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Home Care In Excelsior, MN

Home Care Excelsior, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Excelsior Amusement Park (historical) gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Excelsior, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Excelsior, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Excelsior, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Excelsior, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Excelsior, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Excelsior, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Excelsior, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Excelsior Commons with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Excelsior, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Maynards or visit Allemarinda and James Wyer House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Excelsior, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Excelsior, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Excelsior, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Excelsior, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Excelsior, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Excelsior, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Excelsior, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Excelsior, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Waters of Excelsior
  • Golden LivingCenter - Excelsior
  • Trouvaille Memory Care Suites
  • Shorewood Landing
  • The Watkins House
  • Encore Senior Home Care
Home Care Excelsior, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Excelsior, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Excelsior, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Excelsior, MN

Latest News in Excelsior, MN

New meets old as Excelsior celebrates historic designation

This is a modal window.No compatible source was found for this media.This is a modal window.This video is currently unavailable.New meets as old as Excelsior celebrates historic designationThe biggest new multi-family housing and parking development in more than 50 years is underway in Excelsior just as the city celebrates designation on the National Register of Historic Places.“It’s really important that this fits in with both the context of the historic community and the residential c...

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New meets as old as Excelsior celebrates historic designation

The biggest new multi-family housing and parking development in more than 50 years is underway in Excelsior just as the city celebrates designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It’s really important that this fits in with both the context of the historic community and the residential community,” says Dan Johnson of Red Leaf Partners, one of the developers of the complex called “One West Drive.” Monarch Development Partners is also involved. The development will include 38 “market-rate” apartments and 11 row houses.

“Row houses will wrap both Third Street and West Drive all the way around the perimeter, and in front of those row houses will be a tree-lined boulevard, so there are 50 new trees that are planted in this area,” Johnson told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Wednesday as he stood above the site where a below-ground parking ramp is being excavated as part of the project.

That’s no easy feat given how close the area is to Lake Minnetonka.

“Soil analysis shows that there’s no water at this depth, but you never know what you’re going to run into,” says Curt Olson, senior construction superintendent for Ironmark Building Company.

The parking that would result was initially a concern for retailers and residents in the area last summer when plans were being made.

However, most appear pleased the new development will more than double the amount of public parking available, going from 108 spots before to 244. There will be additional parking available just for residents of the new housing.

“We have a little difficult time here while they’re going through the construction process, but I’m excited about the end result,” says Pete Miller, owner of The Lakes Running Company store, which shares a parking lot with the new development.

Retailers are also excited about the city’s new designation as a historic place, which they hope will add to the charm and attraction of Excelsior along with the lake and other amenities.

“Getting us on the map any way we can is a great thing,” says Brittany Slusar of Amore and Fede, a women’s clothing retailer in Excelsior. “We love all the attractions that we have in town here, and so just making it historic, or making it more official, is even better.”

Retailers are also relieved the city has decided parking in the city-owned ramp will be free, just as the surface lot was before the construction eliminated it. However, the city will likely have paid parking for some special events.

One other thing of note for people who live within several miles of Excelsior. They might have noticed the siren that has sounded for years at noon, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. has been silenced. That is temporary because the siren used to be on top of the old city hall building that was demolished to make way for the new development. The siren will be incorporated into the new development next summer. For now, it’s sitting at the Excelsior Public Works building.

The apartments and row houses are expected to be finished by the summer of 2024.

Two new restaurants are opening soon on Lake Minnetonka

Unstoppable restaurateur/chef Daniel del Prado is adding to his portfolio again this summer with Layline, coming to downtown Excelsior in the first half of June.The restaurant, an American bistro with a slight seafood emphasis, takes over a former auto repair shop at 301 Water St., on the edge of Excelsior's main street.This is the third Lake Minnetonka-area restaurant del Prado has in partnership with Aaron Switz and Mikael Asp of Innerbloom Hospi...

Unstoppable restaurateur/chef Daniel del Prado is adding to his portfolio again this summer with Layline, coming to downtown Excelsior in the first half of June.

The restaurant, an American bistro with a slight seafood emphasis, takes over a former auto repair shop at 301 Water St., on the edge of Excelsior's main street.

This is the third Lake Minnetonka-area restaurant del Prado has in partnership with Aaron Switz and Mikael Asp of Innerbloom Hospitality; the first two are Josefina and Macanda in Wayzata.

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Cozier than those Wayzata restaurants, Layline will seat 90 people, many of them on a four-season patio and an outdoor patio. Inside will be a "contemporary and eclectic" look, according to a spokesperson for the hospitality group.

Del Prado has brought on Aaron Slavicek as head chef. Slavicek was a longtime chef at Bar La Grassa (where he worked with del Prado), and had prior stints at Cafe Maude, La Belle Vie and Solera. He also spent time on the East Coast, which served as the inspiration for Layline's coastal fare. Specialties will include lobster rolls, oysters and burgers, plus martinis.

This is one of two openings this summer for the restaurant group.

This Memorial Day weekend, Lost Bay will debut in Tonka Bay, at what used to be Tequila Butcher. The outdoor bar and restaurant seats 140 (with 10 boat slips).

Lost Bay will specialize in tiki-style drinks and frozen cocktails from beverage director Brian Kunz (who is also overseeing the drinks at Layline). Yes, at least one drink will be served in a pineapple. Food will be simple and fast casual — think nachos. Look for a DJ and live band lineup soon.

Lost Bay kicks off the season May 26, and will be open daily through Labor Day, at 135 Lakeview Av., Tonka Bay.

While del Prado is not involved in Lost Bay, he does have another restaurant slated to open later in the summer: a still-unnamed Argentinean steakhouse taking over the former Bachelor Farmer space in Minneapolis' North Loop, for which he partnered with Ryan Burnet.

And that's not all for downtown Excelsior, either. The tropical-themed Montego Blu recently opened in the former Suburban, at 304 Water St., just around the corner from the new Layline.

7 Cutest Small Towns in Minnesota

Meet Minnesota, a Midwestern state in the United States that borders Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. While this state boasts museums and culture...

Meet Minnesota, a Midwestern state in the United States that borders Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. While this state boasts museums and culture, it houses over 10,000 lakes, offering picture perfect nature endeavors. One of its most prominent mountain ranges is Eagle Mountain, standing at 2,301 feet. While this state offers the perfect hiking landscape, it also contains cute towns that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Here are the seven cutest small towns in Minnesota to visit.

Beach TownsCheck out Minnesota's Most Charming Beach Towns

1. Grand Rapids

On the Mississippi River and full of Minnesota nature lies Grand Rapids. This rural, picture-perfect town is family-friendly and has been a cute destination for couples and fishermen for over 100 years. Better yet, there are 1,000 lakes around the Grand Rapids area, making for cute and relaxing getaway spots. Visit Bass Lake, Bowstring Lake, or Caribou Lake. Home to popular species of fish like rock bass, yellow perch, and sunfish, they are an angler’s dream come true. While Grand Rapids has dozens of parks to explore within town, if you really want to explore nature, take to their trails, like Masabi Bike Trailhead. Spanning over 28 communities and 150 miles of paved pathways, see lakes, ponds, creeks, and local wildlife. In the town’s core, explore its history by visiting Itasca County Historical Society and Forest History Center.

2. Excelsior

At the tip of Lower Lake and making up the South Lake Minnetonka region resides Excelsior, a quaint suburban town founded in 1853 by New York colonists. Its downtown neighborhood offers a warm small-town vibe and is rich in history. Order takeout at Maynard’s Restaurant, perhaps some of their famous waffle fries, and set up a picnic at one of the Lake Minnetonka beaches. There are two in total, with one being more family-friendly including picnic benches, a playground, and a tennis court.

One of the town’s modes of transport were trolleys, and they have kept them around for tourists to ride on. Do not miss this historic experience of touring the town’s main streets, farmer’s markets, and museums.

3. Grand Marais

Right against the shores of Lake Superior near Sawtooth Mountains, explore Grand Marais, an area known for its vast nature landscapes and folk culture. Grand Marais offers the cutest camping adventure you will ever experience. Grand Marais Campground and Marina is a part of their recreation area and boasts 300 camp sites, beaches, pavilions, bathhouses, and more. Whether visitors set up a tent or rent an RV, drop-ins are allowed, providing instant access to Lake Superior and Sawtooth Mountain.

Need a treat? Hop into town for the best donuts in the world. World’s Best Donuts on 10 Wisconsin Street serves the donut of your dreams with miraculous icing patterns and unique flavors. Try a Banana Cream Bismark with white frosting or a Maple Bacon Long John. They also offer donut kabobs, with mini donuts sitting on a skewer.

4. Lanesboro

Lanesboro’s neighboring river is Root River and has a tiny population of 723 people, but these elements are not the only things that make this town cute — it contains Commonweal Theater and 60 miles of winding valley trails: Root River State Bike Trail. Since 1989, this venue brings people old-fashioned plays, like Hamlet, and cheesy comedies, like Women in Jeopardy! Visit 208 Parkway Avenue North and see what is playing while you are in town. The Root River State Bike Trail contains 42 miles of paved avenues. Find abandoned railroads, wooden bridges, and local wildlife. All paths are wheelchair accessible.

While Lanesboro has much to offer in nature, tourists will not want to miss exploring its cute downtown core full of boutiques, stores, and galleries. At Lanesboro Arts, admire over 70 pieces from local creators or participate in workshops! With the area being a native Amish community, take a horse carriage ride and get to know the community on a more intimate level.

Underrated CitiesVisit one of these 8 Most Underrated Cities in Minnesota

5. Pipestone

With South Dakota as its neighbor state, Pipestone, Minnesota has an uproarious history. It contains the Pipestone Monument, a protection method for the pipestone quarries back in 1937. It contains walls of red stone and a trickling waterfall. For a cute yet historical place to stay, then book a room at Calumet inn, which has been a functioning hotel since 1888. Inside is a popular restaurant and antiques on display. Explore nature off the beaten path and visit Split Rock Creek State Park. While it resides in Jasper, it is still within Pipestone County. Walk down the sandy paths and peruse the lakes full of walleye, sunfish, perch, and bass. In the summer, set up camp and swim at the beach.

Not a confident fire-chef? Head back to town and enjoy one of the top-rated restaurants, Stonehouse Quarry Lounge. On the menu they offer: salmon club sandwiches, Reubens, and rib eye, to name a few.

6. Stillwater

Picture a main street lined with warm, cobblestone buildings, unique local shops, and bushy maple trees, all beside the St. Croix River. The river is abundant with walleye, sauger, and northern pike, and spans for 115 miles. Being so close to the river, this town offers cute and peaceful boating, park, and nature experiences. Some popular marinas to launch boats at include Boomsite Marina and Wolf Marine. Additionally, rent paddle boats from Brown Dog Paddleboard Co. at 15150 Square Lake Trail North. The closest state parks are Minnesota State Park and Wisconsin State Park. Since Stillwater is so close to Wisconsin, tourists can access both easily.

Nothing pairs better with lake life than wine and beer. Stillwater offers several wine and brewery tours. Get a rustic experience with 7 Vines Vineyard and sip by the glass near a wood-burning fireplace. Or opt for Forge & Foundry Distillery where customers can try blends made with local ingredients.

7. Harmony

Ever imagined escaping the hustle and bustle of life by living in a cave? Well, while one cannot live in Niagara Cave in Harmony, Minnesota, visitors can certainly tour it! Niagara Cave is only a short distance from the town’s core, and it is a once in a lifetime experience. Take an hour-long tour and discover an underground maze of stalagmites and stalactites. The guided tour is a mile long and gives participants a chance to uncover 450-year-old fossils, underground streams and waterfalls, and unique rock formations. The cave was discovered in 1924 and became accessible in 1934.

Additionally, the town core is a hub for Amish furniture shops and delectable eateries. Many restaurants serve baked goods, salads, craft beer, and wine.

River TownsDiscover the 5 Most Charming River Towns in Minnesota

Conclusion

Each of these towns are cute and boast unique experiences to create lifelong memories, but how to decide which is the cutest? Will it be Excelsior’s beaches, or will it be Harmony’s historical cave? No matter which town visitors may choose, they will experience a mixture of breathtaking nature and cute small-town vibes that will make you want to call each town home.

Cinco de Mayo in the Twin Cities

From KARE 11 staff favorites to local events and specials, here's a look at what's happening around the Twin Cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.Credit: Marina Zlochin - stock.adobe.comGOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — It's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!The holiday commemorates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and this year falls on Friday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo, which is ...

From KARE 11 staff favorites to local events and specials, here's a look at what's happening around the Twin Cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Credit: Marina Zlochin - stock.adobe.com

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — It's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

The holiday commemorates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and this year falls on Friday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo, which is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, has become a popular cultural celebration in the United States, and many restaurants, bars and communities party with food, drinks, music and more.

From the KARE 11 staff's favorite restaurants to local events and specials, here's a look at what's happening around the Twin Cities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Editor's note: This is a selection of Cinco de Mayo events in the metro area, not a complete and comprehensive list.

Staff picks

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

Nico's Taco Bar

Tinto Kitchen + Mercado

Taco Teresas

Minneapolis

Cinco de Mayo on Lake Street

Cinco de Mayo at Insight Brewing

Lagos Tacos Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Free cover weekend at La Doña Cervecería

Click here for an extended list of events from Meet Minneapolis.

St. Paul

Boca Chica Restaurant and Cantina

Cinco de Mayo Latin Dance Night at the Wabasha Street Caves

Cinco de Mayo at Pajrito

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Tuesday Morning reveals planned store closures in Minnesota

Tuesday Morning Corp. has revealed plans to close more than half its stores across the country — including all three of its remaining Minnesota locations — as the Dallas-based off-price retailer seeks financial and operational reorganization as to shore up outstanding liabilities, obtain capital and evolve into a nimbler retailer.Tuesday Morning anno...

Tuesday Morning Corp. has revealed plans to close more than half its stores across the country — including all three of its remaining Minnesota locations — as the Dallas-based off-price retailer seeks financial and operational reorganization as to shore up outstanding liabilities, obtain capital and evolve into a nimbler retailer.

Tuesday Morning announced Tuesday morning that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

As part of the restructuring process, the retailer spelled out intentions to close stores in low-traffic regions as it looks to optimize its footprint and focus on core and heritage markets.

The retailer is closing two Twin Cities stores and another Minnesota store beyond the metro area:

The retailer didn't indicate a specific closing date for the stores, but when they shutter, Tuesday Morning will no longer operate in Minnesota. Its website still lists a store within Waterford Park Plaza in Plymouth that's already closed.

Nationwide, the company (OTC: TUEM) currently operates 487 stores in 40 states. A full list of all closures can be found in this filing.

Store liquidator Gordon Brothers has been tapped to lead the closings.

Beyond store closures, Tuesday Morning is looking to reduce costs and create efficiencies across its distribution channels through its focus on its remaining stores. That streamlining is expected to include a pivot to a third-party logistics model and transition to a more cost-effective inventory acquisition strategy.

“After considering how best to address Tuesday Morning’s exceedingly burdensome debt, we have determined that the best path to reorganizing and transforming the Company begins with a Chapter 11 filing. Fortunately, we have the support of a committed capital provider in Invictus and a clear vision for transforming into a focused retailer that serves its core, heritage markets in a profitable manner," said Chief Executive Andrew Berger in a prepared statement Tuesday.

"We look forward to taking steps that enable us to emerge as a stronger retailer that draws on a legacy of offering a unique off-price value proposition to our loyal customer base. We appreciate all the support of our employees, customers, creditors and other partners as we seek to sustain commercial operations with minimal disruptions,” Berger continued.

Invictus Global Management, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas, has committed to provide $51.5 million of debtor-in-possession financing to support ongoing operations at Tuesday Morning during the proceedings.

Tuesday Morning has selected Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr as legal advisor and Minneapolis-based Piper Sandler as financial advisor. Vinson & Elkins is advising Tuesday Morning's special committee.

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