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...

Food + Beverage

Inside Mad Muscle Garage

How Mad Muscle Garage built a business around classic cars and community Article by Amanda Wagner Surrounded by classic cars and restoration projects for as long as he can remember, Matt Thoraldson’s love of classic cars and their stories started early in life. Growing up, neighbors and family members were always working on something with four wheels and a story to tell. “I always loved watching the evolution of a car,” he says. “There’s just something about seeing it come together—and...

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...

Life + Culture

Local Links We Love

Your roundup of local golf courses for a great day on the green Article by Lauren Beaubaire Island View Golf Club  offers a challenging 18-hole course near scenic Lake Waconia. After your round, sit out on the patio to enjoy a beverage or a casual meal in their restaurant, Vandy’s Grille.  Deer Run Golf Club's  beautiful course in Victoria seamlessly blends the charm of an old, private club with modern amenities. Pioneer Creek Golf Course's  18-hole course is situated...

Food + Beverage

The Perfect Steak

Pasture to plate perfection with Dave Gongoll of Gongoll Beef Article by Emily McKeever This time of year, you’ll be hard-pressed to drive through any Minnesota neighborhood without catching the familiar scents of summer. No, not suntan lotion and fresh-cut grass; we’re talking the unmistakable aroma of charred meats and sizzling success. When looking to up your grilling game, especially with steak, you need tips from a professional who knows the meat inside and out – literally. Someone who...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Running My Mouth Is My Cardio Article by Jen Fortner My primary extracurricular activity as a child was dance. I took classes as a four and five-year-old at a tiny neighborhood studio called Sharon’s School of Dance. I was the breakout star in the number “Teddy Bear Parade,” if you ask my mother. At six, I got serious about dance, and my mother drove roundtrip downtown Minneapolis from the suburbs five days a week so I could pursue my passion. I spent the majority of 1977-1988 at the Minnesota...

Auto + Marine

Driven by Influence

Local women business owners share the people and passions behind their success Article by Emily McKeever Dr. Jessica Radtke Maltez, Owner of Victoria Veterinary Hospital and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine “What inspired you to start your business?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to own a business. As the daughter of business owners who worked long hours and were very driven, I knew it was a lifestyle choice that didn’t leave much room for other activities. Working as a solo veterinarian at other...

Life + Culture

Teeing off in 2026

A glimpse of the excitement ahead as the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship comes to town Article by Emily McKeever In addition to its usual buzz of clinics, social gatherings, and play, June 2026 will bring another level of excitement to the turf when, for the second time in its history, Hazeltine National Golf Club will host the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Participating in this prestigious event is an honor for all involved: players, fans, sponsors, organizers, and many more.  Sharing in this...