Dockside - Spring 2011

SPRINGSTART-UPS

Spring 2011

On the beach in

ZANZIBAR

6 ideas for early springtime fun – rain or shine

See Distinctive Destinations

2 Dockside ◆ Spring 2011

APRIL HOURS:Mon - Sat 9 AM - 7 PM

& Sun 10 AM - 6 PM

6403 Egan Drive | Across from Savage Water Tower | Intersection of CR 42 &27 in [email protected] | (952) 447-5215 | calsmarket.com

PANSY POTSBuy 1 Get 1

FREEValid 4-16 to 6-16-11. Limit 1.

Cal’s Market & Garden Center6403 Egan Dr., Savage

calsmarket.com • [email protected]

DM

DM

Celebrating50 Years

1961-2011

Celebrating50 Years

AnniversaryParty

May 12!

HANGING BASKETSBuy 1 Get 1

FREEValid 4-16 to 6-16-11. Limit 1.

Cal’s Market & Garden Center6403 Egan Dr., Savage

calsmarket.com • [email protected]

For 5 Decades, the Cal’s Family has helped you to Beautify Your Home!

Dockside ◆ Spring 2011 3

DOCKSIDEPublisher: Jennifer Sorenson [email protected]

Editor: Angelo Gentile [email protected]

Designer: Brian Sorenson [email protected]

Contributors this issue: Vicki Bont, Richard Crawford, Stacey Wittig

Advertising Sales: 952-345-6477

Dockside is published quarterly by South-west Newspapers. For advertising infor-mation, call 952-345-6477. For general comments and questions, send e-mail to [email protected] or call 952-345-6676.

Visit us online at: www.docksidemagazine.mn

All contents copyright © 2011, Southwest Newspapers.

952.474.8058 www.TwinCitiesCruises.com

Corporate Events • Department PartiesWedding Events • Anniversaries

Birthdays • Sweet 16s Bat/Bar Mitzvahs

and More!

On Lake Minnetonka & Mississippi River!It’s Your Party!

2 for 1Sightseeing

Special!Use Code

SWN411.

222147

223 1st Street East, Suite 100Jordan, MN 55352

952-492-2300www.ibjordan.com

A Safe. Sound. Secure®. way to grow your money . . .

Ask us about annuities fromAuto-Owners Insurance!

Call or visit us


departmentsfeaturesLaunch 5

Knotty secrets, spring fi sh-ing angles, garden prep ideas, lake cleanup in Prior Lake, and details about Savvy in the City event.

Marina 22Worldly PursuitsFor Frenchman Bob Buffi n, sailing is an escape discovered overseas.

Season Preview 12Spring Start-UpsTry these ideas for early springtime fun.

Lake Lifestyles 16Fabulous FloorsDiscover boundless options and luxurious materials that will fl oor you.

Visit us online at www.docksidemagazine.mn

Travel 8Distinctive DestinationsConsider these hot tips for cool trips.

Come Check Out OurWeekly Specials & Features

Monday ½ Price Hamburgers & Wine by the Bottle up to $60 value

Tuesday Kids Eat FREE!Wednesday Prix Fixe Night

Thursday Ladies Night

5635 Manitour Road, Tonka Bay • 952-401-0066 • www.Hazellewoodgrill.com

VALUABLE COUPONS

$5 OFFYour Lunch Check

Minimum $20 purchase. Not valid with other promotions or specials. Excludes Holidays. Valid Mon.-Fri. Expires 4/30/11.

$5 OFFYour Breakfast Check

Minimum $15 purchase. Not valid with other promotions or specials. Excludes Holidays. Valid Mon.-Fri. Expires 4/30/11.

$10 OFF$40 Dinner PurchaseNot valid with other promotions or specials.

Excludes Holidays. Valid Sun.-Thu. Expires 4/30/11.

5635 Manitour Rd., Tonka Bay952-401-0066




Knotty secretsA new DVD by Sail Away Sailing School introduces new sailors to the

basics of line, coils, and knots.

Captain Joan Gilmore of Sail Away teaches you the “Knotty Secrets”

LaunchNews • Ideas • Tipsof making 17 basic American Sailing Association and US Sailing knots,

including the fi gure 8, reef knot, clove hitch, bowline, and sheet bend.

The 97-minute DVD highlights the advantages and disadvantages of

particular knots, such as using the round turn and two half hitches knot for

tying your boat to a post. The strong knot is the best way to attach your

boat to a post because a sailor still has control when releasing the line, ac-

cording to Gilmore.

Whether you’re new to knot tying or just need a refresher, you’ll ap-

preciate Gilmore’s introduction of basic terminology and her in-depth

explanation of heaving a line, whipping a line, and tying up a dingy.

“Knotty Secrets” comes with 5 feet of line (basic kit, $14.95) or upgrade

to the deluxe kit with a practice wood knot jig ($29.95), shipping and han-

dling and tax not included. Visit knottysecrets.com for more information.

Savvy in the CityMark your calendar for “a day to shop, talk, learn and laugh” at Savvy in

the City, set for Friday, May 6, at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in

Minnetonka.

Sponsored by Savvy.mn Magazine

(a sister publication to Dockside

Magazine), the event includes a day-

long schedule of VIP sessions and an

evening fi lled with diverse fun.

You name it...we sell it!

Used CruisersUsed CruisersCuddy CabinsCuddy CabinsHouseboatsHouseboatsMotor YachtsMotor YachtsTrawlersTrawlersRunaboutsRunabouts

John Tetzlaff 651-214-9463John Tetzlaff 651-214-9463www.yachtbrokersinc.comwww.yachtbrokersinc.com

Best Products • Best Service • Best Prices GuaranteedBest Products • Best Service • Best Prices GuaranteedB t P d t B t S i B t P i G t dB t P d t B t S i B t P i t ddttGGiiPPttBBiiSSttBBttddPPttBB

Serv-a-Dock, IncInc.Serv-a-DockServ-a-Dock,, Inc.Inc.

�ShoreStation Boat Lifts�Galv-A-Dock�Stand-r-Dock�Aviva Water Toys

952-443-2811 2115 Arboretum Blvd., Victoria, MN 55386www.ServaDock.com

“Serv-a-Dock has quality and service above all else. I would highly recommend their fi ne organization to anyone.” Bob Fayfi eld“Serv-a-Dock’s 10 year warranty and their focus on excellent workmanship sets them apart. Their installation crew did a great job.” Mick Johnson

Quality since 1966


The VIP sessions, set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

will include sessions in four areas: Mind/Body/

Soul, Your Life without Chaos, Ignite the Power

Within, and Fabulous Fashionistas. The general

evening events, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., feature

shopping options, entertainment offerings,

fashion shows, belly dancing, Zumba, a chocolate

room, beauty bar, wine and beer tasting, and free

photo booths.

For information, go to Savvy.mn or Savvyinth-

ecity.mn or call 952-345-6477.

Spring fi shingThe big walleye opener is still several weeks

away (May 14), but anglers don’t despair. Plenty

of other great fi sh are just waiting for your lures.

Pan fi sh. Keep your frying pan full with blue-

gills, crappies, perch, and rock and white bass

all year. Minnesota has open season on pan fi sh,

though there are possession limits.

Catfi sh. Minnesota lakes and rivers have

fi ve species of catfi sh: channel, yellow bullhead,

brown bullhead, black bullhead, and the fl athead.

Catfi sh are relatively easy to catch and posses-

sion limits for bullhead are extremely liberal.

The state also has open season on catfi sh.

Stream trout. The spring stream trout season

starts April 16 across the state, but you can get

an early start in southeastern Minnesota. The

spring catch-and-release season runs April 1-13

in that corner of the state.

Prep the gardenNothing goes better with fi sh than fresh

vegetables. Get your garden ready early for a

productive growing season.

Don’t be in a hurry. You might be itching to

get into your garden bed but wait until the soil is

dry. While it depends on spring weather, sandy

soil is usually ready in April. Clay, dark soil

should not be touched until early May.

Prep the soil. Good soil is the key to growing

a great garden. Consider testing your soil’s pH

to determine what nutrients might be missing.

Then, throw down a good layer of compost and/

or time-release fertilizer.

Weed, weed, weed. Take the time before you

seed to weed your garden thoroughly. You’ll be

thankful you did later.

Know your vegetables. Vegetables fall into

two categories: cool and warm. While cool

season vegetables can be planted as soon as the

soil is ready, don’t plant warm-season vegetables

(tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers) until the soil

temperatures reaches 50 degrees with no danger

of frost. If desired, seeds can be started indoors

and transplanted out later.

Contain it. If you don’t have room for a gar-

den bed, container gardening is a great option.

Choose large plastic, glazed clay, or nontoxic-

sealed wood pots with plenty of drainage holes.

Fill them with soil-less potting mix, not garden

soil.

Pick veggies your family will eat. Nothing

is worse than planting rows of eggplant only to

discover no one in your family likes it. Get the

kids involved in picking veggies and don’t be

afraid to try new things – in moderation.

Prior Lake’s Dive the Lake cleanup event

Mark your calendar for Prior Lake’s annual

Lake Clean Up Day and “Dive the Lake” event

from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 4. Divers

meet at Captain Jack’s on the shores of Prior

Lake.

• Lakeshore Restoration• Retaining Walls• Paver Patios & Driveways

Our tomorrow is dependent on our performance today!952-890-5303 • www.greensideinc.com

• Fire Pits• Courtyards & Kitchens• Exterior Landscape Lighting

• Sprinkler Systems• Plant Installation• Design Service Available

Established 1977 • Locally Owned & Operated

203309


The cleanup effort

is sponsored by the

Prior Lake Associa-

tion and a group of

scuba divers from the

Prior Lake area.

The dive has been a

huge success over the

last couple of years

and has attracted

more than 60 area

divers to help clean

up the lake. Divers

are asked to provide

their own equipment

for the dive. Associa-

tion members have

provided the participating divers with a boat ride

to their dive location, so the organization will

again be looking for volunteer boaters to bring

divers to their designated dive areas. The divers

will be bringing up debris from the bottom of

the lake. The divers will be awarded prizes for

various categories; Largest, Most Unusual, Old-

est, Most Valuable and more. Divers will also

receive an event t-shirt. For more information,

visit the association’s website: Priorlakeassocia-

tion.org.

Sailing school open houseThe Upper Minnetonka Sailing School and

Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club are offering their

annual Open House Friday, May 20 from 4 p.m.

to 8 p.m. at The Yacht Club in Spring Park on

Lake Minnetonka. The general public is invited

to enjoy free sailboat rides with the school’s

instructors at the helm. The Sailing School will

offer rides on its 23-ft. teaching boat, “Sailing

School,” along with several other similar-sized

sailboats.

Capt. Joan Gilmore, Instructor Evaluator for

American Sailing Association, and lead instruc-

tor for the school says, “I want to welcome

everyone who has always wanted to try sailing.

Our sailing school has helped hundreds of adults

go from ‘just dreaming’ to ‘competent sailor.’

Sailing is such an economical, environmentally

friendly way to enjoy the lake this summer.” The

school offers beginning to advanced courses.

The event includes knot-tying demonstra-

tions and a chance to meet racers and instruc-

tors of the Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club and

Upper Minnetonka Sailing School. Sailboat rides

are free, on a fi rst-come, fi rst-registered basis.

You may pre-register for a ride by calling 612-

871-8101.

Lady of the LakeLake Minnetonka’s Historic Paddlewheel Boat

Docked in Downtown Excelsior • 952.929.1209 • www.ladyofthelakecruise.com

Private Partiesup to 100+ passengersComplete Food and Beverage Service AvailableDo-It-Yourself Catering Also AllowedPlease Call For More Info!

Over 65 years service experience

Authorizedsales & service

952-445-4400952-445-4400133 Prairie Street South • Shakopee

www.shakopeemarine.com

Early BirdSpring

DiscountsCall for details.

Get Water ReadyTune-Ups

Major to MinorRepairs

Get Water ReadyTune-Ups

Major to MinorRepairs


Five hot tips for cool trips

Story and photos by Stacey Wittig

Looking for an exotic

travel adventure, or at least

an uncommon vacation

destination? Here are fi ve top

picks for 2011 from Stacey

Wittig, who writes the travel

blog Vagabonding Lulu.

Distinctive Destinations

Tanzania: Safari; Zanzibar: Beach Holiday

Experience the won-

ders of Africa’s wildlife

by hot-air balloon. Get an

up-close view of wildebeest

herds pushing across the

Serengeti, zebras zig-

zagging through endless

grasses and elephants

bathing in wadis. Go wild

on a walking or vehicle

safari and then sleep tight

in your deluxe safari tent.

After witnessing the

largest mass movement

of mammals on the planet

(say that fi ve times), fl y to

Zanzibar, Tanzania’s “Spice

Island” (see photo, page

10). Here on the Indian

Ocean’s white sands, cul-

tures have collided for cen-

turies. Stay in exotic Stone

Town where Arab harems

danced for sultans, Indian

spice merchants left splen-

did architecture and Dr.

Livingstone (I presume)

began his last journey into

the Swahili mainland. Or

stay at a beach resort for

some of the world’s best

scuba diving. www.adven-

turesinafrica.com.

Tanzanian safaris take you deep

into African landscapes.


High Living Along Peru’s Ancient Pathways

Adventure travelers love the trek to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” for its blend of

action, rugged beauty and lavish pampering. What do you call a four-day backpacking trip where

polite porters carry your pack, learned chefs prepare exotic local foods, and hot wine is served at an

alpine viewpoint 11,742 feet above sea level? Vagabonding Lulu calls it “Gucci Camping.”

The remote ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be reached by train, but the hardy – may

I add fool-hardy? – prefer the road less traveled, the Inca Trail. Acclimate for altitude in Cusco

with a three-day stay at the lavish Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery dating from 1592. As the

oldest inhabited city of the New World, Cusco will charm you with its Spanish Colonial churches,

Inca ruins and sweet artisans selling crafts from arcades full of history. www.mayuk.com.

Hike Peru’s Inca Trail to

Machu Picchu.


Discover this spectacular

beach getaway on Zanzibar, East Africa.


Mediterranean Under Full Sail

You’ll fi nd no better way to experience the western Med than from the deck of a full-

rigged tall ship. Board a replica of the clipper ships that sailed when time ticked more slowly,

and you’ll step back into a gentle, relaxed way of life. The creak of rope against teak melts

away concerns of this digital age. After dropping anchor in charming ports such as Portofi -

no, St. Tropez or Cannes, you’ll have time to hangout with locals.

Tack up the Amalfi Coast or breeze into harbors steeped with history. Plan your sailing

vacation so you can spectate at the Monaco Grand Prix. In the casual yet elegant style of pri-

vate yacht sailing, you’ll embark on a journey complete with loads of nautical activities, yet

without a rigid schedule. Bring your favorite Jackie O. shades. Visit www.starclippers.com.

Spa/Golf Getaways Worth the Splurge

Closer to home, but no less luxurious is the

remarkable Arizona desert studded with world-

class spas, top-rated golf courses, and dazzling

shopping. Escape into the resplendent Sonoran

Desert via some of the world’s most highly-

regarded, challenging, and scenic golf courses.

Or let yourself slip away during blissful body

treatments at the legendary spas of the Phoenix-

Scottsdale area.

My recommendation? Pull out the stops at

InterContinental Montelucia Resort where your

whole family can play in their own private lawn,

pool, and spa that comes with the Andalusian

Presidential Suite. President Obama slept in this

ultra-luxurious two-bedroom, two-and-a-half

bath abode. Or check in at the Fairmont Scotts-

dale Princess, home of the PGA’s Phoenix Open,

where I could easily spend a whole day in Willow

Stream Spa’s adult rooftop pool and cabanas.

Seriously. Don’t miss Agave, the spa at Westin

Kierland Resort which uses traditional healing

treatments handed down from Arizona’s many

cultures. www.visitphoenix.com.

Fit for a King

Royal buzz puts the Isles of Scilly on the list of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s

honeymoon picks. Although I’ve yet to visit the romantic archipelago off the southwestern

tip of Great Britain, it looks delightful. (Think picnic “hampers” bulging with fresh local

foods, proper Cornish cream tea and bird watching.) Designated as an “Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty,” the islands are reached by helicopter, small prop plane, or ferry. Stay in a

castle, hotel or B&B. I’d try Island Hotel for the manicured croquet lawn and private beach.

www.simplyscilly.co.uk.

Stacey “Vagabonding Lulu” Wittig, a freelance travel writer, blogs at www.vagabondinglulu.com.

Boat LiftsSectional Docks

‘Exceeding your expectations through superior workmanship and design.’

www.pierpleasure.com

763-682-4600

Roll-In Docks

25% OFFLANDSCAPING

Jobs up to $4,000

15% OFFIRRIGATION START UP, SPRING CLEAN-UP & DETHATCHING

Valid with coupon.Not valid withother offers.

Expires 10/31/11.952-226-1813

Valid with coupon.Not valid withother offers.

Expires 10/31/11.952-226-1813

AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING...

Beautiful Results

Certifi ed Landscape ProfessionalCertifi ed Landscape ProfessionalPower Limited TechPower Limited Tech

COMMERCIAL/COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIALRESIDENTIALDesignDesignMaintenanceMaintenanceIrrigationIrrigationPaver PatiosPaver PatiosCurb EdgingCurb EdgingRetaining WallsRetaining WallsFertilizationFertilizationTree & Shrub CareTree & Shrub CareArborjet Ashbor TreatmentsArborjet Ashbor Treatments

952-226-1813www.mandinecgroup.com


S p r i n g S t a r t - U p s

Get movingGolf courses open soon. In the meantime,

practice your swing in any weather at Golf

Zone in Chaska. This indoor heated facility

with 40 stalls and a putting green has four

instructors who have helped kids to geriatrics.

Visit Yourgolfzone.com (952-445-1500).

Beyond the inside game, local courses gen-

erally open in late March or early April. The

most anticipated debut this year is Hazeltine

National Golf Club in Chaska after its lengthy

makeover. The club house is already available

to members with a Grand Public Open House

in the works. Sources say the course offi cially

is set to re-open June 1.

How about canoeing? Three Rivers Park

District offers guided canoe trips for ages 12+

with intermediate paddling skills. All gear,

including canoes, will be provided: May 21,

May 28, May 29 and May 30; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.,

Lake Minnetonka. Register at

ThreeRiversParks.org.

Kayaking also is more popular than ever,

thanks to new designs that are shorter, wider

Early spring weather fi lls Minnesotans with the desire to get out and do things. Of course the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Here are some ideas to make

the most of this time of year, rain or shine.

Try these ideas for early

springtime

funTry these

ideas for early springtime

funBy Vicki Bont

Dockside ◆ Spring 2011 13A portion of Savvy in the City proceeds will benefi t the Press for Higher Education Scholarship Fund.

Media Partners: Twin Cities Live | Southwest Newspapers | Letsgo.mnFor more information go to savvy.mn, savvyinthecity.mn or call 952-345-6477.

Nicole Curtis – DIY Network’s

Rehab Addict

Leili Milani – Belly

Dancing

Tammy Nerby – Comedian

Elizabeth Ries – Host of

Twin Cities Live

Lora Johnson – Zumba

Nominate a friend, family member or co-worker for a

Women of Distinction Award! Go to www.savvyinthecity.mn TODAY!

Major SponsorIris Valley

Entertainment SponsorPerfect Pair by Brian Walters

Fashion Show Sponsor Simply You

Wine Tasting SponsorCrofut Family Winery

& VineyardWomen of Distinction Sponsors

Savvy Business WomanChicks for a Cause

Savvy Inspirational Woman

Moms on the Run

Savvy Survivor Underneath It All

Savvy HumanitarianEncore Consignment

Boutique

VIP Sessions Include:Four savvy-licious sessions

Confi rmed VIP Speakers

Or Make a Day of it!

Brett DorrianBrett Dorrian Artistry StudiosProfessional hair and make-up artist

Brenda BoothOwner Body One WellnessPersonal trainer and wellness consultant

Laura Erdman-LuntzMA, E-RYT(500), author, Yoga Educator, Life Coach

Erika LyremarkFounder DailyWhip.com

Liv LaneFounder ChoosingBeauty.com, Co-host & associate producer of Get Real on MyTalk 107.1

Dr. Patty HlavaLicensed marriage and family therapist, River Valley Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

Deb MagnusonExecutive and Career Coach, Career Partners International Leadership Faculty, St. Catherine University

Mary “Bumblebee” PokludaFounder Bumblebee Personal Assistants

Mickey MikeworthFounder Rich Chicks

Roshini RajkumarOwner of Roshini Performance Group Speaker, communication coach & author

Sara RogersTrend Specialist for the Mall of America, Personal style consultant

Dawn StebbingOwner of The Image Evolution, Image Consultant & author

Erin SchneiderFounder TheCheap Chick.com ~ Putting the fun in frugal

Lunch, valuable door prizes, premium gift bag, Savvy in the City T-shirt, free entry to wine tasting & early entry to the vendor area for shopping.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW • GO TO SavvyintheCity.mn/tickets

• Mind+Body+Soul

• Your Life without Chaos

• Ignite the Power Within: Professional & Personal Development

• Fabulous Fashionistas

A Night Out with the Girls!Friday, May 6, 2011

VIP Sessions – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | General Admission - 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.Minneapolis Marriott Southwest – Minnetonka

Tickets on sale NOW! Hurry - Limited quantity available!General Admission - $30 | VIP $75Go to SavvyintheCity.mn/tickets

Enjoy shopping, complimentary entertainment, fashion shows, belly dancing, Zumba, sweet shoppe, beauty bar, photo booth photos, author room and wine tasting by donation!

Gift bag for everyone who attends!

Presented by

&


and easier to control. Finally, hiking is also

an excellent way to get outside in the early

spring. Check Three Rivers Parks’ site for

trail information.

Go greenDream about and plan your summer’s gar-

den now with help from Burpee Seed Catalogs

and Northern Gardener Magazine. According

to the Mustard Seed in Chaska, this year has

plenty of spectacular additions for the north-

ern landscape, such as 12 varieties of hydran-

geas that will be arriving.

As soon as you can step on your lawn with-

out leaving a print, it’s time to get busy:

■ Cleanse your landscape of debris and cut

back old things like perennial grasses.

■ Refresh your mulch by raking out leaves

and topping it off. It’s much easier to do

before the plants sprout.

■ Take a vacation from fertilizing as plants

are still putting down roots.

■ Pump up the color by planting cold toler-

ant pansies and viola.

Take a day tripTreat a friend to a full day of browsing and

shopping on Excelsior’s Main Street. Scout-

ing all of the specialty shops and boutiques

is just the beginning. The Farmers Market

opens May 5 (every Thursday thereafter dur-

ing the summer season, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.). You

can snap up the early season specialties of the

market; plus you’ll fi nd garden plants that are

truly northern hardy. Also, troll the market

in search of fi nds like furniture for cabins and

porches.

Wake up your brain and body at the college

of the outdoors, the Minnesota Landscape Ar-

boretum. Try something you always wanted

to do in April and May at the Arb’s 47 special

events and classes that will explore cooking,

art, exercise, and landscaping. Contact the

Arb at www.arboretum.umn.edu; Education

(952-443-1422) Special Events (952-443-

1425) Bloomline (612-625-9791).

Hiking, canoeing and kayaking are all popular outdoor activities at Three Rivers parks located throughout the Twin Cities.

Subscribe FREE to Dockside Magazine

Dockside Magazine is published seasonally by Southwest Newspapers distributing more than 7,000 copies throughout the Twin Cities’ southwest suburbs.

Residents of the following cities can receive a free subscription by mail:Belle Plaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Cologne, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Hopkins, Jordan, Minnetonka, New Prague, Prior Lake, Richfi eld, Savage, Shakopee, St. Louis Park, Victoria, Waconia and Wayzata. Subscriptions from outside the area are $12 per year.

Request Your FREE Subscription at [email protected]

Get a free subscription to DocksideMagazine


Go ‘Metropolitan’Immerse yourself in culture—B.C., Renais-

sance, and beyond—at the three major Twin

Cities museums!

Walk like an Egyptian to the King Tut Ex-

hibit at Science Museum in St. Paul to see 100

stunning artifacts—www.smm.org (651-221-

9444). Reservations recommended; showing

now through Sept. 5, 2011.

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art to see

the fi rst-ever traveling exhibition of Titian

and Venetian masterpieces from the National

Gallery of Scotland. Reserve tickets at www.

artsmia.org (612-870-3131); showing now

through May 1, 2011.

Try to pronounce Goshka Macuga, (Gosh-

ka Maa-zoo-gaa). Why? She is a world famous

artist from London who has chosen to make

the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis the

host of her fi rst U.S. show. Goshka is creat-

ing a piece inside the Burnet Gallery that

incorporates the Walker’s own founder (and

lumber baron) T. B. Walker’s photos of the

mighty timber industry—www.walkerart.org

(612-375-7600). Show runs April 14 through

August 14.

Take me out to a ballgameThe Minnesota Twins’ home opener is

April 8. The team has plenty of home stands

throughout April and

May in their cool new

ballpark, Target Field.

The Saint Paul

Saints have their home

opener May 12.

Get ready to jump in the lake

Now’s the time to work on your dock and

do your boat-lift prep with these tips from

Victoria’s ServaDock President Paul Jeurissen:

■ Change or improve the layout of your

dock on land before installation

■ Check the condition of the decking for

rotting or warping lumber

■ Grease the sub screws

■ Check the lift for cable fraying, wear, or

rusting

■ Operate the lift on land to see if there is

any binding

Matt Mueller of Minnesota Inboard in

Excelsior says you should go through the fol-

lowing steps to assure your fi rst outing with

your boat and trailer will be smooth sailing.

■ Check all level fl uid levels

■ Connect and charge battery

■ Inspect ALL hoses and hose clamps for

proper tightness

■ Purchase a Fake-A-Lake or Flushet for

starting the engine in the driveway

■ Turn the steering wheel to make sure the

rudder or lower unit didn’t seize up over the

winter

■ Install ALL drain plugs

Vicki Bont is Victoria-based freelance writer.

FIBERGLASS/ ALUMINUM

REPAIR& STORAGEAll major brandsand pontoons:

• Larson

• Lund

• MastercraftInsurance Work Welcome.

Year-round premium boat

storage available.

[email protected]

Shakopee, MN

FFurniture Saleurniture SaleFurniture Saleurniture SaleFurniture SaleSee our

LEATHER FURNITURE Gallery

HARDWOOD FLOOR Gallery

RUSTIC DININGGallery

WOOD BLINDS &WOVEN WOOD BLINDS

LOG FURNITURE

Ask aboutFREE DESIGN

SERVICE

1038 E. 1st Ave • Shakopee • 952-496-3559www.Timbercreeklifestyle.com

10% OFFSTOREWIDE!

Expires 6-1-11.

1038 E. 1st Ave, Shakopee

952-496-3559


Fabulous Floors

Boundless options, luxurious materials will fl oor you By Vicki Bont

StonePeak Ceramics’ newest collection, Raja, shown here, replicates the exotic slate found in India and interprets even the smallest details of the quarried slate. (Photo Courtesy of StonePeak Creamics)


Springtime is the right time for resurfacing,

redoing, or upgrading your home’s fl oor-

ing, especially after the tough winter wear.

Uncommon and highly personalized luxury

fl ooring is the current design trend for new

and remodeled homes.

“Homeowners don’t want their fl oor to

blend into the background like it did in the

’90s with maple fl ooring and cabinets every-

where, and one carpet color throughout the

home,” notes Chad LeMair, CEO of Above All

Hardwood Floors and Carpet of Prior Lake.

He feels because people spend a lot on

fl ooring, they want to show it off and use it to

highlight their home.

Hence, marble, teak, travertine, and rose-

wood are not only for palaces anymore, but

they are in the vocabulary for exceptional

fl ooring in many Minnesota homes.

Carpet has gone from the short nap, wall-

to-wall and bland hide-the-dirt-tones to the-

bolder-the-better choices. Very lush longer

strands are being used in deep rich colors,

patterns, and schemes.

“Carpet is being used to accent and not

for total coverage for a variety of reasons,”

explains LeMair. “It has to be cleaned and

ultimately replaced more often. It also houses

lots of allergens.”

Homeowners are choosing to showcase

special areas such as a guest room, selecting

a plush long-pile wool carpet at $80-$90 a

1. Another example of StonePeak’s Raja collection, Vijay Sand. See Page 18 for where to fi nd Stone-Peak products in Twin Cities. (Photo courtesy of StonePeak Ceramics)

2. The wood fl oors here pull to-gether this charming and functional kitchen; fl ooring available from Above All Hardwood Floors in Prior Lake. (Photo courtesy Above All Hardwood Floors)

3. A sunroom is made even more inviting by these uncommon fl oors, also available from Above All Hardwood Floors. (Photo courtesy Above All Hardwood Floors)

3.

2.

1.


yard. Or, they’ll choose long carpet runners

in strong designs to accent stairways and

hallways.

Instead of carpet, opting to use fi ne rugs

over hardwood or stone fl ooring has become

one of the most popular options. And some-

times the owners just don’t want to cover up

their fl oor.

“I created a mosaic of tiles in the entry of

an Edina lakeside home that looks real enough

that you could be tempted to lift the corner

up,” says Scott VanWyhe, owner of

VanWyhe’s Creative Flooring.

Everything from granite that’s cut translu-

cent thin, to rustic tumbled and pitted marble

is being used. Porcelain tile in all shades,

color, and textures has broken out of the

bath and is showing up in kitchens, bars, and

laundry rooms.

Following the “deep-rich color” vogue, slate

fl oors are also returning. The stone and the

Cottage is a thru-color collection from StonePeak Ceramics that captures the look of natural wood enhanced by a slightly distressed texture. Cottage is suitable for both commercial and residential applications.

Capture the elegance and grandeur of an-cient Rome with StonePeak’s Cesare Magnus collection. StonePeak Ceramics’ products are available from 70 distributors throughout the U.S. including Tile By Design in Plymouth. Visit TileXdesign.com. Also visit Stonepeakce-ramics.com. (Photos courtesy of StonePeak Ceramics)


BE

LOW 2010 PRICE!BE

LORICE!SAVE

$3,500333, 00500W/115 EXLPT OptiMax®TOPS IN ITS CLASS.

The Targa™ V-18 WT comes fully rigged and totally equipped. Built to meet or exceed the needs of avid anglers, tournament pros, fishing guides and their passengers, this Deep V includes more standard equipment and more built-in value than any boat in its class. There’s a wealth of pro fishing features and name-brand components, a super-wide Deep V hull for expanded interior space, a new set-back transom for faster, smoother take-off and superior performance. This year, it’s even wider, offering more stability than ever. Compare it with any other. You’ll quickly find there’s no comparison.

TARGA™ V-18 WT

$19,995Boat, Motor & Trailer w/Mercury® 115 EXLPT OptiMax®

ENGINE UPGRADEMercury® 150 XL OptiMax® . . . . $22,595

Plus Dealer Prep and Destination Charges

YOU HAVE TO FISH IT TO BELIEVE IT.

mom re

SEE THE ENTIRE LINEUP, ORDER A FREE DVD OR BROCHURE AT TRACKERBOATS.COM OR CALL 888.442.6337. Features, prices and specifications for boat models presented here are subject to change without notice. Accordingly, boats and features pictured may be different from those available from your dealer. Some boats are shown with optional equipment. © 2011 Tracker Marine Group

BUY ANY NEW BOAT PACKAGE AND RECEIVE FROM 10% UP TO 20% OFF ON MOST ITEMS PURCHASED

FROM BASS PRO SHOPS® FOR 2 YEARS. *SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

See www.basspro.com/vip for details.

ANDERSON WELDING SERVICEGENERAL REPAIR • WELDING • BRAZING • TRAILER HITCHESWINDOW SECURITY BARS • BOAT DOCKS AND ACCESSORIES

You create the need, I’ll fi nd the solution!

RONNIE ANDERSONDunwoody Graduate

492 NORTH PRIOR AVENUEST. PAUL, MN 55104

651.646.8321 ESTABLISHED 1930203601

One Hour West of the MetroOne Hour West of the MetroAffordable - Less Traffi c - More ShorelineAffordable - Less Traffi c - More Shoreline

Lake Jennie, Meeker CountyEmail for info in Wright, Meeker and BeyondEmail for info in Wright, Meeker and Beyond

[email protected]@EdinaRealty.com

Michele MeisMichele MeisEdina RealtyEdina Realty320-582-1342320-582-1342

grout are being enhanced with a natural seal

to bring out the sheen.

“The owners should put as much time and

thought into the grout color choice as they do

into the material selection. It is crucial to the

appearance of the fl oor,” VanWyhe recom-

mends, and he says to choose a supplier with

as many color selections as possible, like Tile

by Design in Plymouth.

Both tile and hardwood fl oors can host

radiant heating and last indefi nitely with the

proper care. Think of the buildings in Europe

where fl oors have seen centuries of traffi c.

“We even do a better job refi nishing than

six years ago when we used oil-based polyure-

thane,” LeMair points out. “It took 24 hours

to dry, and it wasn’t good for the fl oor or the

environment. Now we use a 90 percent water-

based fi nish after we sand. It dries quicker

and harder.”

Hardwoods have roared back into popular-


ity with the movement to exotic woods, or

taking the approach of resurfacing existing

fl oors using everything from mixing different

widths to random patterns.

Buy American walnut and hickory for in-

comparable deep, rich, brown and red tones at

$11 to $14 per square foot, according to Deb

Miller, fl ooring specialist for Rob’s Custom

Upholstery and Flooring of Maple Lake.

The popular exotic woods include cumaru

(pronounced coo-ma-roo,) or its English

nickname Brazilian teak and Ipe (ee-pay) or

its English name Brazilian walnut. Both are

extremely hard woods with sumptuous warm

tones. They run $10.50 to $12.50 per square

foot, but it is worth noting that foreign wood

prices fl uctuate according to availability and

popularity.

Brainerd Barnwood from right here in Min-

nesota, of course, has come on strong with

rustic fans at $15 to $20 per square foot. The

old barns offer wide widths no longer avail-

able in hardwoods long since harvested, and

can be given hand-scraped and natural-stained

fi nishes to complete the look.

Two more stylish kitchens that were greatly enhanced by the addition of these distinctive fl oors, available from Above All Hardwood Floors in Prior Lake. Visit Aboveallhardwoodfl oors.com. (Photos courtesy of Above All Hardwood Floors)

THE FIRST DOCK OF ITS KIND...THE LAST DOCK YOU WILL EVER NEED.

It’s easy. Just idle up, ease into the throttle, and roll aboard your EZ Port. With multiple models, we can meet the size and weight requirements of any PWC. Plus, EZ Port offers many advantages over other systems, including:

irtually no maintenance

E so you and your family can have more fun. To create your perfect waterfront setting contact:

EZ Dock of the Midwest Serving Minnesota, Iowa and the Dakotas Phone: 1-800-654-8168 Email: [email protected]

WHICH EZ PORT® IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

www.ez-dock.com1-800-654-8168


One essential caveat: Miller cautions that all wood fl ooring, even woods harvested from barns

and old buildings that have done the majority of their shrinking and warping, need to be moved

inside the job site (home or offi ce) to acclimate before installation.

Mixtures of all these materials are being created more frequently as owners and designers are

striving for the ultimate customized combinations. Picture a tile mosaic under the dining room

table area framed by cherry hardwood accenting the dropped ceiling lines above, and then sur-

rounded by a fi eld stone of black granite.

Vicki Bont is a Victoria-based freelance writer.

Abbey Carpet & FloorsAbbey Carpet & Floors

Your Home’s Best Friend!NEW

INVENTORYHAS ARRIVED!

Over 400 remnants & 50 rolls of

carpet!

Financing

Available

(With approved

credit)

Shop at Home!

8745 West Highway 101, Savage, MN 55378Monday-Thursday 10-8 • Friday 10-5 • Saturday 10-4

952-445-9140 • www.thoroughbredcarpets.com

Come meet our designers

Kristi and Jenna

If you were planning to purchase new flooring, the time is now!

Savings in every department.

Take$100 OFF

your purchase of $999 or more.

Retail jobs only. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/11

FREE Tear Out!

KILL LAKE WEEDSProven AQUACIDE PELLETS

10 lb. bag treats up to 4,000 sq. ft. $79.00.50 lb. bag treats up to 20,000 sq. ft.$308.00. FREE SHIPPING! Certifiedand approved for use by state agenciesState permit may be required. Registeredwith the Federal E.P.A.

800-328-9350

"Spread it and forget it!" Marble size pellets. Work at any depth

www.KillLakeWeeds.com/31L

Before After

Our56thyear

AQUACIDE CO.Write for FREE information:

PO Box 10748, DEPT 31LWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

South Metro Marine and MotorsportsWe make service calls • Full service marine repair for all I/Os

and O/Bs• 20 plus years experience in the marine

industry• We also service Snowmobiles, ATVs

and Small Engines

Call today to schedule an appointment

895 E. 260th Street, New PragueLocated in the S.E. corner of Hwy 13 and Co. Rd. 2

952-587-3863 • 612-720-2639

Spring Run Up andCheck Over Special

$79.99


By Richard Crawford

When Bob Buffi n was just a young lad

growing up near Lyon, the second largest city

in France, he got his fi rst exposure to sailing.

Buffi n credits French yachtsman Eric

Tabarly for instilling in him the sailing

bug. Tabarly, who is considered the father

of French yachting, was known for making

around- the-world voyages.

“He made sailing very popular as a sport,”

says Buffi n, who retains a French accent but

now lives in Minnetonka.

Tabarly would go on lengthy trips, includ-

ing the Observer Single-handed TransAtlan-

tic Race, which he won in 1964. Those days

were long before GPS systems and 24-hour

news coverage. Tabarly would disappear for

days, Buffi n recalls, and nobody would know

what happened to him until he’d make land

halfway across the world.

As a youngster, Buffi n said he was fascinat-

ed by Tabarly’s exploits; however, Lyon was

too far from the sea to realistically pursue sail-

ing as a hobby. Flash forward several decades,

and Buffi n would get the urge to head out on

the water again.

After coming to the United States, where he

now works as an engineer with MTS, Buffi n

Marina

had a variety of opportunities to sail.

His fi rst taste was on Lake Norman, near

Charlotte, N.C., where a French friend invited

him to crew. After work brought him to De-

troit, sailing was put on the shelf. But when

his job moved him to the land of 10,000 lakes

fi ve years ago, sailing plans ramped up.

He’s crewed on J22 boats out of the Wayza-

ta Yacht Club, and in 2008 was invited to sail

with a co-worker at the Upper Minnetonka

Yacht Club. “I had always wanted to sail,”

Buffi n says. And he was pondering getting his

own boat to captain.

While docking at the Upper Minnetonka

Yacht Club, another owner mentioned he was

planning to sell his Ensign boat. At fi rst, Buf-

fi n didn’t take the bait. The boat was in need

of substantial repair.

But while on a business trip in Europe the

following week, he couldn’t resist. He picked

up the phone and made the long-distance call

to buy the boat.

He doesn’t regret it, even though it resulted

in hundreds of hours of his own time refur-

bishing the boat, built in the early 1960s. Over

the years, the boat had deteriorated and most

of the balsa wood underneath the deck was

Worldly pursuitsWorldly pursuits

(LEFT) Bob Buffi n bought this boat in 2008 and spent hundreds of hours renovating it to sail on Lake Minnetonka. (ABOVE) Bob Buffi n sails his boat, named the Blue Mary Buffi n, on Lake Minnetonka with the Upper Minnetonka Yacht Club fl eet.

For Frenchman Bob Buffi n, sailing is an escape discovered overseas

rotting. With his engineering background,

Buffi n was eager to do the renovations him-

self.

During the winter of 2008-09, Buffi n spent

time working on the boat at its Glencoe stor-

age location and his Minnetonka home, where

he continued working on renovation ideas.

Every weekend he spent eight hours a day

on the boat. He was racing to have the boat

seaworthy for the 2009 season of the Upper

Minnetonka Yacht Club.

He made it … barely.

“I really enjoy the renovation process,” says

Buffi n, who now is 44 and is taking his own

son out sailing. “I know my boat very well.”

Just as with the renovation process, Buffi n

was generally self-taught when it came to

skipping the boat, which he re-christened the

Blue Mary Buffi n.

During his fi rst competitive UMYC race

as a skipper of his own boat, Buffi n said he

was fl ustered by all the commotion near the

starting line. But during the second race –

that same day – Buffi n turned the fi nal buoy

in fi rst place. Still, he fi nished third out of four

boats.

He’s made steady progress as a skipper and

won plenty of races in his small UMYC fl eet

in 2010.

“I’m the guy to beat now,” Buffi n says with

a smile. “I’m going to have to defend my posi-

tion.”

Whether it’s a competitive racing situation

or just a day out with friends, Buffi n says he

can’t envision life without sailing now.

“Lake Minnetonka is beautiful and the best

way to enjoy it is to be on the water,” he says.

“When I sail on my boat, I enjoy the wind

and the sun and the world shrinks to the boat,

water, and one row of houses on the shore.

When I race on my boat, the world shrinks a

little bit more.”

In addition to being an active sailor in the

UMYC fl eet, Buffi n now is passing his passion

to other people while serving in the role of

president of the UMYC sailing school.

He also plans to serve as a crew member in

the Chicago to Mackinac race on Lake Michi-

gan this summer. At 333 miles, the race is one

of the longest fresh-water races in the world.

What goes around, comes around.

Richard Crawford lives in Deephaven and is the

publisher and editor of the Chanhassen Villager.


INDOOR BOAT STORAGESERVICE & SALESPowered by

SERVICE952-470-5005

MOBILE612-978-4750

Indoor Boat Storage, Service & Sales has provided superior services since 1994 offering: • Secure indoor storage for boats, recreational vehicles, autos • Volvo and MerCruiser

authorized service center including mobile repair service at your dock • Wood restoration and maintenance • Fiberglass and gelcoat repairs • Detailing services • Brokerage Sales

www.indoorboatstorageinc.com

BROKERAGE BOATS INDOORS AND READY FOR VIEWING!

2004 42’ Sea Ray 420 Sundancer - $259,900 2005 33’ Chaparral 330 Signature- $114,900 2008 28’ Chaparral 284 Sunesta - $74,900

4000 lb Boat Lift ..............................................................$ 2,9502003 Sea Doo GTX and GTX Limited w/trailer .............$ 9,9002007 Kawasaki Ultra 250X ..............................................$ 6,4001998/99 Sea Doo GSX’s w/trailer ...................................$ 5,2002000 Yamaha 1200 SUV ..................................................$ 3,5002007 15’ Boston Whaler 150 Montauk w/trailer ..........$ 16,9002006 16’ Lund 1625 Classic SS 40HP w/trailer ...............$ 10,9002009 17’ Lund 1725 Explorer SS 115HP w/trailer ..........$ 27,0002005 19’ Chris Craft Speedster .......................................$ 24,9001964 21’ Chris Craft Super Sport w/trailer ....................$ 21,0002009 22’ Tradition 2285C w/Sea Legs Lift .....................$ 39,9001993 22’ Larson 220 SEI ...................................................$ 5,9001988 22’ Catalina Yachts 22 Catilina w/trailer ..............$ 8,5001974 22’ Skiff Craft X22 ..................................................$ 24,9001950 22’ Chris Craft Sportman Utility ............................$ 24,9002001 22’ Bayliner 2252 Cierra w/trailer .........................$ 17,5001995 23’ Chris Craft Concept w/trailer ..........................$ 14,9001999 23’ Wellcraft Excalibur w/trailer ...........................$ 22,5002000 23’ Master Craft 230SV w/trailer ..........................$ 26,5002001 24’ Chaparral 240 Signature ..................................$ 24,9002003 24’ Four Winms 248 Vista ......................................$ 29,9001959 24’ Chris Craft Sportsman ......................................$ 29,9001985 25’ Sea Ray 250 SR ..................................................$ 5,2502006 25’ Chaparral 254 Sunesta .....................................$ 31,9001983 26’ Skiff Craft X260 ................................................$ 12,9001989 26’ Skiff Craft X260 ................................................$ 18,9001991 26’ Windsor Craft ...................................................$ 34,9002005 27’ Chaparral 274 Sunesta .....................................$ 38,7002003 28’ Chaparral 280 SSi .............................................$ 36,9952001 28’ Chaparral 285 SSi..............................................$ 37,9001999 28’ Formula 280 SS w/trailer .................................$ 39,5002008 28’ Chaparral 284 Sunesta ....................................$ 74,9002004 29’ Tiara 2900 Coronet ..........................................$ 119,9002007 31’ Four Winns 310 Horizon ..................................$ 77,0001983 31’ Tiara 3100 Open ...............................................$ 54,9001996 31’ Celebrity 310 Sport Cruiser ..............................$ 29,9002002 32’ Regal 3260 Commodore ..................................$ 94,5002002 32’ Chaparral 320 Signature ..................................$ 79,9002005 33’ Chaparral 330 Signature..................................$ 114,9002006 33’ Chaparral 330 Signature .................................$ 149,9001978 33’ Chris Craft Coho ...............................................$ 49,9002000 36’ Doral 360 Sedan Express .................................$ 95,0002002 37’ Wellcraft 3700 Martinique ..............................$ 129,9001938 38’ Huckins 38 Fairform Flyer w/trailer ................$ 139,9002006 40’ Formula F 400 SS ..............................................$ 295,0002000 40’ Trojan Four Hundred Express .........................$ 119,9002004 42’ Sea Ray 420 Sundancer ....................................$ 259,9001990 43’ Bluewater 4300 ................................................$ 79,900

2006 40’ Formula F400SS$295,000

2000 40’ Trojan 400 Express$119,900

2002 37’ Wellcraft 3700 Martinique$129,900

2000 36’ Doral 360 Sedan Express$95,000

1978 33’ Chris Craft Coho$49,900

2002 32’ Chaparral 320 Signature$79,900

2002 32’ Regal 3260 Commodore$94,500

1996 31’ Celebrity 310 Sport Cruiser$29,900

2001 28’ Chaparral 285 SSi$37,900

2003 28’ Chaparral 280 SSi$36,995

1999 28’ Formula 280SSw/trailer - $39,500

2005 27’ Chaparral 274 Sunesta$38,700

1989 26’ Skiff Craft X260$18,900

2006 25’ Chaparral 254 Sunesta$31,900

2000 23’ Master Craft 230SVw/trailer - $26,500

2001 22’ Bayliner 2252 Cierraw/trailer - $17,500

2003 24’ Four Winns 248 Vista$29,900

2005 19’ Chris Craft Speedster$24,900

$29$295 05,00000

LK MTKA SLIP INCL.

BROKERAGE952-473-2711


Landscaping & Garden Center

6055 Hwy 212Chaska

952.361.9954LOOK FOR THEBIG RED BARN

Sign up for our E-Newsletterwww.TheMustardSeedInc.com

OPENM-F 9-8,Sat. 8-5,Sun 11-4

“ROOTED IN INTEGRITY AND FOUNDED ON FAITH…”219579

MULCH COUPON

6055 Hwy 212 CHASKA952-361-9954

FREE Yard of Mulch with purchase of

5 yards or more of mulch atregular price. Up to $60 value.

Not valid with any other offer.Expires April 30, 2011

MY FAMILY WILL HELP COUPON

6055 Hwy 212 CHASKA952-361-9954

20% offOne item

of your choiceNo warranty on sale or discounted plant.

Some exclusions apply. Expires April 30, 2011

PLEASE HELP ME COUPON

6055 Hwy 212 CHASKA952-361-9954

$50LANDSCAPE

CONSULTATIONReg. $100

Some restrictions apply. Expires April 30, 2011

Yes, we can help with your SPRING TO DO LIST!Whether it be adding a fresh layer of mulch to your

plantings or revamping the out-dated plantings, we

are happy to help. Make your call today and free

yourself up to spend more time with your family.

Spring to do list Wash Windows

Clean Garage

� Find Rainboots - found in front closet

� Tune Up Lawnmower - dropped off at shop

Clean Out Closet

Freshen Up Front Yard - Call the Mustard Seed

D

D

D

Documents

Dockside - Spring 2011