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Karrah’s Place A photographer’s perspective on creativity, being present and finding beauty

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“There’s something so transformative about being able to reconnect with yourself and your own thoughts. Doing that is self-care.” —Alison Wilder, Winter at Wilder Retreat, page 28

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D E PA RT M E N TS

14 Head to Heart Stillwater salon owner supports people experiencing hair loss.

16 Taking Off Multigenerational travel is trending and for good reason.

18 Karrah’s Place A photographer’s perspective on creativity, being present and finding beauty.

F E AT U R E S

22 Awakening Lake Elmo A new generation of women is revitalizing downtown.

28 Winter at Wilder Retreat A getaway on the St. Croix River is an idyllic setting for a staycation.

TAST E M A K E R S

36 The Art of Pastry At Mon Petit Chéri, Emily Stahl pursues her calling.

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FROM THE EDITOR Zo e Yate s — zoe@loca lm edia .co

Photo: Chris Emeott

There is so much beauty in the everyday. It’s something I often need to remind myself of as the long days of winter bleed into each other. In recent years, many have spoken of romanticizing your life. This practice involves adding a sense of beauty and intimacy to your daily routine—lighting a candle, scenting your bath, dressing up for a winter adventure or reading by the fire. Some ways I’ve embraced this practice are taking slow walks through my forested backyard and preparing homemade chai in my favorite mug each morning. I think this trend is a good reminder to seek joy and the sense of wellness that these moments imbue. And the stories within these pages may inspire you to do so in new ways. Get away at Wilder Retreat, an idyllic property on the St. Croix River, created for reconnecting with nature and oneself. Owner Alison Wilder has created the retreat of her dreams, and now shares it with others (even their wood-fired sauna!). Discover more on page 28. Be inspired by the work and outlook of St. Croix Falls photographer Karrah Kobus. Kobus has a unique way of finding beauty in the chaos and shares about her observational approach to storytelling on page 18. Celebrate women as Women’s History Month approaches with stories about powerful leaders making a change. On page 14, salon owner Kristy Wilson shares her passion for supporting women who are experiencing hair loss. And later, we connected with a group of women that are breathing life into downtown Lake Elmo. Learn more on page 22. I hope these stories lift your spirits and feed your soul. Until next time,

On the Cover Karrah’s Place, page 18, photo by Karrah Kobus See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! St. Croix Valley Magazine @stcroixvalleymag @scvmag

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PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Zoe Yates MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Shelli Erck, Alexandra Eve, Rachael Johnson EDITORIAL INTERNS Morgan McFadden, Emma Mehl EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Emily Iannazzo, The Goodery; Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation; Stacey Morgan, resident and community volunteer; Melissa Parkos, The Goodery; Jennifer Sayers, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Jamie Klang

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one common goal – fighting cancer.

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson To subscribe to St. Croix Valley Magazine, please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

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A lifestyle with a grateful heart

AT S A I N T T H E R E S E O F W O O D B U R Y

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Increases Spiritual Connection

Practicing gratitude helps seniors stay grounded, reminds them that they are valuable, and reduces social comparison.

For many seniors, practicing gratitude reminds them of their true identity and fills them with hope and faith.

Improves Health

Improves Memory

Practicing gratitude leads to better sleep, less depression, and helps with chronic illness.

Grateful people are more likely to recall past experiences in a more positive manner. They savor the good times and are better equipped to cope when hard times come their way.

Strengthens Relationships Gratitude increases social connections and strengthens current relationships. Feeling connected socially, seniors feel less isolated and lonely.

A grateful heart is a healthier heart, APA 2015

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N OT E WO RT H Y

FAC E S

MEET MISS WISCONSIN TEEN USA Hohneke waves to the crowd after her May 7 crowning in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

SHELBY’S STYLE

Photo: Future Productions, LLC

H UDSON’ S OW N SHEL BY HOHN EKE,

Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2023, represents a new generation of community leaders. Hohneke says earning the title was a triumph not just for her, but also for her family. “I’ve been working toward this title for four years [and] was runner up for the past three,” she says. “It took a lot of work, but we [are] so happy.” Since her crowning in May, Hohneke has traveled all over the state, visiting towns near and far. She says she has enjoyed getting involved, with notable favorites including charity appearances. “It was a truly awesome thing,” Hohneke says of her crowning. “I’ve been doing all I can. It’s all been a truly rewarding experience that I’ll hold with me forever.” Hohneke says she’s incredibly proud to be

representing her hometown. The 2022 graduate of Hudson High School gives back as an advocate for the special needs community through involvement in Darby’s Dancers, Special Olympics and Best Buddies. She’s also the founder of Just Us Girls mentorship program. Hohneke loves spending time at local parks and in downtown Hudson, walking the pier. When asked her favorite thing about Hudson, ice cream from Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts came to mind, “close behind the general hospitality.” —Morgan McFadden

While modern pageantry is as much about character as it is about style, there’s no doubt that Hohneke’s tailor Maly Vu has played a role in her success. Vu, the original owner of City Tailoring in Woodbury, studied fashion design in France and moved to the area in 1991. Vu runs a commissionbased tailoring set-up out of Hastings, where she takes in formal wear and gowns for

misswisconsinusa.com @misswiteenusa

editing and reconstruction. Vu has worked on many of Hohneke’s gowns over the

Custom Tailor by Maly;

years, from various designers.

Custom Tailor by Maly

“It’s like she’s part of the family,” Vu says.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

READ

The Women Celebrate Women’s History Month this March with a new release from Kristin Hannah. It’s the mid-1960s. President Kennedy has been assassinated, and the United States is singularly focused on fighting communism. Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s brother has just enlisted to serve in the Vietnam War, so she decides to enlist as a war nurse to follow him. Frankie, the authentic and lionhearted main character, has it all planned out—she’ll travel to Vietnam, serve safely away from the front lines and return home to secure her father’s approval and a spot on his prized “Wall of Heroes.” But war, as it so often does, has other ideas. Frankie experiences the same Vietnam War as the men: its unique horrors and crippling PTSD. Despite this, she’ll never be recognized as a war hero. Until much later, few of the women who served in Vietnam will be. It’s so easy to give this novel the five stars it deserves. Hannah’s pacing is superb, her research is comprehensive and she takes great care examining and revering female friendships.

Rachael Johnson is the assistant manager at Valley Bookseller. You can find The Women on the shelves at Valley Bookseller after its February 6 release date, or preorder at valleybookseller.com.

GROW

Flowers for Valentine’s Day The season of love is here again. As

and he is celebrated on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day approaches, let’s lean into

Typically, flowers are shared on this day,

the heart behind this romantic holiday. As the legend goes, St. Valentine was a

be the red rose (though all flowers can be

priest during the reign of Roman emperor

enjoyed). Do not forget the more recent

Claudius II. Claudius wanted to expand

cousin to Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day,

his empire, but no one wanted to leave

where you celebrate your favorite girlfriends

loved ones to go fight. So, in order to build

and family members. Celebrate all those you

an army, Claudius banned love and mar-

love with a gesture from your heart. It’s sure

riage. St. Valentine reportedly refused to

to be remembered and reciprocated.

stop conducting marriage ceremonies and was martyred on February 14, 269. The accounts of St. Valentine as a romantic and heroic figure spread throughout the world,

Shelli Erck is the owner of Hudson Flower Shop. Find more at hudsonflowershop.com.

February/March 2024

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iStock.com/Probuxtor

and most think of the symbol for love to

loc al tip s, tidb its & insights

STYLE

Workplace Dress Code Changes The pandemic transformed virtually every

we are seeing dress pants with stretch, bal-

aspect of our lives, including the way we

let flats and loafers over heels, and mixing

dress for work. As time passes, we are see-

and matching of separate pieces rather than

ing more companies asking employees to

full suits for daily wear. Retailers and design-

return to the office, and the employees are

ers have caught on to this change as well,

noticing a drastic shift in workplace attire.

making it much easier to find comfortable,

The traditional business attire we once

yet professional-looking pieces to incorpo-

knew has given way to a more relaxed and

rate into your work wardrobe.

comfortable style. The strict suits and for-

Appearance and feeling good is still

mal business wear that were once manda-

important, but we have more choices and

tory in many offices have become relics of

freedom when it comes to what we buy and

the past with comfort now a primary focus

wear to the office. As we continue to adapt

for workwear.

to this new normal, it’s clear that fashion in

Working from home for extended periods

Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson

the workplace has forever changed.

has also redefined our fashion priorities. After years of Zoom meetings and remote collaboration, it’s no surprise that people value comfort more than ever. As a result,

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WELLNESS

Head to Heart Stillwater salon owner supports people experiencing hair loss. By Zoe Yates

Kristy Wilson

to love her hair. She studied how to care for it, graduated from hair school and opened a salon catering to fellow curly-haired people. So, when she began to lose her hair after the birth of her first child—and then again, more substantially, after the birth of her second—it changed the course of her life and career. “Hair loss is really devastating, and once you’ve experienced it yourself … I just have so much more empathy for women who are going through hair loss,” Wilson says. At the Stillwater location of her salon, Uptown Curl, Wilson has helped guide clients through their hair loss journey from behind the chair—with about 40 percent of her clients dealing with some form of hair loss. “It’s women of all ages, too. It’s teenagers; it’s women in their 20s and 30s; it’s women in their 60s. [Hair loss] affects a lot of people, and it really has been a hot topic lately just because of how many people have experienced it from COVID[-19],” she says. And now, as a certified trichologist (hair loss treatment specialist), Wilson is taking appointments for follicle and scalp screenings at her Stillwater office to help women find a diagnosis—whether that’s through a dermatologist or a functional medicine doctor—and learn about treatment options to begin the process of healing. “Our hair, skin and nails are sometimes the first symptom of internal illness or nutritional deficiency or hormone imbalance ... So, [hair loss] is something that should be taken seriously,” Wilson says. For women who are experiencing hair loss, it’s important to find the cause, Wilson says. Not all hair loss

February/March 2024

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Photo: Chris Emeott

HUDSON RESIDENT KRISTY WILSON spent years learning

TYPES OF ALOPECIA There are many forms of hair loss (also known as alopecia) that affect people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Here are a few common types of hair loss: Alopecia Areata occurs when one’s immune system attacks hair follicle roots, resulting in patchy and, often sudden, shedding of hair. For most, recovery occurs within two years. Scarring Alopecia is a form of hair loss that is often permanent and is caused by complete hair follicle destruction. Without functioning hair follicles, hair can’t grow back. This can be a result of tension, infection, radiation, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Telogen Effluvium is a bodily reaction to trauma due to stress, infection, child birth or malnutrition, and has been on the rise in recent years as a symptom of COVID. This often occurs weeks to months following the event and can become a chronic disorder. Traction Alopecia is the result of localized trauma from pulling at the hair follicles. Tight ponytails or fabric headbands can cause this at any age; hairstyles like braiding, extensions and weaves make this type of alopecia common for women of color, Wilson says, adding that consistent “tension on the scalp can lead to permanent hair loss as well as scarring alopecia.”

is permanent, and advances in technology have resulted in new treatments. “Understanding that hair loss is very common and very typical, and [that] it can be cyclical in our life, is such a huge relief to people,” Wilson says, adding that there is often hope for recovery with knowledge and treatments. “I’ve seen it reversed many, many times, and the technology just keeps getting better.” Read more at stcroixvalleymag.com. Uptown Curl, 120 Main St. N., Stillwater; 651.342.1111; uptowncurl.com Uptown Curl - Stillwater @officialuptowncurl

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Taking Off Multigenerational travel is trending and for good reason.

THERE’S A TRENDY TERM for this

type of travel, but you wouldn’t know it by one. It’s like a babymoon, a vacation taken by parents-to-be before the birth of their child (which is also travel-trendy), but 10 to 16 years later. Give up? Skip-gen travel is grandparents traveling with their grandchildren without the parents along, hence skipping a generation, or gen. “Not sure of the name’s origination, but the concept is becoming very popular,” says Melissa Gutting, sales and development manager at the River Falls office of Travel Leaders. “I don’t know if it’s because of COVID[-19], but I think we’ve developed a deeper appreciation for experiences, and traveling with a grandchild is an experience.” Gutting has found that many skip-gen

trips are centered around celebrations, with birthdays and graduations being the most popular. “I have a client who takes every grandchild on a trip of their choice after they turn 16,” Gutting says. “I have others who take their grandchildren all over Europe. In one family, grandpa travels with the male grandchildren, grandma with the females.” A common theme is simplicity. “They’re generally escorted tours,” Gutting says. “They don’t want to get somewhere and spend half their trip planning.” Cruises are popular, as are theme parks. The Logistics

It’s recommended that grandparents traveling with their grandchildren do so

with documentation of parental consent. “You want a notarized and signed letter from both parents stating that it’s OK for the child to be traveling with a grandparent or grandparents,” Gutting says. “There’s not an official form, but we have a mock-up you can follow.” A medical consent form is also recommended, as is bringing a copy of a birth certificate, copies of health insurance cards, picture IDs (school or library card) and a recent photo. As one can imagine, domestic travel is different from international travel. A passport, for all ages, is required for international travel. Gutting adds that travel rules and restrictions can differ by country. As an example, she says minors traveling without their parents to the Dominican Republic need to check in at the

February/March 2024

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iStock.com/FlyViewProductions

By Daniel Huss

“They have the best jeans!

MICKEY MOUSE OPERATION

Seriously. Hide them from your daughters.”

After winning the 1987 Super

Kelly S., mom of 3

Bowl, New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms shouted, “I’m going to Disney World.” While Simms was the first paid athlete to make that public declaration, the desire to go to Disney continues today. Coincidentally, Disney is a popular skip-gen travel destination. Options include Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida; Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California; and the Disney Cruise Line. On a map, that’s East Coast, West Coast and everything on the perimeter. Theme parks are at the top of many skip-gen travel lists as they check lots of boxes. They’re accessible. They’re structured, and they’re fun. “One of the concerns when planning these trips is that there’s enough for the child to do,” Gutting says. “That makes a

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full schedule really important.” Disney has that covered. “You don’t want to miss out seeing your grandchild see Mickey Mouse for the first time,” Gutting says. The same goes for Cinderella, Donald Duck, Snow White and Winnie the Pooh.

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consulate upon arrival. “You’ll want to be well informed before you go,” she says. Let’s Go

In Gutting’s experience, most skip-gen trips average five to seven days in duration. Most occur over a break in school or outside the school year. “Missing school was more of a concern pre-COVID,” Gutting says. “Now, there’s more online learning opportunities, which makes the world smaller.” Travel, on the other hand, makes the world larger. John Steinbeck once said, “People don’t take trips; trips take people.” Sounds like an experience. Travel Leaders - River Falls, 625 Whitetail Blvd. Suite 130, River Falls; 715.425.8200; tvlleaders.com Market Square Travel

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A R T S & C U LT U R E

Karrah’s Place A photographer’s perspective on creativity, being present and finding beauty. By Zoe Yates

Windows so stylish, they turn heads.

Shop Local

Photo: Karrah Kobus

THE OFTEN QUIET STREETS OF ST. CROIX FALLS are brimming with

artists. Musicians, sculptors, potters, painters. Go knocking on strangers’ doors, and you’ll soon find friends, artfully and passionately living out their lives in this quaint river town. On one such street lives Karrah Kobus—an artist in every sense of the word. Professionally, she’s a photographer without a niche (a rarity nowadays) with a body of work that is wholly distinct in its approach to beauty and the ever-illusive “authenticity” that the industry is chasing. Yet, she’s also a writer, a visionary, a dreamer— and now, a studio owner—opening her home and dreamscape as a rental for other creatives. “Everybody needs a space to unleash their chaos,” Kobus says. “And I definitely wanted to share that with people now that it was something that I had the privilege and the ability in life to create.” Karrah’s Place is the manifestation of Kobus’ literal dreams. It’s where she lives, alongside her husband, Raleigh, and daughter, Seni; it’s where she works, photographing clients throughout her home, in her basement studio space and 2-acre property; it’s the place where she (a self-described “homebody”) thrives— a not-so-blank slate on which she crafts innumerable worlds. “As an artist taking pictures for other people, what is important for me is to understand how I see the world. To live my own life, fill up my own cup—if you want to use that phrase—and experience the world, and pay attention to the little things and how they make me feel,” Kobus says. “And then, when I have a client who hires me … a lot of it is just observing them and using my life experience—the things in my world that I see and that I have strong feelings connected to—to see that in them.” Kobus found her way to photography a decade ago as a college student, when she came across a self-portrait by Flickrfamous photographer Rosie Hardy. “She was using photography as this art form, and I was like, ‘This is it,’” Kobus says.

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Member FDIC

Photo: Karrah Kobus

With almost 15 years in the industry, Kobus says her niche is “the human experience.”

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Karrah’s Place in St. Croix Falls is available by hourly rental for creative photo projects. The full home is set amidst 2 acres of woodland and features midcentury architecture with abundant natural light, with minimal furnishings curated by Kobus. The 1300-square-foot studio space includes a steel wall, rolling wall and glass garage door, with a broad range of studio equipment included with booking.

The next morning she skipped class to spend the day taking self-portraits, and she never looked back. Over the past decade, Kobus has transitioned from telling her own story to those of the people around her. Whether she’s photographing a musician, a wedding, a family or a high school senior, she brings all that she is to capture all that they are. “I say right now that my niche is the human experience,” Kobus says. “As long as it’s somebody who feels like they connect with what I’m doing, then I can connect with what they're doing. And then we can make something that feels really good for everyone.” In her life and art, Kobus embraces beauty as something that is always present and never perfect, describing her style as timeless, sophisticated and observational. “I love those real moments between people—observing and finding those real little moments within the portrait session, creating the space for them to unfold. And I like the playful stuff. I love laughs and giggles. I’ve always loved that,” Kobus says. And perhaps no image is a truer representation of Kobus’ definition of beauty than one she’s jokingly titled Chaotic Cake. The photograph was taken at a wedding in the aftermath of the cake cutting. Each guest had sliced their own pieces from the cake, leaving it in shambles. “That was beauty,” Kobus says. “That picture, that was just like the purest sign of a fun party, a fulfilling wedding reception, was just this cake— this destroyed cake.”

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karrahbkobus@gmail.com karrahkobusphoto.com Karrah Kobus Photography @karrahkobus, @karrahs.place

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Sabrina Tvedten-Swinnea, Julie Quinn and Erica Marsden, Sunshine Coffee Co.

February/March 2024

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AWA K E N I N G L A K E E L M O

A NEW G E N E R AT I O N OF WOM EN IS R E V I TA L I Z I N G D OWNTOWN.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Something magical is happening in Lake Elmo. The East Metro city, defined by rolling farmland and an intimate downtown, is now one of the fastest-growing places in Minnesota. In an impressive resurgence, a group of female entrepreneurs is rejuvenating downtown to serve the burgeoning population. “Downtown had felt quiet for so long,” says Lainie Bailen, a Lake Elmo native and co-owner of Thrive Physical Therapy & Wellness. Over the last decade, a growing number of enthusiastic business owners and entrepreneurs, from near and far, have been drawn to Lake Elmo. They didn’t know each other, and their reasons for starting a business vary, but they’ve all made an intentional choice to start a new chapter in their lives in downtown Lake Elmo. Together, they have become a catalyst for collaboration. “When these wonderful women

started their businesses, [downtown] has boomed,” Bailen says. Julie Quinn was also born and raised in Lake Elmo and loves watching the community come together. Quinn is a co-owner of Sunshine Coffee Co. alongside Erica Marsden and Sabrina Tvedten-Swinnea. Sunshine Coffee Co. has become a central meeting place, where all residents gather and carry on the spirit of their beloved city. “We have longtime residents who say they’ve lived in Lake Elmo for 50 years and haven’t seen anything like this,” Quinn says. Across the street stands Lake Elmo Inn, an iconic establishment that has anchored downtown for more than 40 years. When asked where a downtown shop is located, the response is in relation to Lake Elmo Inn—across the street, kiddie corner or two doors down. Anna Schiltz is the daughter of Lake Elmo Inn chef and owner John Schiltz.

Written by Jody Carey — Photos by Chris Emeott

Ally and Kelly Bowen, Be The Light Hair Studio

Susan Grothe, Lasting Impression Cosmetic Tattoo

She says the town is busier than when she was younger. Her dad’s restaurant has been a local icon for over four decades and made Lake Elmo a dining destination. As the marketing coordinator for Lake Elmo Inn & Event Center, Schiltz is helping grow the downtown area. Jodie Meyer opened My Empty Nest gift boutique on Lake Elmo’s main street, Lake Elmo Avenue, in November. “It was a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Meyer says. She remembers making a storefront out of cardboard and selling items from around the house to friends, who used leaves and grass as currency. Although Meyer lives in Afton, her roots in Lake Elmo run deep. Meyer’s 90-year-old mother, Rosemary Meyer, lives in the same house where Meyer was born and raised. Opening a shop in

her hometown is a dream come true. “I looked all over the area for a location, and when the old bank building opened up, I knew it had to be the place,” she says. Allison Bahr, another Lake Elmo native, bought Village Wine and Spirits three years ago. She remembers visiting Schiltgen Farm as a child. Though the original property was sold to developers, the iconic preserved North Star Farm Barn remains a reminder of the area’s rich farming history. Some of the new business owners moved to Lake Elmo from far across the Metro for the feel of the community. Susan Grothe bought a house in the area and moved her business, Lasting Impressions Cosmetic Tattoo, from Minnetonka in May of 2023. She was drawn to the open space and relaxed

vibe in Lake Elmo. “It’s the people that really make the difference. It’s the love; it’s the joy; it’s the richness that we have when we actually care about one another,” says Ally Bowen, owner of Be the Light Hair Studio. Bowen and her sister-in-law, Kelly Bowen, moved their business to Lake Elmo because the ambience felt right. Their clients agree and many are happy to make the drive. Although each store is operated independently, locals and visitors alike are celebrating a cohesive downtown experience. Katie Pelton’s salon, The Hair Crossing, shares a building with gift boutique La Vie Est Belle. She says her customers often step out of the salon chair with foils in their hair and walk across the hall to browse. Greeted by Finnley,

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Allison Bahr, Village Wine & Spirits

Jenny Terwedo, The Fields at Arbor Glen

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Tara Mosley and Jodie Meyer, My Empty Nest

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Lainie Bailen, Thrive Physical Therapy & Wellness stcroixvalleymag.com

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp and her dog, Finnley, La Vie Est Belle

Anna Schiltz, Lake Elmo Inn

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These women—and many more not pictured— are breathing life into downtown Lake Elmo.

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651.426.8176 bruggemanexteriors.com info@bruggemanexteriors.com 2555 County E Suite 104 White Bear Lake MN 55110

Roofing the shop’s resident golden retriever, customers make themselves at home. And the community is supporting these business owners, too, La Vie Est Belle owner Kristin Rohman Rehkamp says. When a new resident stopped into the gift shop and asked, “What can I do for you?’” Rohman Rehkamp recalls mentioning a need for snow removal as winter approached. Without another word, her wish has been granted—just one example of Lake Elmo’s spirit of service. Marsden agrees and says random acts of kindness are abundant at Sunshine Coffee Co. Neighbors leave flowers for the doorstep, help care for the shop’s plants and gift handmade artwork. Jenny Terwedo works at The Fields at Arbor Glen, a senior living community. “A good portion of our residents have raised their families here for a long time. They love that there are so many businesses opening, and it’s becoming a more walkable area,” Terwedo says. Flower farmer Meg Bicek, owner of Petal and Stick, grows flowers on her Lake Elmo property and has a stall at Lake Elmo Farmers Market. She says the market has grown a lot, and she often watches people walk from downtown to the market and back to shop— a testament to the “shop local, support local” tradition. Business owners are fulfilling their dreams, lifting each other up and promoting a community. In return, neighbors are rallying behind them and together—ensuring these small businesses and storefronts, which belong to the community and residents, remain. “We need to acknowledge and thank the leadership and contributions of so many great businesses and residents in our Lake Elmo community. We are so fortunate for the strong foundation from which we continue to grow,” Rohman Rehkamp says. “Lake Elmo is truly a special community!”

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Winter at

Wilder Retreat To explore the St. Croix Valley in the summertime is to experience classic pastimes in beautiful surroundings: boating on the river, hiking in the woods or sipping cocktails on a patio. But to explore the Valley in the winter— snowy, cold and quiet—is something else entirely. “Living in Minnesota, the winters can be brutal,” Valley resident Alison Wilder says. “Doing something to get out of the house can seriously get you through.” Wilder owns Wilder Retreat, a pair of small Airbnb getaway lodgings just outside of Taylors Falls in Shafer. She offers guests a chance to get away from what she calls the “rat race” of modern life, to rest and connect with nature. The lodgings—a bell tent and a tiny cabin— are uniquely suited to wintertime stays, looking out over the frosty St. Croix River. “They’re designed for all seasons,” Wilder says. “... There’s a woodstove in the tent and a fireplace in the cabin, and a woodfired sauna is something I’ve always been drawn to. I love getting it started for people, lighting some candles and making that experience, so they walk in and are in a different world.” Wilder and her husband, Garrett, bought the 5.5-acre Shafer property a little more than four years ago. “It borders federal land, and we have a unique situation where we have river access,” she says. A half-mile walk down to the river takes guests for boating or swimming

Photos: Rana Monet; Moonshot Photography

A cozy kitchenette is a staple of the Writers Cabin, perfect for quiet mornings.

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A getaway on the St. Croix River is an idyllic setting for a staycation. Written by Jennifer Pitterle

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

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Top left: Wilder prioritizes privacy to all guests with self-check-in to the tucked away lodgings. Photo: HL Photo

Photo: Alison Wilder

Top right: Thoughtful finishes adorn every corner of the Writers Cabin. Photo: Alison Wilder Bottom left: The outdoor bath and shower area is a sight to behold in the winter. Photo: Hit the Road Jacki Bottom right: The retreat offers a whimsical escape from what Wilder calls the “rat race” of modern life. Photo: Moonshot Photography

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in the summer and hiking or snowshoeing in the winter. Wilder and her family live on the property in an old farmhouse but have situated the bell tent—made in Belgium specifically for cold weather— and the guest cabin a ways off. “We really emphasize giving guests privacy,” Wilder says. “We have a self-check-in process. If I’m around, I try to greet people, and we have two dogs, who are sort of the Wilder Retreat greeters.” The bell tent is made of rugged canvas and includes a large bed, plush rugs, a woodstove and even a little deck with Adirondack chairs (for glamping, you might say). “We provide coffee at each

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rental and a beautiful local guide that my friend put together,” Wilder says. “You can find recommendations for where to eat and shop like a local—it’s the best of the best of our area.” Besides the tent, Wilder Retreat offers the Writers Cabin, a neighbors’ old hunting shack that Wilder and her husband renovated. The cozy nook is ideal for guests who might want some time to delve into a creative project, featuring a main level with seating and a sweet kitchenette, and a snug sleeping loft adorned with beautiful linens and other touches. “There’s something so transformative about being able to reconnect with yourself and your own

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Photo: Moonshot Photography

thoughts,” Wilder says. “Doing that is self-care.” The woodfired sauna is Wilder’s particular love, made by her husband—who builds custom saunas through his business, Forge Saunas. “I’ve always loved the sauna experience,” she says. “My birthday is in January, and my husband first built the sauna for my birthday.” Guests reserve a two-hour sauna session as part of their stay (The price is included in the lodging rate.) to ensure complete privacy. The sauna is warm and woodsy and stirs all the senses. “It truly feels like you’re going to the spa,” Wilder says. “You can see the fire burning. You can pour the water on the rocks, and it creates steam with essential oils.” After warming themselves thoroughly, guests can slip out to the outdoor bath and shower area, which is fully enclosed for privacy and features a luxurious soaking tub and a shower. The sauna space is stocked with fluffy towels, candles and essential oils. “When you do the hot sauna and the cold shower, you feel completely different. Radically different,” Wilder says. “It’s such an experience.” And Wilder knows the power of a staycation. She’s a professional singersongwriter who put on a local concert series this past fall and is working on a new album; she’s also a mom and a real estate agent. “I’m 45, so I grew up without modern technology,” Wilder says. “I feel like I’m craving a disconnection, to be able to unplug, and I want to offer that to guests. The experience here, where you’re really connected to nature, it’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing. We want this to be a place where people can take refuge, to really recharge and connect with themselves and with nature.” When Wilder says she’s always dreamed of this, she means it. “I have a lot of core memories of the Valley,” says Wilder, who, as a kid, traveled often to her family’s cabin across the river in Wisconsin. “We’d drive up and stop in Stillwater or Taylors Falls. The

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Franconia Sculpture Park had opened when I was a teen. I really attached a lot to the Valley.” On the drive, she’d point out the quaint farmhouses along the road and say, “Someday, I want to own a farmhouse on the river.” She remembers seeing the farmhouse that would become hers. “I literally pointed at the house I live in now when I was around 16,” Wilder says. “I probably told my boyfriend at the time, ‘I’m going to buy that house someday.’” Helping visitors and locals alike experience the year-round beauty of the Valley is now Wilder’s passion. “A lot of our guests are actually from the Twin Cities,” she says. “There just isn’t a lot of lodging in the Taylors Falls area. A lot of people see this region as a day trip, but

we’re trying to make it more of a staycation.” She notes how important it is to have more than a single day to get settled into a retreat. “If you take just a day trip, you’re heading back to your life right away,” she says. Wilder recommends booking two nights at Wilder Retreat, as it is the perfect amount of time for guests to experience the amenities—including plenty of Zen moments in the sauna— and explore local shops, restaurants and outdoor activities. To learn more and make a booking, visit airbnb.com and search for “Wilder Bell Tent” or “The Writers Cabin.”

Left: Wilder and her husband remodeled the Writers Cabin from a neighbor’s old hunting shack. Photo: A Styled Sage Top right: Adirondack chairs adorn the Wilder Bell Tent, set near a small wood stove. Photo: Rana Monet Bottom right: The fully enclosed bath and shower makes for rejuvenating cold therapy after a sauna session. Photo: Rana Monet

@wilderretreatstcroix @alisonwildermusic

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH A’BULAE, ST. PAUL

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TA S T E M A K E R S

THE ART OF PASTRY At Mon Petit Chéri, Emily Stahl finds her way. Written by Emily Gedde

W HIL E ON E COUL D BOOK A F L I G H T TO EU R OP E to bite into a crisp croissant or

Photo: Mon Petit Chéri

buttery brioche, there may be an option closer to home for sumptuous sweets this season of love. Mon Petit Chéri has supplied Stillwater with European-inspired pastries since moving from Minneapolis to Main Street in 2019. Owner and lifelong baker Emily Stahl’s passion for pastries is the driving force behind the selection of delightful sweets you’ll find in the case and woven into the breakfast and lunch menu at the completely scratch kitchen. “I was inspired by traveling abroad and being in France, but we’re not a strictly French bakery by any stretch—we’re more American than anything else,” Stahl says. “I learned a lot from the way that French people respect food, and they place such a great emphasis on it and importance, but then there’s a simplicity with American baking—and paving the way between those two has been really enjoyable.” Bite into some of Mon Petit Chéri’s mouthwatering pastry offerings: BEIGNET A New Orleans staple, beignets are basically a French version of a donut. The light, pillowy pastry is made with a yeasted, sweetened dough, cut into squares, deep fried, then doused in powdered sugar. “To me, it seemed like a really good crossover, kind of quasi-AmericanFrench,” Stahl says. Mon Petit Chéri’s New

Orleans-style beignets are now a popular brunch appetizer. “They’re fried on the spot, to order,” Stahl says. BRIOCHE It’s chocolate season, and Stahl says the brioche au chocolat, a roll made with brioche dough, vanilla pastry cream and chocolate chips, is a must-have. “It’s something I think everyone needs to try,” she says. Brioche is a French pastry typically made with a rich and buttery bread dough, sometimes with chocolate. There are many recipe variations of the pastry, which is often served for breakfast or as a dessert. For the brioche au chocolat—think of the flavor of pain au chocolat or a chocolate croissant but with the texture of bread. At Mon Petit Chéri, brioche is the base of the luxurious french toast, served with cinnamon sweet cream butter. CANNOLI Winter visitors to Mon Petit Chéri can sink their teeth into a cannoli, a popular Sicilian pastry that features a tubular crispy shell with a luscious creamy filling. Stahl’s cannolis are available seasonally through February, with the occasional speciality cannoli sweet roll (made with sweetened ricotta and mascarpone, topped with warm chocolate ganache and crushed cannoli shells) making an appearance.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

On any given day at Mon Petit Chéri, you’ll find nine unique sweet roll options.

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Photos: Mon Petit Chéri

CROISSANT The croissant, a renowned pastry with a rich history dating back to a period of Viennese influence in France, remains one of the most popular European pastries. It’s also regarded as one of the most difficult pastries to perfect. “Once you get used to the process, it’s really not that bad,” Stahl says. “... I went through a lot of trial and error with our recipe, and finally, I feel like we got to a good point.” At Mon Petit Chéri, Stahl makes both Nutella and all-butter croissants. “It’s a simple one, but that’s kind of the trick of it. You can’t hide behind something that’s really simple,” she says. “You either do it well, or you just shouldn’t do it.” SWEET ROLL Ask Stahl about her baking legacy, and she’ll tell you it all comes back to her signature sweet rolls. Stahl grew up

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surrounded by baking, learning the craft at home through her mother and grandmother. “My grandma was the first person that taught me how to make cinnamon rolls—a recipe from her very well-loved and beaten-up Betty Crocker cookbook,” she says. “My mom was also integral in my fascination to bake. She would let me stand on a chair and just dig my hands in the cool flour and get covered in it, something I now do every day.” Now, sweet rolls remain Stahl’s favorite pastry to bake—and enjoy. “They are enjoyable to eat, and it brings up so much nostalgia for me because of learning how to make them with my grandma,” she says. Each day, you’ll find nine unique varieties of sweet rolls available, with seasonal flavors rotating in and out of Mon Petit Chéri’s display cases. Year-round options include the award-winning

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Sweet Blueberry-Orange along with Caramel Pecan and Classic Cinnamon. Stahl credits the Mon Petit Chéri team for serving sweets and eats that people enjoy and says she still has much to learn and perfect. “Baking is actually physically exhausting the majority of time, but I enjoy working with my hands,” she says. “... I love the process and the daily grind of it all. The creativity that this job allows me is very much what drew me to it in the first place.” A decade later, Stahl is making her mark in the global baking tradition. “I feel very grateful. So many people have really paved the way as far as pastry is concerned, but it’s definitely been very fun to find my own way within it.” Mon Petit Chéri, 310 Main St. S., Stillwater; 651.342.1528; mpcstillwater.com; Mon Petit Chéri

@mpcbakery

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For more information or to make a donation, contact:

Homeward Bound, Inc.

12805 Hwy 55, Suite #400, Plymouth, MN. 55441 Lori Merriam, Director of Development Cell: 612-419-4549 or lmerriam@hbimn.org

Each person is encouraged and empowered to develop skills and capabilities needed to increase self-reliance and enhance quality of life. We are asking for your support with donations for new homes, community activities, staff training and recruitment, necessary medical equipment and transportation. Individuals can sometimes be forgotten, please choose to help and show the community everyone is important. Thank you for your kind consideration.

lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN THE VALLEY Celebrate as the Irish do—with fun festivities, comfort food and a pint!

iStock.com/mediaphotos

AS W E A N TIC IPATE the budding green to come,

embrace the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day with these local events. Stillwater takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously. For classic pub festivities, visit Water Street Inn and Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub for live music, green Bloody Marys and a special menu of traditional Irish favorites—available all weekend long. 101 Water St. S., Stillwater; 651.439.6000; waterstreetinn.us As the sun sets on March 15, the streets of Stillwater will come alive for The Official Luck of The Irish Bar Crawl, a celebration of both Irish culture and friendship. Visit crawlwith.us for informa-

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tion on participating bars, specials and activities. Enjoy green wine by the glass at Saint Croix Vineyards through the weekend. A complimentary sample of green wine will be added to every wine flight. 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.430.3310; scvwines.com Across the river, McCabe’s Shamrock Club in New Richmond, Wisconsin, hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown. The parade takes place the afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day. Founded in 1977 by Ruth McCabe, it remains a great way for kids to enjoy the holiday. 123 W. Third St., New Richmond; 715.246.3327; mccabesshamrocknr.com —Zoe Yates

O N T H E TOW N

Galentine’s Day Floral Design Class

Compiled by Morgan McFadden, Emma Mehl and Hailey Almsted

Experience Winterfest

AREA EVENTS

02/15–02/19 Experience downtown Stillwater through

Hot Air Affair

Luminary Loppet

ments, classes and more, with prizes

02/03

available the more events attended.

Traverse the frozen Lake of the Isles,

Ages vary based on event. Free. Times vary. 123 Second St. N., Stillwater; stillwateru.com

along candlelit walkways and cross country ski trails in support of the Loppet Foundation. After your journey across

02/02–02/03

Winter Market

the ice, join in for the luminary party

Hudson’s most beloved event is back, with

03/24

30 balloonists descending on downtown to

Discover and shop from local vendors at

bring color and light to the skies. All ages.

this month’s winter market while prepar-

back at the start. All ages. Prices vary. 6–10 p.m. Locations vary around Lake of the Isles, Mpls.; 612.604.5330; loppet.org

Free. Times vary. 340 13th St. S., Hudson; 715.575.1864; hudsonhotairaffair.com

ing for spring. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 1900 Tower Drive W., Stillwater; local.aarp.org

Afton Park Candlelight Walk

Easter Brunch Buffet

The beloved musical Mamma Mia! is visit-

02/03

03/31

ing Minneapolis this February. Run time is

Journey through Afton State Park on a

Enjoy a cozy brunch in celebration of

2 hours 40 minutes with one intermission.

3-mile loop lit by luminaries, along with

Easter at the historic Afton House Inn.

intermittent bonfires and a gathering spot.

To-go options are offered as well. All ages.

Ages 10 and older. $39–$149. Times vary. Orpheum Theater, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatertrust.org

Mamma Mia! 02/6–02/11

All ages. Free. 5–8 p.m. 6959 Peller Ave. S., Hastings; 651.201.6780; dnr.state.mn.us

Prices vary. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 3291 S. St. Croix Trail, Afton; 651.436.8883; aftonhouseinn.com

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iStock.com/AndriiRotkin

LOCAL EVENTS

wintery concerts, pub crawls, tourna-

lo c al things to se e and do

Galentine’s Day Floral Design Class 02/11 Get together with your friends for a

the world compete for the cup. All ages.

Start times vary. Prices vary. Theodore Wirth Park, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway Mpls.; info@loppetcup.com; loppetcup.com

morning of floral fun, creating your very own masterpiece. Ages 18 and

older. $75 per person. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Hazel & Goose, 2186 Third St. Studio 103, White Bear Lake; hazelandgoose.com

Minneapolis Home and Garden Show 02/21–02/25 For 90 years, the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show has been bring-

Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars

ing some warmth to the cold winter.

02/09–02/11

ers and get inspired for your home. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave., Mpls.; 612.335.6000; homeandgardenshow.com

Join Mickey, Minnie, Anna, Elsa and more for a stunning show of dreams unfolding live on the ice. All ages.

$20+. Times vary. 600 First Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.673.0900; targetcenter.com

“THANKS FOR YOUR WINNING CARE!”

– Jessie Diggins,

US Ski Team Athlete, patient of Dr. Renee

Visit exhibitors, watch guest speak-

Winter Beer Dabbler 02/24

Loppet Cup

Head out to the Minnesota State

02/17–02/19

Fairgrounds to discover breweries, cider-

For the first time in 20 years, the world

ies and more hailing from all over the

cross-country skiing cup will be held

country. Music, food and other attrac-

in the United States at Theodore Wirth

tions will also be available. Ages 21 and older. Prices vary. 2–6:30 p.m. 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; beerdabbler.com

Park. There will be various sprint and distance races where the best skiers in

Dr. Allison McMillen & Dr. Renee Kinney

Locally Owned Luminary Loppet

2 Generations & 50 yrs Serving Woodbury

iStock.com/GeorgePeters

At Our Patient-Centered Practice, We Do Things Differently — For You “I am genuinely passionate about helping my patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. This is the philosophy of our entire team at Art & Science Family Dentistry and everyone here is committed to that.” - Dr. Renee Kinney To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since

Art & Science Family Dentistry

these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

artsciencedentistry.com • (651)739-1894 1000 Radio Drive, Ste 240, Woodbury 43

Full-time Realtors with over 40 years experience. We enjoy helping people move.

The Joy Erickson Real Estate Team Edina Realty 612.802.7150 JoyTeam@EdinaRealty.com JoyErickson.com

You give us a vision, and we handcraft it into reality. Custom, handcrafted kitchens, vanities and furniture you want and can afford for your home. Farmhouse Style Furniture 5350 Highway 61 N. Suite 3, White Bear Lake 651.528.8527 putnamfarmhouse.com

We love smiles!

Cosmetic & Paramedical Tattoo: Shaded/Nano/Combo Brows, Eyeliner, Lip Color, Scar Camouflage, 3D Areola. Highly customized services to create a naturally beautiful look. Look refreshed and younger, feel more confident!

Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics 2850 Curve Crest Blvd. Suite 230, Stillwater 651.439.8909 hkortho.com

Lasting Impression 11200 Stillwater Blvd. Suite 101, Lake Elmo 952.207.4899 lastingimpressionpmu.com

Orthodontic treatments for all ages. We offer comprehensive corrections as well as cosmetic improvements. Schedule a complimentary consultation now.

Katie Clymer

One of the area’s finest collections of fine art and contemporary craft, featuring the work of over 150 local, regional and national artists. Live Art. Love Art. Give Art. Grow Art.

We are a boutique bakery that only uses high quality fresh ingredients with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. We specialize in: European pastries, fresh baked breads, cookies, bars, cakes, pies and specialty desserts.

St. Croix Skincare—a full service Med Spa. Services include: laser skin treatments, cosmetic injections, fat reduction, laser hair removal, micro-needling, chemical peels and more. Free consultations available.

SEASONS Gallery 401 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.381.2906 seasons-gallery.com

St. Croix Baking Company 424 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.808.8587 stcroixbaking.com

St Croix Skincare 1515 Livingstone Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 715.808.0815 stcroixskincare.com

The Right School Makes all the difference.

Specialized in gentle perinatal and pediatric care. We are your hometown family chiropractor!

Warrior Athletics State testing ∙ Preschool thru 8th grade ∙ Smaller teacher to student ratio.

Voted 2023 Best Chiropractic Practice of the St. Croix Valley!

Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa is an advanced Med Spa that offers top technology services, customized skin care treatments and our own exclusive, all-natural skin care line!

Stillwater Skin and Medical Spa 6381 Osgood Ave. N. 651.342.1532 stillwaterskin.com

Trinity Academy 1205 Sixth St., Hudson, Wisconsin 715.386.9349 trinityacademyofhudson.org

Vitality Chiropractic 324 Fifth Ave. N., Bayport, MN 651.342.2199 vitalitychiropracticmn.com

GALLERY

Queens of Fashion

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Mainstream Boutique Stillwater held its annual fashion show, featuring on-trend and classic styles for women of all ages, at The Royal Club golf course in Lake Elmo. The Royal Runway highlighted 2023 Pantone color-inspired outfits, activewear, cozy styles and special event fashion. Attendees were treated to a lookbook that offered clothing that is versatile and easy to style.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co.

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Mainstream Boutique Stillwater, 5805 Neal Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.351.2802; mainstreamboutiquestillwater.com Mainstream Boutique of Stillwater, MN @mainstreamboutiquestillwater

in digital format! Never miss an issue of St. Croix Valley Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite St. Croix Valley Magazine articles with friends and family.

Learn more at stcroixvalleymag.com

LAST GLANCE

Moon Glow from Above Photographer captures bird’s-eye view of beloved annual event. The Hot Air Affair is a Hudson, Wisconsin, tradition. For the past few years, local photographer Dave Hermansen has been taking in the view from a unique perspective. “I’ve always followed the Hot Air Affair. I’ve been in Hudson most of my life, and so I usually go up there,” he says. While the event doesn’t allow drones, Hermansen takes off from a nearby football field. “This is the third time I’ve done the Hot Air Affair with my drone, and I just know when they do the Moon Glow, the colors are just really cool, and the lights … It’s just a whole new perspective.” —Zoe Yates

Photographer: Dave Hermansen Title: Hot Air Affair

Equipment: DJI Mavic Category: Places

Award: First Place

To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

February/March 2024

stcroixvalleymag.com

TRUST T H E LO C A L LEADER The market knowledge and expertise of your representing agent will prove not only helpful, but absolutely critical if you are making moves in a market unlike any other. Whether it’s crafting irresistible offers for buyers or getting the best and quickest return on investment for sellers, I am ready to prove why I am the best in the State.

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SOLD 391 O 2 SG C ROEOSTMOOR B AYN 53 26 D AVE S., AFTO

SOLD 650 JO 6 WH ISTLIN 29 93 N Q UI L T R AIG L NVA ., LLLE AK EYE RD LMO

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6 1 2 - 9 8 7 - 6 8 3 5 • K I M @ K I M Z I TO N . C O M W W W. K I M Z I TO N . C O M

St. Croix Valley - February 2024