My 605: Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s My 605 is from Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, chief talent officer and executive director of community relations at Northwestern Mutual.

My home in the 605 is: On the southwest side of Sioux Falls. It is the place I am raising my family. Sometimes my home is my car, my office, the yoga studio or even my actual house.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Sioux Falls is the only place I would raise my kids. The community is full of kind and generous people with incredible stories. There is boundless opportunity, a robust economy and great schools. I spent 10 years of my adult life in West Coast cities, making me appreciate our little traffic, lower crime rate and low cost of living. When I moved to Sioux Falls, I was surprised at the vast food and entertainment options. It is cliche to say, but Sioux Falls really has big-city amenities and opportunities with a small-town feel.

After home, I spend the most time here: At Northwestern Mutual. I absolutely love my job, company and colleagues.

I work with my best friends at a company committed to helping clients and communities. I feel very lucky to have found NM!

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: If I am leaving the 605, you can find me on a yoga retreat. I started going on yoga retreats a few years ago. My favorite yoga destination is Bali, Indonesia. I plan to go to India and Thailand when we can start traveling again. I am 200-hour yoga certified and plan to host international yoga retreats in the future.

In the 605, anything fitness, adrenaline pumping or beauty related helps me disconnect and recharge. Whether that is going to a hot yoga class at AMT, taking my kids on adventures, getting a facial, hiking or recharging with an IV drip, I am all about experiences.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: Daily Clean Food & Drink. Local dishes, clean eating, organic produce and so delicious. The Butternut Buddha Bowl is my fav.

My go-to coffee shop is: Coffee, no. Tea, yes. The Spice & Tea Exchange is my go-to spot for the best tea in Sioux Falls. For meetings, my go-to coffee shop is Josiah’s. They have great food, service and atmosphere.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: The Treasury. Hands down the best Old-Fashioned in town.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Hiking the Palisades, the Sioux Falls bike trails or the Badlands.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: My husband and I are all about activities. Our dates usually consist of a trip to Ignite Fitness Studio, AMT, Cryotherapy or a couples massage. Ignite is like a fitness nightclub. We are also fans of staycations at Hotel on Phillips.

The best pizza in the 605 is: I am not a big pizza fan but make an exception for 22Ten’s flatbread.

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: You can find us at a hot yoga studio, hiking, fundraising, grabbing happy hour at Krav’n or 22Ten, or at community events. I am obsessed with my unlimited Rent the Runway subscription, so our squad loves events where we can dress up and support the Sioux Falls community.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: SkyZone, swimming and to volunteer for a nonprofit. We started teaching our kids about philanthropy when they were 2 and 3. Philanthropy is important to our family. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is my kids’ favorite charity. Lemonade, helping children and raising money — a perfect mix for little kids.

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: I go to a YPN, charity or civic event.

My best memory in the 605 is: My husband, Chad, and I’s secret wedding. Most people think we were married in Denver in the middle of Union Station by my best friend, Jess.

While that is somewhat true, we have a secret. The week before we left, we told our parents about our elopement plans and invited them to Denver. Not everyone could go, and they were devastated. So we threw together a 605 wedding in a few days. My hair stylist shares a salon space with the daughter of the owners of The Cookie Jar. She overheard my dilemma, called her parents, and they helped me throw together a beautiful, fun, last-minute wedding complete with a Cookie Jar cake, champagne from Chef Dom’s and a space in Shriver Square. This is another reason I love Sioux Falls: strangers coming together to support each other.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: The cold. The wind.

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: