by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2026 | Featured
There’s something about this time of year that just makes me nostalgic, and I think that feeling accidentally made its way onto the pages of this issue. I didn’t set out to make this issue an ode to all things analog, but I wanted to write about the popularity of...
by Abigail Larson | Oct 1, 2026 | Photo Contest
The beams of light filtering through the trees and reflecting off Lake Thielen inspired Christopher Knipe to capture this moment on his daily walk. “I’ve always felt that there is a special quality of light that appears on October mornings,” Knipe says. Photographer:...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2026 | Arts, Featured, People
WCCO-TV anchor A.J. Hilton tells Minnesota’s stories and shares his love of music. As a middle schooler growing up in Apple Valley, WCCO-TV anchor A.J. Hilton watched Bryant Gumbel on NBC’s Today Show every morning before school. One morning as Hilton watched Gumbel...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2026 | Arts, Education
Rose Yarn Co. attracts generations of knitting and crocheting enthusiasts. When Rose Yarn Co. opened in Lakeville in 2022, owner Jennifer Murphee was confident there was a need for a store like hers in the South Metro. As an avid knitter and crocheter, she had to...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2026 | History, Shops, Style
Thompson Watch Repair sells, repairs and maintains vintage watches. One thing Tyler Thompson has learned over the years is that watches serve many purposes. They can be a link to the past, a status symbol, a collector’s item or even a fashion statement. They also keep...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2026 | Arts, People
“My fall playlist reminds me of a crisp Saturday afternoon: the windows open, leaves changing and the turntable spinning,” says WCCO-TV anchor A.J. Hilton. “Or maybe it’s taking a drive west on 94 over the bluffs to see the amazing color. It’s a mix of jazz, soul,...
by Sam Koehn | Oct 1, 2026 | Drinks, Entertain, Noteworthy, Recipes
Thanksgiving seems to come earlier every year. While everyone is checking off their grocery lists, don’t forget about the cocktail list. This recipe gives a twist on the classic Mule and combines cozy holiday flavors with just the right amount of seasonal spirits to...
by Alexandra Tostrud | Oct 1, 2026 | Drinks, Featured, Local Makers
Tapestry coffee expands in Lakeville. The trio of college friends-turned-entrepreneurs behind Tapestry Coffee—Brady Heerema, and Kiley and Scott Van Daalen—has proved that holding passion at the center of your plans is a recipe for success. In the past few years,...
by Stacy Price | Oct 1, 2026 | Book Club, Noteworthy
Written by a Minnesota author known for her Northern Gothic thrillers, The Witches of Santo Stefano by Wendy Webb delivers enchantment, mystique and secrets. When Cassie Graves discovers that her husband is having an affair, it seems like her life is spinning apart....
by Abigail Larson | Oct 1, 2026 | Education, Entertain, History, Outdoors
The country’s largest Viking festival returns to Dakota County Fairgrounds. After a successful debut last year, Viking Fest Minnesota became the country’s largest Viking festival, drawing in 13,000 guests to the Dakota County Fairgrounds. Organizers anticipate a...
by Maura Keller | Oct 1, 2026 | Arts, Featured, Shops
Peonies bloom year-round in Katrina Pete’s cards, home décor and paintings. For artist Katrina Pete, inspiration often begins in the garden. Surrounded by peonies, songbirds and the changing rhythms of Minnesota’s seasons, Pete has built a thriving artistic career...
by Dennis Feller | Oct 1, 2026 | History, Noteworthy
In October 1949, a violent storm swept across the Lakeville countryside, leaving destruction in its wake. Powerful winds tore roofs from homes, splintered barns and flattened fields ready for harvest. For many farm families, years of hard work seemed lost overnight....
by Editorial Staff | Sep 1, 2026 | Photo Contest
Discover new perspectives of the place we call home. The Focus on Cities South photo contest is an annual invitation to share your snapshots of life in your local community. From anticipated events to seasonal activities, iconic landmarks to idyllic landscapes, family...
by Liz Potasek | Aug 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
Each year, our August/September issue highlights a few outstanding high school seniors, and I am unfailingly impressed with their accomplishments. As a panel reviewed the applications for this year’s group, I was not only inspired by their intelligence, community...
by Liz Potasek & Renée Stewart-Hester | Aug 1, 2026 | Outdoors, Pets
Keeping dogs entertained can expand beyond running zoomies around the kitchen table or taking leashed loops around the neighborhood. Sniffspot is to dogs what Airbnb is to people—but for playtime, not sleep time. Similar to other online marketplaces, connecting...
