Maple Grove - July 2026

Best of 2026

Celebrating 250 Years of Possibility

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s a great time to connect with us for a no-obligation, 30-minute 'Ask Anything' session. Let's work together to maximize your financial future and envision your possibilities.

FROM THE EDITOR

Around late March, my partner gets a particular gleam in his eye. Sailing season is fast approaching. (And by fast approaching, I mean the boat goes into the water on May 1. Fast is often a relative term in the context of sailing.) He’s spent the winter dreaming up new projects and hunting down obscure solutions to last year’s persistent problems. His enthusiasm is infectious, and by the time you’re reading this, we’ll have had our first overnight trip on Lake Superior for the year. On this trip I’ll be able to indulge in my own niche hobby: rock hunting.

My lifelong interest in agates was informed by an early introduction to Duluth’s beaches and summers spent combing the shore at my family’s cabin on the St. Croix River. Recent sailing trips across Lake Superior have expanded my collection to include Michigan fossils and geode-studded basalt.

I’ve found that one of the most interesting conversations you can have with someone is about their hobbies, which is why I found my interview with kite maker Barbara Meyer so compelling (page 8). Since her first foray into kite making in the late ’70s, Meyer has become part of an international yet tight-knit community. “I think it’s like most specialized hobbies, you end up with a core group,” Meyers says. “My close friends don’t live here in Minnesota.” Instead, they live in California or Wisconsin, Illinois or Australia. Although far flung, kite makers are connected globally by their shared specialized interest.

Speaking of community, our readers have once again proven their passion for the local community through our Best of Maple Grove readers’ choice poll (page 12). Over the month of February, we invited residents to celebrate their favorite businesses, places, service providers and more. Thousands of votes stand as a testament to the love our readers have for Maple Grove.

What are you passionate about? Shine a light on lesser-known hobbies you participate in by emailing me at madeline@localmedia.co.

Until next time,

Madeline Kopiecki madeline@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Best of Maple Grove , page 12

Photo by:

Chris Emeott

VOL. 20 NO. 6

July/August 2026

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Clark, Sharon Noble, Katie Tomsche and Kate Wodtke

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Anne Anderson, Experience Maple Grove ; Abbigail Ciesynski, I-94 West Chamber of Commerce ; Roee Hecht, City of Maple Grove ; Carol Morris, City of Maple Grove ; Kira Vanderlan, Zestful Design ; and Kate Wodtke, Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Maple Grove Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

Summer Sojourn

Jamie Rae Miller, founder of Lime Street Creative + Co, is a self-taught artist with a penchant for painting flowers and landscapes. For this piece, entitled Water Ready, Miller says, “The needed North Woods getaway, filled with warm breezes, big sky, no motors and a late summer splash. Inspired by the Scenic State Park, a beloved happy place.” Discover her portfolio at limestcreative.com.

Teri Iverson is the gallery director at the Maple Grove Arts Center. View more at maplegroveartscenter.org.

Title: Water Ready

Artist: Jamie Rae Miller

Scale: 24x48 inches

Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas

Adventures for Summer Nights

Night Magic is a light and poetic embrace of nature in the nighttime. Enjoy reading about Leigh Ann Henion’s travels and experiences all around the United States. Her writing style is fun and engaging. Most importantly, after you’ve spent the day reading in the sunshine you can stay

out and find new wonders in the dark. Did you know that the fireflies you see in your own backyard are just one of the thousands of firefly species in the world?

Gabrielle Clark is a librarian at Maple Grove Library. Read more at hclib.org.

Best of FAQs

While voting is complete, there might be questions when it comes to how our annual readers’ choice poll operates. This year, we transformed the experience with a new, interactive ballot. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.

How are the categories chosen?

Annually, our teams evaluate the categories to ensure our poll is reflective of our local businesses and is in tune with our readership’s interests and suggestions.

How did voting work?

From February 1–28, readers voted for their favorite local businesses and service providers by clicking on the business they wanted to vote for or writing in entrants; write-in votes were processed and appeared on the ballot once approved.

Does advertising influence the results?

The poll is managed by our editorial department and is completely independent from our sales department.

Can a winner or finalist be located outside of the magazine’s coverage area? Absolutely. In order to qualify, each business or organization must be located in the community and/or provide services to local residents.

As a winner, how do I purchase a framed cover?

Winners can request a complimentary digital copy of the Best of Maple Grove cover design, indicating the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can purchase a 14x17-inch black, wood framed award certificate. The cost is $195 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/bestofwinner. Note: The Local team does not sell awards, plaques or trophies associated with the Best of Maple Grove. —Editorial Staff

Bonfe is still family-owned, and you can feel it. In the way we communicate. In the pride behind our work. And in how seriously we take earning your trust every single day with:

Up in the Air

Barbara Meyer creates soaring works of art.

By Madeline Kopiecki

The process begins much the same as any other sewing project. Barbara Meyer has the shape and design in mind, and she translates her sketch into a pattern. But the fabric she lines up over her needle plate isn’t quilting cotton; it’s ripstop nylon. The pattern she’s making isn’t always tracepaper. If she’s using a soldering iron to hot cut, her pattern might be made out of something more durable, like sheet metal. “I also need to add pockets, and I need to add sticks, and I need to add bridle lines, and do I need a tail?” Barbara says. “All of that has to come into play before it truly is a kite.”

The Maple Grove resident has been flying kites since the late ’70s after her husband, Alex Meyer, first brought one home. And then, “When our children came along and I stayed home, I didn’t need tailored suits anymore,” Barbara says. The lifelong sewer rechanneled her creativity into kite making and soon found a resource in the American Kitefliers Association and its quarterly Kiting magazine. “It was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, there are other people out there doing this stuff,’” she says.

The blogs and forums of the early internet also gave rise to easily accessible resources and a community of kite hobbyists that span the globe. “My close friends don’t live here in

“It’s not just across the room that you’re looking at this stuff,” Barbara Meyer says. “You’re looking up 100 feet, 200 feet up in the air, and you still want it to pop.” Ripstop nylon doesn’t typically come in a wide variety of colors, so design is especially important when creating something like this barn door kite.

LET’S GO FLY A KITE …

For those interested in getting airborne this summer, Barbara Meyer recommends finding a school playground with plenty of open space and picking a day with 5–10 mile-per-hour winds. Kiteflying is a two-man operation, Barbara says. The kitemaker breaks things down step by step:

1. One person holds the kite; the other person holds the kite line. The person with the kite line should stand so that the wind blows on the back of their head and the face of the kite.

2. The person with the kite walks about 20–30 feet away.

3. When the person that has the string says, “Go,” the kite holder lets go and allows that kite to go up as the string person gives it a hard jerk and steps back about 5 feet.

4. Voilà! “Your kite should go up and catch the wind,” Barbara says.

Minnesota,” Barbara says. Her friends are in Australia, California, Illinois and Wisconsin. Often, Meyer finds herself en route to visit these friends at far-flung kite festivals or kitemaking workshops, which are hotbeds of inspiration. “Other people bring a whole different aesthetic to the graphics that they put on their kites,” she says. “It’s very individual.”

Kiteflying also has a social aspect that transcends its fairly narrow niche. “If I make a quilt, I clean my house for people, and I invite people over to look at it,” Barbara says. “Whereas, if I make a kite, and it might be the very same pattern, I can go stand out in the soccer field, and people come over and talk to me. I have my own personal art display.”

Barbara Meyer @makinkites

Bridge Club 2.0

Mah Jongg is taking our community by storm.

By Emily Gedde

Lisa-Marie Stienessen describes the pre-Mah Jongg atmosphere as nervous anticipation. As her students take their seats around the table, there’s light chatter and friendly introductions. “People are excited to try it, but they have heard it can be complicated, and it can be,” the Maple Grove Mah Jongg instructor says.

The rules have a reputation for being overwhelming at first, but that’s what Stienessen and her business, Let’s Learn Mahjong!, are there to help with. Those who doubt themselves the most often end up being the most skilled at the game, she says. “This definitely isn’t Uno or Chutes and Ladders, but it’s doable and fun,” she says. “It really stretches your brain and creates a community around you.”

Mah Jongg’s recent rise in popularity can be traced back to celebrity endorsements, the 2020s renewed interest in analog hobbies and the current boom in aesthetic tile sets and accessories. But it’s important to note that the game has been around for over a century. Stienessen says that while Mah Jongg has more than 20 global variations (and a variety of spellings), what would become the American version was brought to the United States in the 1920s. Its popularity ebbed and flowed until Jewish women on the East Coast revitalized it in 1937, formalizing the rules and creating the National Mah Jongg League. “I always teach a little history of the game,” Stienessen says. “People like to know why the game is the way it is.”

The historical context and the challenge of the game are what initially attracted Stienessen to Mah Jongg when neighbors got together to play. As she honed her own skills, Stienessen started contemplating how to turn teaching Mah Jongg into a business. With more than 25 years of experience leading hobby-based classes, including cake decorating and quilting, Stienessen says designing a Mah Jongg class was a natural fit.

And so far, the community response has been enthusiastic. “Even over the last year, [Mah Jongg’s popularity] has grown exponentially,” Stienessen says. In fact, in the first six months of the business, she has had more than 500 students. In addition to classes, Stienessen also hosts private parties for couples, friend groups and fundraisers, and teaches at venues around the Twin Cities, including Maple Grove’s Community Center, Pints & Paddle and Rush Creek Golf Club.

For those feeling doubtful about getting started, Stienessen points out that the people

who are most reluctant to learn frequently end up having the most fun. “Men tend to be especially notorious for this,” she says. “They are often dragged to a couple’s night but end up getting into the mechanics of the game and are surprised at how much strategy is involved. It’s just fun to see people enjoying themselves … Everything is hard until it isn’t. That can be Mah Jongg.”

Let’s Learn Mahjong! letslearnmahjong.com @letslearnmahjong

BEST OF MAPLE GROVE

February planted the seeds of what has grown to become our Best of Maple Grove 2026 list. Over the course of the month, voters nominated a wide array of businesses, organizations and service providers in over 70 categories that contribute to our flourishing community. And, like any dedicated gardener, we curated new arrangements this year with an inaugural wedding section sowed alongside perennial favorites. On March 16, right around the start of spring, the next stage took root with the announcement of the finalists list. Now, the suspense is over, and our winners list is blooming with local favorites. Our team appreciates our readers for cultivating this community resource through their votes. We couldn’t have this annual celebration of Maple Grove without you! —Madeline Kopiecki

Our community blooms with longtime local favorites and fresh new discoveries.

by Chris Emeott

DINING

Best Bakery

1. UFFDA DONUTS

2. Paris Baguette

3. Nothing Bundt Cakes

Best Breakfast or Brunch

1. 3 Squares Restaurant

2. The Original Pancake House

3. Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

Best Brewery or Distillery

1. OMNI Brewery & Taproom

2. Granite City Food & Brewery

3. Skaalvenn Distillery

Best Burger

1. Malone’s Bar & Grill

2. Grackle

3. Brick & Bourbon

Best Dessert

1. Nothing Bundt Cakes

2. Nadia Cakes

3. Paris Baguette

Best International Cuisine

1. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

2. El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

3. Lotus Maple Grove

Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop

1. Kingdom Coffee

2. Annabelle House

3. Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso

Best Outdoor

Dining Space

1. Lookout Bar and Grill

2. The Highlander at Rush Creek Golf Club

3. Crave

Best Pizza

1. Punch

2. Frankie’s Chicago Style Pizza

3. Chanticlear Pizza

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. Crisp & Green

2. Grackle

3. Crave

Best Restaurant

1. Grackle

2. Redstone American Grill

3. Brick & Bourbon

Best Winery

1. OMNI Brewery & Taproom

2. Sovereign Estate

3. Schram Vineyards

ABODE

Best Blinds or Window Treatments

1. Shelly’s Interior Concepts

2. Viking Blinds

3. Aero Drapery & Blind

Best Carpet or Flooring Store

1. Grand Design Floors

2. Town & Country Carpet and Floor Covering

3. Anton’s Floorcovering LLC

Best Custom Home Builder

1. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.

2. Hanson Builders

3. Laurel Builders

Best Garden Center

1. Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery

2. Fair’s Nursery

3. Heidi’s GrowHaus & Lifestyle Gardens

Best Home Décor or Furniture Store

1. Mama’s Happy

2. Patina

3. Bisque Boutique

Best Interior Design Firm

1. Tina Wherry Interiors

2. Zestful Design

3. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.

Best Landscape Design

1. Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery

2. Fair’s Nursery

3. David’s Lawn Service

Best Remodeler

1. J Brothers Design – Build – Remodel, Inc.

2. Crystal Kitchen + Bath

3. Huge Improvements

Best Senior Living Residence

1. SilverCreek on Main

2. Arbor Lakes Senior Living

3. BeeHive Homes of Maple Grove

SERVICES

Best Electrical Services

1. Dean’s Home Services

2. J. Becher & Associates

3. Pro Electric LLC

Best Family or Senior Portrait Photographer

1. Bobeedy Photography LLC

2. Sandy Jones Photography

3. Any Angle Photography

Best Financial Services

1. M2 Financial Group

2. OwnPath Wealth Advisors

3. UnderDog Wealth Management, LLC

Best Heating and Cooling Services

1. Dean’s Home Services

2. Heating & Cooling Two, Inc.

3. Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Home Cleaning

1. Happy to be Home LLC

2. J&K Brightness

3. Bleu Sky Cleaning

Best Law Practice

1. Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd.

2. Markve & Zweifel PLLC

3. Mundahl Law

Best Lawn Care or Snow Removal

1. West Metro Lawn & Snow

2. David’s Lawn Service

3. MN Lawn Pros

Best Plumbing Services

1. Dean’s Home Services

2. Kal’s Plumbing

3. LeVahn Brothers Plumbing

Best Roofing Services

1. MacTaggart Construction Co.

2. Donnelly Stucco & Exteriors

3. Minnesota Exteriors

SELF CARE

Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services

1. 18|8

2. First Class Hair Studio

3. Talisman Hair Studio

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. Orangetheory Fitness

2. Jazzercise Maple Grove Fitness Center

3. HOTWORX - Maple Grove

Best Hair Salon

1. The Hair District Collective

2. Kalla Lily Salon and Spa

3. Simonson’s Salon & Spa

Best Manicure or Pedicure

1. Van’s Nails and Spa

2. Nails & Spa On Main

3. Beaute’ Contour Nail Lounge

Best Med Spa

1. Belladerm MedSpa

2. Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness

3. LifeWay Health & Wellness

Best Spa

1. Belladerm MedSpa

2. Woodhouse Spa

3. Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness

WELLNESS

Best Audiology Practice

1. Minnesota ENT (formerly Oakdale Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic)

2. Children’s Minnesota

3. Ear, Nose & Throat Specialty Care

Best Chiropractic or Holistic Wellness Practice

1. Broman Chiropractic & Wellness Center

2. Maple Grove Family Chiropractic

3. The Wellery Chiropractic

Best Dental Practice

1. Grove Health Dental

2. Maple Grove Family Dental Clinic

3. Forestview Family Dentistry

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Associated Skin Care Specialists

2. Park Nicollet Dermatology Maple Grove

3. Schweiger Dermatology Group

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Park Nicollet Clinic and Specialty Center Maple Grove

2. Voyage Healthcare

3. Lifeway Health & Wellness

Best Massage

1. Maple Grove Family Chiropractic

2. Woodhouse Spa

3. Broman Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Best Mental Health Services Provider

1. The Modern Experience Clinic

2. The Calli Institute

3. CARE Counseling

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. Oakdale OBGYN

2. Clinic Sofia OBGYN, PA

3. OBGYN & Infertility

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Accorde Orthodontists

2. Kottemann Orthodontics

3. Pan Orthodontics

Best Physical Therapy Practice

1. Twin Cities Orthopedics

2. TRIA

3. Saunders Therapy Centers

Best Vision Care Practice

1. Northwest Eye

2. Pearle Vision

3. Bass Lake Family Eye Care

LEARNING

Best College Prep or Tutoring Center

1. Kumon

2. Mathnasium

3. Sylvan Learning

Best Dance Studio

1. Genesis Dance Company

2. The Dance Complex

3. Bloom Dance Company

Best Music Lessons or School

1. Spark School of Music and Dance

2. Ladybug Music

3. Bach to Rock

Best Preschool Program

1. Maranatha Christian Academy

2. Saint John’s Lutheran School

3. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

Best Private School

1. Maranatha Christian Academy

2. Saint John’s Lutheran School

3. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

LEISURE

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Elm Creek Park Reserve

2. Central Park of Maple Grove

3. Fish Lake Regional Park

Best Golf Course

1. Rush Creek Golf Club

2. Fox Hollow Golf Club

3. Pheasant Acres Golf Course

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Elm Creek Park Reserve

2. Central Park of Maple Grove

3. Pints & Paddle

Best Place for Kids’ Birthday Party

1. Slick City Action Park

2. Sky Zone

3. Maple Grove Community Center

Meet Cierra Gowin, Licensed Acupuncturist

Originally from Des Moines, Cierra studied Biology at the University of Iowa and earned a Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Acupuncture can help with:

• Pain, injury and muscle tension

• Stress and fertility support

• Digestive issues

• Sleep disturbances

• Respiratory and immune health

• Neurological concerns

• Women’s Health

The Aisling is the perfect venue for those looking for a luxurious, oneof-a-kind experience.

Embellished with coastal elegance, our facilities are designed to make every event truly special.

PET CARE

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Red Barn Pet Retreat

2. ADOGO

3. All Seasons Canine Country Club

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Red Barn Pet Retreat

2. Shaggy Dog Grooming

3. Stylin’ Paws Grooming

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. Corcoran Pet Care Center

2. Heritage Animal Hospital

3. North Paws Veterinary Clinic

SHOPS

Best Florist

1. Donato’s Floral

2. Maple Grove Floral

3. The Wild Orchid

Best Gift Shop

1. Patina

2. GoodThings

3. Mama’s Happy

Best Jewelry Store

1. Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs

2. Goldwear Jewelers

3. Jared

Best Men’s or Women’s Apparel Boutique

1. Leela & Lavender

2. EVEREVE

3. Mama’s Happy

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Painted Turtle Chocolatier

2. Brothers Meat & Seafood

3. Love That Olive

WEDDING VENDORS

Best Alterations or Tailoring Service

1. Magic Needle

2. Lena’s Tailoring

3. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners

Best Bridal Hair and Makeup

1. Manes by Annie

2. Volition Salon & Suites

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. Bridal Aisle Boutique

2. Rubi Jubi

Best Catering Service

1. The Fox and Pantry

2. Lynde’s Restaurant & Catering

3. Lookout Bar and Grill

Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer

1. Eric Vest Photography

2. Abi Jane Photography

3. Karen Feder Photography

Best Wedding Venue

1. Rush Creek Golf Club

2. Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens

3. The Hutton House

The Best of Maple Grove floral design is courtesy of LILIA Flower Boutique, known for its exceptional arrangements, beautiful bouquets, design workshops and curated gifts. We extend our sincere appreciation for the stunning florals that grace our cover and pages.

LILIA Flower Boutique liliaflower.com @lilia.designfloral

EDITOR’S PICKS

Our editor embarks on a curated tour about town.

Written by Madeline Kopiecki

The assignment was simple: Share your favorite places and things to do in the local community. Maple Grove Magazine Editorial Advisory Board members offered up their top picks when it came to things to do, places to eat and parks to visit in Maple Grove, and I set about choosing my own adventures based on their expert recommendations. Come along with me as I …

ROAM

It came as little surprise that both small business owner Kira Vanderlan and city recreation coordinator Roee Hecht singled out Central Park as a must-see destination, citing a litany of attractions, including the walking trails and playground. “Plus you can utilize the loop in the summer with roller skates,”

Hecht says. I picked a quiet afternoon to walk the path around the placid pond. Although the garden was dormant at the time of my visit, I still made a meditative trip around the labyrinth. maplegrovemn.gov

Abbigail Ciesynski of the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce identified Elm Creek Park Reserve as one of the best parks in the city. “Whether you’re hiking, biking,

As an avid mac and cheese fan, Lookout Bar and Grill’s Spicy Mac Bites immediately caught my attention, and my curiosity was well rewarded.

swimming at the beach or cross-country skiing in the winter, it’s the perfect place to enjoy all that Minnesota has to offer,” she says. I set out from Eastman Nature Center on Sumac Trail, admittedly a little spooked by the educational sign at the start of the trail about how to handle black bear sightings. My trepidations gradually melted away as I looped around Meadowlark Trail, entranced by sonorous choirs of frogs. threeriversparks.org

Kate Wodtke of the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society encouraged me to have a ball in Maple Grove. The first stop on her list was Fish Lake Dog Off-leash Area “Whether you have a dog in your life or just love to spend time with puppers, you will have a ball at this delightful destination,” she says. I took her advice and enjoyed the scenery along the trail that loops around the pavilion. Up the hill and among the trees, I noted the rustic survival shelters that potentially pointed to local Boy Scout troops practicing their outdoor skills. And, rounding the corner to a view of the watertower, the kids dotting the docks with their fishing poles intimated to me that the lake lives up to its name. threeriversparks.org

DINE

Walking through the doors of Lookout Bar and Grill immediately inundated me with a sense of local history. The nearly 70-yearold, family-owned restaurant immortalizes its community standing through walls peppered with photographs and a bartop festooned with snapshots from times past. I was surprised to find it tucked away in a fairly residential area, but that only served to reinforce Ciesynski’s observation that, “The Lookout is a friendly neighborhood stop with excellent food and great vibes.” My excitement at seeing Spicy Mac Bites on the menu cannot be overstated. As a devout connoisseur of mac and cheese

where it shouldn’t be (read: Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese), a mac and cheese n ugget is a welcome addition to any menu in my book. lookoutbarandgrill.com

My impulse to try something new at Lotus Maple Grove was rewarded when the Nem Nuong Spring Rolls arrived at the table. The appetizer was a medley of textures: crunchy eggroll wrapper core, chewy rice noodles and slightly crispy pork patty, all rolled into one and served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Hecht notes that the Potatoes & Oyster Sauce is his personal go-to, however my abiding love of Singapore Noodles won out during this visit. The yellow curry rice noodles provided just the right amount of heat (I went with a 4/5), balanced out by more savory notes. I also appreciate a noodle dish where veggies take center stage rather than perform bit parts. lotusmaplegrove.com

PLAY

Vanderlan identified the new Maple Grove Community Center Ice Arena as a standout spot that’s home to many community hockey programs. Skating was a hobby I picked up during COVID-19, however I’ve since lapsed in my attendance, so this sounded like an excellent opportunity to get back into the swing of things. The arena isn’t shy about its pride in local youth teams, as evidenced by the floor-to-ceiling murals of Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association athletes visible from the outdoor walkway. I picked one of the many available open skate times and— although I had the shaky ankles of a newborn calf—I had a wonderful time on the ice. maplegrovemn.gov

Wodtke’s theme of having a ball in Maple Grove continued with a visit to WhirlyBall Twin Cities. While I couldn’t muster the numbers needed for a truly competitive session of the eponymous sport, I had a friend in tow who was versed in the ins and outs of the game. We still managed to have a ball by playing a few rounds of pool. whirlyballtwincities.com

VISIT US SOON

Located in the heart of Maple Grove 12635 Elm Creek Blvd N (763) 447-6500 www.malonesbarandgrill.net

Stay up to date on specials & events follow us @MalonesMN

Double Down

Farmers market vendors add an extra layer to supporting local.

Written by Kassondra Burtis

This year, the Maple Grove Farmers Market isn’t just encouraging shoppers to support local, it’s encouraging its vendors to do so as well. “I think the conversation around encouraging our vendors to purchase more locally or to source local ingredients comes with the fact that the scene has grown so much,” says Mao Lee, recreation supervisor for the City of Maple Grove. “We want to encourage our vendors to set themselves apart from vendors at other locations, so as a whole, we can set ourselves apart.”

Lee’s involvement with the Maple Grove Farmers Market dates back to its inception in 2004. Her family was a vendor through 2017 and sold fresh seasonal produce. In 2022, Lee joined the City of Maple Grove and started running the market. “The mission of the [Maple Grove] Farmers Market is to create this gathering place for the community to connect with the farmers to purchase locally made food,” Lee says.

This year’s emphasis on local ingredients is twofold—one is the farmers who use their own produce or byproducts to create additional wares. The second is the vendors who source local produce for their own products.

Tillering Farm is an excellent example of the former. Husband and wife Rob and Samantha Heitke raise Berkshire-Mangalitsa hogs and Dexter beef cattle on their family farm in Milaca, Minnesota. The Heitkes are proud to be able to provide a unique direct selling option at the market. “Often when people buy beef or pork, they’re buying wholes or halves or quarters, which is quite expensive,” Rob says. “We like to provide the opportunity for quality meat at smaller portions.”

Direct selling also enables Tillering Farm customers to get to know the Heitkes and ask questions about their farm or processes. “Small farms have a very close relationship with the butcher shops we use, so we know exactly what we’re getting back,” Samantha says. “It’s kind of a special thing to be able to meet the people who raise the animals.”

Working directly with a butcher also gives the Heitkes the opportunity to ask for nonstandard cuts, such as suet or trim fat. “I learned probably about five years ago now that you can process that and use it to make this real thick body butter,” Samantha says.

Such tallow-based skincare products have since had a viral moment thanks to their allpurpose and all-natural properties. “It’s fun to have something that we really believe is a good product,” Samantha says. “It’s easy to sell if you’re using it yourself.” Tillering Farm offers jars of tallow balm along with lip balm and lotion bars reinforced by beeswax. And yes, the beeswax is locally sourced too. “It’s from the guy two doors down,” Samantha says.

As for a vendor who embraces supporting local farmers, look no further than Austin Hamilton of Zane Chocolates. Hamilton has done plenty of experimenting to get his chocolate bar recipes—and his wide array of flavors—just right. “I start with organic cacao beans and process them all the way into chocolate bars in a variety of pretty unique flavors,” Hamilton says. “I currently have 16 different types that I sell, and I’m constantly rotating out old ones and adding new ones.”

For Hamilton, coming up with new flavors is a highlight of the business. This can mean coming across an ingredient that sparks his curiosity or incorporating customer suggestions. His most recent creation is a dark chocolate and rosemary combo, inspired by a Rosemary Chocolate Chip Cookie. He purchases locally grown, in-season produce like basil, habanero peppers, strawberries and even garlic from neighboring vendors at the Maple Grove Farmers Market. Among his most creative flavors have been a 70 percent dark chocolate bar with ground juniper berries and a 40 percent milk chocolate bar with garlic, which was a hit at Hutchinson’s annual Minnesota Garlic Festival. Hamilton says he appreciates the close, welcoming sense of community cultivated at the market and the ability to interact with and buy chocolate bar ingredients from other local vendors.

No two weeks at the market are exactly the same. While the vendor lineup is generally consistent, there are slight variations throughout the season, depending on seasonal produce and vendor availability. The market is open Thursdays from 3–7 p.m. now through September and from 3–6 p.m. in October at the Maple Grove Community Center’s recently expanded parking lot.

Maple Grove Farmers Market maplegrovefarmersmarket.com Maple Grove Farmers Market

Park Nicollet Urgent Care and TRIA Orthopedic Urgent Care

When a medical concern arises, families deserve to know where to go for exceptional urgent care. Park Nicollet Urgent Care and TRIA Orthopedic Urgent Care offer a full spectrum of services to address medical needs for patients of all ages. Whether walking in or using the online check-in services, there are recommendations to follow in determining the best care option.

Alana Hohertz serves as the clinic’s operations manager, overseeing the campus’ operations and partnering with leaders to make sure systems are well aligned to support patient needs. “I also lead our frontline check-in teams and work collaboratively with department leaders to align processes and resources, so we function as one integrated, patientcentered care team,” Hohertz says.

General urgent care proudly serves patients of all ages, offering convenient, comprehensive care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. From everyday concerns, like strep throat, to more complex needs, such as laceration repair or IV antibiotic treatment, the experienced team provides care for many conditions in one convenient location.

For infants, children and teens through age 17 who need prompt care for illnesses or injuries, Pediatric Urgent Care provides compassionate, expert treatment for a wide range of childhood needs. Whether a child is feeling unwell or has been injured, pediatric-trained clinicians are experienced in caring for young patients. Care is delivered in a welcoming, child-friendly environment designed to help families feel comfortable and supported when they need it the most. “Since our general urgent care treats patients of all ages, it can provide additional flexibility, especially when wait times differ,” Hohertz says.

TRIA Orthopedic Urgent Care provides specialized care for patients experiencing injuries or pain in their bones, joints or muscles. This can include arthritic pain, sports-related injuries and non-sports related injuries, such as suspected fractures, dislocations, severe sprains and strains. Patients are seen by fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine physicians.

Offering three urgent care departments on one campus makes receiving quality care seamless for patients. “All three urgent care departments

utilize the same front desk for check in,” Hohertz says. “Our team helps guide patients to the right service based on their reason for their visit and personal preferences, including wait times. Many patients are also using our Save My Spot online check-in to choose the right urgent care before they arrive, reducing their wait time.”

TRIA is an excellent choice for any concerns involving bones and muscles. For patient convenience, additional services are offered at the campus, including on-site lab and advanced imaging services; physical and hand therapies; and an outpatient surgery center. Physical and hand therapies are available as same-day services through TRIA Orthopedic Urgent Care, allowing patients to begin treatment immediately. The on-site outpatient surgery center allows certain orthopedic cases to transition smoothly to surgical care.

“Having orthopedic specialists and physical and hand therapies available on site allows patients to receive timely specialized care and begin treatment sooner,” Hohertz says. “Early evaluation and same-day therapy can improve recovery, reduce complications and help patients return to normal activities more quickly. This coordinated approach also minimizes delays and reduces the need for additional visits at other locations.”

With expert medical care, paired with convenience, the Maple Grove urgent care campus allows patients the freedom from deciding where to go for care or traveling to multiple locations. “No matter how they arrive, our team quickly guides them to the appropriate care,” Hohertz says. “This integrated setup ensures people get the right care, at the right time, in the right place— that’s something we’re very proud to offer our community.”

Maple Grove on Parade

A longstanding tradition celebrates its 35th anniversary.

Jason Pruhs says the incredible turnout is one of his favorite aspects of the Maple Grove Days Parade. “It’s just crazy to me how many people actually show up for this parade,” says the Maple Grove Community Organization parade co-chair, citing the city’s most recent estimate of 10,000 attendees. “That’s the reason I do it. It’s really rewarding.”

The parade, which has followed the same 1.8-mile route since 1992, actually predates Maple Grove Days. “The parade got started, and then later on it was, ‘Let’s do a festival around this as well,’” Pruhs says. Paradewatchers gather along 89th Avenue to enjoy marching bands, cheer on local clubs and— of course—collect candy. Pruhs says that the rule of thumb for crowd safety is to stay behind the yellow line, adding, “The candy will come to them.”

The parade kicks off at 6:10 p.m. July 16 with area politicians and elected officials starting off the march, followed at 6:30 p.m. by local businesses, youth groups, the Maple Grove Ambassadors and more. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Pruhs says the parade’s grand marshal will be Vietnam veteran Harland Anderson. Find a full itinerary for Maple Grove Days at mgco.org. —Madeline Kopiecki

07.18–07.19

Arbor Lakes Art Fair

Enjoy community-made art as this event transforms the mall into a marketplace filled with local treasures handcrafted by talented artists. Plan your visit from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. July 18 or 11 a.m.–4 p.m. July 19 at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. maplegroveartscenter.org

07.28

Sounds of Summer

Gather with neighbors from 7–9 p.m. at the Maple Grove Town Green to hear live music from The C-Notes, a blues, rock ‘n’ roll and soul band. thecnotesband.com

07.31

Outdoor Movie Night

Enjoy a free showing of the live-action Lilo & Stitch at dusk at the Maple Grove Town Green. maplegrovemn.gov

08.08

Baby Backyard 5K–50K Ultra

This community-centered run, where participants run a 5K every hour for 10 hours, will start at 7 a.m. at Elm Creek Park Reserve. All registration profits will be donated to Children’s Minnesota Kids Cancer Fund. humanraceinc.org

08.10–08.12

Camp MG

This camp for ages 7–11 will run from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Each day, campers will visit a new location in Maple Grove and participate in fun activities such as exploring nature, playing games and swimming. maplegrovemn.gov

08.18

Pop-up Splash Pad

The Maple Grove Fire, Police and Parks & Recreation departments come together to provide fun entertainment and to answer questions about creating a family escape plan and proper use of smoke alarms. Fire trucks will blast out water for all to enjoy from 4–6 p.m. at Thoresen Park. maplegrovemn.gov

Compiled by Abigail

Larson and Kate Thompson

To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Focus on Maple Grove

When you look through your photo files, what do you see? Whether it’s a candid moment, an iconic area landmark, a brush with nature or something in between, odds are it captures a glimpse of what it’s like to call Maple Grove home. From July 1–August 31, our Focus on Maple Grove photo contest is open to shutterbugs of all ages and experience levels. Explore your shots from this past year, and share what the spirit of Maple Grove looks like through your lens.

Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife. Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category.

Visit maplegrovemag.com for additional rules and information. —Editorial Staff

THE DETAILS:

• Submissions are accepted between 8 a.m. July 1–5 p.m. August 31, at maplegrovemag.com.

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the Maple Grove area.

• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.

• Photos should be taken in the Maple Grove area.

• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.

• Readers’ Choice voting is open September 15–30 on our website.

• Winning images could be featured in our magazine, website and social media platforms.

• The results of the contest will be posted on our website by October 1.

Photographer Ron Lucas says the beauty of the wildflowers inspired this photo. “I am always trying to capture that perfect picture with composition and lighting,” Lucas says. “The contrasting vivid colors and panorama make this photo stand out.” —Madeline Kopiecki

Photographer: Ron Lucas

Title: Wild Flowers at Town Green

Equipment: iPhone 13 Pro Max

Location: The walking path between the Community Center and Town Green

Category: Places Award: Second Place

To view other Focus on Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.

THE BEST IN THE FIELD. FOCUSED ON YOU.

At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.