Life + Culture

A Toast to Local Flavors

Sip, savor, and celebrate at the Waconia Wine Festival Article by Emily McKeever We’re fortunate that Waconia is considered a wine lover’s destination just about any day of the week, but when July rolls around and the Waconia Wine Festival weekend is upon us, the fun truly begins. On July 26th and 27th, experience Waconia Wine Country at its finest as you visit three award-winning wineries in one weekend: Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards, and The Winery at Sovereign Estate.  Why reserve...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Back to Work Article by Jen Fortner At a certain age, people start asking what your retirement plans are going to look like. I’m at that age. The chattering is starting even though I still have a son in high school. It doesn’t seem fair that I’m negotiating curfews and at the same time fielding retirement inquiries. It feels much like when well-intentioned but irritating strangers ask what your post-high school plans are going to look like. Or when you’ll get married. Or where you will live...

Food + Beverage

Lakeside Dining at Its Finest

Explore the magic of summer at Lola’s Lakehouse — a breath of fresh air in more ways than one Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Lola's Lakehouse What’s even better than devouring a light, summery meal alongside a crisp, cool cocktail? Enjoying it lakeside, where boats drift in and out, and the breathtaking view rolls on for miles. If your summer-loving self craves the flawless combination of delectable cuisine and picture-perfect ambiance, pull into Lola’s Lakehouse — boats, cars...

Life + Culture

Beyond Borders

How Crown College’s Destination Serve trips challenge students to live their faith, build cross-cultural relationships, and leave comfort zones behind Article by Lauren Beaubaire Around 60 students packed their bags, double-checked their passports, and boarded planes heading to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Senegal, Atlanta, and Los Angeles this past May — something Crown College students have been doing for decades.  “We’ve been sending students on Destination Serve (DS) trips...

Education

Community Education for Everyone

A conversation with Steven Jensen, director of Waconia Community Education and Recreation, on exploring your passions Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Colin McDougall If you have a family, you know the excitement that fills the house when the purple and gold catalog, covered with smiling faces and good times, lands in your mailbox. Before it even makes it to the kitchen counter, everyone (including you) is armed with a highlighter and eager anticipation, ready to pick out a favorite...

Life + Culture

What’s New in Waconia

Learn what fuels Waconia’s spectacular July 4th fireworks show Article by Emily McKeever Boom! Crackle! Whizz! Pop! It’s July, and while hot dogs on the grill and gooey s’mores by the fire are pure bliss, the July 4th Fireworks over Lake Waconia, hosted by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, are the real crowd-pleaser. As you ooh and aah over the sparkling, colorful bursts lighting up the night sky, you might find yourself wondering how this magical show comes to life each year. A lot of hard...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Party of Four Article by Jen Fortner I love teenagers. I really do. Give me a teenager over a newborn any day of the week. I know babies are magical, and they are darling when sleeping, but I find them to be well… a bit boring. Show me an experience, any experience, with a teenager that could be characterized as boring? Impossible. Terrifying. Mystifying. Trying. Thrilling. Dizzying. I still prefer that drama compared to infant drama.  So due to my love of teenagers and my penchant for...

Sports + Recreation

20 Years of Golf and Good Times

From history to celebrations, discover the excitement that awaits you at The Meadows at Mystic Lake Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by SMSC Multimedia Team The Meadows at Mystic Lake is far more than a place to master your follow-through or cheer from the gallery at your favorite golf tournament. It’s a hub of connection where people come together over their love of golf, and where friends, new and old, share a delicious meal in the sun or enjoy the variety of entertainment available...

Life + Culture

Getting Back in the Game

Starting strong and staying strong—whether you're starting fresh or rebuilding your routine—with Crusher Fitness & Health Article by Emily McKeever Hey guys! Has the dad bod run its course? Maybe you’re tired of feeling… well, tired–and are ready to make some changes. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, read on.  What better time to kick-start some healthy new routines or head back into the fitness game than this month, when we celebrate our rock-solid role models, dad-joking...

Life + Culture

A Father’s Day Gift Guide

Show Dad your love with these thoughtful finds from the local business community Article by Emily McKeever BBQ Essentials For the dad bod in your life, grab a comfy soft tee at Nice Shirt Co. or fill his grill kit with new tasty barbecue essentials like sauces, seasonings, and spices.  https://www.niceshirtco.com/ Unlimited Wash Club Membership Give the gift of membership to the kind of club that’ll make every dad jealous - the Unlimited Wash Club at Sota Shine! Choose from packages like...