was extremely therapeutic. Going on a group retreat, where you might not know everyone, but you are all united in the experience, creates lifelong bonds.

It reminds us how good it feels to be alive. We return with a renewed zest for life.

I’ve watched women swimming, surfing, hiking or horseback riding for the first time or trying new foods, making new friends, enjoying simple peace and quiet, conquering fears, laughing until their bellies ached and sharing their deepest dreams.

It truly is the closest thing to magic. Investing in a retreat is one of the greatest investments in us and our communities and leads to living a more fulfilling life.

Mollie Krengel is the founder of adventure-based business Wild Bum. She shares travel tips and insights in this column, writing with husband, Roy, and globetrotting kids Liam, Ella and Rafi. wildbum.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLIE KRENGEL

This month’s recommendation is for the romantics! Jasmine Guillory has become the queen of contemporary romance, and her novels are delightful. Her stories feel more grounded in reality than many romances and are filled with characters wrestling with relatable issues.

In her second book The Proposal, Guillory’s heroine has a meet-cute with the hero in the midst of a baseball game when she receives a very public, very unwelcome marriage proposal. Both Nikole and Carlos have their reasons for avoiding a relationship but are drawn to each other despite themselves.

Readers will enjoy this ride through the joys and woes of modern romance and won’t be able to help cheering for Nikole and Carlos to find a “Happily Ever After.”

ORGANIZE

THINK OUTSIDE THE (PLASTIC) BOX. Organizing is so much more than filling up well-labeled plastic bins. It can be both decorative and thematic. Use items you already have, and think outside the (plastic) box. Creating themes based on things you love personalizes the process and even makes organizing fun.

Do you have a penchant for travel? Look around your home for extra luggage tags, old hard-sided luggage, antique travel trunks or toiletry organizers.

Luggage tags are great to place on baskets and bins. Snap a picture of the bins’ contents, and place it where the address normally goes. Attach the tag to the bin or basket. This is particularly helpful for toys and pantry items. If you have small children, start with a picture of the contents, and graduate to words when they start learning to read.

Old trunks are perfect for storing bedding and blankets. Place the trunk at the foot of a bed, or use them as a nightstand. Trunks are handy inside by an exterior door to store shoes and use as a seat, where anyone can sit to put on their shoes or boots.

Similar to old trucks, hard-sided luggage can be used as decorative storage. Stack the luggage to create a side table, and place reading materials, DVDs or remote controls on or in them. Since you likely won’t be accessing the lowest trunk, store valuables or items you rarely utilize. Smaller luggage can be turned into decorative shelves. Place some of your favorite travel photos and books on top.

If you live in a small space, where bathroom cabinetry storage is limited, toiletry organizers can be hung on the wall or back of the door. This method is ideal for jewelry, bathroom essentials and, of course, toiletries!

Kira Vanderlan operates Zestful Design, a home and business decluttering, organization and interior design company with a focus on mindfulness. zestfuldesign.com

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SCENE

| D E PA R T M E N T S

Pairs Well With …

Cheers to more ways to enjoy your favorite wines.

SISTERS CARIN SKOWRONSKY AND SARAH BRYANT combine their passion for wine with their BY MADELINE KOPIECKI PHOTO

BY CHRIS EMEOTT

business savvy to create an educational blog and brand Pairs Well With…, and now they’ve added a new twist to their wine-themed repertoire.

“I think some people find [wine] potentially pretentious, and it doesn’t need to be,” Bryant says. “What we love about wine is its connection to culture, to travel, to people. That’s

14 | FEBRUARY 2021

the base of it, and everybody can enjoy that.”

Skowronsky founded Pairs Well With… in 2015 out of a passion for educating and sharing winemakers’ stories.

“I was, at that time, experimenting with food and wine pairings, getting into at-home cooking a lot more,” she says. “One day, I found myself saying ‘pairs well with,’ and I thought, ‘That’s it!’”

Pairs Well With… focuses on wine education through

consultingradiologists.com

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PAIRS WELL WITH… pairswellwith.me Pairs Well With @pairswellwith Pairs Well With…

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its wine travel guides, pairing suggestions and much more. “That’s something we like to challenge ourselves with, finding something that someone’s really going to enjoy,” Bryant says. “I take pure pleasure in pouring somebody the perfect glass that matches their palate. They might not have known the grape varietal or what exactly it was, but they give me a few hints of what they like, and you can roll with it from there.”

What started as an educational blog fueled by her wine travel and creation of wine pairing pieces, grew into private and virtual tastings. “Sarah and I are not soms. We don’t claim to be as part of the work that we do, but we do have a strong foundation for what we do teach,” Skowronsky says.

The sisters expanded into aromatically wine-inspired body sprays and candles. In 2019, the sisters came up with a product line. “We thought [perfumes] would be a fun way to take wine and sell it in a different way. You can carry that culture, that feeling, with you,” Bryant says.

Next, they set the groundwork for the 2020 collection, consisting of three scent selections. “As you can imagine, there’s not a chardonnay essential oil.

You have to figure out what scents you can mix, and you start to figure out what the traits of a wine or grape varietal are.

It took a little bit of science and a lot of art,” Bryant says with a laugh. “And a lot of time,” Skowronsky says. “You have to let it wait and then come back and make sure it’s still the way you want it. There were a couple that we went through, iteration over iteration. We went to a local Twin Cities small business owner, who specializes in essential oils. We believe in keeping it local; we support small businesses, female owners. That’s a big through line of ours.”

The 2020 chardonnay, pinot noir and rosé candles and body sprays are found at the Vineroom in Hopkins and at pairswell-with-sip-shop.myshopify.com.

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T R AV E L

| D E PA R T M E N T S

BY CLAIRE SWENSON PHOTOS

BY CHRIS EMEOTT

16 | FEBRUARY 2021

Golden Girl

Blogger shares her love of travel—one word at a time.

Our team is growing!

Meet Al.

IN 2017, MOLLY GOLDEN TOOK A STEP that would quickly change her career.

After volunteering for the City of Wayzata and working in merchandising for American Apparel, she launched Golden Girl Travel, a blog sharing her travel experiences and featuring a compilation of carefully culled lifestyle information—all this along with handling freelance marketing projects since 2013.

For Golden, traveling has been a lifelong aspiration. She remembers dreaming of exploring the world as a child.

“Geography was one of my favorite subjects growing up,” she says. “I grew up in a small town [Winona] ..., and my family never really travelled, so I think that made me even more excited about it.”

Golden Girl Travel details Golden’s explorations and offers guides for various destinations. She also includes lifestyle blogs about all things fashion, cooking and daily life. Molly’s Muse is a weekly compilation of locations and items she finds deserving of the spotlight. Posts often include a destination, recipe, fashion item and a fresh read.

Speaking of things Golden loves, her site is dotted with references to Nantucket, Mass. The small, East Coast island serves as inspiration for Golden.

After falling in love with it after her first visit in 2017, she began to draw correlations between the tight-knit community and the Lake Minnetonka area. “I find the communities to be a lot the same,” she says. “It’s a small community that’s really passionate about where they live.”

The site's online store, Minnetucket, reflects her love for the two communities. (She visits Nantucket every summer.) Her site features nautical-themed items, including cotton, boat-ready Lake Minnetonka sweaters by Ellsworth & Ivey, a Nantucket-based apparel company. Accessories hit glam meets the water with bracelets from Allison Cole Jewelry and Lake Minnetonka boat bags.

Golden cherishes trips she has taken, including Banff, Alberta (“... one of my most favorite places in the

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in digital format!

Never miss an issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite Lake Minnetonka Magazine stories with friends and family.

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TRAVEL PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOLDEN GIRL TRAVEL

T R AV E L

|

18 | FEBRUARY 2021

CONTINUED

Your Residential & Lakeshore Specialists

Alex & Ben Dzurik world.”) and Cape Town, South Africa. ("such a unique trip.”) She hopes to visit Antarctica and the quietude of the South Pole, a destination unlike any she has yet to see.

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FROM THE GOLDEN GIRL Stock up on unique local travel goods.

Julia Moss Designs (Wayzata) offers goatskin leather luggage tags and passport books. Opt for customization, handpainted by Anna Schwartz. $32–$60; juliamossdesigns.com Golden recommends adding a touch of chic-ness and functionality to your packing with multiuse pill bottles from Julia Moss Designs. The bottles (pink, white or gold) come with insignias from Yves Saint-Laurent, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. $26–$28; juliamossdesigns.com Grace Hill Designs (Wayzata) has a series of coffee table books, featuring beautiful worldwide destinations, ideal for when you are staying at home and want to “experience” somewhere else for a bit. Prices vary; gracehilldesign.com Big Island Swim & Surf Company (Excelsior) carries BOOE waterproof packs to keep your essentials dry.

They come in many sizes, including a backpack, daypack, small and large pouches and belt bags. Prices vary; bigislandswim.com General Store of Minnetonka has a selection of journals that Golden says are ideal for taking note of your adventures. Pick up one specific for your journey. Prices vary; generalstoreofminnetonka.com The Golden Girl always has her Lake MTKA sweater on-hand, both at home and when traveling. Found on her website, the Ellsworth & Ivey sweaters’ cotton-blend fabrication makes them soft and lightweight. $100; goldengirltravel.com

goldengirltravel.com @goldengirl_blog

@goldengirltravel Golden Girl Travel

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 19

20 | FEBRUARY 2021

Written by Nancy Eike & Renée Stewart-Hester Illustrations by Em Handy

LOCAL ANGLERS ENJOY THEIR FISHING … ON ICE. Land of 10,000 Lakes—well, we all know just how important those glistening bodies of water are to us in the Bold North, especially in the warmer months. For many of us, they serve as the welcoming center of our outdoor sporting lives. And, when the time comes, we don’t let Old Man Winter with his decidedly-icy-and-sometimesirritatingly-long grip deter us from hitting the water in its icy state, especially to cast our luck at ice fishing.

In fact, we relish it. We bundle up, head to the frozen lake, drill a hole and hope for the best. Ice fishing, of course, has been going on for at least two millennia as a way for folks to eat when the weather cooled and other protein sources became scarce. But, in addition to providing fresh shore meals, ice fishing in Minnesota is a competitive sport. Many communities hold well-attended ice fishing contests; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notes it annually issues nearly 400 permits for ice fishing contests and tournaments statewide.

Add those participants to the anglers,

who are out on the ice independent of a contest, and that equates to a lot of sportsmen/women. DNR conservation officers are charged with making sure people are safe and adhering to local and state policies.

“When I am out checking ice fishermen, I am first checking to make sure anyone 16 and older has a valid Minnesota fishing license. This license either needs to be on their person physically in paper form or in electronic form,” says Brent Grewe, DNR conservation officer. “I am also checking to make sure their ice house or shelter is marked and licensed properly and that there isn’t litter around their fishing shelter.” He’s also on the lookout for those using more than two lines per person and ensuring the fish hauls are within the limits. “For the most part, anglers are pretty respectful of our lakes,” he says.

Grewe reminds that understanding ice conditions and guidelines are paramount to a successful turn on the lake. “Check the DNR’s website for guidelines and tips.

[There’s] lots of very useful information

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 21

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: KRISTEN OPHAUG, JENNY ANDERSON

Kristen Ophaug, who lives with her young family on Lake Minnetonka’s Jenning’s Bay, shares photos of “small-but-stillfun-to-catch-northerns my husband and I caught last winter in Carson’s Bay … I surprised my husband with an electric auger for Christmas, and we borrowed our friend Jesse’s pop-up fish house.

We were using tip-ups—fun to see the flags ‘tip-up!’”

22 | FEBRUARY 2021

there pertaining to ice safety and fishing guidelines,” he says.

When he’s not on duty, Grewe and his family enjoy their own angling endeavors, hitting Medicine Lake and Lake Minnetonka for pan fish and Lake Mille Lacs for walleyes.

Bait? “When fishing pan fish, I prefer a small teardrop type lure, tipped with a waxworm or spikes,” Grewe says.

“Lots of factors determine different colors to use, so it’s best to have a variety and experiment with them and see how the pan fish respond. A very important tool in catching pan fish is a flasher. Vexilar, Hummingbird and Marcum are very popular flashers, and if you don’t know how to use them, YouTube can be very helpful.”

There’s likely two ice fishing camps—ice house vs. no shelter. “We prefer fishing out of a shelter, keeping my family comfortable out ice fishing,” Grewe says. “If you are looking for a portable shelter, the flip over style and pop up tent are very popular. These portable shelters are very easy to use, and you can now buy them with insulated canvas, which makes them much warmer. You can also invest in a wheelhouse, which is like a camper on the lake. Wheelhouses are very popular, as well, and you can find them with all the amenities for a weekend on the ice.”

Jeff Nuss falls into the other camp.

“The reason we don’t use ice houses (if we do, it’s a small portable that is easy to set up and take down) is we

drill many holes in a given area, drop a [fish finder] down the hole and fish it for only a few minutes,” he says. “If no fish appear on the electronics or bite, we move to the next hole. On some given days, we may drill 40-150 holes per person. We like to cover ground and move until we find active fish, and finding active fish may be easy, or hard, you just have to go out and try.”

With all the effort and braving the elements, bad days on the ice are part of the deal. “We’ve all had them,” Nuss says. “Being skunked, breaking equipment in the process (broken rods, fish finders, heaters, etc.).” But it’s the good days that keep anglers coming back for more. “Boy, there have been some pretty good ones,” he says.

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 23

WHAT TO CATCH

It’s probably no surprise that the favorite fish to catch in Minnesota, the most beloved, is—you guessed it—the walleye. It doesn’t hurt that it’s the official state fish and, well, just think of the best plate of grilled walleye you’ve ever eaten—with that subtle sweetness and delicate, flaky texture—and you’ll understand why Minnesotans adore this fish species, which is part of the perch family and is named for its distinguishable pearlescent eyes.

Did you know the bluegill, named for its large “gills,” is the most commonly caught fish in Minnesota?

We have two species of crappies in Minnesota, black and white, and they tend to hang out—not near the surface or the bottom of a lake— but, according to the DNR’s website, “somewhere in between.”

When you’re hankering to catch a big fish, one that fills the bill for a great fish tale, northern pike may just be the one.

They’ll give you a run for your money, as they’re known to put up a fight as you bring them in. The state record is 45 pounds, 11 ounces, so you’ve got your work cut out for you.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Ice fishing rod: Typically, 24”–36,” which is smaller than your warm weather fishing rod, as you need the leverage because of the confined space.

Ice fishing reel: More compact than a typical reel.

Ice fishing line: This line is created to withstand frigid temperatures and jagged ice.

Lures and bait: Research the type of fish you want to catch and adjust lures and bait accordingly.

“What Crown made possible for us was to survive.”

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Tackle box: Yep, a way to keep

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all your small items secure and organized.

Ice auger or drill: A must; no hole = no fish.

A spot to sit: On a 5-gallon bucket or inside an icehouse.

Warm clothing: Make sure to dress in layers.

The DNR’s website (dnr.state.mn.us) is chockfull of information about ice fishing, ice thickness safety, specific lake details (regulations, maps, fish species, stocking reports, etc.), where to find fishing groups and a whole lot more.

When their big bank of 15 years couldn’t secure a PPP loan for Punch Pizza, Crown Bank delivered, making it possible to re-open for take-out safely and quickly during the pandemic.

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Written by Angela Johnson and Renée Stewart-Hester

Photos by Chris Emeott

A Tale of Two Stays Pack some health safety knowledge for your next overnight travel.

Editor Renée Stewart-Hester traveled locally and shares some of her experience from staying in hotel during the pandemic.

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 27

Well, my family and I were supposed to travel last March to Washington, D.C., but, you know—COVID. Being the optimist that I am (ahem), I figured Florida for Easter that April would be nice, but, you know …

After months of sticking close to home, albeit trips to the family cabin, this fall I stuck my head outside, took a peek around and figured an overnight stay at The Hotel Landing might be a good way for me to ease back into extended travel.

More importantly, it provided me with first-hand information to share with readers, who might consider packing up and heading out for a travel adventure— here or there. Understanding how some hotels are handling COVID-19-related issues might alleviate travelers’ concerns.

Upon my arrival to the Wayzata hotel, apart from the signage regarding mask requirements and the hand sanitizer dispensers in the lobby, the first noticeable adaption since the pandemic is the “touch-free check in process.” Plexiglas barriers are placed between registration staff and guests, and I was able to selfswipe my credit card and program my room key.

Worth knowing—staff members receive temperature checks up arriving for their shifts and must wear masks for the duration of the workday. The housekeeping team goes over hightouch areas with a hospital-grade peroxide solution from Ecolab. In public areas, a hospital-grade peroxide hydro-sprayer is used for disinfection.

The hotel’s air filters are changed more

28 | FEBRUARY 2021

Extra Precautions

The U.S. Center for Disease Control says travel can increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19, and it’s recommended that travelers protect themselves and others by wearing masks, social distancing and engaging in regular hand washing/sanitizing. Some additional precautions could include: Handheld Room Sanitizer The Nebtec Sanitizer Pro™ 100 provides a micro-spray of disinfectant. We brought this handy pump-action sprayer along for an out-of-state hotel stay.

Before unpacking, we misted the entire hotel room with a mixture of electrlytically gener-

ated hypochlorous acid (a nontoxic, eco-friendly disinfectant).

Pro tip: Prolonged use of hypocholorus acid can corrode the metal parts inside the sprayer, causing it to get a little leaky over time. So, we stored the sprayer in a small plastic bin during travel.

This can be a handy extra measure for car trips, but we don’t recommend trying to pack it in any checked or carry-on bags during air travel.

Portable Air Purifier We are hearing a lot more about fresh air and filtration when it comes to spending time indoors, so be sure to crack those windows! Some engineers and medical professionals also suggest

air purifiers could help protect from COVID-19 when spending time inside, so long as they have specific filters that can capture those small airborne virus particles. We took a portable Medify Air Rx purifier with medical grade filtration along on for a stay at an Airbnb. It was easy to pack (at least for a car ride), and you just plug it in, and turn it on when you arrive. It cleans the air of an approximately 300 square foot room every 30 minutes.

Pro tip: We’re thinking beyond travel to college dorm rooms. In addition, these are great for allergy sufferers since they also eliminate pollen, pet dander and other irritants from the air. —AJ

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 29

30 | FEBRUARY 2021

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Check out our Community Directory!

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frequently to ensure optimal air flow. “[It’s] just one extra level of cleanliness,” says Laura Garcia, general manager. “A lot of these practices just make sense and are the right things to do.”

To reduce staff/guest contact, rooms are cleaned after a guest checks out or upon request when guests are out of the room. Decorative pillows and bolsters were removed from the rooms to reduce contact points, and TV remote controls are wrapped in removal plastic sleeves.

The hotel’s dining spot, ninetwentyfive, has made changes, including allowing fewer seating options and erecting Plexiglas shields between booths. Guest rooms can be rented as dining rooms, too. The warmer months are conducive for dining on one of the four outdoor balconies. But, as we all are keenly aware, colder temps are always on the menu in the Bold North. Undeterred, Garcia says the balconies are equipped with ceiling heaters, and motorized shades to help retain heat were recently installed.

Still chilly? Get your hygge on with cozy outdoor blankets provide by the hotel.

Bonfire pits were installed outdoors to provide additional seating.

While not for use while COVID restrictions are in place for dining inside establishments, the Landing has four dining igloos for outside the front of the hotel, just off the main entryway. When they are able, diners can enjoy a meal under twinkle lights while being shielded from the elements. “The outdoor space at this hotel has been a real win for us,” Garcia says.

During my weekday stay, several dining parties dotted the outdoor first-level porch area over dinner, and there was plenty of space between guests. Our server took special care to stand an extra distance away from our table and was

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32 | FEBRUARY 2021

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careful to avoid contact while serving our meal. Overall, business in the restaurant has enjoyed a steady clip, and reservations are necessary due to reduced seating. “It’s a good problem to have, but you hate to turn people away,” Garcia says.

Läka Spa, open on limited days, features facials, massages and products.

Staff disinfects the space between each client. The fitness area, which is limited to four guests at a time, is sanitized throughout the day, according to Garcia.

“We’ve put some great protocols in place to make it as safe as it can be,” she says.

Ultimately, travelers need to feel comfortable, and if that means calling ahead to inquire about a hotel’s COVID-19 protocol, do it. Many hospitality venues have health safety information on their websites, as does The Hotel Landing. —RS Review the state’s latest regulations before making dining and travel plans.

The Hotel Landing 925 Lake St. E., Wayzata 952.777.7900; thehotellanding.com Hotel Landing @hotellanding @hotellanding

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 33

STAY AND PLAY “This beautiful city is our main amenity.”

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester . Photos by Chris Emeott

Charming lakeside town with boutique shopping, eclectic dining and quaint seasonal events seeks guests from near and far—sounds like a match in hospitality heaven.

The bespoke Hotel Excelsior-Suites on Water Street, hopefully opened by this month, offers a well-appointed spot for local visitors or distant travelers to hang their hats while visiting Excelsior or the greater Twin Cities—thanks to developers Jeff Verdoorn and Tyler Nelson.

Reading more Airbnb/Vrbo rental than traditional hotel, the hotel features four second-floor units. As part of the restoration, developers are bringing the site back to much of its original glory. “The front façade will once again look like it did in 1902,” Verdoorn says. However, the upstairs has been completely gutted to make room for the hotel guest rooms,

34 | FEBRUARY 2021

but care was taken to avoid disturbing the building’s historical attributes. “We had to work with the City of Excelsior’s Historical Preservation Council to ensure all the changes fit within [its] historical guidelines,” Verdoorn says.

The front studio units feature high ceilings and enviable views of Water Street and downtown Excelsior through original windows. The rear one-bedroom units ramp up the charm factor with sliding barn doors leading into the bedrooms.

All of the units feature full kitchens with granite islands, stool seating and stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, full-sized refrigerator/freezer, induction cooktop and wall oven), full-tile bathrooms with heated floors and brushed gold fixtures throughout, exuding highend luxury. Beautyrest luxury king-size beds and floating nightstands appoint the

WALKING THE CAREER PATH

RENDERING COURTESY OF TYLER NELSON

Jeff Verdoorn began his career has a systems consultant, later moving into a second career in venture capital.

Interestingly, he always thought he should be a developer. To date, his largest project is helping design and build two 60,000+ square-foot buildings for Southwest Christian High School in Chaska.

Tyler Nelson and his wife, Catherine Nelson, are partners at Harvester Properties, a real estate investment brokerage.

Tyler Nelson is a licensed general contractor and has served on numerous large-scale multifamily projects, including The Walkway in Uptown and Riverwalk in Rochester, among others. Together, they have served on real estate brokerage contracts for the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County.

Hotel Excelsior 234 Water St. @hotelexcelsiormn Hotel Excelsior

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 35

Right down to the hardware and fixtures, Hotel Excelsior’s elegance flows while shining a bright light on the community.

bedrooms. All units have free high-speed Wi-Fi, large televisions and cable TV. While Verdoorn and Nelson designed the layout of the units and selected most of the finishes (cabinets, countertops, flooring and tile), Kate Regan of The Sitting Room in Excelsior brought her style acumen to the fore. While she was originally hired to select the furnishings, lighting, art and accessories for each suite, Regan also consulted on paint colors, common area lighting and wainscoting. “Being so close, location-wise to this project made it fun to check in on progress, and we enjoyed contributing ideas throughout the project,” she says.

“Each unit has a unique design, fitting the historic nature of the building with a modern vibe and a nod to the lakeside location of downtown Excelsior,” Verdoorn says. Rooms are named after some of Lake Minnetonka’s bays, including Maxwell, Saint Albans, Smithtown and Wayzata bays.

“Based on the locations of their namesake bays, we created the Wayzatathemed suites a bit more East Coast, country club coastal,” Regan says. “These two suites include preppy fabric selections and a classic nautical style. The Excelsior suites, in comparison, feel a bit more coastal casual with a very relaxed and easygoing vibe.”

Regan felt it was imperative to add individual nuances to each room. “The experience we wanted to capture through each suite’s design was that each guest would walk away feeling like they were guests in someone’s home, rather than a hotel room. Each suite is unique and features different furniture pieces, fabrics and lighting,” she says.

The team embraced a classic palette of neutral colors with navy as a common denominator statement color. “Located in the heart of Excelsior’s lakeside community, there will be elements of classic nautical—think regatta reds, crisp whites and varying tones of blue,” Regan says.

36 | FEBRUARY 2021

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The Miller Block Building, built in 1902 by Charlie Miller, now hosts the Hotel Excelsior on its second floor.

The building was the site of various businesses, including O.C. DeGroodt Tin and Hardware, Olga Windsor’s millinery, Aldritt’s Hardware and Howard Wendt’s Cleaners and Launders. Today, a portion of the lower level is home to Capers gift shop.

At right: “Miller Building” with R.H. DeGroodt Furniture, Hardware and Tin Shop, exterior, ca. 1905.

DeGroodt Hardware, interior, (ca.

1915?). Howard Wendt Cleaners, 1956. Photos courtesy of ExcelsiorLake Minnetonka Historical Society

A small lobby on the first floor will offer limited guest services. “We are planning on a private patio in the back of the building with seating to enjoy an outdoor cup of coffee,” Verdoorn says, adding that each unit will have its own reserved parking space in the rear of the building. “This beautiful city is our main amenity,” Verdoorn says, pointing to retail businesses, dining venues, Port of Excelsior and Excelsior Commons that are just steps away from the hotel.

It’s understandable why Verdoorn and Nelson landed their latest project in the historic, waterside burgh. “In recent years, Excelsior has transformed from a small town to a dining, shopping, lakeside destination,” Verdoorn says.

“The city has done a great job balancing growth while maintaining its historic charm. The people here are passionate about this community, and it shows through all of the year-round events ... we are looking forward to [all community events] starting up again next year.”

While Excelsior clearly knows how to put out the welcome mat, visitors have another reason to stay awhile. “The entire atmosphere of Hotel Excelsior is lakeside home and hospitality,” Regan says. “Guests will find that from the design selections to the architectural features to the perfectly nestled streetside location, everything about this place is wonderfully thought out to promote a perfect Excelsior stay.”

38 | FEBRUARY 2021

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ON THE TOWN T H I N G S TO S E E A N D D O A R O U N D T H E L A K E S

Chilly Open

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYZATA CHILLY OPEN

If it’s February in Wayzata, it’s time for golf.

A little snow and ice won’t stop Minnesotans from getting together, but, it goes without saying, something else might. The Wayzata Chilly Open might look different this year, but Brooke Beyer, director of community events and marketing at the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce, and her team hope that this year’s event will warm everyone’s spirits.

Set for February 5-6 on Wayzata Bay, Beyer says the team is working with the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure that the event is safe and welcoming and monitoring Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders related to the pandemic is part of this year’s planning process.

The final word on the event likely won’t be set in … ice until just before its set to kickoff. If all goes as hoped, the event begins on Friday with Cinema and Skates, a free event. Watch a featured movie on the jumbo screen, and skate on the luminaire-lit ice.

Golfing is to start on Saturday. “Last year, we had over 1,800 golfers, and our biggest team was 36 players—all friends!”

Beyer says, but it could all look very different this year. What won’t change is the community’s excitement and devotion to this annual event. See you on the ice— fingers crossed! —Anita Stasson

Visit the Chilly Open website for details on the theme, ticket prices, parking options and scheduling updates. wayzatachillyopen.com; 952.473.9595 Wayzata Chilly Open @wayzatachillyopen

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 41

O N T H E TOW N

AREA EVENTS

4, 5, 6 Sounds of Spring

Welcome the season with the Minnesota Orchestra’s Sounds of Spring. Listen to Delius, Debussy and Mendelssohn. All ages. Ticket prices vary. Thurs. at 11 a.m., Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m.

Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicolett Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

6, 20 Farmers Market

JAN 15–MAR 18

Peter H. Reynolds’ The Dot comes to life in this Stages Theatre encore presentation.

Experience the power of the creative spirit through music, dance, crafts and other activities. Watch at your own pace from the comfort of your home. All ages. $50, $10 per additional set(s) of arts and crafts. Stages Theatre Company, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 952.979.1111; stagestheatre.org

LOCAL EVENTS

Feb 12–Mar 15 Stone Soup

Soup’s on in this out-of-the-box experience based on the popular folktale Stone Soup. Gather the kids for this special story, followed by family activities and a virtual or in-person outdoor theater class, taught by Stages Theatre Company teaching artists. All ages. $50, $10 per additional set(s) of supplies.

Stages Theatre Company, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 952.979.1111; stagestheatre.org

13 Winter Farmers Market Beat the cold in this drive-thru experience, featuring fresh, local products.

Meet and buy from vendors from the safety and warmth of your car. Preorder pickup and on-site sales will be available in this socially distanced farmers market. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Minnetonka Community Center parking lot, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.; 952.939.8200; minnetonkamn.gov

8 Virtual Book Club: The Nickel Boys

Join the discussion of new and interesting titles like The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead with the Minneapolis Central Library. This online book club will have you reading and discussing with fellow book lovers from the comfort of your home. Free, register online.

7–8:30 p.m.; 612.543.5669; hclib.org

11 Virtual Go Red for Women Twin Cities

The American Heart Association invites you to its annual “Evening of Empowerment.” The event celebrates the energy, passion and power of women.

Ages 18 and up. Register online. 4 p.m.

Online event. ahaminneapolis.ejoinme.org

13 Mardi Gras Bar Crawl Celebrate good times New Orleans style! Explore all the food and drink

To have your event considered email lakeminnetonkamag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

42 | FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTO BY FISCHEYE FILMS FOR STAGES THEATRE COMPANY

Virtual The Dot

Enjoy fresh air and fresh produce during the Minneapolis winter market.

Shop locally-produced eggs, meat, cheese, maple syrup and more! Market is all outdoors, and free parling is available inside the market. Free. All ages. 9 a.m.–noon. MPLS Farmers Market, 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.333.1718; mplsfamersmarket.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Compiled by Samantha De Leon and Anita Stasson

FEBRUARY 5

VIRTUAL GALENTINE’S FLOWER NIGHT

Love is in the air! Gather your loved one or bestie to create your own flower arrangement. Flowers and containers for this class will be delivered to your door. A video tutorial will be emailed to you beforehand. All ages.

Prices vary; register online. 6–9 p.m.

Ergo Floral, online event. ergofloral.com

4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES EVs are getting a lot of attention these days. Here are a few things to know about this transportation transformation.

specials at your leisure at the Mardi Gras Bar Crawl. Get your green, purple and gold attire ready for the festivities, grab some beads and enjoy the fun. 21 and up. $12. 3–10 p.m. The Venue, 315 N. First Ave., Mpls.; info@mardibarcrawl.com; mardibarcrawl.com

1.

26, 27 The Mixtape Collective

3.

Experience the heart of Street Dance and musical communities in the Twin Cities with The Mixtape Collective. This virtual performance is created to show vulnerability as strength and bring together diverse individuals. Tune in to this collaborative work anywhere you are! All ages. $25. 7:30–9 p.m.; 612.206.3600; thecowlescenter.org

27 Full Moon Snowshoe & Bonfire Picnic

Get ready for a night under the stars with the Oakdale Nature Preserve and Discovery Center. Enjoy the trails at night with the moon and stars overhead and ice luminaries, followed by warm bonfires for stories, hot chocolate, s’mores and more. All ages, $25/ person. 6 –8:30 p.m. Oakdale Nature Preserve, 4444 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale; 651.747.3860; ci.oakdale.mn.us

2.

EVs save you money

Electricity is cheaper than gas, and EVs require significantly less maintenance—you’ll never need an oil change!

EVs can handle Minnesota winters

While the cold does affect an EV’s battery life, the length of an average commute is far shorter than the average EV’s battery range, and battery technologies continue to improve.

EVs tackle Minnesota’s #1 source of climate pollution— our transportation sector

EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants. Minnesota has ambitious goals to reduce climate pollution—getting more EVs on the road is one of the most effective ways to do this.

4.

EVs come in all shapes and sizes

Over 40 types of electric cars, trucks, and SUVs are available in the US, with dozens of new models coming in the next five years. However, as a consumer in Minnesota, your access is currently limited as manufacturers prioritize sending cars to states with emission standards.

Minnesota is on the cusp of joining 14 other states in adopting clean car standards.

Clean Cars Minnesota is designed to reduce vehicle emissions and improve consumer access to the full range of EV and low-emission vehicles available in the US market. The result: a Minnesota with cleaner air, more car options, and bigger cost savings for Minnesota drivers.

Learn more and provide your feedback on Clean Cars Minnesota at: bit.ly/CleanCars4MN.

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 43

TA S T E M A K E R S

44 | FEBRUARY 2021

Bakery Bingo GET IN THE SWEETEST GAME.

BY RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Hey, does anyone see January lurking around? Don’t get us wrong, we love new beginnings and well-intentioned resolutions, but after 31 days, we’re ready for a break. There’s a lot to love about February, especially since it seems to grant permission to once again embrace delectable baked goods and loaves of bready goodness—within reason, of course. Let’s not throw the drive to better health in reverse.

With sweets on our minds—Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and Girl Scout cookie sales are about to ramp up—we decided to take a riff off of traditional Bingo, and make a game of exploring some of the area’s baked goods purveyors. Rip out the Bingo sheet (or snap a photo of it on your phone), and hop in your car, on your (fat tire?) bike or into your walking shoes to visit the spot(s) of your choice.

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 45

TA S T E M A K E R S

On your mark, get set …

AMY’S CUPCAKE SHOPPE

HONEY AND RYE

RED BENCH BAKERY

NELSON’S MEATS & FRESH BAKERY GOODS

WUOLLET BAKERY

YOUR CHOICE! SWEET/SAVORY BREAD

GENERAL STORE OF MINNETONKA

THE COOKIE CUPS

YUM! KITCHEN AND BAKERY

BREADSMITH

FARINA BAKING COMPANY

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

MUDDY PAWS CHEESECAKE

SOFIA’S COOKIES

YOYO DONUTS & COFFEE BAR

THE GROCER’S TABLE

BOBA TONKA BUBBLE TEA

GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY

YOUR CHOICE! BAR/BROWNIE

KOWALSKI’S MARKET

SOTA-LICIOUS

CRIOLLA’S PASTRIES

PENNY’S

T-REX COOKIES

SWEET SNAP Take a selfie with your game card, or snap a photo of your favorite bakery goodie.

Tag us on Instagram (@lakeminnetonkamag) for a chance to be featured on our site.

46 | FEBRUARY 2021

... go!

AMY’S CUPCAKE SHOPPE 701 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 952.479.7516; amyscupcakeshoppe.com

BOBA TONKA BUBBLE TEA

HONEY AND RYE

SOTA-LICIOUS

4501 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park;

2419 MN-7, Excelsior; 952.474.5132;

honey-and-rye.com; 612.844.2555

sotalicious.com

KOWALSKI’S MARKET

THE COOKIE CUPS

440 Water St., Excelsior; 952.229.8300;

3412 Shoreline Drive, Wayzata; 952.471.2432;

kowalskis.com

the cookiecups.com

MUDDY PAWS CHEESECAKE 3359 Gorham Ave., St. Louis Park;

GENERAL STORE OF MINNETONKA

763.545.7161; muddypawscheesecake.com

14401 MN-7, Minnetonka; 952.935.7131; generalstoreofminnetonka.com

19905 MN-7 Suite E, Shorewood; 952.474.0874; bobatonka.com

BREADSMITH 1816 Plymouth Road, Minnetonka; 952.475.0099; breadsmith.com

CRIOLLA’S PASTRIES (available at DelSur Empanadas in Minnetonka, as well as several farmers markets) 612.275.9074; criollaspastries.com

FARINA BAKING COMPANY 23290 MN-7, Excelsior; 612.930.1710; farinabakingcompany.com

GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY 17416 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.476.2515; greatharvestminnetonka.com

NELSON’S MEATS & FRESH BAKERY GOODS

THE GROCER’S TABLE

6318 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park;

326 Broadway Ave. S., Wayzata;

952.935.9092; nelsonsmeats.com

952.466.6100; thegrocerstablemn.com

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

WUOLLET BAKERY

12987 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka;

95 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.473.8621;

952.546.1406; nothingbundtcakes.com

wuollet.com

PENNY’S

T-REX COOKIES

750 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 612.839.5538;

Ridgedale Mall, 12401 Wayzata Blvd.,

pennyscoffee.com

Minnetonka; trexcookie.com

RED BENCH BAKERY

YOYO DONUTS & COFFEE BAR

284 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.5608;

5757 Sanibel Drive, Minnetonka;

redbenchbakery.com

952.960.1800; yoyodonuts.com

SOFIA’S COOKIES

YUM! KITCHEN AND BAKERY

18322 Minnetonka Blvd., Wayzata; 800.883.7041; sofiascookies.com

6001 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka; 952.933.6001; yumkitchen.com

Before visiting local businesses, confirm their hours of operation.

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM | 47

LAST GLANCE

Bay View

Student’s photo is a clear winner.

FIRST PLACE Wildlife & Nature

BY RENÉE STEWARTHESTER PHOTO

BY JACE DOVOLIS

LOOKING TO THE NORTH on Crystal Bay, Jace Dovolis, 13, captured Foggy Dock, the first-place winner in the Wildlife & Nature category of our annual Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest. “The thing that stands out is the absence of any color without editing,” Jace says.

48 | FEBRUARY 2021

Fortunately, Jace was home in the morning hours last April to take the photo with his Nikon D3500 with a 55 mm lens.

“Because of the [shelter in place requirement], I was home to take this picture when I would normally be at school,” says the Orono Middle School eighth grader.

901 Nicollet

Minneapolis jbhudson.com

612-338-5950

SUMMER HAPPENS HERE. DON'T MISS OUT! 2021 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Learn to sail, at every age and ability!

In addition to our popular youth camps, LMSS offers private sailing instruction for adults and families, plus small group training up to age 18. There’s something for everyone—no experience required.

Fit for any schedule, half-day, weekday evening and Saturday afternoons available, all on Lighthouse Island in Lake Minnetonka.

We are US Sailing accredited and emphasize safety and skills development for a lifetime of sailing. It’s never too late to learn!

SUMMER HAPPENS HERE. REGISTER FOR 2021 TODAY AT WWW.LMSS.US/2021