Author William Kent Krueger, the New York Times bestselling novelist known for his Minnesota-set stories, is back, and his latest is a multifaceted book that addresses Big Oil, Native trauma and addiction, social inequities, and the unbreakable bonds of a family. Former sheriff and current private investigator Cork O’Connor returns, too, for the 20th time […] The post Book Review: ‘Spirit Crossing’ appeared first on Minnesota Monthly ..read more

Explore the state's breathtaking floral splendor at these spots The post Your Guide to Minnesota’s Flower Fields appeared first on Minnesota Monthly ..read more

Bent Paddle Brewing Co.’s “campdana” for games Courtesy of Bent Paddle Brewing Co. 1. Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Longtime darling of Duluth and the North Shore brewery scene, this brewery is named for a bent canoe paddle that founder Bryon Tonnis uses to mix his brewing mash and the shared love of canoeing among the founders. The brewery has created a line of outdoor items including drinkware and a “campdana” for games. Campdana, $12; bentpaddlebrewing.com Trailtopia’s Bent Paddle Beer Braised Chicken Stew Courtesy of Trailtopia 2. Trailtopia From a breakfast of oats and eggs to an after-dinner d ..read more

  I think you’re going to be excited to try Black Duck Spirits & Hearth in Northeast Minneapolis. It opens today, July 24, and it really fills a hole in the far northeast part of the neighborhood. It’s refined dining, open-fire cooking, and the food we tasted at the soft opening was delicious. Obviously it’s just a soft opening, so this isn’t a review, rather an impression of what you might find if you check it out at 2900 Johnson St. NE. Like many of us, Chef Jason Sawicki is drawn to cooking over an open fire, and that fire is the focal point of the dining room. He had great succe ..read more

Minnesota summers abound with free entertainment in the great outdoors. For the second edition of a three-part series, we have highlighted five ways to enjoy nearby natural wonders without breaking the bank. Stroll along the New Panoway Lakewalk After 10-plus years of eager planning by the Lake Effect Initiative, Wayzata’s new 1,200-foot-long boardwalk is to the public. The Panoway Lakewalk stretches across Lake Minnetonka, extending from the Broadway Docks to the Depot Docks, and offers stunning views of the water—perfect for a lakefront stroll. Wayzata’s Panoway Lakewalk Courtesy of the City ..read more

For local artist Deb Schroeder, making the first stroke on a blank canvas always takes a little bit of courage. That is why she likes to dance in her studio before painting.   “Most of the time I love to turn on music,” Schroeder says, “And I’ve been known to dance, too. It’s like, ‘how do I get the vibe going?’”   Creative inspiration has never been in short supply for Schroeder. The mother of three grew up watching her own mother and grandmother explore a variety of artistic mediums, from painting to floral arranging to refinishing furniture. After her third and youngest child ..read more

It’s been more than three decades since the Red Hot Chili Peppers played St. Paul’s Harriet Island as part of the 1992 Lollapalooza tour, when many fans were first hearing the band’s hit “Give It Away” from the “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” album played live. The rockers returned Saturday to headline the inaugural Minnesota Yacht Club music festival to more than 30,000 fans and closed the set with those water-themed lyrics “do a little dance and then you drink a little water.” Here are our takeaways from the weekend. Durry performs at Minnesota Yacht Club music festival Amy Nelson NEXT YEAR’S RETURN ..read more

Minneapolis has been booked and busy this summer, hosting a major event nearly every week—from the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and Taste of Minnesota to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and outdoor art fairs. Next up in the city’s jam-packed festival season is the Minneapolis Aquatennial, which returns to downtown Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27.  Minneapolis Aquatennial 2022 Photo by Hoskovec Photography Whether you’re planning an entire Aquatennial weekend or just want to swing by a few festivities, this year’s schedule has plenty to enjoy. To help plan your itinerary ..read more

Anoka Amusements What: Anoka County Fair When: July 23-28 Where: 3200 St. Francis Blvd., Anoka Experience six days of entertainment in Anoka! This fair features live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, food and beverage, and more. Anoka County Fair Photo by Betsy Baker Rock Expedition What: Summer Sounds by Brophy When: July 23 (5-9 p.m.) Where: 2175 Brophy Landing NW, Alexandria Enjoy the second addition to this free concert series, showcasing the band Xpedition. Sit back, relax, and listen to covers of all your favorite Journey, Foreigner, and Kansas songs. Celebrate the City by Nature Wha ..read more

There is a certain joy around Owamni. As I stood on the patio overlooking Owámniyomni, a Dakota name for St. Anthony Falls, it was hard not to notice how remarkable it is that Owamni exists. Everywhere I looked, Native people were working and celebrating and smiling that it is their place, the most acclaimed restaurant in Mnísota, named the Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation in 2022. “It feels like a blur, but I feel really lucky,” chef and founder Sean Sherman told me. “We continue to be sold out every night which is an amazing sign. We see people coming to Mi ..read more