It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
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 Landmark Center 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 St Paul, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my”
“I am a current client of this provider 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.”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Harriet Island Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Meritage or visit Burbank Livingston Griggs Mansion, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 St Paul, 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.
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:
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 St Paul, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 St Paul, 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.
New — and new-ish — rental properties in St. Paul will no longer be subject to the city’s 3% cap on yearly rent increases.The St. Paul City Council, at the behest of Mayor Melvin Carter, voted 4-3 Wednesday to permanently exempt new construction and rentals built after 2004 from the rent control ordinance, which ...
New — and new-ish — rental properties in St. Paul will no longer be subject to the city’s 3% cap on yearly rent increases.
The St. Paul City Council, at the behest of Mayor Melvin Carter, voted 4-3 Wednesday to permanently exempt new construction and rentals built after 2004 from the rent control ordinance, which voters approved by ballot measure in 2021.
While increased interest rates and slower growth in rents reduced homebuilding across the country in recent years, local developers have pointed the finger at St. Paul’s rent control ordinance as a major factor in their reluctance to build in the city.
Since the council first implemented the ordinance in 2022, construction has dropped off a cliff in the city; In 2024, 80% fewer housing units were built in St. Paul compared to the previous three-year average, according to a MinnPost analysis. (In Minneapolis, voters gave the city council power to enact rent control in 2021, but the council has not passed a rent control ordinance. Minneapolis had an even steeper falloff in construction in 2024 than St. Paul.)
St. Paul’s rollback of the ordinance is a bad sign for rent control advocates in Minneapolis, who have pushed the council to implement rent stabilization in recent years.
Prior to Wednesday’s vote, the St. Paul City Council weakened the rent control ordinance in other ways: In 2022, the council permanently exempted affordable housing developments; gave new construction a 20-year exemption, and instituted “vacancy decontrol,” which allows landlords to raise rents by more than 3% when a tenant moves out.
Landlords could also request permission from the city to raise rents by more than 3% if their expenses rose significantly; St. Paul approved the vast majority of those requests.
Minnesota is one of the only Midwestern states without a statewide ban on local rent control ordinances.
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Galley food hall, Apostle Supper Club and Burning Brothers Brewing are shuttering; Chip’s Clubhouse has already closed.The Minnesota Star TribuneWithin hours, word came that a Minneapolis food hall known for launching one of the area’s most popular pizza shops and the state’s only gluten-free brewery were closing — both on May 10.The North Loop Galley food hall, in the Nordic building at 729 Washington Av. N., is the current home of Wrecktangle Pizza, Ono Hawaiian Plates, Ramen Kawae and Good Boy....
Galley food hall, Apostle Supper Club and Burning Brothers Brewing are shuttering; Chip’s Clubhouse has already closed.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
Within hours, word came that a Minneapolis food hall known for launching one of the area’s most popular pizza shops and the state’s only gluten-free brewery were closing — both on May 10.
The North Loop Galley food hall, in the Nordic building at 729 Washington Av. N., is the current home of Wrecktangle Pizza, Ono Hawaiian Plates, Ramen Kawae and Good Boy.
“While often the want is something juicy or salacious, there isn’t in this instance,” Galley Group CEO Chad Ellingboe wrote in an email to the Star Tribune. “All we can say is cheers to the five years we had, and we look forward to watching the continued success of the North Loop.”
Galley Group owns two other food halls, in Newport, Ky., and Pittsburgh. Ellingboe declined to comment on the state of those Galley locations.
The Minneapolis food hall opened in 2019, just before the pandemic, when “things took a turn for the worst,” said Ellingboe. “However, with a strong team in place, vendors who were willing to push through and guests who were eager to support, we were able to stick it out and stay the course.”
For original vendor Wrecktangle, which launched its Detroit-style pizza concept here, the Galley’s support during COVID helped it grow into a multi-location brand.
“It meant everything,” said Wrecktangle co-owner Jeff Rogers. “We most likely wouldn’t be in the place that we are now without it. To have a super-flexible spot in the North Loop?”
“Pretty unheard of,” said co-owner Breanna Evans.
Soul Fu, serving Southeast Asian cuisine, and Thigh Times Birdhouse, a chicken spot, joined Wrecktangle and Ono Hawaiian Plates in the initial lineup.
Ellingboe called the Galley “a great starting point” for Wrecktangle and Ono Hawaiian Plates. Ono is the in-store restaurant at United Noodles in Minneapolis. Wrecktangle now operates food hall stands at the Market at Malcolm Yards and Graze, plus a standalone restaurant on Lyndale Avenue and W. Lake Street in Minneapolis and one in conjunction with First Avenue in St. Paul that’s currently on hiatus. A Duluth restaurant is forthcoming.
But with its only location in the Galley, Ramen Kawae has nowhere else to serve its Japanese-style ramen and snacks, said Tuan Hoang, the chef behind the three-year-old food hall stand.
“This is the only one, so basically we just have to close,” Hoang said. “After three years, there were returning customers who come a lot and eat here. I made a relationship with all of them and it’s nice to have them like friends, not just customers. So it’s kind of sad.”
Apostle Supper Club, the sprawling Palm Springs-inspired restaurant across from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, is calling it quits. In a Facebook post, owner Brian Ingram announced the closure.
“We put our heart, soul and everything we had into creating a space that offered warmth, community and an unforgettable experience,” Ingram’s initial post reads. “We built something beautiful. And despite our fight to preserve it over the last three years, we’ve reached a breaking point.”
Sarah and Brian Ingram opened Apostle in October 2022 with a menu of retro cocktails and hearty and modern supper club fare under their Purpose Restaurants, which is also behind the Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, Salt and Flour in Minneapolis and Hope Breakfast Bars.
In a follow-up post, Ingram thanked staff and customers and said they did not make the decision lightly. Office and small business vacancies as well as public safety concerns are among the factors, according to Ingram. “Right now, downtown St. Paul is simply not a viable place for small, independent restaurants to thrive,” the post states.
Apostle will run through the end of May before closing its doors.
Chip’s Clubhouse, the Mac-Groveland neighborhood spot in St. Paul serving modern-spun Midwestern comforts and an ambitious bar program, has turned off the lights.
“Sadly, we’ve made the difficult decision to permanently close our doors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible support over the years,” a sign on the door states. “We will cherish the memories made within these walls.”
The restaurant has been under new ownership since November. Owner Nik Donaker confirmed the last day for Chip’s was Wednesday. “It was a financial choice,” he said, wishing not to elaborate further.
Pastry chef Tara Coleman and chef Gina Mangiameli originally opened Chip’s in early 2021 on Snelling Avenue just south of St. Clair Avenue and quickly gained a reputation for their refreshing take on Midwestern comfort food. Dishes such as the burger, schnitzel-style pork tenderloin and fried chicken sandwich were winning hearts, as was Tim Leary’s cocktails and mocktails — all served against an approachable neighborhood backdrop.
“It was a quiet handover,” Coleman said of the ownership change a few months ago as Mangiameli, currently the head of Surdyk’s prep kitchen, and Coleman concentrate on their other food ventures.
Meanwhile, Coleman continues to run Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit in the same building with coffee, pastries and egg biscuit sandwiches and hashes for dine-in as well as a take-and-bake and catering operation.
Burning Brothers, the state’s first and only gluten-free brewery, announced on social media Wednesday that it will close after 11 years.
“We have come to the incredibly heart-wrenching conclusion that we unfortunately cannot continue operations,” owners Dane Breimhorst and Thom Foss posted on the brewery’s Instagram page, citing “numerous, complex and varied” factors as reasons for closure. The taproom’s last day is May 10.
The owners recently told the Star Tribune that tariffs were a cause for concern. The current structure imposes a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports and an additional 25% across-the-board tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, where much of the aluminum used in the United States is sourced. This promises to greatly increase the cost of cans.
“I would be lying if I said we aren’t concerned,” Foss said. “A good chunk of our income is canned beer. If you’re going to increase cost by 25% or more, yeah, that’s going to hurt a lot.”
Longtime friends, Breimhorst and Foss released their first beer, Pyro American Pale Ale, in March 2014, and opened their St. Paul taproom a month later. Previous plans to open a brewery were put on hold after Breimhorst was diagnosed with celiac disease, but they forged ahead with a dedicated gluten-free facility after seeing a growing demand for it – and a dearth of quality in gluten-free beers.
The brewery, named as a nod to the owners’ days as fire-eating partners, is at 1750 W. Thomas Av., St. Paul, burnbrosbrew.com.
International Market Square Art CrawlBetween 16 showrooms and over 20 local artists and creators, the International Market Square Art Crawl and Open House brings art and resources together this spring. Connect with IMS resources, local artisans, and enjoy live music. May 8, International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls., imsartcrawl.comMinneapolis Sculpture Garden Art FairThe Minneapo...
International Market Square Art Crawl
Between 16 showrooms and over 20 local artists and creators, the International Market Square Art Crawl and Open House brings art and resources together this spring. Connect with IMS resources, local artisans, and enjoy live music. May 8, International Market Square, 275 Market St., Mpls., imsartcrawl.com
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair is back for its second year. The fair will be held on Mother’s Day weekend, featuring a botanical market, 160 artist booths, and food. May 10-11, Minnesota Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls., homespunevents.com
Art-A-Whirl
The vibrant art scene of the Twin Cities comes alive at Art-A-Whirl, the largest open studio tour in the U.S., where hundreds of artists showcase their work in Northeast Minneapolis. For its 30th anniversary, enjoy a weekend of live music, explore galleries and studios, engage with local artists, and most importantly: Buy art. Northeast Minneapolis, May 16-18, nemaa.org
Edina Art Fair
For some, this local-fave event is the true marker that summer has arrived. Celebrate in style by shopping local artists and vintage sellers, checking out food vendors and the beer garden, listening to music, and a kid's zone. June 6-8, 50th & France, 50thandfrance.com
St. Anthony Park Art Festival
Connect with community at this annual one-day outdoor celebration in St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood. With artists, musicians, art, a beer garden, and more, there’s never ending fun. June 7, Como and Carter Aves., St. Paul, sapfest.org
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Even though the Stone Arch Bridge may be closed, the festival goes on. Find more than 200 artists and culinary artists along with a variety of food vendors. Enjoy the view by the river, listen to live music, and enjoy the festivities. June 14-15, W. River Pkwy., from 11th Ave. S. to 4th Ave. N., Mpls., stonearchbridgefestival.com
Wayzata Art Experience
Spending a day on the lakeside? Hop on over to the Wayzata Art Experience for two days of food, art, music, and family fun. Kids can enjoy the activity zone while adults can shop for find art and enjoy food trucks and the food artisan market. June 20–22, E. Lake St., Wayzata, artexperience.wayzatachamber.com
Eagan Art Festival
Shop from over 80 local artists of all specialties at this two-day family-friendly event. Enjoy delicious foods from local food vendors, art demos, and mingle with your neighbors at Eagan’s annual fest. June 21–22, Eagan Central Park, 1501 Central Pkwy., eaganartfestival.org
Art at St. Kate’s
Stroll St. Kate’s campus this summer for its annual art fair featuring over 100 juried artists. Spend the day outside with shaded trees, listen to musicians, and try foods from a variety of food trucks. July 12, St. Catherine University, Randolph and Cleveland Aves., St. Paul, artistscircle.org
Minnehaha Falls Art Fair
Need an excuse to visit Minnehaha Falls? Spend a summer day perusing the vintage and funky fest and exploring food trucks at this Minnesota fave location. Visit booths from dozens of local artists, with all items under $30, enjoy live music, and kids can enjoy a variety of activities. July 19–21, Minnehaha Falls Park, Mpls., homespunevents.com
Arbor Lakes Art Fair
Shop fine art, ceramics, jewelry, photography, leather goods, fiber art, paintings, and more at Maple Grove’s art event of the season. With entertainment from local bands and a kid’s creative space including face paintings and crafts, there’s enough fun for the whole family. June 21–22, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, maplegroveartscenter.org
Loring Park Art Festival
The Loring Park Art Festival has been bringing art and community together for 25 years, and this year promises over 150 visual artists selling original work, live music, and local food vendors. This family-friendly event also features kids activities and a culinary market. July 26–27, Loring Park, Mpls., loringparkartfestival.com
Powderhorn Art Fair
South Minneapolis’s annual event will include 100-plus artists across 20 mediums, immersive installations, food trucks, and more. August 2–3, Powderhorn Park, Mpls., powderhornartfair.com
SoMi Art Fair at Bachman's
Check out the work from about 250 talented artists at this event, from the producers of the beloved Uptown Art Fair, at Bachman’s on Lyndale. Enjoy live music, food trucks, botanical art demonstrations, and hands-on art activities. Many of the proceeds go back to the community, so look at some great art and support local artists. August 2–3, Bachman's on Lyndale, Mpls., uptownminneapolis.com
Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival
Check out all forms of street art at this unique art fair in downtown Minneapolis. Find spray art, murals, and chalk designs and enjoy performances, food vendors and more. This year they welcome back Jackalope Arts with over 100 local artists selling goods like original fashion, paper goods, jewelry design, home décor, photography and more. August 9–10, Nicollet Mall, Mpls., mplsstreetartfest.com
Art in the Gardens
Find handcrafted art pieces with the backdrop of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum with over 70 local vendors providing crafts, fine arts, culinary treats, and more. Meet the artist, eat, shop, and listen to live music at the Arb. August 15–17, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, arb.umn.edu
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The BriefThe Smurfit WestRock recycling center in St. Paul is closing, permanently laying off about 189 employees in the city as part of a widespread staff and facility reduction.The company describes itself as "a global leader in sustain...
The Smurfit WestRock recycling center in St. Paul is closing, permanently laying off about 189 employees in the city as part of a widespread staff and facility reduction.
The company describes itself as "a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging," according to its website.
Big picture view:
Smurfit Westrock shared a news release announcing it will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill located at 2250 Wabash Avenue in St. Paul.
Another mill in Forney, Texas, will also discontinue production, according to the news release.
The company adds it has "initiated consultations with local works councils in Germany" to permanently close two converting facilities there.
Smurfit Westrock said about 650 employees in the U.S. and Germany will be impacted by the closings.
These moves are expected to reduce the company's containerboard and CRB capacity by more than 500,000 tons, according to the news release.
What they're saying:
President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit Westrcik, Tony Smurfit, shared the following statement: "While closing facilities is never an easy decision, it is based on a realistic expectation of current and future capacity needs, operating costs and an unrelenting focus on improving our business. We are very grateful for the significant contributions made by the teams at these locations over the years, and we will do all we can to support them throughout this process."
Impacted employees will get local severance according to company policy, the works council and labor union agreements, according to the news release from Smurfit Westrock.
Local perspective:
The Minnesota Employment and Economic Development State Rapid Response Team shared a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter that said employees are expected to start being laid off on June 30, 2025, or within 14 days of that date.
The WARN letter adds that bumping rights will follow applicable collective bargaining agreements and there are no trade implications at this time.
Some of the workers, who include maintenance mechanics, engineers, electricians, chemical attendants and other roles, are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 110) the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 70) and the United Steelworker of America (USW Local 264), according to the WARN letter.
The Source: This story used information shared by Smurfit Westrock and a WARN letter shared by the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development State Rapid Response Team.
Although it has only been in business for less than three years, it has become a well-known and popular supper club here in Minnesota. And now, this retro restaurant is closing its doors for good.These days, sadly, it seems like you almost need a scorecard to keep up with the number of restaurants that have either recently closed or have said they're closing permanently here in the Land of 10,000 ...
Although it has only been in business for less than three years, it has become a well-known and popular supper club here in Minnesota. And now, this retro restaurant is closing its doors for good.
These days, sadly, it seems like you almost need a scorecard to keep up with the number of restaurants that have either recently closed or have said they're closing permanently here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
It was just earlier this year that the Dark Horse Bar & Eatery in St. Paul announced it was closing for good on Valentine's Day. Before that, diners in Woodbury and Lake Elmo were shocked when The Machine Shed, the longtime restaurant that had been open for over 20 years just off I-94, posted a sign on its doors saying it was now closed.
And these closings aren't just limited to restaurants, either. It was just a few weeks ago that news broke of another business that's not only closing its Minnesota location. Outdoor retailer The Sportsman's Guide announced back in early April that it was closing its warehouse and distribution facility in South St. Paul and moving out of state.
And another classic restaurant has suddenly announced it'll be closing for good soon, as well. That was the word from Brian Ingram, founder of Purpose Restaurants, which owns the Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul. He just posted word on his social platforms that the restaurant on Kellogg Boulevard near the Xcel Energy Center will be closing in just a few weeks:
Apostle Supper Club to Close: A Heartbreaking Decision in a City We Still Love Deeply - It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Apostle Supper Club in downtown Saint Paul, effective June 1, 2025.
The post cites several reasons for the permanent shutdown, among them being what it calls St. Paul's 'downtown core in crisis', referencing the number of other businesses that have also recently closed in St. Paul, as well as what the post refers to as 'public safety issues' in Minnesota's capital city.
The post goes on to say that Purpose Restaurants will continue to operate its other establishments, which include Hope Breakfast Bar (with locations in St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Eagan, Edina, Woodbury and Minneapolis), along with Hope Express at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, The Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, and Salt and Flour in Minneapolis.
While they may seem to be more prevalent recently, business closings aren't a new phenomenon. Keep scrolling to check out 50 beloved retail chains that also closed their doors and aren't around anymore.
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