My 605: Addie Graham-Kramer

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 edition features Addie Graham-Kramer, founder and CEO of The Event Company and owner of pigeon Confetti: “Life is always a party with my little birdie!”

My home in the 605 is: With my two little boys — William, 11 years old, and Calvin, 8 years old — and husband Drew on the east side of Sioux Falls in the Copper Creek neighborhood.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Because I can’t imagine raising my family and growing our company and my husband’s company anywhere else. We have incredible schools for our sons, a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, endless opportunities to experience the art and music scene, and impromtu activities that leave you entertained for hours.

After home, I spend the most time here: My office in downtown Sioux Falls.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: At Lake Hendricks — part of the lake is in the 605 and the other part is in the 507, Minnesota — with my family and spending my mornings on long paddling trips in my kayak taking in all of the outdoor elements.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: The former Bros Brassiere Americano and Chef Ryan’s pork belly with creole maux choux, sweet potato gnocchi with Dr. Pepper demi glace. So good! If you know, you know. When Fernson Brewing Co. took over the downtown location where Bros was at, it was fun to see that they kept pork belly on the menu but made it the star of their tacos with pickled jalapenos and chimichurri. Each time we have the pork belly tacos at Fernson Downtown, I can’t help but think of Bros, and it makes me smile!

My go-to coffee shop is: Oh goodness, do I have to pick just one? I have three favorites and all for different reasons and various coffee offerings: Josiah’s Coffee House & Cafe, Queen City Bakery and Coffea. The lavendar latte from Coffea is a must-try! Most weeks, you can find me at all of them!

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: Carpenter Bar in downtown Sioux Falls. Not only is it near our office for a happy hour meeting or gab session with my girls, but Brian and team make the absolute best dirty martini in the 605!

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Either biking on the trails near my house or out on the water in my kayak. Early mornings are my most favorite time to get outdoors — when everything is quiet and the 605 is just waking up.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: Dinner at Look’s Marketplace followed by dessert at Parlour Ice Cream House and then a stroll in downtown Sioux Falls.

The best pizza in the 605 is: Pizza Cheeks. If you’re not ready to grab a friend — or two — and indulge in an entire 18-inch pie, then walk up to the counter and grab a slice to go! Try the Pinche Blanco with hot honey drizzle.

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: In downtown Sioux Falls having dinner or drinks together or shopping at some of our favorite boutiques and shops on a Saturday afternoon.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: The Butterfly House & Aquarium and Stockyards Ag Experience — or better yet, go to both! You can spend hours at both of these city attractions and no matter ,the time of year or age of your children, there is something for everyone. If you haven’t ventured to either place, put it on your to-try list! I promise you’ll have fun too and go back again and again!

When I want to meet new people in the 605, I go: To events! Are you surprised? Whether these are events hosted by Downtown Sioux Falls, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce or Startup Sioux Falls, I can assure you that you’ll meet someone new!

My best memory in the 605 is: Bringing home our two little boys from the hospital after they were born. Both were born in the heat of August and inclement weather surrounded their births. From tornadoes to rain and 104 degrees, they were both quite memorable and made grand entrances into this world!

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: Our confused weather! Days when it’s supposed to be 75 degrees, it’s sweltering and nearly 100 degrees. Then when we’re supposed to be buried in snow, it’s raining outside.

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