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Health & Wellness TH IS WI NTER I N DU LGE IN LO CAL GETAWAYS , SAU N A S , WELCO M I NG GYMS , AN D VITAM I N IV DRIPS

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3 0 0 S U P E R I O R B O U L E V A R D • W AY Z A T A , M N • ( 6 1 2 ) 3 3 8 - 5 9 5 0 • W W W . G U N D E R S O N S . C O M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love, Health & Happiness Happy New Year! We have finally made it to that time where we can make a fresh start. I was recently on a plane and decided to watch “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” which is inspired by Fred Rogers, and the person he was on and off the set of his television show. It got me thinking about who I want to be this year, and how I want to show up in life. Personally, my new year’s focus is going to be on love, health, and happiness. I know it’s not going to be a perfect journey, but I will be trying my best every day. January marks our annual Health & Wellness issue, and we have some fun stories to share. Robyn Brueggeman, owner of Vital Fitness, talks about her judgment free fitness studio, and how you can overcome your workout anxiety by offering plans to help kick start your fitness journey no matter where you are in the process. If you’re coming down with the sniffles or battling feeling under the weather, Dynamic Drips can help get you hydrated, healthy, and feeling your best with their mobile and convenient IV therapy. Their owner, Lisseth DeGracia, offers answers to the most commonly asked questions. You may have heard about or seen photos of Cuyuna Cabin’s first mirrored cabin located in Crosby, Minnesota. This unique little retreat boasts all the amenities of relaxation. So, if you are looking for a peaceful winter break or a reset in the woods, it might be something worth exploring. Working towards wellness can be a community connection. Portal Thermaculture is building ways to improve life balance with their sauna and cold plunge experience. Focused on physical and mental well-being, Portal seeks to curate a space where people can return to themselves and each other. I hope you will find time in January and throughout this year to reset, restart, and focus on your own goals without getting frustrated or giving up. In the words of Fred Rogers, “Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.”

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff, Emily McKeever C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Portal, Andrew Vick

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Wishing you all health & happiness in 2026, A L E X A N D R A PAT T Y, P U B L I S H E R @MINNEAPOLISLAKES

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Minneapolis Lakes area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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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 Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 14

Featured

14 20

24 28 6

Stay Active and Vital

A community of supportive and like-minded people

24 On the Cover

Departments

Relax and unwind at Portal Minneapolis.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Get Active FITNESS

A Cabin That Disappears Into the Pines

Road Trip TRAVEL

Minnesota’s first mirror cabin offers a secluded, design-forward escape in the heart of Cuyuna Country

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Self Care LIFE + CULTURE

Flu Season, We’re Coming For You

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Events

Dynamic Drips’ IV infusions beat the winter blues from the inside out

Sauna. Plunge. Connect.

Portal offers a wellness sanctuary where ancient practices and modern community intersect

Photography: Portal

Community Clay Day Free Mini Class!

Saturday, Jan 24, 3 - 5pm

“A Light in the Dark” Hand build a candle holder luminary, explore the studio, meet instructors. All are welcome. Scan to RSVP.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

IT’S LIKE A PARTY FOR YOUR HANDS

JANUARY’S JEWELRY TIP FROM JEN:

Mill Valley Kitchen: Where Clean Eating Meets True Flavor Mill Valley Kitchen champions healthy dining with a farm-totable ethos, sourcing locally for nutrient-dense, whole-food meals. Co-founded by Mike & Abby Rakun, the menu features clean, simple cooking—with gluten-free, vegan, seafood, and sustainable meat dishes. Nutrition facts are transparently listed, and the vibe reflects their belief that “good food comes naturally” -- fueling both wellness and flavor for an active, mindful clientele. millvalleykitchen.com.

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& IN THE NEW YEAR Pilates Please: Your Path to Balanced Strength and Wellness Pilates Please merges expert instruction with a warm, inviting community to elevate your fitness journey. They specialize in small-group and private Pilates sessions tailored to every body and goal—from core conditioning to injury recovery. Their certified instructors emphasize alignment, mobility, and mindful movement, ensuring each workout is both safe and effective. The studio’s nurturing atmosphere supports personal growth, wellness, and a stronger, more flexible you. pilates-please.com.

The Great Northern: A Winter Festival With Purpose The Great Northern is a 5-day winter festival (Jan 28–Feb 1, 2026) in the Twin Cities that turns the coldest season into a celebration of community, climate, and creativity. With pop-up saunas, live music, art installations, and outdoor wellness experiences, it offers something for every winter lover. Thought-provoking climate panels and a “Climate Solutions Series” underscore its mission: to unite joy and action around the urgent issue of a warming world. Get tickets at thegreatnorthernfestival.com.

Luxury Property Specialists Matt Baker | 612.860.4222

mbaker@cbrealty.com matthewsbaker.com

Ellyn Wolfenson | 612.644.3033

ejwolfenson@cbrealty.com ellynwolfenson.com

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Fine art and craft with jewelry, gifts and cards

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Kari Weber, Winter Moon

New Year, New Location!

Minneapolis | Apple Valley | Chanhassen | Austin

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STAY ACTIVE AND ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK

Vital

A community of supportive and like-minded people Many people find going to the gym, especially for the first time, intimidating. But, it doesn’t have to be. “Being afraid is normal, but it's okay to come in and start where you are; there’s no judgment,” says Robyn Bruggeman, founder and lead coach at Vital Fitness in St. Louis Park. “Think of it as a process, as a fitness journey.” Robyn’s own journey started when she was young; however, it wasn’t until she started boxing in college that she became really serious about getting in shape. “Boxing was the first sport I was really good at, and I realized that I had to train to be a better boxer. Running was a great way to build endurance, and weightlifting became a way of getting stronger.” The last gym she worked at was a great combination of fitness and community. “The owners knew everybody, their kids all went to school together, and I wanted that for myself,” she says. In May of 2024, she opened Vital Fitness. Another reason Robyn wanted to open her own gym was to provide herself and others with efficient workouts that incorporate both heavy lifting and cardio interval training. “I like to be busy at the gym,” she says. “If I'm resting my chest muscles after a bench press, I can do pull-ups or work on a rowing machine.”

Today, she holds an NSCA Certified Personal Training (CPT) certification and a CrossFit L1. She’s also a certified Precision Nutrition Coach (PN-1) and a Menopause Health and Fitness Specialist, and has a Functional Movement System Level 1 certification. While Vital Fitness welcomes both men and women, she loves working with women who are going through menopause. “When I was going through it and experiencing all of these changes and different feelings about fitness, I found that nobody really knew much about it or was talking about it.” This was in 2020. “So, I started educating myself, and it became a passion of mine.” Robyn’s other focus is functional training, which reinforces natural movement patterns. “Functional training basically uses movements that you do every day. For example, when we talk about back squatting, we squat every day when we sit on a chair or sit down on the floor and play with our kids. Each time we squat in the gym, we’re building muscle and we’re developing balance and core strength because we’re using all of these other muscles to stabilize our bodies at the same time.” She believes it’s critical to improve and maintain balance, agility, and mobility. Falls often lead to serious consequences, especially as we age. “This is why the tagline for my gym is ‘Train for Life.’” CONTINUED >

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

“When I was going through it and experiencing all of these changes and different feelings about fitness, I found that nobody really knew much about it or was talking about it.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

“We’re all doing our own thing at our own levels, and it’s super supportive. A lot of planning and thought go into each fitness class, which is led by either her or Kristen Regnier, whom she calls fantastic. “We do a workout of the day for the most part, so every group class does the same workout,” says Robyn. “But we provide different tracks.” New people can do fewer reps or fewer sets, while more experienced people can do a more intense workout. “It’s essentially the same workout, so if we're working on shoulders that day, you're working your shoulders just as much as everybody else, but nobody sees that you're doing something just slightly different and more in line with where you are fitness-wise.” The programming is progressive, and it’s essential for participants to attend regularly to move forward. “I try to get people to come in at least twice a week for strength training, because if they don’t, they’re not adapting and they’re setting themselves up to be sore all the time,” she says. Vital Fitness offers a variety of memberships and nutrition coaching. “We have an InBody®, which is a scale that measures weight, water content, muscle mass, and fat mass, and gives us a baseline calorie need level. I also have people do a food journal for a couple of days, and then we'll talk about their nutritional needs.”

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

People are very nice, and we always cheer each other on. It’s just really fun.”

Instead of dieting, Robyn suggests people get rid of one thing at a time that may be sabotaging their goals. “I think starting small is a more manageable way to be a better eater for life.” Youth and team training, which are specialized and geared toward a particular sport, are also offered. The feedback she receives is extremely positive. “No one is going to laugh at you or mock you here,” says Robyn. “We're all doing our own thing at our own levels, and it’s super supportive. People are very nice, and we always cheer each other on. It's just really fun.” To learn more, go to VitalFitnessMN.com. or call 612-423-6147.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

FRESH ROOTS LIVING W I T H C A R I A N N C A RT E R

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ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

A Cabin That Disappears Into the Pines Minnesota’s first mirror cabin offers a secluded, design-forward escape in the heart of Cuyuna Country Jake and Meghan Zoesch never set out to build one of Minnesota’s most distinctive lodging experiences. For years, they lived in different worlds – Meghan in newsroom studios at KARE, CBS58, NBC15, and KAAL, and Jake in Milwaukee working alongside his family as an auto body technician. But everything shifted when Meghan’s parents bought a cabin in Crosby. She encouraged Jake to join her on weekends, hoping he’d fall in love with the rhythm of northern Minnesota the way she had growing up. He brought his mountain bike on one of those early visits, rode the trails, and returned with a revelation: “Meg, this is the mountain biking destination in Minnesota.” That moment rewrote their future. Soon they were spending every spare hour renovating a neglected miner’s house in Crosby – driving up after long workweeks, gutting rooms, sanding floors, and imagining what it could become. When they finally posted the finished home on Airbnb and bookings began pouring in, they felt something click. They had stumbled into more than a project – they had found a calling. In 2022, they officially launched Cuyuna Cabin Collection. What began with that miner’s house quickly expanded into five thoughtfully designed properties, each offering the serenity, beauty, and sense of escape they loved about the Northwoods. But nothing they created – not even the lakeside

R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

retreats or the tiny house tucked deep in the trees – prepared them for their boldest vision yet: Minnesota’s first Mirror Cabin. The idea was born on their honeymoon road trip. They booked a stay in a mirrored cabin in Tennessee, and stepping inside was unlike anything they had experienced. The structure was small, but surrounded by seamless reflections of sky, water, and forest, it felt endlessly open. “It took my breath away,” Meghan remembers. Jake turned to her almost immediately and said, “We need one of these in Minnesota.” They purchased the cabin before they even found land. Jake went into full entrepreneur mode, calling 100 property owners in search of a parcel that felt magical. When they finally walked a five-acre stretch wrapped around a quiet mine lake, Meghan knew instantly: this was it. They placed the structure as close to the water as county rules allowed and preserved nearly every tree, wanting the cabin to disappear into its surroundings. Today, the Mirror Cabin truly does. During the day, you can’t see inside at all – its mirrored exterior reflects pines, sky, and shifting light. At night, floor-to-ceiling blinds offer complete privacy. Inside, the cabin is intimate and serene, with a queen bed, rainfall shower, indoor movie projector, and a small but well-equipped kitchenette. Outside, the experience

Meghan s till remember s reading a gues t ’s handwrit ten note: “ This might be the closes t thing to heaven.”

By Jason Ehrreich

unfolds: a hot tub and sauna for year-round warmth, a stargazing net stretched above the water, a lakeside lounge, a clear kayak and paddleboards, a custom mural by Dani Liana, and a solo stove for winter nights spent beside the fire. Winter gives the retreat a special magic. Snow settles softly on the mirrored exterior, the lake freezes into a still white canvas, and steam rises from the hot tub as guests slip in under the stars. Some come for a romantic escape; others arrive alone, needing space to

breathe. Meghan still remembers reading a guest’s handwritten note: “This might be the closest thing to heaven.” Another solo traveler wrote that she slept soundly for the first time in months. That, Jake and Meghan say, is why they do this. They’ve built more than cabins – they’ve built places where people can rest, reconnect, and rediscover themselves, all in a corner of Cuyuna Country that now feels like home. To book your next stay, visit cuyunacabins.com. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

Flu Season, We’re

Coming For You Dynamic Drips’ IV infusions beat the winter blues from the inside out

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Short days and nasty illnesses call for relaxation, a comfortable ambiance, and a team of trained individuals who care deeply about well-being and what ails you. The services Dynamic Drips offer blend strong core values with vitamin-rich boosts that’ll renew your spirits and nourish you from within. Imagine therapy, hydration, and happiness — rolled into one visit — and leave knowing restoration is on its way. Owner and CEO, Lisseth DeGracia, delivers the details.

WHAT IS IV INFUSION THERAPY, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

IV infusion therapy is the administration of fluids and vitamins into the bloodstream through an intravenous catheter. The base of our IVs is Sodium Chloride, which is standard for medical administration. We then add different blends of vitamins and nutrients depending on our clients’ goals or ailments. The vitamin ingredients in our infusions are either made naturally in your body or are obtained through the foods that you eat. We help our clients with things like low energy levels, mental clarity, mild illnesses, athletic performance, stress, and so much more!

WHAT KINDS OF INFUSIONS DO YOU OFFER, AND WHICH ONES ARE MOST POPULAR DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?

We offer twelve infusions, each with its own individual recipe, geared towards different ailments. We have a basic blend of all the elements your body needs to simply function at its best, as well as blends geared towards immunity, stress, discomfort, and aches and pains. We have two blends formulated CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

for athletic performance and recovery, as well as one that helps your hair, skin, and nails stay healthy and strong. The ‘Queen D’ is formulated for women and is a favorite among them. It has all the things their bodies and hormones go through. We also offer medications administered for pain, nausea, and inflammation. During the winter months, our most popular infusion is our ‘Immuni-Tea,’ and we also do many ‘Hippy Drippy’ infusions this time of year. With flu season here, along with the long dark winter months, helping people with stress levels as well as flu symptoms makes for a busy winter.

HOW DOES IV THERAPY DIFFER FROM TAKING VITAMINS OR SUPPLEMENTS?

When IV infusions are administered, your body can absorb 100% of the vitamins and fluids, as opposed to the 30-50% that is absorbed with oral consumption. Everything we’re giving you bypasses your GI system and is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Vitamins administered through an IV allow them to enter your cells more easily, helping your body use them more effectively.

HOW CAN IV INFUSION THERAPY HELP COMBAT LOW ENERGY OR MOOD DURING THE WINTER?

We have an IV for that! Our ‘Hippy Drippy’ is formulated to help you beat the winter blues and give your body all the elements it needs to navigate stressful situations with ease. We can also administer Vitamin D3 through an injection. D3 is known as the sunshine vitamin because one of its main functions is to boost your mood and ability to stay calm under stress.

HOW QUICKLY DO CLIENTS TEND TO FEEL RESULTS AFTER TREATMENT?

How soon clients feel results is mostly situational. If someone is mildly ill or recovering from an athletic performance, the results can be instant. When used before travel, for example, you may feel much less jet lag than you normally would. Some people notice a few days after their infusion that they have more energy or handle stressful days with greater ease. The benefits can even have a residual effect. Results vary from person to person, but most people feel great soon after their infusion.

HOW DO YOU TAILOR TREATMENTS TO AN INDIVIDUAL’S NEEDS OR HEALTH GOALS?

We take the time to walk our clients through all the options, helping them understand which ones best fit their needs. Each vitamin is added to the infusion individually during a visit, giving us the ability to tailor things.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

“We take the time to walk our clients through all the options, helping them understand which ones best fit their needs.” BESIDES IV THERAPY, WHAT OTHER TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE TO BOOST MOOD AND ENERGY DURING THE WINTER?

Staying hydrated is a great way to stay healthy in the winter. Coffee and tea, which can be appealing because of their warmth, can dehydrate you more. If you’re a hot beverage drinker, be sure to add as much water as you can to your routine.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RECOMMEND CLIENTS GET INFUSIONS?

We have a lot of clients who do weekly infusions, and others who do them biweekly or monthly. The effects of the infusions stay in the system anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on how depleted you are and how active or busy your lifestyle is. Consistency is key to feeling your best. We have a Dripped Club Membership program in place that many of our regular clients are a part of. This is a great way to stay on top of hydration and be committed to wellness.

HOW DO YOU MAKE THE EXPERIENCE RELAXING OR ENJOYABLE FOR CLIENTS DURING THEIR VISIT?

During a client visit, we are fully present to make things convenient and comfortable. Our core values spell C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence), because we care so deeply about our clients. When you book with Dynamic Drips, hospitality is blended with healthcare. Our nurses get to know clients on a personal level and understand their preferences well. We care in every way—we’ve even been known to play with kiddos and let pets outside for our patients! We’re here to make your appointment feel as smooth as possible. dynamicdrips.com. 612-208-8245 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

Sauna. Plunge. Connect.

Portal offers a wellness sanctuary where ancient practices and modern community intersect

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORTAL

S ELF CA R E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Portal is redefining what wellness looks – and feels – like in Minneapolis. Co-owners and brothers John and Will Drescher call it a “curated social contrast therapy experience,” but most visitors simply describe it as transformative. At its heart, Portal blends ancient Scandinavian wisdom with modern neighborhood culture, offering a place to chill, sweat, and connect. Portal began as a pop-up behind a Boulder brewery in 2024. What was supposed to be a three-month experiment grew into a year-long success story, eventually inspiring the team to create a permanent home in Denver and expand nationally. Now, the Dreschers – Midwestern natives – have brought their vision back to Minnesota, where sauna culture is already deeply woven into the region’s identity.

WHAT PORTAL DOES

Portal revolves around contrast therapy: the intentional alternation between heat and cold. The heat comes from dry, Scandinavian-style saunas that honor the centuries-old Finnish tradition of gathering, unwinding, and restoring together. The cold comes from invigorating cold-water immersion in carefully maintained plunge pools. Members and guests are encouraged to cycle between the two: 10–15 minutes in the sauna, followed by a few bracing minutes in the cold plunge, repeated at a pace that feels right for the individual. While some regulars spend 20 minutes sweating and five minutes cooling, first-timers are encouraged to start slow and follow their body’s lead.

WHY IT WORKS

Together, the hot-cold cycle helps build physical resilience and emotional balance. But for Portal, wellness isn’t just internal – it’s interpersonal.

THE SOCIAL SIDE OF SAUNA

“The sauna is the great equalizer,” Will explains. This philosophy is core to Portal’s identity. While contrast therapy has become trendy in wellness circles, the Dreschers are adamant about preserving its roots as a communal experience. Strangers strike up conversations. Friends book group sessions. People drop their daily armor and connect more easily than they might in a gym or studio. Portal sees this social dimension as its differentiator. “We want to make taking care of yourself part of the neighborhood lifestyle,” John says. “Strong communities come from strong connections.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Portal Minneapolis is only the beginning. The company is currently awarding franchises, with a mission to spread resilience, well-being, and social connection far beyond the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned sauna devotee or a curious first-timer, Portal offers a welcoming place to settle in, heat up, dive cold, and find yourself refreshed – in body, mind, and community. 3120 Excelsior Blvd. | 612-280-3997 | portalthermaculture.com/minneapolis

The benefits of contrast therapy are now backed by a steady stream of scientific attention, but the Dreschers emphasize that none of it is new. “All Finnish people and Minnesotans know this already,” Will says with a smile. “It’s ancient wisdom.” Heat exposure from the sauna prompts the release of heat-shock proteins, supporting recovery, better sleep, and stress relief. Regular sauna use is associated with reduced all-cause mortality – something John notes with clear enthusiasm. Cold immersion, on the other hand, delivers what he calls a “dopaminergic spike,” revitalizing cells and elevating mood. Many Portal guests describe emerging from the cold plunge clear-headed, energized, and unexpectedly joyful.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N M I N N E A P O L I S L A K E S .

NEW LISTING

AVG . S A L E P R I C E S

YTD APPRN

CLOSED SALES

Armatage

$506,454

8.00%

$261

Bryn Mawr

$628,656

1.80%

$297

Cedar-Isles-Dean

$677,275

-16.70%

$293

East Bde Maka Ska

$720,760

48.80%

$334

East Isles

$704,126

0.80%

$279

128

Fulton

148

$799,215

18.70%

108

$327

Kenwood

$1,289,956

17.40%

$371

107

Linden Hills

175

$764,044

-3.80%

127

$338

Lowry Hill

117

$778,391

-15.40%

$267

107

Lynnhurst

113

$831,168

13.90%

$313

North Loop

220

$461,310

-4.90%

112

$343

100

Tangletown

$652,388

22.30%

$287

Minneapolis (Overall)

5752

$429,863

6.80%

4192

$252

NEIGHBORHOOD

PRICE PER SQFT AVG D O M

Current as of November, 2025. All data from NorthstarMLS. Data reflects rolling 12 months. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

“

“ Ask Susan

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

“ Dear Susan: What exactly is Financial Fitness? And how do I get myself in shape? “

Susan: Think of financial fitness like physical health—it isn’t about perfection, but stability and confidence. It means your money is working for you, not against you. To start getting in shape, simply

track your spending and build a small emergency fund. Next, visualize your finish line. What do you envision your retirement looking like?

Is it traveling the world or enjoying quiet mornings with family? Defining this vision is crucial, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Financial

Advisor acts as your personal trainer, helping bring those goals

into sharp focus and creating a plan to achieve them. The secret is starting now. The earlier you begin, the lighter the lift, ensuring a smoother, less stressful path to the retirement you deserve. Snap

the QR code for my follow-up video. I’ll dig deeper into various

long-term savings options for all stages of life and so much more. 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.

JANUARY 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JANUARY 3 R D - 17TH

Nordic Soundscapes Festival Orchestra Hall Cozy up to Nordic Soundscapes, a winter festival at Orchestra Hall where the Minnesota Orchestra and Thomas Søndergård celebrate the music of the North. You’ll hear sweeping Sibelius, intimate Nordic song cycles, and even genre-bending Björk–meets–Bartók. Warm up in a hygge lounge, sip glögg, browse Nordic art & food pop-ups, and connect with Nordic culture. minnesotaorchestra.org. JANUARY 9 TH - 10 TH

2026 U.S. Air Force Snocross National Canterbury Park Rev up for the U.S. Air Force Snocross Nationals at Canterbury Park — an adrenaline-fueled spectacle where snowmobile pros soar through high-flying jumps in a heart-pounding race. Enjoy autograph sessions, sled showcases, live vendors, family fun, delicious food, inflatables, and free parking. tickets.canterburypark.com. JANUARY 24 TH

Community Clay Day Forma Clay | 3:00 PM

www.stilesfinancial.com

952.988.0452

Join us for “Light in the Dark,” our free community clay day event at Forma. Sign up for a 30 minute mini clay class and handbuild your own candle holder luminary. Tour the studio, browse the gallery, meet instructors, and feel the warmth. All are welcome. No experience needed. formaclay.com.

Stiles Financial Services is a Registered Investment Advisor in MN. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Stiles Financial is required to pay a fee for the use of the Newsweek emblem. Inclusion on the list was based on independent research by Plant-A and its affiliates. See link below for details and disclaimers. Rankings info: https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-top-financial-advisory-firms-2025

CONTINUED >

EVE N TS

Trusted a century. Trusted forfor a century. Ready for what’s next. Ready for what’s next. We’ve helped clients face the complex, the personal, and clients the unknown forcomplex, 100 years. And We’ve helped face the the personal, and we’re just getting started. At Best & Flanagan, the unknown for 100 years. And we’re just getting started. weBest deliver seasoned legal seasoned insight with At & Flanagan, we deliver legalainsight with personal touch—always clear, always focused, a personal touch—always clear, always focused, always on always on your side. your side.

Remodeling Is Our Thing

Before

At Mixson, we believe your home should reflect your unique style and personality. Whether you’re envisioning a modern kitchen renovation, a luxurious bathroom remodel, or a basement remodel, our team of skilled professionals is here to bring your vision to life. We bring quality, honest transparency, and unparalleled service to every project– Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements

We offer free on-site evaluation for project estimates. Email or text us, and mention Minneapolis Lakes!

After

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I F YO U A R E R E A D I N G T H I S . . . S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH MINNEAPOLIS LAKES LIFESTYLE™ L E A R N M O R E A T C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M I N N E A P O L I S L A K E S JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI N N E AP O L I S L A KE S

51 Years of Building Success: Consistent, Reliable, Exceptional

events

CONTINUED JANUARY 27TH - FEBR UARY 1 ST

Chicago Orpheum Theatre Get ready for "Chicago" at the Orpheum Theatre—Hennepin Arts brings Broadway’s longest-running musical back in all its razzle-dazzle. Set in the Jazz Age, two notorious murderesses — Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart — vie for fame, headlines, and notoriety. Expect sassy choreography, iconic songs, and pure theatrical glamour. hennepinarts.org. JANUARY 29 TH - 3 1ST

A Night at the Theatre A Tribute to Queen Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Experience the legendary power of Queen live in A Night at the Theatre — a dazzling tribute at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Featuring Jonny James & the Hall of Fames alongside Ben Bakken, John Jamison, Brianna Graham, and Matt Riehle, this show delivers soaring vocals, blazing guitar solos and hits like “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. chanhassendt.com. JANUARY 3 0 TH – FEBR UARY 1 ST

Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show US Bank Stadium • Booth #115

Proven Quality. Proven Trust. Since 1975.

GREENWAY VILLAS

Main Level Living with Walk-0ut Lower Levels Overlooking the 6th Fairway & Green at the Golden Valley Country Club

Want to be featured?

info@ronclark.com • RonClark.com Call Jeff 612-799-5057

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ MINNEAPOLISLAKES

Prices subject to change without notice. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Contractor Lic # 1220

For 25 years, Cari Ann Carter Group has brought design and renovation dreams to life with a concierge-level approach to home transformation. From kitchen and bath remodels to complete design-build projects, our team creates beautiful, functional spaces tailored to each client’s vision. Meet us at the show to start your next chapter in style. More information: www.carianncartergroup.com.

EVE N TS

Polar Vortex Lionel

Maintenance Tech

Accessory

Sale! UV Lights Electronic Air Cleaners Humidifiers ERV/HRV

& More! 612-824-2656

standardheating.com

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid The new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid compact SUV gives you everything that drivers love about the Crosstrek plus even more fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Along with increased horsepower and torque, the Crosstrek Hybrid features the legendary capability of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance while delivering up to 38% better city fuel economy than gas models* and up to 597 miles per tank. ** *Based on manufacturer-estimated combine fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage may vary. **Comparison based on EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid models vs. Standard 2026 Crosstrek models. Actual mileage may vary.

500 American Boulevard West, Bloomington www.bloomingtonsubaru.com | 763-392-9959