December 2019

Whether you’re gathering for coffee, celebrating a folk tradition, making Christmas bright for local seniors or sharing an intimate dinner, December is about focusing on friends and family.

The skyline of Yokohama, Japan.

When it comes to family vacations, the paths not typically taken can lead to the most interesting and fulfilling excursions.

 
A girl looks out a plane window on a family vacation.

Traveling with kids doesn’t need to be a crying game.

 
A woman and her dog walk through snowy woods near Lake Minnetonka

Emily Joslin's "A Snowy Day" took second place in the People & Families category of our 2018 Lens on Lake Minnetonka contest.

 
Erik Skaar, the chef behind Vann restaurant in Spring Park.

New restaurant Vann brings water and its relationship to food front and center.

 
Kids meet the Excelsior Fire District mascot Sparky at a free family movie event.

Every December, the ever-giving Excelsior Fire District finds one more way to engage with the community at its annual free kids’ movie event.

 
MyBurger

Minneapolis-based MyBurger launched in 2004, focusing on made-to-order burgers.

 
A red couch at The Freight Room, the music venue connected to The Depot Coffee House

Over the past year, the 150-person music venue, now called the Freight Room, has undergone a rebranding.

 
A member of the American Swedish Institute's St. Lucia concert cast.

December is a busy time at the American Swedish Institute. Celebrate the winter season at their upcoming events.

 
A performer in the American Swedish Institute's St. Lucia concert holds a candle crown

See how the Twin Cities community celebrates this Swedish folk holiday.

 
Minnetonka filmmaker Chris Newberry sits down with Jerry and Patty Wetterling while filming a documentary about their son, Jacob Wetterling

Minnetonka filmmaker Chris Newberry has worked closely with Jacob Wetterling's family to ensure his documentary is truthful, comprehensive and ultimately hopeful.

 
The living room of a remodeled condo at Wayzata's Landing.

A turn-key condo at Wayzata’s Landing gives one couple a spot to land near the lake.

 
Excelsior's Trinity Episcopal Church chapel circa 1920.

Trinity Episcopal Church has a complicated and dramatic history.

 
Toni Plante, Cathy Rude and Robin Livingston-Richter

Mental Health Navigators are an important support network for parents of children in crisis.

 
Someone hands a senior a gift from the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

Over the course of a month, Be A Santa To A Senior collects donated gifts and provides them to those who might not have close family, are on a fixed income, or both.

 
Penny's Coffee CEO Foley Schmidt and director of business development Jay Phillips

After opening two successful locations in Minneapolis, Penny’s Coffee had plenty of options to choose from when considering its third. But for CEO Foley Schmidt and director of business development Jay Phillips, the choice was clear

 
"Never Have I Ever" by Joshilyn Jackson

Joshilyn Jackson's "Never Have I Ever" will keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats until the last page.

 
In this historical photo, a group of ice boats sail on Lake Minnetonka.

Ice boating came to Lake Minnetonka in the 1880s, and is still popular to this day.

 
Sun peeks through the snowy trees on a winter morning.

Writer Anne Marie Ruff Grewal reflects on the daily brilliance of winter.

 
Two men decorate a Christmas tree

Local media maven Natalie Webster gives us permission to forget the calendar.

 
A variety of great sparkling wines for the holidays

Local liquor expert Kevin Castellano recommends some great sparkling wines.

 
Excelsior Mayor Todd Carlson

A lightning round of questions with Excelsior mayor Todd Carlson.

 
Christmas trees on a Christmas tree farm

The University of Minnesota Extension’s horticulture experts offer a few tips for picking the perfect Christmas tree this year.