In March 2021, local Courtney Smallbeck, like many of us, found herself with a fairly empty social calendar. The difference in Smallbeck’s case was she’s an event planner. “My friend Melissa called me up and said, ‘How do you feel about picnics?’” Smallbeck says.
Outdoors

There’s tent camping. Then there’s camper camping. How about a friend’s couch camping? Or is that surfing? Regardless, have you heard of rooftop camping?

This is a time of renewal with plants emerging from the ground and shrubs and trees forming buds with the promise of a new season. What comes after that, is my favorite thing about spring—the sweet-smelling fragrances of early blooms.

From skiing to tubing and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Maple Grove’s Elm Creek Park Reserve.

The question perplexes most parents as summer rolls around: How will I keep the kids busy?

Despite the holidays appearing long in the distance of life's rearview mirror, winter still has the state in its icy clutches.

This picture placed first in the Activities & Events category for the 2018 Focus on Maple Grove photo contest.
What do people in MN highly enjoy in September? Fall weather? Sure. Kids back at school? Absolutely! My birthday? Obviously. Most of all, people go bonkers for “Oktoberfest” beers. Why the quotation marks? Well, many breweries are doing different styles around the time of Oktoberfest.