April 2021

“As parents, we can show our kids that creating nutritious and flavorful food to share is one way to express our love for each other.” -Elizabeth Lepage of The Up North Kitchen

Read the digital edition.

Boat reflected on lake water.

Reflections placed second in the Activities and Events category of our annual photo contest, Lens on Lake Minnetonka.

 
Soulaire Allerai, owner of Bad Rooster Food Truck

In 2020, a new face (read: rooster) strutted into the Lake Minnetonka culinary scene. A family-owned business, Bad Rooster food truck, set up shop on Minnetonka Mills Road and began traveling around the Twin Cities, bringing with it a variety of

 
There are 17 eggs in this photo — can you find them all?

Our Savior Lutheran Church and School’s 25th annual Easter egg hunt is going COVID-friendly with a drive-through event between 10 a.m.–1 p.m. April 3 at the church/school parking lot, 23290 Highway 7 in Excelsior.

 
Ava Tellier strikes an impressive pose.

Inspiring young ballet dancers to achieve excellence through their technique and love of the art, WestMet Classical Training in Long Lake provides preprofessional guidance to students interested in pursuing a serious career in concert dance.

 
Elizabeth Lepage with her two children

Elizabeth Lepage (née O’Connor) grew up in Minnetonka, where she credits her mother, Kathleen O’Connor, with having a natural ability to create and maintain beautiful gardens. “She taught me a lot about how to care for different plants an

 
Holding pieces of the puzzle

April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day. The entire month is known as National Autism Awareness month and works to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change, according to the Autism Society.

 
Dog playing in dog park

With many Minnesotans sticking closer to home during the pandemic, folks have been looking for inspired ways to use their newfound time. For some, that meant welcoming pets into their homes.

 
Scuba Diving to Clear Lake Weeds

Few of us like the creeping sensation of a surprise encounter with lake weeds while swimming. Tom Suerth, founder of Waterfront Restoration, knows this firsthand from growing up on Long Lake.

 
Historic home being moved to new location.

The past few years has seen an outcry from people wanting to preserve the historic nature of Excelsior’s built environment.  The pique of property rights versus protectionist efforts colided when Greg and Carrie Larson desired

 
Matthew Gaulke portrait of Prince

“I said now, overcast days never turned me on, But something about the clouds and her mixed.” –Prince, poet, musical genius and lover of Minneapolis

 
Classic Negroni Cocktail

The negroni is a classic cocktail that is easy to prepare, with relatively few ingredients. It’s a classic apéritif! 

 
Pet dog on a road trip.

Pet-friendly travel is on the rise, and, thankfully, it’s becoming easier and easier. While we have not flown with our dog, we did bring her on a 24-plus hour road trip. It’s very feasible with a little extra planning.

 
Dog waiting to play in a tidy home

Pets bring endless joy, comfort and love. I have two rescued greyhounds that are 11 years old and retired from racing. Taking my furry friends on daily walks keeps me active.