My 605: Olivia Essig

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 Olivia Essig, campaign director at the Sioux Empire United Way and owner of pigeon Petunia.

My home in the 605 is: Central Sioux Falls. This area of Sioux Falls is flourishing, and I feel so lucky to have made it my home. Lots of old houses with plenty of character, and close to everything I love. I couldn’t ask for a better neighborhood!

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: The sense of community. Being in the nonprofit field, I learned very quickly how closely this community joins together. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand, and it seems like we are all working toward making Sioux Falls a great place to live for everyone. I love the progress I have continued to see in this city. Even as it grows, we maintain the small-town attitude of helping your neighbor and embracing small acts of kindness.

After home, I spend the most time here: Probably at my sister’s house spending time with my nieces and nephew. I actually moved to Sioux Falls six years ago — the week my nephew was born. It has always been important to me to be close to family and friends, and having grown up just down the road in Mitchell, Sioux Falls just made sense.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: At the lake! My parents have a cabin in Perham, Minnesota, near the Detroit Lakes area. Just about any chance I get in the summer, you will find me fishing on the pontoon, lounging in the hammock while reading a good book, golfing and enjoying family favorites like Zorbaz and The Minnesoda Ice Cream Fountain. We have been spending family vacations in the area since I was a kid.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: I am a big brunch girl, and M.B. Haskett’s never disappoints. While I love everything on their menu, the best time to go is when they feature their eggs Benedict as the special, paired with a pint glass mimosa. Try and tell me it’s not the best start to your day.

My go-to coffee shop is: You will probably find me most often at Josiah’s, along with half of the city on a weekday morning. Lately, I have been ordering a kettle of the cinnamon chai tea and posting up while answering emails and watching familiar faces stroll in. My work currently allows me to be more remote, and sometimes the change of scenery is needed.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: Fernson Brewing. They have such a big and bright taproom. While the Lion’s Paw has become one of my favorites, I also enjoy trying all of the different Seed Series beers. You really can’t go wrong.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Does getting a drink on the patio at Carpenter Bar count? Just kidding — kind of. My summer morning weekend ritual is walking my dog, Pippa, on the downtown bike paths. I always start by grabbing an iced coffee at The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co. and just kind of take my time enjoying the short period of warm weather and sunny skies that we get here in the Midwest. I will often end up at the Falls Park Farmers Market before making my way home.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: The State Theatre for a classic movie. It is such a downtown gem. I recently went to a showing of “The Holiday” as part of their holiday series, and it was such a fun way to kick off the Christmas season.

The best pizza in the 605 is: The Brooklyn at Look’s Marketplace. Hot honey and ricotta — need I elaborate?

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: At an event in DTSF. Whether it’s a trivia night at WoodGrain Brewing, the Parade of Lights, a First Friday Block Party at 8th & Railroad or live music at The Source, there is always something going on downtown. Some girlfriends and I just went to the annual Art & Wine Walk for the first time this year and had a blast.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: The Kirby Science Discovery Center at the Washington Pavilion. Whenever I have taken my niece and nephew there, they can entertain themselves for hours, and there are always new exhibits to enjoy. What’s even more fun is that it was someplace that I enjoyed when I was their age! My school would take field trips to the Washington Pavilion, and I have photos of myself in the same astronaut spacesuit that my nephew poses in now.

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: A chamber mixer or SME event. There are so many opportunities to meet new people and network in the 605!

My best memory in the 605 is: Attending the Fleetwood Mac concert at the Premier Center in 2019. I literally cried when they started playing the opening to “Chains” as we found our seats. I love that Sioux Falls attracts such big names in entertainment and always keep my eye out for upcoming concerts.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: Saying the weather, seems too cliche, so I will go with the summer road construction. I may just be bitter after this summer when it was at either end of my block and I had to change my commute for a few months. I have to consistently remind myself that I will be glad they did it once it’s done!

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