Beth Parkansky is the owner of Apples of Eden in Greendale. Apples of Eden is a wonderful store filled with gourmet apples, fine chocolates, unique gifts and nostaligic candies. Have you noticed that there is something amazing that seems to happen as soon as people walk in the door at Apples of Eden? Perhaps Beth is right when she says that the smell of chocolate seems to put people in a good mood!
Whether you are looking for a sweet treat for yourself or a quality gift of goodies, Apples of Eden is the place to go. Thank you, Beth, for making our lives here in Greendale a little bit sweeter and for sharing your story with us. We appreciate you!
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I grew up in Hales Corners as the oldest child with a brother and two sisters. My mother still lives in that same house and my siblings all still live close by. I spent my younger years working as a pre-school teacher, took a little break to raise my three boys, built a home in New Berlin and then started a new career in real estate. When the market crashed in 2008, I found myself with a little extra time on my hands and started a part-time job at Apples of Eden. I had no idea at that time that I would end up purchasing the business and that the small part-time job would become so much more.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married (happily) to my husband Jamie for 36 years. We raised our three boys in New Berlin, in the house that my carpenter husband built. Our oldest son Matthew is married and lives with his wife Mandy, 5 dogs, three cats and one tortoise in Arizona. My middle son Mitchell currently splits most of his time between Atlanta, GA, where he works as a flight attendant and Playa De Carmen, Mexico, on his off days. Marcus, my youngest son, lives a little closer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area where he owns and operates Misfit Coffee.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
As you may already know from the intro, I currently spend most of my time at Apples of Eden, the village candy store. We make the gourmet caramel apples and the majority of the candy we sell is made on-site in our store kitchen. We expanded the shop a couple of years ago and brought in a nice selection of gift and home décor items. As an owner of a small business, there is always something that needs to be done, so I am there a lot. The customers have always been so kind and friendly that I really enjoy my time there. It is almost like the smell of chocolate puts everyone in a good mood, so the store is just a “happy” place be at!
Q: Please tell us about any interesting or unique hobbies that you have?
I used to enjoy geocaching (an activity using a GPS/mobile device to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”). I have not had much time for it lately, but it is a fun way to get outside and get some walking in while doing a little “treasure hunting” at the same time. I hope to find more time for that. We recently purchased a property with many plants and perennials, so while I have never done any gardening before, I am interested in learning a little bit about that and am going to do my best to keep these plants alive and the gardens thriving.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Greendale? What do you love there?
My favorite food is pizza so of course Ricardo’s is right up on the top of my favorite list and while they have many good options on the menu, I would get a pepperoni, mushroom and black olive pizza. YUM. Another favorite food spot in Greendale is Sugar and Flour. If I am looking for a sweet treat and don’t want anything from the candy shop, I would head over there for one (or two) of Karen’s delicious cookies.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
I started working at Apples of Eden in 2008 and purchased it in March of 2009, so I guess it has been about 14 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
The most interesting person I have met in Greendale was Vi Konkel. Vi passed on last fall at the age of 96. I first met her when she worked at Margo’s Boutique and got to know her a little better as she frequented the candy store while on her walks down to the village to pick up something (usually books from the library). I was amazed at how active she was and her enthusiasm for learning and trying new things.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Since my boys are all living out of the area, I would most likely want to go visit one or all of them. I think it is not so much about where you go but who your are with. Phoenix and Playa are nice in the winter and Minneapolis is a nice place to visit anytime EXCEPT winter.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am almost embarrassed to say this, but if either of the Father of the Bride movies are on I just need to watch it. As far as TV shows, I could turn on HGTV and would be happy to waste an entire day watching all the home fixer upper type shows.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
BE KIND! Just please be kind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I don’t really have a bucket list. I guess if I had to pick something I would say that when I am not as busy, I would like to take a little time, sit down and write a short little rhyming children’s book. I spent many years working as a pre-school teacher and have read a lot of kids books and always thought it would be fun writing one myself.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
That would be Once Upon a Time, the former bookstore that was in the village. Cutest shop ever with the best selection of children’s books.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would probably want to meet up with Erin Napier (Home Town) or Joanna Gaines (Fixer Upper). We recently purchased a 100 year old house that we are in the process of renovating/ remodeling, sort of rebuilding. I would love their advice and opinions about what to keep, restore, update, replace, etc. As far as where to go for lunch, I would probably grab a sandwich to-go from National Bakery and eat while walking and showing them around the village. Later in the afternoon, it would be nice to stop at Vintage 38 for a glass of wine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
I love all the flowers in the village in summer! I always get excited when the racks of flowers get delivered because I know that in a few days they will be all planted. It is like the official start of summer in the village and every year they just seem to get better and better. Shout out to Terry and Team from Bluemels. They do an awesome job.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully semi-retired or at least taking a little time off in the summer to maybe drive around in an airstream or some type of vintage camper.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love Savannah in the Spring and Door County in the Fall.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July, Forth of July, July 4th – Just love the the 4th of July!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Floating on a raft in the middle of the lake on a hot summer day.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the scent of carnations and fresh lilacs.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Right now my house is a construction zone but when it is done I hope it is a cute, comfortable, unique little home that is filled with as much joy and happiness as our previous home was.
