Minneapolis Lakes, MN February 2026

THE NEIGHBORHOOD SHINES WITH SIMPLE PLEASURES, TRUSTED CARE, AND SHARED CULTURES.

The Energy of Innovation 2026

Arose STORY

We work with Len Busch Roses to bring in these fresh blooms from Tessa, a globally recognized Ecuadorian grower cultivating more than 100 premium rose varieties. Along with unmatched color, size, fragrance and longevity, each rose is grown sustainably using irrigation systems designed to optimize water use and minimize waste.

A single rose can speak volumes. Imagine the impact of a dozen or more. Find them at all of our markets.

Keeping CommUNITY Alive

Happy February!

If you’re anything like me, this winter stuff is starting to wear a little thin, and I am definitely looking forward to spring. But, on a positive note, the days are getting longer and we will be in a new season before we know it. Since we are not quite there yet, we can focus on spreading as much warmth and joy as we can while connecting community and creating UNITY through this publication.

February is our Local Love issue and our team got to participate in some fun stories.

Greg Bellanger, owner of Northland Visions, talks about the long history and tradition of Native American Fry Bread and how it is now shared and passed down through generations. Today, it is often found at celebrations and family gatherings, but fry bread continues to be symbolic of community.

Our team chatted with Linden Hills Dentistry and learned a few nuggets about what Drs. Hawn, Kuyper, Lukenda and Puntillo love about their work in Minneapolis and the Linden Hills neighborhood. From local restaurants, to being outdoors, and activities close to the city lakes, this team is not only passionate about dentistry, but they’re ingrained in community.

If gift giving is on your list this Valentine’s Day, Sam Bergmann and her team at Gunderson’s can help you with bling, stackables and timeless pieces to mark any celebration all year round.

Spending time at home can be rejuvenating, so we’ve provided ideas for a handmade date night or any night you’d like some pasta, chocolate and a hot bath.

We hope this month finds you surrounded by those you love and building more commUNITY, providing support, collaboration, and respect for all who make this a great area to live and work.

Happy Valentine’s Day and much love from the Minneapolis Lakes Team,

ALEXANDRA PATTY,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sarah Knieff

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

A Taste of Survival and Strength

A

Day Worth Remembering

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Ask Susan

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

Dear Susan: Does having a‘Blended Family’mean that our finances should be blended as well?

Susan:

There is no one right answer to this question. But blending a family and blending finances are two very different activities that require conscious and thoughtful discussion with your partner in how you will handle both as a new family unit. Both partners will likely bring different money and parenting habits to the new household. Often there may be an imbalance with the number of children, time spent in the new household and different levels of income, assets and debt. In many situations, keeping certain accounts separate can actually provide clarity and protection for everyone involved. Establishing a joint household budget would be prudent and determining what the contribution from each party should be and what would be considered fair. For more, join me in a thorough discussion on this topic by snapping the QR code below.

Now Accepting Patients: Impact Orthodontics

Impact Orthodontics is a patientready orthodontic practice in Minneapolis offering personalized care to help kids, teens, and adults achieve confident, healthy smiles. With board-certified expertise and advanced treatments like braces, clear aligners, and retainers, the team focuses on comfort and results in a friendly environment. They welcome new patients and make starting your smile journey easy with free consultations and tailored treatment plans. Schedule your visit today to begin your transformation! 4256 Nicollet Ave. | impactorthomn.com.

Going Places: The Grand Hand Gallery Moves to New Location

The Grand Hand Gallery is going places! As of last month, January 2026, the gallery moved to a new location at 1338 Grand Ave. "We're excited by the opportunity to bring local fine craft and art to the intersection of Grand and Hamline, and additional parking for you is a nice bonus," the owners state. Check thegrandhandgallery.com for current news and updates.

Now Open: Winter SKOLstice

Winter SKOLstice is a seasonal winter celebration at Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, blending icy adventures with cozy fun from late November through February. Enjoy free outdoor skating on the Standard Heating Family Freeze Rink, holiday lights, food trucks, live music, and festive events for all ages. Highlights include the Magic of Lights drive-through, Ice Festival, and special themed activities throughout the season. Standard Heating is a proud partner of Winter SKOLstice, helping bring the spirit of winter to life. winterskolstice.com.

Pearls are very in right now! Are you wearing yours? Did you know that they need to be kept clean? Skin oils, as well as any oils from hair care and skin care products, eat away at the nacre, which makes up pearls’ lustrous appearance. A wash in warm water with dish soap will do the trick. Lay them on a paper towel to dry. New Gild has the freshest new styles in pearls!

A Taste of Survival and Strength

How simple fry bread became a lasting symbol of Indigenous resilience

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

Few foods carry as much layered meaning as fry bread. Simple in ingredients yet profound in history, fry bread is a traditional fried dough of the Indigenous peoples of North America, cooked until light, golden, and comforting. Today it appears at pow-wows, family gatherings, and community celebrations, but its origins are rooted in survival, adaptation, and resilience.

According to Greg Bellanger, owner of Northland Visions –  a Native American goods store – the story of fry bread begins when tribes were forced to abandon nomadic lifestyles and relocate to reservations. As part of treaty agreements, the U.S. government provided staple rations intended to help tribes transition to farming. Those rations – flour, salt, baking soda, and lard – were unfamiliar to many Native communities, who had no baking traditions. Rather than baking loaves, people mixed the ingredients into a dough and fried it in lard. Through experimentation and necessity, fry bread was born.

“Everybody kind of had their own combination,” Bellanger explains, describing how recipes developed through trial and error. What started as a survival food became something much more: a shared tradition passed down through generations. Over time, fry bread became a fixture at gatherings, a food that brought people together even in the face of hardship.

Bellanger’s own memories of fry bread are deeply personal. “Every family has an auntie or somebody that makes the best fry bread,” he says. In his family, one auntie’s recipe stood out so

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“Every family has an auntie or somebody that makes the best fry bread.”

much that his uncle later converted it into a fully dry mix. That mix is now what Northland Visions sells – transforming a family recipe into something that can be shared more widely while still honoring its roots.

Traditionally, fry bread was served as a treat. Bellanger recalls it hot and fresh, topped simply with butter, powdered sugar, or jam. It wasn’t dessert exactly, but it wasn’t just bread either. He describes it as something in between—light, flaky, and comforting. In more modern settings, fry bread has also evolved into the base for the popular “Indian taco,” where it replaces a tortilla and is topped with savory ingredients like meat, beans, lettuce, and cheese.

This versatility is part of fry bread’s enduring appeal. It can be sweet or savory, eaten on its own or alongside a meal, broken apart and shared. Bellanger compares its cultural role to that of a croissant in France: familiar, beloved, and symbolic. “It’s bread, but it’s not bread,” he says. “It’s not cake either. It’s kind of its own thing.”

At Northland Visions, fry bread is offered in one-pound gift packages that require only water and oil to prepare. The mix reflects what fry bread has always been—accessible and rooted in community. When cooked properly, Bellanger notes, it should be light and golden brown, often palm-sized, sometimes with a small hole in the center to ensure even cooking.

While fry bread carries a complicated history tied to displacement and colonial policies, it also represents perseverance and continuity. For many Native families, it remains a “comfy dish,” a food that connects generations and cultures.

861 E Hennepin Ave. suite 130 | 612-872-0390 | northlandvisions.com

A VALENTINE’S DAY WORTH REMEMBERING

INSIDE GUNDERSON’S CURATED GUIDE TO ROMANTIC GIFTS –FROM MODERN DIAMOND JEWELRY TO WATCHES WITH LEGACY

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

Valentine’s Day is about more than a single moment – it’s about celebrating a relationship that continues to grow. At Gunderson’s Jewelers, that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. As a third-generation, family-owned business, Gunderson’s has built its reputation on helping customers mark life’s milestones with meaning, craftsmanship, and care. Whether you’re shopping for your first Valentine’s Day together or adding to a tradition years in the making, Gunderson’s offers thoughtful gifts designed to be cherished long after February 14.

To help narrow the search, Sam Bergmann, store manager of Gunderson’s in Wayzata, Minnesota, highlights four standout brands that capture romance, style, and longevity – perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting.

MESSIKA: DIAMONDS IN MOTION

One of Bergmann’s favorite designers for Valentine’s Day is Messika, a modern jewelry line known for its signature sense of movement. Crafted in 18-karat yellow or white gold, Messika pieces feature diamonds that glide freely within their settings, creating a mesmerizing play of light with every movement.

“It’s got some magical movement to it,” Bergmann explains. “The diamonds move back and forth, so you get a lot of brilliance and sparkle.”

Messika offers a wide range of options, from minimalist designs featuring a single diamond to more elaborate pieces showcasing three diamonds or more. Necklaces, rings, and earrings make it easy to curate a coordinated set, which is part of what makes Messika such a strong Valentine’s Day choice.

“It’s a really good thing to start Valentine’s Day with,” Bergmann says, “because then you can build on it throughout the year.” A necklace in February can turn into matching earrings for an anniversary or a ring for a milestone moment—making Messika both a romantic and practical investment.

HULCHI BELLUNI: BOLD, PLAYFUL, AND STACKABLE

Another designer Bergmann adores is Hulchi Belluni, a brand celebrated for its bold gold designs, dynamic elements, and versatility for both men and women. A standout within the collection is Hulchi’s line of stretch bracelets, which slide effortlessly on and off – no clasp, no assistance, no fuss. It’s an easy, everyday luxury: slip on your stack and go.

Many Hulchi Belluni pieces also feature playful sliders – stars, words, or symbolic shapes that move along the jewelry – adding personality and charm. The brand incorporates diamonds and colorful gemstones into strong yellow or white gold designs, while men’s styles often include black rhodium finishes for a sleek, modern, and masculine edge.

Like Messika, Hulchi Belluni shines as a Valentine’s Day starting point. “It’s a really great piece to start with because you can add on and get their stack going throughout the year,” Bergmann notes. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays naturally become opportunities to build a meaningful collection that tells a story.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN: SOPHISTICATED TIMEPIECES WITH PRESENCE

For those considering a watch as a Valentine’s Day gift, Bergmann points to IWC as a standout choice. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and bold design, IWC offers timepieces that balance classic style with innovative materials.

From iconic pilot watches to models crafted in stainless steel or colored ceramics, IWC delivers visual impact alongside durability. Bergmann especially praises the brand’s striking blue and green dials, which add a refined pop of color.

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While IWC is often geared toward men, thanks to larger case sizes like 43 millimeters, the brand also offers more petite styles that look stunning on women. Every IWC watch comes with an eight-year warranty, making it a gift that feels as reliable as it is luxurious.

OMEGA: A LEGACY WRITTEN IN TIME

Few watch brands carry the history and prestige of Omega. Famous for being the first watch on the moon, Omega combines legendary precision with timeless design—making it an ideal Valentine’s Day gift for someone who values both heritage and style.

“Omega definitely has more timepieces for the ladies as well,” Bergmann says, making it a perfect option for matching his-and-hers watches. While the brand has remained true to its iconic aesthetic over the years, Omega continues to refine and improve its technology, ensuring each piece feels both classic and contemporary.

THE GUNDERSON’S DIFFERENCE

Beyond the brands, what truly sets Gunderson’s apart is its commitment to relationships. “We really strive to treat everyone that walks in the door like their family,” Bergmann says. Whether it’s a simple pendant, a watch battery replacement, or planning an engagement, Gunderson’s is there for every chapter.

This Valentine’s Day, Gunderson’s isn’t just helping you find a gift— they’re helping you create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

300 Superior Blvd., Wayzata | 612-338-5950 | gundersons.com

Smiles Rooted in Community

At Linden Hills Dentistry, four doctors share how heartfelt connections—both in the chair and around town—make caring for Minneapolis smiles feel like coming home

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

DR. MATT HAWN

What inspired you to become a dentist — what do you love most about your work?

For me, dentistry was a perfect blend of art, science, and working with people.  We have so many great patients and it’s fun to see them transition from being fearful of the dentist to actually enjoying the experience. Always rewarding to hear the laughter as you walk through our office!

What do you enjoy about practicing in the Linden Hills neighborhood?

Linden Hills itself is a very loyal neighborhood – almost has a small town feel to it.  It’s fun to cross paths with patients at other LH spots like Le Burger 4304, Picnic, or Sebastian Joe’s.

Do you and your family have any favorite activities around town?

We have a one-year-old at home so we love using her as an excuse to go get some ice cream or check out our great neighborhood bookstores. We used to do date nights at Martina or Tilia, but now you’ll find me chasing a toddler around Wild Rumpus or the toy store.

What inspired you to become a dentist — what do you love most about your work?

I was drawn to dentistry because it blends long term relationships with the chance to keep people genuinely healthy and confident. What I enjoy most is caring for patients through every stage of life, from the excitement of a first lost tooth to the triumph of finally achieving a dream smile. There’s something uniquely special about being part of those milestones.

What do you enjoy about practicing in the Linden Hills neighborhood?

What I love about practicing in Linden Hills is the genuine sense of community not just among neighbors, but among the local businesses that work together to make this neighborhood feel so connected. Linden Hills is truly one of a kind. Getting to care for patients from both Minneapolis and right here in the neighborhood feels a bit like hitting the jackpot. It’s ‘Minnesota nice’ at its finest, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

“What I love about practicing in Linden Hills is the genuine sense of community not just among neighbors, but among the local businesses that work together to make this neighborhood feel so connected.” “

Do you have any favorite activities around town?

Anything outside! I love walking and running, Minneapolis makes it easy to stay inspired with the awesome trail system. I also love exploring our restaurant scene!  At home, I’m part of a comically enthusiastic bakers club with friends, where we try new recipes, celebrate our wins, laugh at the flops, and eat our way through both.

DR. KOURTNEY KUYPER

DR. JANE PUNTILLO

What inspired you to become a dentist — what do you love most about your work?

I was inspired to become a dentist because it blends helping people and working creatively with my hands. Dentistry gives me the unique opportunity to care for a wide variety of individuals – with their own needs, goals, and stories 00 and I truly enjoy building trust and connection with every patient I meet.

What I love about my work is the artistic, detail-oriented nature of the profession. Dentistry requires precision on a very small scale, and I enjoy creating solutions that not only improve health but also restore confidence. Whether I’m relieving discomfort or enhancing a smile, I take pride in the combination of science, artistry, and compassion. Being a dentist allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

What do you enjoy about practicing in the Linden Hills neighborhood?

What excites me most about working in Linden Hills is the genuine sense of community that defines the neighborhood. There’s a small-town warmth here that you don’t often find in a city; There’s a culture of friendliness and mutual support.

I love being in Linden Hills where independent businesses and neighbors actively support one another, whether through community events, volunteer projects, or simple everyday kindness. It’s a neighborhood that encourages involvement, sparks meaningful relationships, and makes daily life feel purposeful.

Do you and your family have any favorite activities around town?

In my free time, I’m usually surrounded by the energy and chaos that comes with raising four kids. Much of our family life revolves around the many sports teams, games, and events that fill our calendar—whether we’re cheering from the sidelines, volunteering, or shuttling between practices. I’m especially grateful to be in a place where I can work, play, and find balance surrounded by people who lift each other up. It reminds me of what matters most—family, community, and showing up for the people you love.

What inspired you to become a dentist — what do you love most about your work?

I was drawn to dentistry due to the unique blend of hands-on work and the ability to make an immediate impact on someone’s health and confidence. What I enjoy most is building trust with patients and helping them feel comfortable and cared for.

What do you enjoy about practicing in the Linden Hills neighborhood?

The patients are what makes Linden Hills special. Our little neighborhood in Minneapolis has a true sense of community where our patients care about their health as well as supporting all of the amazing local businesses. It is a great place to build longterm relationships with our patients.

“Our little neighborhood in Minneapolis has a true sense of community where our patients care about their health as well as supporting all of the amazing local businesses.” “

Do you and your family have any favorite activities around town?

Yes! We live in the Armatage neighborhood just south of Linden Hills. You will often find us with a coffee from Jones or ice cream from Sebastian Joe’s while walking around Lake Harriet. We are also no strangers to trying all the amazing pizza that we can get our hands on!

4289 Sheridan Ave S. 612-922-6164 lindenhillsdentistry.com

DR. CARTER LUKENDA

A Handmade Date Night

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

From-Scratch Pasta

what you need

Lavender Bath Salt Blend

what you need

16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil

what you do

In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com

Yield: 1 pound

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

4 large eggs

what you do

1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.

2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.

3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com

Dark Chocolate Truffles

what you need

1/2 cup heavy cream

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting

what you do

1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.

2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.

3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com

realty report

FEBRUARY 2026

JANUARY 8TH-FEBRUARY 15TH

Art: The Intentional Gaze

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Intentional Gaze at the Arboretum’s Cafe Gallery invites you to slow down and truly see the natural world through art. Featuring works in pencil, pastel, acrylic and oil, the exhibition celebrates deliberate observation— from sweeping landscapes to subtle details—revealing calming beauty and inspiring deeper appreciation for color, texture and emotion that often escapes the hurried eye. arb.umn.edu

FEBRUARY 13TH-APRIL 5TH Forts!

Children's Theatre Company

Forts! Build Your Own Adventure is an interactive theatrical experience where audiences help create a world of forts using blankets, boxes, and imagination. Surrounded by towering piles of playful materials, this hands-on show invites curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, transforming the theatre into a joyful space for exploration, storytelling, and shared discovery for families and young adventurers of all ages everywhere. childrenstheatre.org

FEBRUARY 15TH

The Sweethearts Show

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres | 7:00 PM

The Sweethearts Show is a heartwarming variety concert at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres featuring beloved performers and real-life couples sharing music, comedy, and charm. This eclectic celebration of love and laughter blends soulful songs and witty banter for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, perfect for couples, friends, and anyone who enjoys live performance and joyful connection. chanhassendt.com.

Monday - Trivia Mafia ● Tuesday - Happy Hour all day Wednesday - $20 Pitchers and Pizza Special Buy 1 get the second for $1 (Cheese, Pepperoni or Sausage) Thursday - $7 Crowler Special Friday & Saturday - Live Music ● Sunday - Supper and S’mores Valentine’s Speakeasy Dinners Feb 12-13

Get tickets: Valentine’s Speakeasy

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FEBRUARY 24TH-MARCH 1ST

Kimberly Akimbo

Ordway Music Theater

Kimberly Akimbo at the Ordway is the Tony-Winning new musical about a sharp, funny teenager who—thanks to a rare condition that accelerates aging— confronts life, love and family with equal parts humor and heart. Celebrated for its wit, original score, and moving story of resilience, this production blends comedy and tenderness in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. ordway.org

FEBRUARY 25TH-MARCH 1ST

The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show

Minneapolis Convention Center

The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show is a vibrant home improvement and lifestyle marketplace where you can explore hundreds of booths showcasing products, services, and design ideas to refresh your living space. Meet trusted industry experts, discover inspiring displays and gardens, shop home and outdoor items, and enjoy interactive areas like food pavilions and pet zones for a fun, hands-on adventure for all attendees. homeandgardenshow.com

FEBRUARY 26TH

Lunar New Year with Minnesota Orchestra

Orchestra Hall

Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra is a festive concert celebrating the Lunar New Year through vibrant orchestral music that honors family, tradition and unity. Featuring world-class musicians and special guests, the performance blends cultural richness with dynamic symphonic sound, offering audiences a joyful musical experience that bridges traditions and brings communities together in celebration of the season. minnesotaorchestra.org.