I Am Lake Minnetonka: Excelsior Native Kate Raddatz

What was your favorite part of growing up in Excelsior?My younger sister and I walked to Licks nearly every day. I always ordered the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and I still do. What’s your favorite childhood memory? My dad and I loved to play catch in front of the bandshell at Excelsior Commons Park. We also watched my younger sister play softball at the same park. What did you miss most about Excelsior when you worked as a reporter in Green Bay? Once people move to Excelsior, they rarely move away. It’s a well-kept secret. What was similar, however, is that like Excelsior, Green Bay was very proud of their town and its history. What’s your favorite fall activity?Going for a bike ride and watching the sunset in any of the surrounding parks. Your Twitter bio reads “bribed by doughnuts.” Where’s the best place to grab doughnuts in the lake area?One of the first food stories I reported on in college was YoYo Donuts in Minnetonka. I’m a huge fan of the owner. They brought donuts to the station recently for donut day because they remembered me.How about shopping? Where do you go for the best deals? The main [Excelsior] drag is full of so many boutiques. You can always find some of the best jewelry there, especially at Ooh La La. Where do you go to unwind in Excelsior?I’m known for hanging out at Dunn Bros. And on weekends, I sleep in as late as possible and take a run around the bays.What makes Excelsior a great place to call home?I’m so proud to be part of a community that is so beautiful and historic because I don’t think we have many of those communities left. The leaders have really done a great job, and I think the people here are incredible.