Life + Culture

Adventures with The Minnesota Gal

Learn why Jess Heuer, The Minnesota Gal, calls herself a Minnesota travel expert — and what you can learn from her. Article by Emily McKeever If you think you’re Minnesota’s biggest fan, think again. Jess Heuer, known to her followers as The Minnesota Gal, loves to travel, has a huge heart for local businesses, and hasn’t been on an airplane in a decade — she’s been busy showing off everything Minnesota has to offer instead, so you do the math. She’s a local travel influencer whose energy and...

Life + Culture

A New Spark for Waconia’s 4th of July

Sovereign Estate Winery steps in to keep Waconia’s iconic fireworks show alive with a weekend full of music, wine, and community celebration Article by Lauren Beaubaire This Independence Day, the pyrotechnic torch is being passed. Sovereign Estate Winery is stepping up to take charge of one of Waconia’s favorite summer traditions: the 4th of July fireworks.  “The Fourth of July is personally my favorite holiday,” says Isaac Savaryn, owner and VP of Vineyard Operations at Sovereign Estate...

Life + Culture

Music Brings Connection at Westview Acres

A partnership with MacPhail Center for Music is enriching residents’ lives through a community-based singing program Article by Emily McKeever When you or a loved one moves into Westview Acres at Good Samaritan Society in Waconia, you’ll have everything needed to maintain a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. From senior living through rehabilitation therapy to long-term care, their community supports residents through every level of care. But there’s more to care than nutritious meals...

Life + Culture

The Sweetest New Spot on Main Street

Coney’s Candies opens this summer, blending old-fashioned charm, sweet treats, and community connection Article by Lauren Beaubaire Sweet dreams are Crystal Jensen’s specialty. Owner of Candie Clouds, which serves up gourmet cotton candy confections, Crystal’s new venture is just as irresistible. Welcome to Coney’s Candies.  “Coney’s Candies came about when I was in search of a commercial kitchen to expand Candie Clouds,” explains Crystal. “I had the opportunity to purchase the building at...

Home Services

Don't Sweat It, Fix It

Summer puts your home's water system to the test. Between sprinklers running daily, more showers after time outdoors, and rising temperatures, you may start noticing changes — a faint chlorine taste, a whiff of sulfur, or a water softener that seems to be working overtime.The good news? These are common seasonal issues with simple fixes. From spotting the difference between a leaky tank and normal summer condensation, to understanding why well water smells stronger in warmer months, to staying...

Food + Beverage

Community, On Tap

OMNI Brewery & Taproom is building a community hub centered on beer, food, and connection Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Maria Claire Media Think about your favorite television show—chances are there’s a bar, coffee shop, or other go-to space where the characters frequently gather. As a viewer, it’s easy to be drawn in, to lose ourselves in these stories—but why? Because there’s something about that warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of it, where every visit...

Shopping

A Father’s Day Gift Guide

Gifts, goodies, and ideas from our local shops for the dads who deserve it all Article by Emily McKeever Summer is a time for celebrating, and not just the amazing Minnesota weather. Father’s Day is this month, and these go-to guys — the men we rely on most — are the rock in many families. Dads are a big deal. I mean, who else has an entire category of jokes named after them? So, to all of the Dads and father figures out there — the funny ones, the strong ones, the serious ones, and the...

Life + Culture

Father Knows Best

We asked dads in our community about the fatherly advice that shaped them–and what they’re passing on Article by Emily McKeever From offering a warm welcome to consistently showing up, fatherly advice has shaped many of the men in our community. And now, they’re passing those lessons on to the next generation — whether it’s words they grew up with or wisdom of their own. Andy Mohn | State Farm Insurance One of the best lessons I learned from my dad is that your reputation is everything. In...

Life + Culture

Women & Wine

Celebrating the voices and visions of women shaping our local communities at this year's Women + Wine event Article by Lauren Beaubaire | Photography by Kate Ann Photography The ladies of Lake Minnetonka, Waconia, and Victoria came together at this year’s City Lifestyle Women & Wine event hosted at Schram Vineyards. Women business leaders mixed and mingled for an evening of meaningful conversation, connection, and, of course, great wine. Between sips and plenty of laughter, we had the...

Life + Culture

A Space for Healing

Find connection, support, and renewed hope at The Grief Club of Minnesota Article by Emily McKeever Loss touches more children than we often realize. And while grief is never easy, experiencing it at a young age can be especially overwhelming. When the loss of a loved one comes far too early, having the right support can make all the difference. And that's why The Grief Club of Minnesota, which provides a space for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers to share, connect...