My 605: Krista Youngberg

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 features Krista Youngberg, experience director at GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness and owner of pigeon Spector.

My home in the 605 is: DTSF! 

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Family and friends. I am a Sioux Falls native but love calling South Dakota home. Sioux Falls has changed a lot since I was a kid, but it is fun to see and be a part of the changes.  

After home, I spend the most time here: I am all over the place! I am all about the next activity or event that is happening. I will be somewhere between leading a youth group at Ransom Church, attending my students’ activities, playing sports with friends or hanging out at any coffee shop.  

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: Driving to FSD and catching an international flight. Thankful for an airport in town and friends that I met at Augustana that welcome me with open arms to their hometowns that happen to be across oceans.  

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: Swedish pancakes at my parents’ house. Is that cheating? They live in Sioux Falls, so I am going to count it. If I was going to choose a restaurant, it would be Puerto Vallarta! Chicken quesadilla, and chips and salsa. 

My go-to coffee shop is: Queen City Bakery. Get the “Best Drink Ever” and a quiche. Say hi to the crew. If you have never heard of it, Google it now, and head on over!  

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Setting up a hammock in McKennan Park with my roommates or headed to a friend’s acreage near Renner. If more exploring needs to be done, I would head to the Great Outdoor Store to make sure I was set for any adventure!  

The spot I’d recommend for a date is:  Going to the pottery class at the Washington Pavilion clay studio!  

The best pizza in the 605 is: Hot Hawaiian from Mackenzie River! Yes, pineapple does belong on pizza. I also love the breakfast pizza from The Bonus Round. I have gone there quite a few times to only eat pizza. The pinball machines do add a different ambiance.  

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: Playing volleyball either at Netbinders or in a Digz tournament. We may also be playing ultimate frisbee at Riverdale Park! Of course, you cannot go wrong with just walking downtown and finding a spot to grab a bite to eat.  

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: I may not have children, but I am a child at heart, so my answer is Air Madness. You jump for maybe 30 minutes, and you are already exhausted! There may also be a lot of children there, but it is just as fun for adults!  

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: To a Digz Mad Hatter tournament. Everyone’s name goes into a “hat,” and you are split up and play with all different people throughout the night! It is a fun way to meet new people and still get to be active! You also cannot go wrong with any First Friday event downtown!  

My best memory in the 605 is: As I am a Sioux Falls native, I have many memories, but I do have a favorite of a night my roommate at the time and I decided to walk out our front door on to Phillips Avenue to see where the night took us. We found out that the sculptures from the SculptureWalk were getting replaced. The new titles were posted, but we took the liberty of imaging what the sculpture could be and posed as if we were them. Around sculpture 10, a man walked out and inquired about our actions. We told him the story, and I asked if he thought that I did a good job imagining this certain sculpture. He told me I did a great job, and he knew that because he was the artist! I was thoroughly embarrassed, but we made new friends!  

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: The loud motorcycles and trucks that ride down Phillips Avenue in the evenings. I know it sounds cool, but would love to have 12th to 10th on Phillips to be a pedestrians-only area.  

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