Photos: Rachel Nadeau
Advisory Board members weigh in with their favorites.
Maple Grove Magazine is creatively supported throughout the year by its Advisory Board members with article ideas and input related to the publication. Our board members are talented and creative, but most importantly, dedicated to the Maple Grove area—its residents, business owners and quality of life.
In reviewing this issue of the Best of Maple Grove, I knew I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the members’ thoughts about what they deem to be their favorites.
KATE BECKER
Kate Becker Photography, owner
Favorite spot that brings me peace/go-to place to disconnect
Whether we are bringing the pup to the dog park, walking on the long trails through the woods or dropping the canoe in the lake, Fish Lake Park is a perfect place to get away from our busy lives. I love how close and easily accessible it is to everything. It is also, by far, the best park in Maple Grove to witness the fall colors. Driving passed it on Bass Lake Road in October is absolutely stunning.
Favorite dining spot/menu Item
3 Squares in the summer is my absolute favorite dining place in Maple Grove. I love its patio dining experience … My favorite menu item: beer battered cheese curds with an apricot chipotle jam.
LORRIE LINK
Maple Grove Arts Center, CEO/founder
Favorite gallery
The Maple Grove Arts Center is a favorite place for making art. What’s special about the arts center is that it raises the bar on fine art. [Visitors can view] paintings, illustrations, sculptures, jewelry and pottery, displayed and for sale by artists, who spend lots of time and money creating exemplary pieces of fine art that you can also see displayed around Maple Grove in our Business of Art program, partnering with Topline Federal Credit Union, Whole Foods, the Maple Grove Government Center and soon at Dunn Brothers Coffee.
Favorite restaurant
While I will not abandon the few favorite restaurants that my husband and I frequent, this one is special—Rock Elm Tavern. Located near Maple Grove Hospital, Rock Elm is in an area that is filling up fast with businesses. I like to think it’s emerged as a great place to eat a fancy burger and drink a glass of wine or craft beer.
BIRGIT GRUESS
Writer and editor
Favorite fitness club
What makes Life Time such a great spot is the combination of the variety of classes, plus the modern facility. Located in a central spot, it is easy to reach, offers swimming and, during summer, many personal trainer-led groups even go outside. Combined with the spa, which offers massages, hair and cosmetic treatments to name just a few, it is my ideal place to go and unwind.
Favorite health care provider
When it comes to dental care, Arbor Lakes Dental is the place to go. The all-female staff with Jamie L. Sledd, DDS, always welcomes you with big smiles on their faces. Treatments are great and thorough, and you always have options.
Favorite restaurant and menu item
One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Maple Grove is Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, delivering delicious cuisine all year round with seasonal menu items. When I go with my girlfriends, the gluten-free menu comes in very handy. Combined with wonderful staff members and the beautiful ambience, Biaggi’s is a bestseller on our dine-out list.
JENNIFER ZAFFT
The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, property marketing manager
Best community education class
Heather Prokop teaches XaBeat through Maple Grove Community Education. It is a fun dance fitness class that is designed for all fitness levels. She is encouraging and makes the classes very fun. Get a great workout, burn calories and have a great time.
Favorite new business
Olfactory Scent Studio opened at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in November. I love having the opportunity to create my own custom fragrance. It is a great place for a date night. You really get to know your partner—my husband wants a bacon candle, who knew? The staff is great and will help to make sure that you are thrilled with your finished product.
NATALIE CONRAD
Minneapolis Northwest Tourism, communications & social media manager
Favorite spot that brings me peace/go-to spot to disconnect
I love running the endless, beautiful trails throughout the Elm Creek Park Reserve … It’s a great spot for a run of any distance with its multiple loops. I am especially grateful for the escape from busy, everyday life when I get lost in the beauty of nature on a long run. And even though it’s a good place to find solitude, you can spot a variety of wildlife there … and it’s one of my favorite spots to see the fall colors.
Favorite community event
Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes is one of the most stunning art festivals in the Twin Cities and the Midwest. Part of the excitement of this event is not only getting to see the beautiful works of street art from artists around the world, but also getting to watch the entire artistic process.
Favorite workout spots
Pure Barre is such a fabulous strength and core workout. The studio has a very welcoming atmosphere, and the instructors are always helpful and motivational. I also love to break a sweat and build strength with a Yoga Sculpt class at CorePower Yoga. The classes are filled with high-energy, great music and lots of fun.
Favorite creative space
I love to go to the Maple Grove Library. I really enjoy the expansive, modern space with giant windows and plenty of natural light. When the weather is nice, I like to sit in one of the colorful lawn chairs on its patio and look out at the beautiful Arbor Lake while I dive into a great book or some writing.
ANNE SCHOPEN
Maple Grove resident
Favorite place to workout
Both my daughter and I love to fit in a yoga class at CorePower on Bass Lake Road. During the winter, the heated classes take the chill off. A huge selection of classes ensures you have exactly the kind of workout you’re looking for at any given time. My 18-year-old loves the hot fusion classes, which are a blend of balance, core strengthening and flexibility exercises through yoga postures in 98–100 degree temperatures. For beginners, CorePower 1 and restorative yoga are great ways to be introduced to yoga, and yoga sculpt or CoreCardio circuit offer high-octane music and a combo of weight training/cardio exercises in a hybrid yoga fashion.
I also love Anytime Fitness on Wedgwood Road. I have the flexibility to go 24 hours a day, attend classes and work with a trainer or independently. I’ve never had to wait for equipment I’d like to use and during quiet times, the studio space is a great place to stretch, do some meditation or core work.
Favorite chocolate cake
My favorite chocolate cake is found at Granite City. Definitely made for sharing, this layered cake alternates delicious chocolate cake with a silky chocolate frosting. What makes Granite City’s cake stand out above all others is the amazing whiskey butter drizzled over the top. Runners up: Nadia’s Cakes cupcakes, including many gluten-free options, and Nothing Bundt Cake’s chocolate chocolate chip or the gluten-free chocolate chip.
Favorite winter activity
Minnesota may be the State of Hockey, but my choice for outdoor winter activity is definitely tubing at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The moving sidewalk makes the trek back up the hill easy. Afterward, warm up by the fire inside with hot cocoa or coffee.
HEIDI NELSON
City of Maple Grove, city administrator
Favorite award-winning parks
Town Green is a distinctive community gathering place with its main focus on the performing arts. The landmark feature of the park is the band shell with a dramatic wing-like roof canopy, located at the water’s edge. Another distinct aspect of the park is the peninsula, which is a great spot to experience the lake, as well as picturesque for special events and photo opportunities.
Central Park spans 45 acres that include a sunken playground with seven play zones for the younger set to peaceful garden areas for introspection and a labyrinth for relaxing walks. In addition, Central Park boasts an innovative interactive fountain with nearly 50 jet sprays for warmer months, as well as a refrigerated ice skating trail that offers an expanded outdoor skating season during the winter.
Favorite places to eat
With numerous restaurants that opened last year and more in the works for 2019, the City of Maple Grove embraces our “unofficial” moniker of #NoStoveMapleGrove. We have a strong restaurant industry, providing creative and eclectic options for dining, supported by active residents and visitors who embrace and enjoy the many choices.
ERIC HAGEMANN
Osseo Area Schools, communications specialist
Favorite go-to spot to disconnect
Omni Brewing is our favorite spot to kick back, put our cell phones away and enjoy some excellent craft beer. We love its cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere, beautiful patio and variety of food truck options. Wednesday night trivia is a blast, and we’ve heard only good things about the brewery’s Sunday evening cribbage leagues. Although it is becoming more widely known among the Twin Cities’ craft beer aficionados, I still consider it to be one of Maple Grove’s hidden gems worth exploring.
