My 605: Tenley Schwartz

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 Tenley Schwartz, marketing and content coordinator at Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. and owner of pigeon Grendel.

My home in the 605 is: I’m renovating a sweet 1915 home that’s downtown-adjacent. It’s becoming a place of respite – rest for my visitors and a steady base for myself. I’m most excited to welcome friends over and to get my art studio space set up.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: I arrived for college seven years ago, fell in love with Sioux Falls and never left – bigger than my hometown, but small enough that one person can start a movement that changes the place. I’m really lucky that my job for Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. is all about sharing downtown’s stories.

After home, I spend the most time here: Downtown Sioux Falls! I’ll walk down Phillips Avenue and feel my heart swell. I admire the small-business folks so much — each cool shop has a steady group of people backing it and working really hard. At work, we joke that downtown is all about the “vibes,” and I think there’s truth to that. I walk into the Great Outdoor Store knowing that every item is backed by active people who explore in their downtime. I need a gift, and the staff at Child’s Play Toys offers an expert recommendation and free gift wrap. Every single shop and restaurant has people like this. That extra layer of intention shows up as a warm thrill.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: Outside! My mind resets as I walk or bike. I’ll also bring a book to Coffea on Louise, which barely counts, but for someone tied to downtown, it is a change of pace!

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: My friend Clara’s kitchen. We met in college and went through that early-adulthood phase of learning to cook together. Her meals are always thoughtful — any dietary restrictions are cared for, vegetables are locally grown, and there is plenty of butter and cheese involved. And her cakes! Swiss buttercream, flavor-infused cake and jam between layers.

My go-to coffee shop is: I rotate between a few. The Source is my go-to for an afternoon of work outside the office and the place I’m always suggesting for friend meetups. Josiah’s for drawing – the window-seat benches are the exact right height! And Coffea when I’m in the mood for a latte and enveloping warmth.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage is: Hello Hi makes me feel really cool – in a way that is probably uncool to care about.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Biking Sioux Falls’ loop and taking a detour on FAST singletrack trails. I also frequent Good Earth State Park. Nature is so cool — even if I’m not really paying attention to the surroundings, being immersed in it is good.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: Creature of habit that I am, The Source is tops – open in the evening and great for any mood: choose beer from the tap wall, coffee or tea. I’m also a big fan of active dates — riding a stretch of the bike loop is a nice way to spend time together.

The best pizza in the 605 is: Is it presumptuous to say my kitchen? I love having people over, and a homemade pizza feeds a crowd. While I’ll pile any veggies on top, I’m most proud of my ability to convert folks to the pineapple-belongs-on-pizza camp. The secret is to pair it with pepperoni and black olives rather than Canadian bacon!

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: At one of our homes, cooking, chatting about life and what we’ve been learning lately.

The place you can never go wrong taking your kids is: The public library! Let them pore over the stories and bring home a stack of books. The librarians also put together really great programming, so check their calendar of events, and bring the kids to a craft day or storytime!

When I want to meet new people in the 605, I go: I’ve met so many dear friends at my church. I also meet interesting people through classes, from a Community Ed stained glass class to the Leaders of Tomorrow program.

My best memory in the 605 is: Man, so many special times. The moment when an acquaintance becomes a friend. Camping in the Black Hills. Seeing Riverfest volunteers in shirts I’ve designed. Spouting stories to my visiting parents about every landmark and realizing that I’m tied to this place in real ways.

The one thing I am least crazy about in the 605 is: My college friends keep moving away! But maybe that’s more a stage-of-life thing than a Sioux Falls thing.

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