Consider the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop from The Tavern Grill for your next summer beverage. Photos: Chris Emeott
Celebrate what makes the community great all year long.
Welcome, Readers, to my personal guide to embracing every season in our vibrant community. Whether you’re soaking up the summer sun, savoring the crisp fall air, cozying up for winter or enjoying the rebirth of spring, I share the inside scoop on where I visit to enjoy every moment.
Locally owned restaurants, charming shops and the great outdoors, Woodbury has it all. These are my personal picks—and I can’t wait for you to experience them. Ready to make the most of each season? Let’s dive in!
Summer Trails and an Herbal Cocktail
What’s better than exploring Woodbury’s 160 miles of trails, wandering around one of its many lakes or unwinding in one of its parks? For a classic summer outing, the trails at Carver Lake Park and Beach—a favorite of mine since childhood—offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. A refreshing dip in the lake is a must on warm days. Meanwhile, the 3.2-mile loop at Colby Lake Park provides a balance of sun and shade, making it an easy yet rewarding hour-long stroll. Carver Lake Park and Beach, 3175 Century Ave. S.; Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road; woodburymn.gov
A summertime meal simply must include a delightful drink. While dining on the patio at The Tavern Grill, the Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop is my perfect choice. Made with Hanson of Sonoma organic Meyer lemon vodka, basil simple syrup, strawberry purée, lemon juice and lemonade, it’s a perfectly bright and crisp summer sip. Don’t forget an entrée to go alongside your bevvy—look toward the build-your-own bar (salads, burgers and pizza) for a bite made just for you. The Tavern Grill, 772 Bielenberg Drive; 651.578.3000; thetaverngrill.com
Fall Wear and Delicious Fare
Revamp your fall wardrobe with an array of textures and styles from one of Woodbury’s local boutiques.
Sweaters, jackets, denim—oh my! There’s just something fun about putting together a fall outfit. Spend a day shopping at one of Woodbury’s boutiques, such as Mainstream Boutique (It hosts its signature Denim Days event in September.), Evereve or at the many shops in Woodbury Lakes. Look toward pairing a chic, belted wide leg jean with a simple sweater and a pair of pointed toe pumps or mules. A fan-favorite makes its return to the stage—a skinny jean is a must-have in your wardrobe. (Although, I must admit: I always kept a trusty pair in the back of my closet.) Choose a modern skinny jean cut, a darker wash, such as black and gray, and pair with a kitten heel or knee-high boots.
Show off your new look and end the day on a sweet note with an Espresso Martini. When planning a date night, we like to go casual—Northern Taphouse is one of our go-tos. Start your meal with Signature Cheese Curds (a Minnesotan must!) or Pretzel Bites. Then look toward the main entrées: A Smashed Burger (hers) and the Nashville Hot Chicken (his). End the evening with the aforementioned cocktail, made with vanilla vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, Demerara sugar and chocolate bitters—a velvety treat that’s hard to resist. Northern Taphouse, 7325 Currell Blvd.; 651.666.3200; northerntaphouse.com
Winter Delights and Cozy Bites
Lace up your skates and hit one of the many rinks around Woodbury—including M Health Fairview Sports Center. iStock/Radnatt
While winter may not be my favorite season, there’s an undeniable charm to it. From the crisp, chilly air that invites moments by the fire to the mesmerizing dance of snowflakes falling from the sky—the season has a way of making you feel a certain magic that’s hard to put into words. Ice skating at M Health Fairview Sports Center’s outdoor rink is just one way I embrace the season. My husband and I have always enjoyed skating together, and although neither of us are very good at it, it’s a special winter tradition. (Plus, the center offers skate rental and sharpening for just $7/pair!) Winter is made all the more delightful as our husky, Nova, traipses through the snow. Watching her bound through the drifts with excitement is a reminder to savor the beauty of the season. M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; 651.714.3740; woodburymn.gov
A longtime family tradition of mine—and so many others—is the annual cookie-baking day. Readers, I’ve talked about it many times in our past issues. It’s one of those traditions that so many folks do year after year. But what about swapping a cookie making day for a cookie tasting day? There are so many delicious bakeries in the area; consider assigning each person a different type of cookie—or a different bakery—and have an amalgamation of desserts! Dorothy Ann Bakery and Café whips up delicious rosettes during the holiday season; Keys Cafe & Bakery has traditional cookies, such as snickerdoodle or chocolate chip; and don’t forget about the many cottage bakers in Woodbury. Dorothy Ann Bakery and Café, 710 Commerce Drive Suite 100; dorothyannbakery.com; Keys Cafe & Bakery, 1750 Weir Drive; keyscafe.com
Spring Sweets and Spa Retreats
Get a taste of spring with a sweet treat from Bebe Zito.
As the sun shines once again, I find myself craving the simple joys of the season—like ice cream. My husband and I revel in our spring ice cream dates, and Bebe Zito’s Breakfast Club (hers) and Strawberry Fields 4 Ever (his) top our list, served with a side of fries for a delicious sweet-salty balance. Now, I can’t leave my pup, Nova, out of the mix. When it comes to treats, she’s all in, and that’s why Nadia Cakes’ pupcakes (dog-friendly cupcakes) top her list. Made with yogurt, peanut butter, apples, bananas, rice flour and cream cheese, this treat is equal parts sweet and delicious! We round out our cupcake list with Brownie Cupcake (hers) and Vanilla Vanilla (his)—what can I say? We like the classics. Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burger, 9000 Hudson Road #615; bebezitomn.com; Nadia Cakes, 429 Commerce Drive; nadiacakes.com
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning—but what about giving yourself a spring self-care refresh? Slugging off the drying effects of winter is a must, and I thoroughly enjoy the services at Face Foundrié. The array of services ranges from a basic Foundrié Glow to the H2Glow (A hydra facial—my personal favorite.), as well as mini facials and enhancements, such as a chemical peel or dermaplaning, a must. For deeper relaxation, visit Woodhouse Spa for a restorative massage or reviving body treatment—one can never go wrong with the WH Signature: Deep Tissue Transformation. Face Foundrié, 9955 Hudson Place Suite 540; facefoundrie.com; Woodhouse Spa, 9040 Hudson Road #206; woodhousespas.com
Readers, how do you spend the seasons in Woodbury? Tag us on Instagram (@woodbury_mag) with photos throughout the year—and don’t forget to enter your photos to our annual Focus on Woodbury photo contest.
