by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 1, 2025 | Featured
It’s easy for me to get caught up in the doldrums of winter. The light is fleeting, and the snow precludes me from many of my favorite outdoor pastimes. For this issue, I looked for stories that break us out of our hibernation, and four new indoor recreation...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 1, 2025 | Featured, People, Sports
Meet Amanda Gaines, University of Minnesota’s award-winning head dance coach. The moment before Universal Dance Association’s College Nationals in 2025 unfolded much like it had in 2006. The University of Minnesota (U of M) Dance Team huddled together for a final,...
by Alexandra Tostrud | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Featured, Sports, Wellness
The cure for cabin fever is closer than you think. It’s tempting to reduce your winter fitness routine to a solitary workout at home or the occasional trip to the gym, but sometimes a change of pace is just what the doctor ordered. Four new indoor recreation centers...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2025 | Local Makers
Let’s Dish celebrates two decades and expands its ready-to-bake options. When the holiday season kicks into high gear, the heat is on—especially in the kitchen. Meal preparation can feel like it’s on a never-ending rotation. Cooking food for a celebration here or...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Landscape
Tour festive home displays around town. Driving around the city in search of holiday light displays is a time-honored tradition for many families, and a local company is taking the guesswork out of the equation. Twin Cities Sightseeing Tours offers nightly rides at 5...
by Ryan Barland | Dec 1, 2025 | History, Noteworthy, Outdoors
Fire & Ice began in 1989, a year after Parkers Lake Playfield opened to the public. The Plymouth Parks & Recreation Department wanted to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the magic of winter in Plymouth. The intention was...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 1, 2025 | Photo Contest
“I was inspired by the idea of finding beauty in winter, especially since it can be a tough season for many,” Jen Shepherd says. “To me, the photo represents the beauty and strength found in community and friendship, much like the way connections can help people...
by Editorial Staff | Dec 1, 2025 | Best of Plymouth
Let’s close the year with some exciting news. Best of Plymouth is moving—to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is the month of love, and we all adore our local businesses and service providers. Our 2026 annual readers’ choice poll will be...
by Emily Maxson | Dec 1, 2025 | Drinks, Gift Guides, Noteworthy, Recipes
It’s easy to make your own powdered hot chocolate mix to have on hand for a quick warm treat. This recipe is rich and creamy with a kick of spice from the cinnamon and cayenne. Packaged in a cute glass jar tied with a ribbon, it also makes a nice hostess or holiday...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2025 | Giving Back, Wellness
Memorial Blood Centers donors and staff give the gift that keeps giving. On Plymouth’s Harbor Lane, crucial work happens every day. For over 75 years, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) has provided blood and blood products to hospitals and other health care sites across...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Dec 1, 2025 | Entertain, Local Makers, Restaurants
Charcuterie Bar brings a whole new meaning to BYOB. The holiday season is full of gatherings, whether it’s out-of-town guests or students returning to the nest. The pressures of hosting can run high, which makes a reprieve all the nicer—especially when there’s a...
by Avery Vrieze | Dec 1, 2025 | Arts
Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs (ACYC) has inspired local young voices for decades, including Plymouth’s Naia Spoonheim, 16, who began singing in her church choir at age 4 and joined ACYC in 2023. She heard about ACYC from her cousin, who had nothing but good things to...
by Samantha Freeman | Nov 11, 2025 | Style
Summer Hair Trends Minimalistic is the word of the summer when it comes to hair trends. Senior stylist Abby Sundquist from New Reflections Salon anticipates the no-fuss, messy bun to be the summer look this year. Women everywhere will be rocking the messy bun and...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Oct 1, 2025 | Featured
When I walk around my neighborhood, especially around the lakes, I often find myself speculating about the history of the homes I pass. Was that home’s architect a Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast or was it the original homeowner? Is that a seamless later addition or the...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Oct 1, 2025 | Education, Featured, Local Makers
When Beth Wells prepares for her in-laws’ Thanksgiving potluck, she likes to stick to the basics. “In some years, I have tried to go out of left field and do something that you don’t typically see—pasta dishes, beet salads or try to get everybody into fennel,” Wells...
