Issuu

J U LY 2 02 1

The Summer Issue

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sweet Summer Time JULY IS PRIME TIME FOR ALL OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES SUMMER HAS TO OFFER. From pool parties and backyard barbecues to baseball games and family vacations, this month reminds us to kick back and have some fun!

Dana Murphy | dana.murphy@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Randah O’Doherty

Our summer issue is full of ideas for taking advantage of all the exciting events happening in Lake Minnetonka this month. Fourth of July brings us plenty of star-spangled fun, from patriotic parades to awe-inspiring fireworks displays. We are reminded of the places to go and experience, and how fortunate we are to live by such a natural resource.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jen Larsen Fortner, Graham Johnson, Hannah Harms CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John, Willard Ward

On another exciting note, this issue welcomes a few new marketing partners: Create Home, Northern Drift, and Top Dog Country Club. This support continues to ensure our magazine’s growth and the stories we share. We take a look at the latest in home decor and where to find it. Also, learn to stay fit and strengthen your core on a paddleboard. We’ve also included some clever ways to keep cool—from refreshing ice pops to no-bake frozen treats. A great way to not overheat in the middle of a Minnesota summer. No matter what, we’re sure you’ll find something in this issue to get you in the mood for summer fun!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Dave Robertson, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN 4

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Minnetonka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 12 Beat the Summer Heat Cool off this season with chilling ice pops and no-bake sweet treats.

16 Creating Your Home The art of styling your home.

22 Beautiful Water Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal Opens Two New Locations Just in Time for Summer.

22 16

26 Explore National Parks 8 Top National Parks to Visit Now.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

12 DIY 26 Road Trip 30 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 Our Town

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GOOD TIMES

Fashion Week Minnesota: Sun50 Endless Summer Fashion Week Minnesota made an appearance in Excelsior as Ooh La La Boutique hosted one of the week's many fashion shows. Minnesota-based and eco-friendly clothing brand Sun50 was showcased on the runway along with eyewear from Huxley Optical. Sun50's line carries an array of vibrant and colorful garments that are not only fashion-forward but also have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+. The storefront, located in St. Paul, looks forward to bringing you your Lake Minnetonka wardrobe this summer!

TaVor Grand Opening Downtown Excelsior welcomed a new store on Water Street this spring: Ta-Vor. Founded by the owner of Ooh La La Boutique Connie Frederick, Ta-Vor celebrated its grand opening in May by inviting guests to enjoy music from a live DJ, drawings, giveaways, and, of course, shopping. Ta-Vor will carry lines like Good American and Free People as well as local designers. The new Lake Minnetonka staple has everything you need from swimwear to sweatshirts to stylish totes. From the looks of it, you won't want to skip this shop on your next Excelsior outing!

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

Miss Kasual Grand Re-Re-Opening Ladies Night Mound’s Miss Kasual celebrated its Grand Re-Re-Opening where owners Demetrous and Terry Few introduced their new store location on Cypress Lane. Guests were welcomed to enjoy refreshments, snacks, drawings, and giveaways while 10% of the proceeds were donated to a local family in need. Miss Kasual carries a variety of apparel and accessories including outerwear, dresses, shoes, men’s wear, and handmade items from Minnesota. Miss Kasual looks forward to serving the community at the new location!

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AROUND TOWN

MOUND FARMERS’ MARKET The Mound Farmers’ Market is here and will run

SHOULAK BREASTFEST: BATTLE OF THE BANDS

through October 9th. Stop by on Saturdays between

The Shoulak family is thrilled to host the first-

8:00 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. to check out locally grown

ever Battle of the Bands virtual competition leading

fresh produce, mushrooms, maple syrup, flowers,

up to BreastFest 2021. Musicians from all over the

baked goods, a variety of unique handmade prod-

country are welcome to participate for a chance to

ucts created by local artisans, and live music by

win a performance at BreastFest Virtual Festival

local talents. The market is an outdoor market and is

in September 2021. Shoulak BreastFest Music

located next to the Dakota Trail in downtown Mound.

Festivals is a local nonprofit organization seeking

WAYZATA FARMERS’ MARKET

to raise funds, awareness, support, and research for other local breast cancer charities in the Twin Cities

Held at 850 Lake Street North in Wayzata,

area through musical events and auctions! Bands

the Wayzata Farmers’ Market is happening and

of any size from anywhere in the country can enter.

will run through September 30th. It takes place

The winner will also receive a prize pack and have

every Thursday from 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. Stop

the ability to raise funds for an important cause.

by to check out fresh and local produce, plants,

Bands will submit videos until the end of June. A

baked goods, meats, cheese, art, and more! There

panel of musical judges will review the entries and

will also be live music by the local musicians

make their decision. The winner will be announced

Stringbeans Band!

in early August and then it’s off to the September

EXCELSIOR COMMONS PAVILION GRAND OPENING Fanfare for the Commons is a free concert event that will celebrate the Excelsior Pavilion’s Grand Opening and honor the 168-year legacy of the Excelsior Commons. The event will be held on

festival! Be sure to tune into the BreastFest live stream on Saturday, July 24th at 7 P.M. CT to watch contest submission highlights and kick off the public voting period. Voting will close at midnight on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

4TH OF JULY FIRECRACKER RUN

Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. There will be

Start your 4th of July with a bang by run-

a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick things off. It will

ning in the 44th annual Excelsior Firecracker

acknowledge Excelsior’s history - a celebration of a

Run! The 4th of July Excelsior Run is organized

new beginning and the recommitment, conserva-

through

tion, preservation, and restoration of The Excelsior

and the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber

Commons. The celebration will continue with

of Commerce. There are three race distances: 1

music starting at 6:00 P.M. and will feature musi-

mile, 5K, and 10K, touring the scenic terrain of his-

cians of the Minnesota Orchestra.

toric downtown Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka.

LAKE MINNETONKA 4TH OF JULY

Minnetonka

Community

Education

Registration is open and runners of all ages get a chance to take part in this great community event.

As always, our community will celebrate

The Firecracker Run raises money to support the

our Nation’s favorite holiday with a day full of

Excelsior Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce

activities! The 4th of July festivities will kick

July 4 Fireworks and kicks off a full day of festivities

off early in the day with the Firecracker Run at

in downtown Excelsior that includes a kid’s parade,

7:30 A.M. Then, decorate your children’s bikes,

sand sculpture contest, popsicle social, petting

scooters, or wagons with patriotic pride and

zoo and fireworks. Packet pick‐up starts at 6:15

come walk in the Water Street Kids’ Parade at

A.M. on Sunday, July 4th at Excelsior Elementary

11 A.M. The Kids Parade will begin at Kowalski’s

School with the race beginning at 7:30 A.M. Avoid

Market, head down Water Street, turn onto Lake

the crowds and take advantage of pre‐race packet

Street, and end at the Excelsior Commons. There

pick‐up on Saturday, July 3rd from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

will be popsicles and music at the finish line

at Excelsior Elementary School.

from 11:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. and then at 9:45 P.M., the night will finish off with the best fireworks on Lake Minnetonka!

EXCELSIOR CRAZY DAYS The most anticipated summer shopping event of the year is back and this year there will be more

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

music, food, and fun festivities than ever before! Crazy Days will begin on Thursday, July 22nd, and will run through Sunday, July 25th in downtown Excelsior. There will be a wide variety of sidewalk tent sales, food vendors, and a Kid’s Corner with plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Excelsior businesses who want to participate can sign up through the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber website. Please note that participants must have a brick-and-mortar business in downtown Excelsior in order to participate

DONATIONS YOGA IN THE EXCELSIOR COMMONS Practice yoga in the Excelsior Commons

this

summer

with

Donations Yoga - Excelsior! The yoga sessions take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 A.M. until 9:30 A.M. and will run through August 31st. Bring your mat (or beach towel) and a water bottle and meet your

We are proud to be a part of the Lake Minnetonka Community.

fellow yogis by the bandshell to practice yoga for an hour. The suggested donation is $10 and half of the proceeds raised will go to Community for the Commons. Everyone is wel-

We live here. We work here. We play here. We are invested.

come regardless of experience or ability to pay!

GOOD TIMES Good Times is a great place to show off your accomplishments and fun around town! We want to see what

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you’re up to. Whether it’s a charity event or party, we want to see how it went! The community is a major part of the Lake Minnetonka area and we want to celebrate that. Show everyone in the community the happenings around the lake. Send your photos to Dana.Murphy@lifestylepubs.com.

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DIY

COOL OFF THIS SEASON WITH CHILLING ICE POPS, NO-BAKE SWEET TREATS + HOW TO USE HEALING ALOE

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

beat the summer heat

AS THE WEATHER STARTS HEATING UP, WE’RE ALL ABOUT COOLING DOWN. And what’s more refreshing than ice pops filled with your favorite fresh fruit? Don’t get in a rut—here are some options that you can enjoy all summer long. Don’t be afraid to try your own! Simply freeze your favorite fruit juice and chunks of fruit in popsicle molds and enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.

frozen fruit pops P E AC H Y K E E N .

S T R AW - B R R -Y.

H 2 0 M E LO N .

+ Combine simply peach juice

+ Puree strawberries with your

+ Combine watermelon,

and sliced peaches

favorite fruit juice

cucumber and lime

TEA TIME: Change it up by

LIME IT UP: Combine pureed

HYDRATION STATION:

using sweet tea and peach juice

strawberries with homemade

Did you know watermelon

as your base and some ginger

limeade (water, limes + simple

and cucumber are two of

ale for a little fizz or add some

syrup) for a frozen twist on a

the most hydrating fruits +

lemonade for a tart twist!

summer classic.

veggies? Load it up!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

DIY (CONTINUED)

F R E S H E N U P.

awesome aloe

Put your plants to use by harvesting aloe gel from the leaves of your window plant rather than opting for store-bought.

TIP ONE.

There’s some yellow sap that will come out of the leaves— this is the aloe vera latex. Go ahead and just dispose of it.

Choose thick, healthy leaves from the

T I P T W O.

outside, trim the edges with a knife, then

Store your fresh aloe longer by transferring the gel to ice

separate the interior gel from the

cube trays. Then use the frozen cubes anytime on sunburns

exterior of the leaf.

or dry skin.

no-bake icebox cake

INGREDIENTS

+ 3 cups heavy cream, cold + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp. vanilla extract + Chocolate ice cream + Cookie crumbles, pre-made cake, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers and anything else you want to layer your cake with

1. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form in the mixture. 2. Start with a thin layer of whipped cream on the bottom of a springform pan (determine the size by how large or small you want your icebox cake to be). Then top with an even layer of chocolate (or your favorite kind of ice cream). 3. For the next layer, top with an even layer of cookie crumbles, cake crumbles, chocolate candies, crushed graham crackers or anything else you want to layer your cake with. 4. Continue with layers of whipped cream, ice cream and toppings until you have reached the top of your pan. 5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, top with more cookie crumbles or chocolate sauce, slice and enjoy!

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

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THE ART OF STYLING YOUR HOME.

YOUR HOME SANDRA MAHONEY STARTED CREATE HOME AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE AS BOTH A REALTOR AND INTERIOR DESIGNER, RESPECTIVELY.

During that period, Mahoney

moved three times in three years and traveled consistently, often spending nights in hotels and corporate apartments. “Home

ARTICLE GRAHAM JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY JOHN

CRE AT ING

became increasingly important to me because I was never there,” she shares. Since then, with Create Home, Mahoney has been working to help create homes for her clients. “There are many approaches to home styling,” says Sandra Mahoney, the founder of Create Home. “High concepts of space planning, color pallets, and flow can clash with customer preferences, but they don’t have to. The difference between staging a model and a home is the client.” What makes a home then isn’t meticulously designed spaces nor the client’s preferences, but a combination of both. And that is where interior designers like Mahoney come in; to help bridge the gap. Here are three of her top tips in doing so.

FAVO R I T E S

C O L L A B O R AT I O N

At the heart of clients’ preferences is filling their homes with their

More than knowledge of home decoration, architecture,

favorite things. “Some people don’t recognize their own favorites,”

and style, a big part of an interior designer is simply pushing

shares Mahoney. "People know what they like generally but can

people out of their comfort zones. "Stylists get people to think

struggle to pull those things into their home." She touches on a story

about something they haven’t thought about before,” says

of a client who said he was not interested in the design of his home

Mahoney. "Crafting ideas between the expertise of the designer

and was looking for something different. “He kept coming back to

and preferences of the client produce better ideas than any sin-

this big picture of Tibetan monks,” Mahoney explains. "I knew he had

gle party could come up with on their own."

to get the picture because he obviously loved it, and eventually he did. We have a job to find what favorites work."

S T Y L I N G Mahoney laughs when I press her about styling. “I mean we don’t cut our own hair,” she smiles. Her point here is that home stylists, like hair stylists, have a specific area of expertise. They enhance the function of space, solve challenges, and have a wealth of experience to draw from. They know how to build rooms around clients’ preferences, while still creating an aesthetic space. 16

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

COMFORT CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

CREATING YOUR HOME (CONTINUED)

HOW TO

PULL IT

TOGETHER

Create Home was created from the idea of a Design Concierge. After working in both interior design and realty, Mahoney wanted Create Home to be the convergence of those worlds. Mahoney is frequently sought out by clients and followers for her artful, eclectic design and keen ability to curate home collections. While the focus has always been on interior design, Mahoney still works to find the right architect, remodelers, and home builders for her clients. “We get the opportunities of working in real estate, but that’s not the business at all,” says Mahoney. She and her partner Jason Bliss recently opened a showroom for Create Home in downtown Excelsior. There Mahoney showcases furniture, lighting, and art.

Eclectic mix of furniture and home goods

Curated collection of art and photography

Home styling and interior design services

Building and remodeling showroom

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

PRO TIP: "WHEN USING A NEUTRAL PALLET, COMBINE CONTRAST AND TEXTURE TO CREATE A SOFTER LOOK THAT FEELS LIKE HOME."

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

CREATING YOUR HOME (CONTINUED)

PRO TIP: “WEAVING SOME OF EVERYONE’S FAVORITE THINGS INTO EACH ROOM CREATES A CONNECTION TO THE SPACE AND YOUR HOME.”

An important aspect of designing a home for the whole family is getting input from everyone: “If each person is involved, even in a small way, it creates a different connection to your home,” says Mahoney. There are a lot of ways to involve every member of the family, from letting them add to specific rooms to simply including some of their favorites around the house. “We’ve had kids come paint part of the walls in their room with their favorite color to let them feel like they're part of the process,” says Mahoney. However, she ensures that everything looks perfect in the end. “Don’t worry, we always fix it up."

HOME

IS ABOUT

FA M I LY

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

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Beautiful Water

WAI NANI SURF PADDLE & PEDAL OPENS TWO NEW LOCATIONS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER

ARTICLE HANNAH HARMS PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY JOHN

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

"Wai Nani means 'beautiful water' in Polynesian, and Lake Minnetonka is a Sioux word that means 'big water', so it is our job to help people wander the big, beautiful waters of Lake Minnetonka."

NEARLY

THREE

SUMMERS

AGO,

ANDREW MULLIN TOOK OVER OWN-

Clinic, SUP Sculpt, SUP Yoga and Paddle, Yoga Flow, or customized private class.

ERSHIP OF WAI NANI SURF, PADDLE &

“Wai Nani means ‘beautiful water’ in

PEDAL IN WAYZATA. The company was

Polynesian, and Lake Minnetonka is a

originally created 11 years ago under the

Sioux word that means ‘big water’, so it is our

ownership of Holly Evans, however, when

job to help people wander the big, beautiful

she moved to California, Mullin was asked

waters of Lake Minnetonka,” Mullin explains.

to take over the ownership. “My daughter

Kelsey Thompson is the lead SUP Yoga

begged me to take over this business; I knew

and Fitness instructor for the company.

it was a great way to stay active and to be a

Thompson first visited Wai Nani Surf

part of the community,” he shares.

Paddle & Pedal in 2019 when she was

Mullin has lived near Lake Minnetonka

leading a group of individuals on paddle-

for nearly 27 years with his wife and two

boards in her own private LLC. A year later,

children. He has been a member of the

Thompson joined the Wai Nani family to

Wayzata City Council for eight years, leads

create her own yoga, fitness, and custom

marketing at GEOSYS full-time, and runs

classes for the public.

Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal for 90 days out of the year. The business also recently announced that they have opened two new locations:

“My favorite part about Wai Nani is being able to get out onto the water, connect with the elements, and create a community while having fun on the water,” she shares.

Long Lake and Excelsior. “We are really

Lake Minnetonka is known to be a large

excited to expand from one location on Lake

community within itself. Each summer, individ-

Minnetonka to two. I look forward to offering

uals will drive in from different states to experi-

more classes and more variety of classes to

ence the lake for the summer. One aspect Wai

our customers,” says Mullin.

Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal prides themselves

Wai Nani Surf Paddle & Pedal is currently

on is working with other local businesses, and

a family-owned business that offers paddle-

offering brand new equipment each season.

boards, kayaks, bikes, and e-bikes for cus-

“Every single year we have brand new equip-

tomers to rent, in addition to merchandise.

ment. People often come to Wai Nani because

The business also allows the public to take a

they know we offer top-quality equipment that

diversity of lessons including SUP Beginner

is brand new every season,” says Mullin. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

BEAUTIFUL WATER (CONTINUED) If you want to rent some boards or join a class this summer, Wai Nani highly encourages visiting their website to book online a few days prior to the day you are planning to come because classes book up quickly. They have an easy sign-up process where you can choose the location and date you want to book and can sign the waivers and pay online. Currently, Wayzata is the only location where classes are being held, however, continue to check online to find updates. Thompson is eager to share the passion she and Mullin have for their business. “I am hopeful that in the future we will be able to expand Wai Nani further. I would love to get more people onto the water and see if they can reframe their idea of what fitness is. There is nothing better than being able to connect with the stillness of Lake Minnetonka at an 8 A.M. yoga class.”.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

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ROAD TRIP

Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 8 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE UNITED STATES’ NATIONAL PARKS, WHICH ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR NATURAL WONDERS

AND

UNMATCHED

BEAUTY,

ENCOMPASS LANDS THAT HELPED SHAPE THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY AND HOLD CULTURAL VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE. The national parks invite us to stretch our imaginations—and our legs—and explore the great outdoors. This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes eight of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Rocky Mountain National Park includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, riding horses and bikes and enjoying the spectacular views. Wintertime brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Watching wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose and mule deer, is a popular activity as well.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park boasts giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more. The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Wapama Falls.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

3. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres include colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. It is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth. The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives at Yellowstone, as well as elk, wolves and grizzly bears.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. With its fascinating landscape composed of hoodoos, horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters and whimsical limestone rock formations, a visit to Bryce Canyon is often likened to a visit to another planet. This stunning landscape, formed by wind, water and snow, draws hikers, rock climbers, photographers, stargazers and cross-country skiers.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and the United States and is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Visitors will find more than 700 glacial lakes and many hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Going-to-the-Sun Road, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country, is a paved, two-lane highway that divides the park into east and west regions.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

ZION NATIONAL PARK Zion National Park’s colorful sandstone cliffs, lush plateaus covered in pine and junipers, narrow canyons, the Virgin River, plus seeps, springs and waterfalls are just some of the scenic wonders here. One of Zion’s most popular hikes is known as the Narrows, the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. Other popular attractions include the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, Observation Point and Canyon Overlook Trail.

7. GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and towers above the Jackson Hole Valley. The Teton Mountains, the youngest in the Rockies, are reflected majestically on the surfaces of six pristine lakes and the Snake River. Experienced climbers can summit the 13,770foot Grand Teton, and long-distance hikers can take the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop for impressive views of the mountain.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK This UNESCO World Heritage Site is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. The South Rim is home to Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail. The West Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the edge of a cliff. The North Rim is the most remote access point, allowing visitors to experience the park firsthand through intense hiking and backpacking and thrilling river rafting.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to start planning your next adventure. Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored! 28

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

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MissKasual.com | 612.601.7995 | 2340 Cypress Ln, Mound, MN 55364

Rent for 2 hours and only pay for 1. Book online with code BOOM 8 7 7 - 9 2 4 - 6 2 6 4 • W W W . W A I N A N I S U P. C O M 2 5 0 G R O V E L A N E E A S T, WAY Z ATA , M I N N E S O TA 5 5 3 9 1 CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

1 WAYZATA FARMERS' MARKET Wayzata

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Wayzata Farmers' Market - 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M.

3 MOUND FARMERS' MARKET Mound

Mound Farmers' Market - 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

4 INDEPENDENCE DAY Lake Minnetonka

Independence Day

4 EXCELSIOR FIRECRACKER RUN Excelsior

Start your 4th of July with a bang by running in the 44th annual Excelsior Firecracker Run! There are three race distances:1 mile, 5K, and 10K. Packet pick‐up starts at 6:15 A.M. on Sunday, July 4th at Excelsior Elementary School with the race beginning at 7:30 A.M. Avoid the crowds and take advantage of pre‐race packet pick‐up on Saturday, July 3rd from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. at Excelsior Elementary School.

8 WAYZATA FARMERS' MARKET Wayzata

Wayzata Farmers' Market - 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

10 MOUND FARMERS' MARKET Mound

Mound Farmers' Market - 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

15 WAYZATA FARMERS' MARKET Wayzata

Wayzata Farmers' Market - 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M.

17 MOUND FARMERS' MARKET Mound

Mound Farmers' Market - 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

22 WAYZATA FARMERS' MARKET Wayzata

Wayzata Farmers' Market - 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M.

When you choose ADŌR, you can expect unsurpassed craftsmanship and integrity through every step of our process.

EXCELSIOR CRAZY DAYS

We’re honored to build each home like it’s our own.

Excelsior

Crazy Days will begin on Thursday, July 22nd, and will run through Sunday, July 25th in downtown Excelsior. There will be a wide variety of sidewalk tent sales, food vendors, and a Kid's Corner with plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy.

23 EXCELSIOR CRAZY DAYS Excelsior

Crazy Days will begin on Thursday, July 22nd, and will run through Sunday, July 25th in downtown Excelsior. There will be a wide variety of sidewalk tent sales, food vendors,

612.590.8099 | Ador-Homes.com | LIC #761771

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR and a Kid's Corner with plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy.

24 MOUND FARMERS' MARKET Mound

Mound Farmers' Market - 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

24 EXCELSIOR CRAZY DAYS Excelsior

25 EXCELSIOR CRAZY DAYS Excelsior

NOURISH. CORRECT. PROTECT.

Crazy Days will begin on Thursday, July 22nd, and will run through Sunday, July 25th in downtown Excelsior. There will be a wide variety of sidewalk tent sales, food

Summer is a great time to reassess and augment your home skincare regime

Throughout July, purchase $125+ in skincare product and receive a complimentary sunscreen and cosmetic bag ($43+ value)* *One per client while supplies last

Download our app available on the

vendors, and a Kid's Corner with plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy.

29 WAYZATA FARMERS' MARKET Wayzata

Wayzata Farmers' Market - 1:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M.

31 (952) 388-3113 | INFO@LIVEVIVELY.COM www.livevively.com 1133 WAYZATA BLVD. E, WAYZATA, MN 55391 VIVELYBODYSCIENCE

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

MOUND FARMERS' MARKET Mound

Mound Farmers' Market - 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

REALTY REPORT LAKE MINNETONKA

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS BATHS

1280 Bracketts Point Rd

$6,250,000.00

$5,995,000.00

96%

2315 Huntington Point Rd E

$4,995,000.00

$4,850,000.00

97%

2118 Shadywood Rd

$3,800,000.00

$3,750,000.00

99%

1880 Fox St

$2,900,000.00

$2,558,600.00

88%

2523 Kelly Ave

$2,300,000.00

$2,150,000.00

93%

216

1331 North Arm Dr

$2,050,000.00

$2,035,000.00

99%

644 Indian Mound St

$1,799,900.00

$1,675,000.00

93%

2914 Casco Point Rd

$1,550,000.00

$1,650,000.00

106%

3400 Kings Point Rd

$1,745,000.00

$1,625,000.00

93%

126

875 Lake Street N #304

$1,500,000.00

$1,625,000.00

108%

21080 Excelsior Blvd

$1,199,000.00

$1,100,000.00

92%

Information obtained through Heartland Multiple Listing Service 1-1-21 to 3-31-21. List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

It's a Perfect Time to

Sell Your Home! “Whether you’re buying or selling... with experience comes success”

MEREDITH HOWELL |

REALTOR®

MHOWELL@CBURNETT.COM | C: 612-940-4566 | O: 952-476-3692

MER ED ITH H OWELL .COM CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

OUR TOWN WELCOMING ANOTHER SUMMER ON OUR FAVORITE LAKE.

ARTICLE JEN LARSEN FORTNER

SUMMER IS HERE, J U S T A D D WAT E R YEARS AGO OUR FAMILY HAD A DARLING YOUNG BABYSITTER WHO TOLD ME SHE NEVER REALIZED HOW FORTUNATE SHE WAS TO LIVE NEAR LAKE MINNETONKA UNTIL SHE WENT TO COLLEGE WITH A BUNCH OF KIDS WHO GREW UP ELSEWHERE. As they discussed summer plans and she described bike rides and beach days and sailing islands, a friend stared at her bewildered. So our sitter asked her friend what she did in the summers at home and her friend replied, “Fight with my high school classmates over the one good gas station job.” Lake Minnetonka summers are straight from a Rockwellian painting if only Rockwell had painted idyllic scenes with more boats. Long,

race aboard an X-Boat in perfect wind. A languid afternoon

lazy days for children spent swimming in the lake,

spent in a hammock with a good book and a lake view. A pickle

inevitably running into friends. Walking through

ball game on courts surrounded by verdant green. A late-night

Excelsior and getting into the queue for an ice

swim in a quiet bay. An early morning stand-up paddleboard

cream cone, a frozen custard, an iced coffee.

when the water is glass. All this. Right here. All summer long.

A concert in the Commons stretched out on a

If reincarnation exists, I’d quite enjoy returning as my own chil-

blanket on the lawn listening to jazz and watch-

dren (aside from having a neurotic mother) because lake life is all

ing fireflies overhead. An art fair with a friend to

they’ve ever known. When they make plans to go swimming and

choose a spectacular something we didn’t even

have to decide which beach, these are the best problems to have.

know we needed. The Wayzata Boardwalk to eat

They can’t comprehend their good fortune quite yet. They likely

al fresco and sip a craft cocktail while watching

won’t understand until they are in college or a city apartment or a

a cotton candy sunset from a patio with a front-

state that can boast only 3,000 lakes.

row view. A summer drive with the convertible

We have finally arrived at the much anticipated season of long

top down. A bike ride to a farmers’ market for

luxurious days and long luxurious weekends. Now it’s a matter

tomatoes that taste like tomatoes. A boat cruise

of choosing what we do with them. Let’s take our cue from the

or two or twenty to feel the sun on our faces and

young ones. Let’s all get outside near the water with our favorite

drink in the fresh air. Fourth of July gatherings in

people and stay just a little bit longer than we planned. Because

our quaint downtowns for fun runs and parades

the only weakness of lake life summer is they are over far too

and carnival games. Dropping a line off a dock

quickly. Like the humble garden tomato: perfect in its simplicity

to catch a prized largemouth bass. A round of

but only available for a very short time.

golf on a sunny day with light wind. A sailing

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | July 2021

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