

Feeding Hope with Dignity: The Story of Basic Needs Food Market
A Hastings-area nonprofit has reinvented the food shelf as a free grocery store where families in need can shop with dignity. Basic Needs Food Market in Cottage Grove provides fresh, healthy food at no cost – no questions asked – to anyone facing hardship. Learn how this volunteer-run market is rescuing tons of surplus food from local grocers, feeding hundreds of local families (especially kids who rely on free school lunches), and inspiring a community-driven fight against hunger.

Eagan’s Top 10 Local Legends Worth the Drive from Hastings
From a secret whiskey speakeasy behind a burger joint to a sprawling indoor playground where kids rule, Eagan is home to some truly unique small businesses. “Eagan’s Top 10 Local Legends Worth the Drive from Hastings” profiles ten standout spots – iconic restaurants like Jensen’s Food & Cocktails and Hoban Korean Restaurant, the quirky Indulge Boutique (open just one week a month!), family-friendly havens like Good Times Park, and more. Each profile dives into the business’s origin story, evolution, and one-of-a-kind offerings, with current details and insider tips. Whether you’re a foodie, a fashionista, or a family on an adventure, these Eagan gems offer something special – and they’re all just a short drive from Hastings. Read on to see why Eagan’s local legends deserve a spot on your must-visit list.

Cowboy Disco, Vintage Treasures & Grilled Delights: How Local Exchange is Uniting Cottage Grove & Hastings!
Discover the vibrant spirit of our local community in this engaging feature on Cottage Grove's most unique venues! From cowboy disco nights at The Madison and vintage treasures at Boondocks Vintage Boutique to grilled delights at Junction 70 Grill, explore how the Local Exchange program is uniting Hastings and Cottage Grove through creativity, unforgettable events, and authentic connections.

HastingsNow.com’s First "Local Exchange" – A Heartwarming Success in Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Discover the inspiring story of HastingsNow.com’s first-ever Local Exchange in Cannon Falls, MN. From connecting with local businesses to fostering community spirit, this inaugural event showcased the best of collaboration and local pride. Read on to learn how the Local Exchange is building bridges between neighboring communities.