Welcome to Explore Local Together Episode 2! We share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. Each episode will include five places to explore, interviews, and, of course, TNT random rambles. This week we covered the St. Croix Valley and spending the day in Scandia and Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. Below is the itinerary. We have a great day planned for you!
Spend the Day in St. Croix Valley, Minnesota
Rustic Roots Winery located about halfway between Stillwater and Taylors Falls on the St. Croix Scenic Byway/HWY 95.
Rustic Roots Winery has become a weekly adventure for us! We discovered the winery this winter and cannot wait to see what it is like in the summer out on the deck and watching the vines come back to life. While we love their wine, our favorite this winter has been the cider. Their food is fantastic! I really enjoy their dips and soups and Terry is a big fan of the pizza. We also are into the way they serve their charcuterie!
Try the Airstream Grill in the summer, which features burgers and other snacks. Rustic Roots Winery also has rotating food trucks on certain days. Check their calendar HERE.
Shopping in St. Croix Valley
Shoreline Goods is one mile down HWY 95 from the winery. Opening April 6, 2024! Shoreline Goods is a new shop filled with locally made home goods and soy candles. Creators, Cody and Kenny’s story is about trying something new for fun and then seeing it grow into a business and now storefront! We are so excited for them and to shop the store! The candles smell amazing and are inspired by the beautiful St. Croix Valley.
Crabtree’s Garden Gate is located next door to Shoreline Goods.
Crabtree’s is such a surprise when you pull off the highway and see all the fun and unique outdoor and indoor home decor. Plus so much more. They also offer super fun and beautiful bird feeders and you can buy your seed there. The bird seed mixes, have been locally developed by them over the last 15 years, and are mixed and delivered weekly for freshness. They also offer unique women’s clothing and accessories, plus fun gadgets for the kitchen. Don’t miss the samples of Minnesotan gourmet treats, coffee, and wine. Oh and they have awesome dog treats and toys!
St. Croix Chocolates is just a couple more miles down HWY 95. Did you know we have an international award-winning chocolate shop in Minnesota?! This is a great story about an ending that led to a wonderful beginning. When Chocolatier Robyn was laid off from a career in journalism, she studied fine chocolate techniques from top pastry chefs and St. Croix Chocolates was born!
The artisan chocolates are made by hand, delicious, and beautiful. There is always something unique in the case when we stop and just have to try it. We’ve had fun picking all the different flavors. There are gift boxes available for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
St. Croix Valley State Parks
The last stop after your sweet treat is William O’Brien State Park. We are so lucky to have such amazing state parks in Minnesota with quality recreation. This is the perfect way to end your adventurous day. Enjoy a 2 mile walk on the Wetland Trail and see the park’s rolling, wooded hills. The park offers Camping, Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Cross-country skiing, Naturalist Programs, Bird Watching, and they have an Oak Savanna Restoration. *There is construction through early 2025 on Riverway Campground, Riverside Group Camp, the Riverside Trail and the Mondale Day Use Area.
There are 4 Minnesota State Parks along the St. Croix including William O’Brien, Interstate State Park, Wild River State Park, and Afton State Park. Add them all to your bucket list!
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the area, see my Chisago Lakes itinerary HERE.
Reach out and let us know if you visited! OR tell us your favorite local places throughout the US and where we must stop!
Let’s Explore Local Together! #DiscoverInspireConnect
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