Home Care In Excelsior, MN

Excelsior is one of the last communities surrounding tourist-magnet Lake Minnetonka that has not regulated or banned short-term vacation rentals.

That might change soon.

The Excelsior City Council is set to hear a second reading of a draft ordinance on Nov. 6, and could vote to approve limits on licensing, location and frequency of short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or VRBO.

It's an attempt to preserve more homes for full-time residents, city leaders said.

As Excelsior has transformed from a working-class enclave to a summer-home destination, year-round residents are worried about losing a sense of community, already threatened by tensions between older and newer residents over newcomers' proclivity for tearing down cottages to build large houses. City leaders worry houses used solely as short-term rentals will further erode the fabric of the city and could price out people who want to be year-round residents.

"In general, we're getting more concerned about homes not being for people who reside here year-round," said City Manager Kristi Luger.

Summer houses and short-term rentals have become more common in Excelsior over the years. The city, population 2,300 in just over a square mile of land, has about 25 short-term rentals listed online at any given time, city staff estimate.

"We're seeing, in certain pockets of the community, every third or fourth house is someone not living there year-round," Luger said.

Some other Lake Minnetonka communities, including Shorewood and Deephaven, have banned short-term rentals outright. Others, such as Orono, have limits on the size of houses that can be rented out. Right now, there are no limits or restrictions on short-term rentals in Excelsior, Luger said, because the city has not really had any problem properties or party houses.

"It does decrease the affordability of housing, and it does take housing stock out of Excelsior," Council Member Rob Tyler said.

Home values in Excelsior soared during the pandemic. The city estimated the median home value was $490,000 in 2019, but by 2022 that number was $735,000. More than a third of the homes in Excelsior are valued at over $1 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"The town is changing," observed longtime resident Thomas Knowlton, who counts two short-term rentals on his street. He has never had any trouble with the properties, he said, noticing only that sometimes there are a lot of cars parked out front.

Balancing tourists and residents

Visitors have become key to sustaining Excelsior's small businesses, centered on picturesque Water Street. But with few hotel rooms around Lake Minnetonka, short-term rentals will probably be a piece of the tourist economy for a long time, Luger said.

Still, the council is looking for ways to preserve housing for full-time, year-round residents. City staff looked to Stillwater, and places like Bozeman, Mont., where leaders have sought to balance a tourist economy and housing affordability, for ideas about possible regulations, Community Development Director Julia Mullin said.

Luger said the city wants visitors "to experience the community and see how great it is. ... We just don't want those [short-term rental] uses taking over."

As the summer heat begins to mellow and the leaves transition from green to vibrant hues of yellow and red, the already naturally beautiful state of Minnesota gains breathtaking texture. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is renowned for its forested landscapes and picturesque natural scenes, in particular those that surround its beautiful small towns. As such, it is these least-crowded small towns that stand as the best places to watch the leaves change and revel in the particular spirit that the fall season brings.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a quirky, artsy town located on the shores of Lake Superior. Filled with personality, the adorable town was historically home to both logging and fishing industries, and while both still exist, it is really the culture scene that sets Grand Marais apart. With the great lake on one side, and the Superior National Forest on the other, it is the ideal place to take in the beauty that autumn brings.

For peak fall foliage and the most vibrant colors, plan your visit to Grand Marais from late September through early October. There are plenty of trails that will take you among the changing trees, and for a more panoramic view of the scene and Lake Superior, hike up Oberg Mountain or take a drive along the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway. At the end of the day, there is the gorgeous Artist Point, as well as the Grand Marais Lighthouse, both on the spit that juts into the Lake. Both are gorgeous spots to soak up the cool autumn air.

These Small Towns In Minnesota Come Alive In SummerConcealed amidst the majestic vistas of Minnesota, these settlements propose an unparalleled summer jaunt that makes them stand out.

Ely

Just a few miles south of the Canadian border is the town of Ely. A town fully submerged in the ocean of forests in northern Minnesota, Ely is one of the best places in the country to watch the natural colors shift from green to hues of orange, auburn, and deep red. One of the town’s unique appeals is its remote location. While it is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, it manages to remain relatively uncrowded even during the peak fall foliage season.

During this time, there are plenty of ways to see the autumnal sights, such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which allows for a unique chance to paddle amongst the fiery backdrops. For a slightly more sheltered experience, there are a number of scenic drives travelers can take, including out to New Tomahawk Road or down Fernberg Road. Stunning colors and views will greet sightseers, and you might be lucky enough to witness a bear or moose amongst the trees.

Stillwater

Stillwater is named for the calmness of the St. Croix River that runs through its city center, and this tranquility flows through the town itself. Established in 1843, the town was the site of the talks that led to Minnesota’s statehood, which led to the moniker "The Birthplace of Minnesota." Lumber was the main industry of the area, and the wealth that was brought in helped to turn Stillwater into the landmark it is.

The thick forests, the still water, and the river access make the town the perfect destination for enjoying the fall foliage. Late September through mid-October is your best bet to catch those glorious autumnal colors, and there is plenty to do in Stillwater that will take you by the highlights. Pioneer Park, Lowell Park, or the Stillwater Lift Bridge offer chances to bask in the reds and oranges, and a stop at Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a great spot for the quintessential fall activity of apple picking.

Lanesboro

The ideal image of a lovely small town, Lanesboro is the type of place that truly comes alive among the changing leaves of autumn. The town is straight out of a postcard, with streets lined with old-style American architecture without a chain store or restaurant in view. Despite its tiny population, Lanesboro prides itself on being painlessly amenable to visitors and is known as the bed and breakfast capital of Minnesota.

The town is one of a number situated on the famous Root River State Trail, a 60-mile trail running through southeast Minnesota. Perfect for walking or biking, the trail is a marvel when painted with the colors of the fall season. For those looking for something a bit different, there is the nearby Big Springs Farm, which hosts an annual fall festival that includes a 1.5-acre pumpkin patch as well as a 10-acre corn maze.

Northfield

Northfield holds distinction as the place where, in 1876, the citizens heroically thwarted the James-Younger Gang's attempted bank robbery, earning the town a place in the annals of Wild West lore. Every September, amongst the changing leaves, the events are celebrated and reenacted in the festival called Defeat of Jesse James Days. Beyond its place in history, the town is also a classic American college town, hosting campuses of both Carleton and St. Olaf College. For a walk deeper amongst the browning greenery, the Cannon River Wilderness area has miles of trails, as well as picnic areas and other amenities.

Excelsior

On the south shore of the beautiful Lake Minnetonka, just miles from Minnesota’s Twin Cities, is the town of Excelsior. Known for its idyllic lakeside setting, historic ambiance, and vibrant fall foliage, the town is a unique escape from the bustling tourist hubs, offering the chance to relish the beauty of the season in peaceful surroundings. The lakeshore is the main highlight of Excelsior, and it rarely looks better than when it is framed by the changing leaves of autumn.

The Excelsior Commons overlooking Excelsior Bay is one of a few perfect spots to catch these sorts of sights. In addition to sightseeing, the fall season brings a number of events to the town. These include the annual Witches Night Out celebration, as well as the Excelsior Apple Days, both of which take place in late October and highlight the autumnal vibes.

Henderson

One of the oldest communities in the state, Henderson is tucked in the scenic Minnesota River Valley. The rolling hills of lush woodlands become a fiery blaze of colors when the autumn season rolls around, plunging the town into an ocean of striking oranges and reds in late September. Henderson’s main street is classic Americana; antique shops and specialty shops like Schuette’s Sweet Shoppe line the walkable downtown, enhancing the nostalgia brought upon by the fall colors. The Ney Nature Center allows for both spectacular forest and river access, making it a perfect stop for diving into the fall foliage.

Prettiest Towns In MinnesotaAlong the meandering riverbanks and rolling hills, the prettiest towns of Minnesota offer a journey that transcends the ordinary.

As autumn's vibrant colors blanket the state of Minnesota, the small towns that dot the countryside invite travelers to experience the beauty of the season. Whether it is the quiet nostalgia that the cool fall air brings, the studious, refined spirit of an idealized college campus, or the spine-tingling fun that a pumpkin patch or Halloween festival evokes, there is something for every kind of fall traveler in these least-crowded small towns.

Trinity Episcopal Church has a complicated and dramatic history.

Places of worship are spaces that are often challenged by moments of turmoil. Trinity Episcopal Church is no exception. Though this congregation has a complicated and dramatic history, today it remains the oldest Episcopal church in Minnesota and the second oldest congregation in the Lake Minnetonka area.

“The building of Trinity parish was much more complicated than the story of the church on the hill and was not a fairy tale as people would like to believe. It entailed deceit, insubordination, and other acts which we normally associate as unbecoming religious people,” says Scott McGinnis, a local historian.

The story of the Trinity Episcopal chapel begins with the founding and settling of Minnetonka City, where a man named John Hamilton McKenzie built a log hotel. Two devout members of the Episcopal Church and the owners of the local sawmill, Charles A.F Morris and Charles S. Hargin, took the land, renamed the area Saint Albans and turned the hotel into the first Trinity chapel, which was given to Reverend Jacob Sterrill Chamberlain and Bishop Kemper.

“It was not until Trinity Sunday 1854, that [Chamberlain] held the first service,” McGinnis says.

After a fire destroyed the sawmill, the congregation decided the church needed to be moved into a more populated area, so in 1862-1863, Trinity Chapel was formed and consecrated in its current location in Excelsior.

The new chapel was built from local materials, like Shakopee lime, wood scraps, and sand and rocks from Lake Minnetonka, so the chapel is quite literally a piece of the land in the community.

“The wood scraps and sand were combined with the lime by Tallman W. (Stonewall) Moore, who formed the cement walls of Trinity Chapel,” McGinnis says. Visitors can still see these materials today.

The jumpform construction, which is a process of laying planks on top of a concrete mixture, is still standing to this day and provides a glimpse into the formation of the church. It managed to hold strong until the first renovation was done in 1886.

However, things began to take a negative turn when Chamberlain was accused of mismanagement, including inappropriately spending money and taking a salary from church fundraising. Chamberlain was driven out of the diocese and Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple, Minnesota’s first bishop, took over.

“Trinity parish was simply a piece in a larger puzzle. Today it stands not only as a legacy of the pioneers who settled and created our little town of Excelsior but for the power struggle between bishop and clergy and their differing views on missions,” McGinnis says.

The Episcopal church as a whole focuses on Christianity as a movement that follows Jesus’ teachings by living compassionate lives filled with love for others, which they achieve through reconciliation and worship within the church.

The chapel was expanded several times in the 20th century, including a new hall, a kitchen, office and atrium.

The church focuses on outreach programs by offering small groups such as Bible studies, praying programs and garden groups. They also have a Trinity Care Team that makes soup and writes notes to be delivered to members in the community who are sick or injured. They also offer educational fellowships and workshops for youth and adults.

‘Tis‘Tis the season for merry tunes, twinkling lights displays, and holiday pop-ups. With festive decor and seasonal drinks galore, these Twin Cities bars and distilleries have enough holiday spirit to warm even a Grinch’s cold, cold heart — a mug of spiked eggnog always does the trick.

The Jingle Bar at Old Log Theatre

For a holiday pop-up with Up North vibes, head to the Jingle Bar at Excelsior’s Old Log Theatre. Every year, the crew transforms the 125-year-old log cabin into a cozy, kitschy winter wonderland festooned with garlands, lights, and baubles. The theater’s restaurant, Cast & Cru, serves drinks: Cozy up to the fireplace with a hot buttered rum, an eggnog white Russian, or maple pecan Old Fashioned. Wine, beer, and spirits are also available. The Jingle Bar is open from November 24 to December 23 on Thursdays and Fridays. Walk-ins only.

Red Nose Room at Red Cow

The Uptown Red Cow is dripping with garlands and tinsel, serving a list of 12 special holiday cocktails (and mocktails) from now through January 7 during regular business hours. (The gingerbread White Russian, made with Du Nord’s coffee liqueur, is served in a ceramic Santa boot.) Plop down in that plush Santa’s throne for a burger and a drink.

The Grinch’s Lair at Hotel Emery

The Hotel Emery has gone Seussian with its “Wholiday” pop-up bar. There’s a holiday cocktail menu of spiked hot cocoa and gingerbread espresso martinis, plus three themed areas for photo ops: the Grinch’s Lair, Whoville, and chilly Mount Crumpit. Reservations and walk-ins are both available; the pop-up runs from December 1 to January 7, Thursday through Sunday.

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is fully bedecked with garlands, wreaths, and gigantic popcorn strands for the season. Festive food and drink specials come with free tokens for the photobooth. Here’s a sneak peek.

Nico’s Navidad Holiday House

Nico’s Tacos in Uptown is decked out with twinkling lights, baubles galore, and even live Christmas trees for the season. Stop by for Grinch appearances and specialty cocktails like the “Miracle on 25th Street,” made with local Crooked waters brandy, spiced ginger, and agave in a meringue foam.

Tinsel Town at O’Donovan’s

Tinsel Town is coming to O’Donovan’s Irish pub from December 1 to December 30 this year. Expect over-the-top decor, a Christmas music soundtrack, warm winter drinks, and “elves,” though TBD exactly what that entails. Reserve ahead of time online, and don’t delay; these tickets are already getting snatched up.

Holiday Vacation at Travail’s Basement Bar

Travail’s Basement Bar has a “Holiday Vacation” theme for the season, complete with festive Christmas decor, tropical cocktails, and a multi-course tasting menu, through January 6. Note that this is a full dining experience, and reservations are required — tickets, available online, start at $69.

Travail Basement Bar

4134 Hubbard Avenue North, , MN 55422 Visit Website

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O'Donovan's Irish Pub

700 North 1st Avenue, , MN 55403 (612) 317-8896 Visit Website

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Red Cow

3624 W 50th St., Minneapolis, MN 55410 612 767 4411 Visit Website

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Hell's Kitchen

, Manhattan, NY

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Nico's Taco and Tequila Bar

2516 Hennepin Avenue South, , MN 55405 (612) 345-7688 Visit Website

An Excelsior doctor has agreed to refrain from making charitable claims that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called misleading in a court order filed Tuesday.

Ellison accused Dr. Sean O'Mara of claiming that payments to his clinic benefited a charity and were tax-deductible.

"O'Mara was soliciting 'tax exempt' donations to an entity that does not exist," the order stated.

O'Mara operates MedCon Wellness, a direct-pay boutique clinic focused on reversing chronic disease and improving health and appearance. Offerings include a $2,000 "Elderly Turn-Around," a $2,500 to $3,000 "Obesity Reversal Plan," and a $1,500 "Female Face and Body Appearance" package.

O'Mara said the allegations are a misunderstanding about an intended charity to confront childhood obesity that was scuttled by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was surprised that Ellison issued a news release about it.

"I never took a penny on this thing," said O'Mara, whose career includes emergency medical service for the U.S. Army and current service in the Minnesota National Guard.

Ellison alleged that O'Mara solicited donations via PayPal and other online payment services to a nonexistent charity, and also pledged to donate all his clinical fees to charity if patients weren't satisfied.

The doctor "never made any such donations," the order stated. Future violations of the order could result in $25,000 fines.

The attorney general did not question the doctor's clinical practices, but forwarded the complaint to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. The board in 2021 required O'Mara to take a professional boundaries course and write a paper after one patient complained about an inappropriate exam and a second said a workplace physical was excessive.

O'Mara's practice is focused on reducing visceral fat, which is the fat deep in the abdomen that surrounds the stomach, liver and intestines.

O'Mara said visceral fat is misunderstood by traditional doctors, though organizations such as Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic publicize its risks. Traditional diet and exercise routines are recommended to reduce this type of fat.

Jeremy Olson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter covering health care for the Star Tribune. Trained in investigative and computer-assisted reporting, Olson has covered politics, social services, and family issues.

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