Food + Beverage

A Place to Belong

How the Waconia Breakfast Club is bringing students and the community together, one Friday morning at a time Article by Amanda Wagner | Photography by Alyssa Theisen On Friday mornings, before the first bell rings at Waconia High School, dozens of students are already gathering across the street at Koch Bus Service. The doors open at 7:20 am, and breakfast is served. Students fill their plates with a generous breakfast and connect with classmates and friends while an icebreaker warms the...

Food + Beverage

The People Behind the Plate

Meet the restaurateurs behind Bode Gray’s, Iron Tap, Green Fox Grille, and Bakery Off Main who are creating places where the community comes together. Article by Lauren Beaubaire A great restaurant is never just about what's on the plate. It's about the people who take the risk to open the doors, the teams who turn an idea into a dining experience, and the community that keeps coming back. In Waconia, we’re incredibly lucky to have a thriving restaurant community, thanks in large part to...

Food + Beverage

Raise a Glass to Whiskey

At Winchester & Rye, a family history and a passion for purposeful pairings come together Article by Emily McKeever When it comes to providing a tasteful experience tailored to whiskey lovers — and those who don’t know they’re whiskey lovers yet — the owners of Winchester & Rye in Victoria have their pairings down to a science.  The story of Winchester & Rye began with whiskey. And a family history steeped in it. “My great-grandparents made rye-and-corn whiskey during Prohibition, so when we...

Fitness

A Sweet Way to Connect

The Donuts in Victoria Chat Series brews up coffee, conversation, and community connections Article by Emily McKeever Connection, fun, and coffee and donuts? Where do we sign up? Paige Whalen, Communications Specialist for the City of Victoria, says what began as a simple monthly chat has become a vital way for the City and the community to build relationships and strengthen connections. Mirrored after programs like Donuts with Deputies, the Donuts in Victoria Chat Series offers residents...

Food + Beverage

Your Local Restaurant Roundup

From wood-fired pizza and BBQ to tacos, seafood, burgers, and more, discover some of our favorite local spots to pull up a chair Article and Photography by Waconia and the Victoria area know how to bring people to the table. Whether you’re craving a wood-fired pizza, a juicy burger, spicy tacos, sushi, or a leisurely dinner with friends, there’s no shortage of delicious options close to home. Here are some local favorites! Winchester & Rye Best known for its wood-fired pizzas and whiskey...

Home Services

More Than Heating & Cooling

How Waconia Comfort is helping students discover the skilled trades Article by Amanda Wagner Ask a room full of high school students what they plan to do after graduation, and many will answer with a college major or university name. But across Carver County, local businesses and educators are working together to remind students that there isn’t just one path to a successful career. Waconia Comfort is one of the local businesses helping open those doors. Through career fairs, classroom...

Life + Culture

Together, We Relay

Join the community for an evening of remembrance, celebration, and support in the fight against cancer Article by Emily McKeever Every year, communities worldwide gather to remember loved ones, honor survivors, and raise money to support research and advocacy efforts in the fight against cancer. On September 19, at 3:00 pm, Relay for Life Carver County is taking place at Waconia Lions Field, inviting people to come together in support, celebration, and hope for a future without cancer.   In...

Home + Design

Style From the Ground Up

The experts at Sage Flooring share how to choose flooring that fits your design style and lifestyle Article by Lauren Beaubaire Are you a shoes-on or shoes-off household? While most fall firmly in one camp or the other, it doesn’t change the fact that your floors are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home. Not only do they set the tone for every room, but they have to stand up to kids racing in with muddy boots, pets trying to bury treats in the living room carpet, spilled coffee...

Style + Beauty

Back to School, Back in Style

Our style experts share fall fashion trends, athleisure favorites, and tips for easing into a busy school year Article by Lutie Ronglien As families prepare for the return of school, many are refreshing more than just backpacks and schedules. Local business owners Eleece Pink of The Stash and Megan VanEyll of Shape It Up Fitness say this season is all about practical style, versatile pieces, and routines that support busy lifestyles.     Fall Fashion Gets a Refresh Eleece says one of the...

Sports + Recreation

Game On

Fall sports are back, bringing excitement to the fields and stands Article by Emily McKeever Get Fired Up Summer isn’t the only time of year when sports and activities heat up at Holy Family Catholic High School. The weather might cool off in the fall months, but the school's lineup of athletic programs is anything but. As you fill your fall calendar, be sure to save room to cheer on the Fire as they light up the season.  The varsity football season at Holy Family kicks off with an...