February 2023

This month escorts in our travel and fashion issue. As we well know, sometimes local travel brings us outdoors and into the warm depths of layered outerwear. Discover in our pages some icy and chilly spots to celebrate winter.

Read the digital edition.

Lake Minnetonka Magazine February 2023

I have a confession to make. And I’m thinking most of you reading this share my affliction—if we want to call it that. I over pack. A lot. It’s a real problem.

 
Cocoa powder.

While studying abroad in Venezuela, I, along with other students, would take overnight buses to the coast. It was there where I discovered cacao trees, which give us chocolate and is found growing as an understory tree.

 
Young boy walking a dog in winter.

Some dog jackets parallel the best haute couture has to offer. Are they being worn for fashion or function?

 
Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate gets a lot of attention this month because of Valentine’s Day. While real dark chocolate does provide some nutritional value, most of the chocolate from the stores is loaded with sugar and some not-so-great ingredients.

 
In A New York Minute book cover.

This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a romantic read in the spirit of all the best New York rom-coms, check out In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer.

 
Lone Lake Park Farmhouse

Discover the Beginning of Lone Lake Park

 
Airø Skincare

Getting to the Root of Skincare. Minnetonka native develops travel skincare line.

 
Woman working on devices while traveling.

Safety First: How to Smart Travel. Mind your cyber business.

 
Valentine's Day chocolates by Truffle Hill Chocolates.

Love at First Bite. Chocolate shop heads to downtown Excelsior.

 
Dried flower arrangement.

A Fresh Take On Valentine’s Day Gifts. Flower farm offers a new twist on the tried-and-true V-Day bouquet.

 
Mavrik Joos posing with his truck.

Local Maverick Chases His Wanderlust. Wayzata graduate charts his own course.

 
Packing a suitcase with clothes and shoes.

Pack your bags. Travel is back in a big way in 2023. Whether you’re jumping on the ecotourism trend or planning to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, a great big trip doesn’t have to mean a great big, bulky bag to carry those Instagram-worthy outfits.

 
Aletta Schaefer frosting cupcakes.

Aletta Schaefer has been dreaming up recipes since she was only 3 years old. Growing up in Dayton, Minnesota, her mother ran a daycare business out of their home. Oftentimes, Schaefer could be found eagerly whipping up baked goods for all the kids.

 
'Siblings' by Sarah Happe

Lens on Lake Minnetonka: Siblings. Photogenic felines capture second place.