Celebrating Local Businesses in Stillwater, MN: Our Truen Group Picks for Thanksgiving Gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, we at the Truen Group wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for the amazing local businesses that make Stillwater, MN, such a unique and wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy life. From cozy coffee shops and specialty stores to lively restaurants and community-focused gems, there’s so much to love about our town. Here’s what each of our team members is especially thankful for this season:

Lori Schuetzle: Art & Soul and Tremblay’s Sweet Shop
Lori cherishes time spent with her grandson Aiden exploring the charming treasures at Art & Soul. This delightful downtown spot is perfect for discovering unique finds and making memories. And no visit is complete without a stop at Tremblay’s Sweet Shop, where Lori and Aiden can indulge in classic sweets. For Lori, these places embody the joyful, welcoming spirit of Stillwater.

Delora Lothenbach: PD Pappy’s
Delora’s favorite spot is PD Pappy’s—a lively destination for great music and even greater memories. She especially enjoys nights when her favorite band, Good for Gary, takes the stage. With its vibrant atmosphere and friendly vibe, PD Pappy’s captures the energetic essence of Stillwater. Though it’s closed for the season, Delora is counting down the days until it reopens!

Ellie Olson: Modern Roots
Ellie loves Modern Roots for its all-natural, holistic skin and body care products. This female-owned business exemplifies the creativity and dedication found in Stillwater. Supporting Modern Roots means supporting quality, passion, and a healthier way of living—all things Ellie deeply admires.

Sherri Hopfe: All Downtown Businesses
As a former downtown Stillwater restaurant owner, Sherri has a deep appreciation for the hardworking business owners who keep our community vibrant. To Sherri, these local shops, eateries, and gathering spots are the heart and soul of Stillwater—creating a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone who visits.

Kady Kochendorfer: Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop
Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop holds a special place in Kady’s heart, bringing back cherished childhood memories. Today, she continues to enjoy its delicious food and sweet treats, celebrating the nostalgic charm and warmth of Stillwater.

Ben Roby: Brick & Bourbon
For Ben, Brick & Bourbon is a top choice for creative cocktails and elevated comfort food. Whether enjoying their signature smoked old-fashioned or savoring a delicious bite, Ben loves the unique menu and welcoming vibe that makes Brick & Bourbon a community favorite.

Betty Moua: The Wild Hare
Betty appreciates The Wild Hare’s welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful menu, including options that cater to gluten-free and dairy-free diets. With its cozy ambiance and dedication to quality, The Wild Hare is a perfect reflection of Stillwater’s inclusive and community-focused spirit.

Laurie Dick: Lolito’s, Stillwater Proper, Domacin, Brick + Linen, Minnesota Made, and Enchante
Choosing favorites was no easy task, but Laurie’s top spots include Lolito’s for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, Stillwater Proper for fresh local craft cocktails, and Domacin for its premier wine selection. For shopping, Laurie can’t pass up Brick + Linen, Minnesota Made, and Enchante—all beloved for their independent ownership, community focus, and customer dedication.

We hope this blog inspires you to explore and support the incredible businesses that make Stillwater special. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these places are a testament to the community spirit and charm of our town. From all of us at the Truen Group, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we look forward to seeing you around Stillwater!