Minneapolis Lakes, MN April 2026

INVEST IN TRAVEL, PERSONALIZED HOMES AND COMMUNITY HISTORY.

BORN IN BRITAIN. BUILT FOR THE BOLD.

THE GRENADIER IS REDEFINING RUGGED.

Luther INEOS Grenadier is the only certi ed dealer serving the 5 state area. Whether you're blazing trails in the Great Outdoors or cruising through the Twin Cities, the Grenadier is your go-anywhere, do-anything companion.

Make your way to Luther INEOS Grenadier at 1820 Quentin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 to check it out.

Now Is the Time to Invest

In our bustling lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple, yet profound impact of investing. There can be powerful returns from investing time, talent, and resources here in our own backyard and beyond.  While financial investments are often at the forefront of our minds, it’s important to consider investments in people, travel, health and happiness. April is our investment issue, and hopefully these pages will spark some new ideas or rekindle some old.

Shopping at small businesses is a wonderful way to invest locally. These enterprises are the backbone of our communities, offering personalized services and unique products that reflect the character of our neighborhoods.

Volunteering is oftentimes a cornerstone of community investment. By offering skills or a helping hand, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Whether you're mentoring young minds or participating in community clean-ups, your involvement matters.

Dining out at neighborhood establishments not only satisfies your culinary cravings, but also supports the dreams and passions of local restaurateurs. Each meal enjoyed at a family-owned café or restaurant, breathes life into the local economy.

Assisting neighbors with sharing a meal, running errands, or simply checking in, fosters a supportive environment where everyone thrives, and people can feel valued and connected.

This month we touch upon investing back into your home. Michael Anschel of OA Design + Build shares insight on how to make your home work for you, and estimated costs when considering a project.

NARI of Minnesota will host their annual MSP Home Tour where people can tour remodeled projects in the Twin Cities.

If travel is in your future, there is a fun piece on the special destination of Santorini, Greece which includes a few tips on what to do and where to dine.

Finally, we’ve included some morning habits to invest in that may make your life a bit better and items to think about planting for a practical kitchen garden.

Since investing can look different from person to person in this journey of life, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.

Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns,

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Sophie Brock, Sarah Knieff, Courtney Reed, Laura Sanchezquan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexandra Patty

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn

ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES

Elevate Your Health: Discover the Life-Changing Benefits of YogaFit

YogaFit Studios makes fitness and wellness fun and accessible for everyone. Their classes blend strength, balance, flexibility, and mindfulness through yoga-based movement that benefits both body and mind. Participants of all levels can improve flexibility, tone muscles, and reduce stress while enjoying a supportive community and diverse class options. Whether you’re building strength or seeking peace of mind, YogaFit offers a healthy lifestyle choice that boosts overall well-being. 4507 France Ave S.,Minneapolis. yogafitstudios.com

Grow Your Mind: The Value of Investing in Great Books

Investing in books from Magers & Quinn Booksellers is a smart, healthy choice for life. As a beloved independent bookstore offering new, used, and hard-to-find titles, reading sparks imagination, strengthens knowledge, and builds empathy. Great books enrich your mind, offer lifelong learning, and create mean ingful personal and community con nections. Whether you’re exploring fiction, history, or ideas, quality books are a lasting investment in your well-being and growth. 3038 Hennepin Ave. magersandquinn.com

Fuel Your Wellness with Fresh, Organic Eats at French Meadow Café

Enjoy wholesome dining that supports a healthy lifestyle at French Meadow Café. As a pioneer in organic, farm-to-table cuisine since 1985, they serve fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients with options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivore diets. From house-baked artisan breads and hearty salads to seasonal chef specials and mindful menu choices, French Meadow makes eating well delicious and satisfying for body and mind. 2610 Lyndale Ave S. frenchmeadowcafe.com

MAKE YOUR HOUSE WORK FOR YOU

GET ACCURATE ESTIMATES TO REMODEL YOUR HOME AND STAY WHERE YOU LOVE

People have many reasons for renovating a home. It may be that they just purchased a fixer-upper, need more square footage due to the birth of children, or desire a downstairs primary bedroom later in life.

ARTICLE

BY

SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY OA

Renovations may range from redoing a small bathroom or remodeling a kitchen to adding an entire floor or wing. Whatever the reason, homeowners want the job done right with a company they can trust to deliver quality work and accurate estimates.

“People will often price out the cost of the big materials, but they forget about lots of other things,” says Michael Anschel, the founder and owner of OA Design+build+architecture. And all of those other things can add up quickly.

“There are all of the in-between hardware costs (wire, pipe, fasteners, connections), the labor to put them all together, and the labor to acquire all of the parts,” he says. “Then, there are the tools needed to connect the parts or install the object, the disposables (blades, bits, tape, floor protection, rags, glue, etc.), and the maintenance of the tools.”

Other costs include the vehicles and related costs, the time to travel to and from a job, and the time to set up (haul the tools in from the vehicle). These are only the tip of the iceberg.

These are costs people need to consider when requesting an estimate. One of the most frustrating things for a homeowner is having to increase their budget again and again.

“The biggest way to avoid cost overruns and surprises is to go through a thorough design process,” says Michael. “If you don't have full drawings and specifications, contractors are just guessing, and the cost will change either just before construction or during construction. So pay to have this done, and then send it out for a quote, and you can get accurate pricing for the project.”

One thing that OA does to stand out in the industry is to be fully transparent in its pricing. “We let our clients see all of the actual costs from the lumber yard, from the trade partners, from everyone and everything.” None of these are marked up for a profit.

The client can see everything that goes into the project, as well as what OA hopes to make on it. “This is actually a lot less than they think,” he says. “On a $100,000 project that spans 8-10 weeks, we might be hoping to make an $18,000 profit, which doesn't sound wildly unreasonable.” By being transparent, if the client wishes to reduce the cost, they may then choose more affordable materials or to alter the scope.

Of course, just like in other industries, prices have increased significantly. “Over the last 12 years, we have seen an explosion in cost for several reasons. We have a huge labor shortage in the trades, and so they demand significantly higher wages. Steel and drywall went up about 600%, and we also saw lumber prices spike.”

Due to these higher costs, some homeowners are scaling down on which rooms to renovate. Michael advises choosing the room that's not working for you rather than basing it on return on investment.

“Many people look at their homes as a commodity, when they should be looking at them as something that meets their needs and lifestyle. One of the things that I really love about the Twin Cities is how our clients love their community. They love their neighborhoods and want their house to be a space they enjoy being in.”

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Even if a home needs a complete overhaul, it’s often cheaper than building new.

“Up until around $950,000, remodeling is probably the way to go,” he says. “We have a house that is in a great location but is too small and was remodeled previously on the cheap. We’re going to gut the inside, and put on a two-story addition.  It'll basically be a brand-new energy efficient house with beautiful locally made cabinetry and healthy finishes.. To build that house from scratch, if we took the extra step to tear it down and frame it all up, it would easily be $1.5 million.”

To learn more and find out how you can make your house work for you, visit OADesignBuild.com or call (612) 789-7070.

celebrating homes, history, and community

This spring, homeowners, design enthusiasts, and curious neighbors will once again step inside some of the Twin Cities’ most inspiring renovations as the MSP Home Tour returns May 2–3, 2026. The free, self-guided event invites visitors to explore remodeled homes across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding suburbs, offering a rare look at how residents are reimagining spaces of every age, size, and budget.

Now in its 37th year, the tour continues its tradition of showcasing real homes lived in by real people — not staged showpieces. From modest kitchen updates to ambitious wholehouse transformations, the event highlights practical inspiration alongside creative design. Sustainability improvements, accessibility features, and historically sensitive restorations remain central themes, reflecting the evolving priorities of homeowners across the metro.

According to Beatrice Owen, executive director of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry – Minnesota Chapter, one of the most exciting aspects of this year’s tour is the strong representation of older homes. With deferred maintenance becoming a growing concern nationwide, she says it’s encouraging to see homeowners investing in the long-term care of their properties, whether they’re historic or just full of history.

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

“These older homes tell a story,” Owen notes. “When people maintain and update them thoughtfully, it helps other homeowners imagine what’s possible in their own spaces.”

Another notable focus for 2026 is the celebration of neighborhoods themselves. In recent months, Owen says, the Twin Cities have seen powerful examples of neighbors supporting one another — something organizers wanted to reflect in the tour’s messaging. By inviting visitors into lived-in homes, the event emphasizes not just architecture, but the communities that surround and support it.

“We want people to come out, see these homes, and celebrate the neighbors,” Owen explains. “Community is one of Minnesota’s defining strengths, and this tour shows how that spirit lives inside our homes as much as outside them.”

Perhaps the biggest development this year, however, is the launch of City Stories, a new ten-day initiative designed to broaden how residents and visitors engage with the region’s built environment. Led in partnership with Rethos: Places Reimagined, the program positions the MSP Home Tour as the “home opener” of a larger celebration of architecture, design, and cultural heritage.

The festival will culminate with Doors Open Minneapolis the following weekend, while the days in between will feature walking tours, expert talks, and explorations of how the Twin Cities’ landscape developed over time. One planned presentation will examine the role of the Mississippi River in shaping settlement patterns, industry, and neighborhood growth — connecting historic geography to the homes people inhabit today.

For Owen, City Stories represents an opportunity to shift how people think about tourism in Minnesota. While the state is often associated with lakes and outdoor recreation, she believes its architectural and cultural assets deserve equal attention.

“We have an incredible built environment here,” she says. “This is about inviting people to see it, understand it, and appreciate the creativity and care that define our communities.”

As always, the Home Tour remains free and education-focused, with homeowner conversations and professional seminars offering insights for anyone considering a renovation. But this year, the event also serves as a gateway — not just into homes, but into the history, design, and shared identity of the Twin Cities themselves.

And for one spring weekend, that door is wide open.

msphometour.com

OPA!

Santorini, A Gem of Greece

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY REED

BY ALEXANDRA PATTY

There is something quite indescribable and magical about Santorini. First off, upon arrival and the first view out over the water will take your breath away. The vista and caldera alone…it’s like the universe has handed you the best of the Mediterranean on a platter. And, it has. Greece boasts between 1,200 and 6,000 islands and islets dependent upon size and only a fraction of these are inhabitable, making beautiful and fascinating geography.

Santorini is a type of heaven on earth, exactly like you’ve seen in the pages of a travel magazine, except you can stop pinching yourself because it's real life. Part of the Cylcadic islands, Santorini, is considered the “jewel” of the Cyclades, and captivates with its dramatic volcanic cliffs, azure caldera, and iconic whitewashed architecture.

When to Book: April – October. Dependent upon what your travel style is, the peak season runs July to August and will have the hottest temperatures (ranging from 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the majority of tourists. April – June and September through October are considered the shoulder seasons with lower temps and smaller crowds. November through March is not recommended because it can be cold and rainy with many local restaurants and businesses closed. If you want to see any of Athens (Acropolis & Parthenon), it’s best to tack on one full day to see the city & major historical attractions.

Flight Route: Minneapolis to Paris and Paris to Santorini, or Minneapolis to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Santorini. Dependent upon preferred airlines, airport codes MSP, CDG, JTR or MSP, AMS, JTR are the best to check for time and price. Once in Greece, you can island hop using Aegean or Olympic, and most flights are about 50 minutes and range $150 - $200.

Where to Stay: There are countless beautiful hotels, but make sure you are looking at Oia or Fira for the best views and close proximity to activities. Booking a stay somewhere with an infinity or plunge pool is well worth the splurge. Even if you don’t make it into the bustling streets of downtown Oia, you can spend time gazing out into tranquility.

EXPERIENCES:

See it from the water – a group boat tour or a private caldera sail gliding past secluded coves, Red Beach's crimson sands, White Beach's pristine

shores, hidden coves, volcanic rocks, and hot springs. By boat you can enjoy memorable moments of Santorini's coastline inaccessible by land.

Watch a sunset, or two, or three…a popular spot for locals and tourists alike is to gather at the northwest tip of the island in Oia (at the Oia Castle or Windmill) to watch the incredible view.

Fira’s cliffside paths and Gold Street (Ipapantis), offer local shops, a haven of bespoke jewelry and artisanal pottery from master craftsmen, and house designer boutiques like Versace and Armani. Several local cafes can also keep you entertained.

DINING:

Apsithia – located in Oia with an incredible view. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner with a menu including

seafood, traditional Greek cuisine, vegetarian and gluten free options, and a good wine selection. They accept cash and major credit cards.

Qhera – located on the island of Thirasia (just opposite of Santorini). You can get their by water taxi or ferry. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience from the minute you depart by boat from Ammoudi Bay. Chef Fanis Maikantis elevates with his passion for Greek cuisine by incorporating fresh fish and locally sourced food. Qherasantorini.com

Selene – located in Fira. If it’s Micheline Star dining you seek, Selene is the place to make a reservation. The best of fine dining and unique wine tasting packages are available on a limited basis. selene.gr.

Remodeling Is Our Thing

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mon – Trivia Mafia ● Tue – Happy Hour All Day

Wed – $20 Pitchers & Pizza (BOGO $1) ● Thu – $7 Crowlers

Fri & Sat – Live Music & Cocktail Bar Sun – Supper & S’mores

SAVE THE DATE!

Birthday Weekend | May 1–4

Live Music Friday Night and All Day Saturday featuring the J-Lighters

Special Birthday Beer Releases

Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches by Chunkchunk

1201 Main Street, Hopkins 952-426-3214

Premium Sport

*Images shown are for illustration purposes only.

Plant You r Kitchen Garden

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES:

They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

EGGPLANT:

Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

OKRA:

Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

PEPPERS:

Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

APRIL 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 4TH

5k Fun Run x Utepils Brewing

56 Brewing | 11:00 AM

Join a spirited 5K-ish fun run where all fitness levels are welcome to walk, jog, or run a marked course and toast your accomplishment with a refreshing craft beer at the finish. This untimed event celebrates active living, community connection, and seasonal vibes, complete with a commemorative pint glass or Brewery Running Series swag. A portion of proceeds supports local nonbreweryrunningseries.com.

APRIL 18TH - JUNE 21ST

Little Women

Guthrie Theater

Experience the beloved classic “Little Women” onstage at the Guthrie Theater in a fresh adaptation that follows Jo March and her sisters as they navigate ambition, love, loss, and growing up during the Civil War era. Heartfelt and inspiring, the production celebrates sisterhood, independence, and the journey from girlhood to adultguthrietheater.org

APRIL 21ST - JUNE 14TH

The Wizard of Oz

Children’s Theatre Company

Follow the yellow brick road with Children’s Theatre Company in its vibrant stage production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Featuring beloved songs, dazzling spectacle, and Dorothy’s unforgettable journey through Oz with her loyal friends and Toto, this family-friendly musical brings the classic story to life with theatrical magic, heart, and adventure for audiences of all ages. childrenstheatre.org

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HYDRATION AT YOUR DOORSTEP

MOBILE IV THERAPY WITH DYNAMIC DRIPS

ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED NURSES WILL COME TO YOUR HOME OR LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE, AND ADMINISTER YOUR INFUSION AFTER TAKING A FULL SET OF VITALS AND DOING A FULL ASSESSMENT.

Ask Susan

Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.

to certain stocks that I’ve owned for years?

Susan:

What you’re feeling is completely normal. We often buy stocks for specific reasons — strong performance, a personal connection, or a belief in leadership or company principles. Over time, that familiarity can turn into emotional attachment. Behavioral finance calls this the “Endowment Effect” — we tend to overvalue what we already own for the wrong reasons.

The risk? Holding a position too long or allowing one stock to grow too large in your portfolio can lead to performance inefficiencies and avoidable volatility. Disciplined investing means making decisions based on your goals and overall strategy — not emotion. What a great topic!

Let’s take a look at how to manage this response in my deep dive, follow-up video. Snap the QR code below to join me.

Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.

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APRIL 25TH

Arbor Day

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 10:00 AM

Celebrate the importance of trees and the natural world at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum during its annual Arbor Day celebration. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, guided tree walks, family activities, and creative nature experiences designed to inspire appreciation for forests and green spaces while highlighting conservation, education, and the beauty of the region’s diverse plant life. arb.umn.edu

APRIL 25TH

Bon Appétit: Julia Child’s Dinner with the Presidents

Minnesota History Center | 3:00 PM

Join acclaimed author Alex Prud’homme for a lively talk exploring the culinary legacy and cultural impact of Julia Child. Sharing personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on co-writing "My Life in France," Prud’homme offers a rare glimpse into Julia’s life, White House experiences, and enduring influence on American food and television. mnhs.org

APRIL 29TH - 30TH

A Tribute to Queen

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Rock out to the legendary sound of “Queen at A Night at the Theatre – A Tribute to Queen,” a high-energy concert celebrating the band’s iconic catalog. Featuring powerhouse vocals, soaring guitar solos, and theatrical flair, the show recreates the spirit of Queen’s live performances with fan-favorite hits and deep cuts alike for an unforgettable night of classic rock nostalgia. chanhassendt.com