- WNN Roundabout
- Posts
- Roundabout: Out & About
Roundabout: Out & About
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Theo Franz
February 03, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Good morning and welcome to this week’s Out & About.
Last weekend, my friend Collin invited me to “Ice Day,” an annual celebration of winter on Lake De Montreville in Lake Elmo, complete with barbecuing, pickup hockey and plenty of beverages, alongside friends from NSP. Huge thanks to Krystal for organizing it!
If corralling your whole friend group onto a frozen lake isn’t in the cards this week, we’ve got you covered with plenty of other ways to get out, gather and stay warm. We also spotlight immigrant-owned restaurants across Woodbury and the east metro.
Dig in!
Friends gathered on Lake De Montreville on Saturday for an afternoon of hockey, hot dogs and cold beverages. (Credit/Theo Franz)
Editor: Theo Franz
[email protected]
Top Story
Good Bites describes themselves as "Authentic Mexican Flavors with a Modern Twist.” (Credit/Beth-Ann Bloom)
Immigrant-Owned Restaurants In Woodbury And Nearby
By: Beth-Ann Bloom
As advocates say, “If you ate today, thank an immigrant.” Immigrants grow, cook and serve most of the food in America. Estimates suggest that more than one-third of restaurant owners are immigrants. Counting restaurant workers is more difficult because many are undocumented and the share of immigrant employees varies by state. Still, the lowest estimate puts immigrants at about 22% of the workforce, with most working in kitchens.
The surge in immigration enforcement has disrupted Minnesota’s restaurants with many establishments closing because they don’t have adequate staffing to operate or because owners and staff are afraid of agents making arrests in and near food establishments.
Woodbury and the East Metro have multiple immigrant-owned and run restaurants that can give you a taste of the special dishes and warm hospitality found in your travels, or even introduce you to places you’ve yet to visit.
Highlighted Event
 | Blizzard BashSaturday Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 9653 Keats Avenue South, Cottage GroveFree snowshoeing, ice fishing demos by Fishing for All from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., winter crafts, food trucks and a bonfire. Free with vehicle permit. |
Events Calendar
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Thursday–Friday, Feb. 6–7 | Multiple locations in Hudson, Wis.
A multi-site winter festival featuring hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), a parade, fireworks, smooshboarding, a prize drop and more. Dress warmly for balloon launches or watch online coverage.
Comedy Sportz
Friday, Feb. 6, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9925 Bailey Road
Improv comedy with actors on opposing teams and the audience acting as referees. Child care available with pre-registration. Free.
Family Meet-up at We Rock the Spectrum
Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.–noon | 2101 Wooddale Drive, Suite E
An open-play event for all ages with parents, sponsored by the Family Achievement Foundation. Free, but pre-registration is required.
Find Your Furry Valentine
Saturday, Feb. 7, noon–3 p.m. | Pet Wants Woodbury, 2110 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite 250
A pet adoption event hosted by Humble Hounds of MN. Enjoy a cupcake while meeting dogs looking for their forever homes.
Candlelight Walk
Saturday, Feb. 7, 5–8 p.m. | Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings
A three-mile self-guided hike illuminated by luminaries, ending at a bonfire with s’mores. Free, but a park vehicle permit is required.
Midwinter Family Fun
Saturday, Feb. 7, 5–7 p.m. | Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail South, Afton
An evening of outdoor winter activities including guided snow hikes, stargazing with the Minnesota Astronomical Society and s’mores, with warm drinks and indoor activities available. Tickets required. $10 per car with a sliding fee scale.
Free STD Testing Clinic
Monday, Feb. 9, 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Central Service Center, 1261 Woodlane Drive
Free testing offered in partnership with Ramsey County and Clinic 555. No appointment is required.
River Valley Quilt Guild
Thursday, Feb. 12, 6:30–9 p.m. | Middleton Elementary School, 9105 Lake Road
A gathering for quilters featuring block of the month projects, perfect square half triangles and show-and-tell.
Winter Constellations
Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30–8 p.m. | Nordic Center, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo
A stargazing program led by retired WCCO meteorologist Mike Lynch using large mobile telescopes. Dress warmly and bring a lawn chair. Held rain or shine. $5 for participants over age 6; vehicle permit required.
PuzzlePalooza: Valentine’s Day Edition
Saturday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. | Central Park
A puzzle competition hosted by Woodbury Parks and Recreation where teams of up to four race to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Registration required. $40 per resident team, $55 per non-resident team.
Fun & Games
Fun Fact
The Census Bureau reports that Woodbury is wired: 98.9% of households have a computer; 98% have a broadband internet subscription.
Woodbury News Net is thankful for the financial support received from these Founding Sponsors:
Woodbury Oaks Level | First Amendment Level |
Consider supporting independent, community-owned news.
Woodbury News Net (WNN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that depends on donations from our readers. Consider contributing to help with ongoing expenses.