Tag: day trip

  • Explore Local Together Episode 5 – Chisago Lakes Itineraries

    Explore Local Together Episode 5 – Chisago Lakes Itineraries

    **This was our Mother’s Day episode but these itineraries are great all summer!

    It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 5 where we discuss Mother’s Day itineraries in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota! If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. Below, you will find links throughout the blog post to click and listen to the podcast while you read.

    LISTEN to the podcast

    In this episode, we chat about Chisago Lakes and Mother’s Day itineraries for the whole family. Whether you are a local or visiting, we have ideas for you to explore the area with a lightning round of our top picks. We have two interviews: one with incredible writer and mom/travel blogger Antonia from Knead to Roam. Antonia gives her POV of coming to Chisago Lakes from the Twin Cities while traveling with kids and/or multi-generations. In addition, a fun and interesting interview with Musician Matthew Griswold. Matthew made the transition from US Army Soldier to Professional Songwriter/Musician in 2008 and has been going full force ever since.

    LISTEN to the podcast

    Things to Do for Mother’s Day in Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Here are the itinerary ideas for you to explore Chisago Lakes!

    Swedish Inn, St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour, Dalles House

    Start your day at the Swedish Inn for breakfast. We love that they open early and the service is top-notch. Enjoy a down-to-earth atmosphere and breakfast, including authentic Swedish food options. After breakfast, visit the St. Croix River Valley Pottery Tour. The pottery tour is in its 32nd year with over 70 potters at 7 studios. While at the Taylors Falls studio stop, cross the bridge to WI and eat lunch at the Dalles House. I love the Dalles House Burger! Plus, brunch is served every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    I recently worked with Chisago Lakes Tourism and Shrpa to create the below itineraries as a paid partnership.

    Have you ever wondered about those square art pieces on many of the buildings in Chisago Lakes? Well, now ALL the information is easily accessible at chisagolakes.org. You can make this a road-tripping day or a walking tour! With over 70 barn quilts to see, there is a lot of exploring and stops to make along the way. You will want to come back again or make this a full weekend trip.

    Barn Quilt Trail – Driving Itinerary

    Stops include: Northwoods Roasterie, Ojiketa Regional Park, Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market, Unruly Acres, Pleasant Valley Orchard, Uncommon Loon Brewing Company, and Nordic Harbor Haus.

    Barn Quilt Trail – Walking Itinerary

    Stops include: Swedish Inn, Walking/Shopping the City of Lindstrom, The Northern Tavern

    In Lindstrom, Minnesota, it’s an adventure to find the Barn Quilts because some are a little hidden and there is a ton of shopping. You will find unique gifts, Swedish items, antiques and vintage treasures, women’s clothing, and home goods. Here are some of the stores with my fave Barn Quilts- Swedish Gift Store, Lindstrom Antique Mall, The Oven Mitt, Ghosts in the Attic, State Farm Insurance, Bean Counters, and Glädje. Other shops not to miss are Farm and Thread, In the Moment Boutique, and Rose’s Collectibles.

    LISTEN to the podcast

    Links to all the other top picks that we mentioned in the podcast: Gustaf’s Eatery, Picket Fence Gals, Northwoods Roasterie, Coffeesmith, 3 Arrows Coffee, Watershed Cafe, Keys Cafe, Swedish Immigrant Trail, Franconia Sculpture Park, Slattergrens Farm, Be Wild Burgers, Meister’s Bar & Grill, Rustic Roots Winery.

    Lodging in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Nordic Harbor Haus: Brand new, variety of rooms including a vacation house with multiple decks and backyard, roof top bar, surrounded by water, easy access to to town and adventures.

    Maple House: 6-bedroom private home in a quiet neighborhood, walking distance to town, plenty of space for a large group, outdoor fire pit and backyard to relax and listen to the river. 

    Hear Writer and Travel Blogger Antonia with Knead to Roam’s Itinerary HERE or see her multigenerational blog post HERE.

    Photo credit: Antonia Grant/Knead-to-Roam

    Hear Musician Matthew Gris interview HERE.

    Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue

    We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol. 

    Meet Phyllis!

    Phyllis is a sassy senior! She is looking for that special someone who understands aging isn’t always easy, she may not feel the cutest and therefore needs plenty of alone time, lots of naps, and tons of good food and treats. I feel ya, Phyllis! 😉

    Phyllis would rather take short walks and have easy access to her food and potty. She prefers to sleep near you so she knows you’re sticking around and likes to be tucked in. Phyllis does snore (as any self respecting bulldog does) so earplugs may be necessary if she sleeps right next to you. She likes to talk and will tell you when she wants attention, when she is hungry, when she has to potty and most importantly when she needs to be tucked in. Squeaky toys are her favorite!

    She is part of their “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.

    If you think you are that special someone for Phyllis – visit her profile HERE and fill out an application.

    Things to Do in Minnesota

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  • Taylors Falls, Minnesota

    Taylors Falls, Minnesota

    Best Small Towns in Minnesota

    We’re exploring Minnesota looking for a new home! Summer is winding down but there’s still plenty of warm weather days to get out and enjoy the season. Taylors Falls is popular day/road trip from the Twin Cities. We’ve been to Taylors Falls, Minnesota a few times but this time, we are seeing the area with new eyes thinking of a move. Below is a fun day itinerary!

    Interstate State Park, Minnesota signage

    We made it to Interstate State Park in the morning before the park got too busy (which I always recommend).

    First on the list, checking out this very unique natural attraction.

    The Glacial Potholes! Did you know there are over 200 potholes and one is the deepest explored in the world? I love this short 1/2 mile trail because you can see so much in short time. There are beautiful overlooks with breathtaking views of the St. Croix River.

    The St. Croix River has been designated a National Wild and Scenic Riverway, giving it special environmental protection.

    There are 4 miles of trails to explore at the park. The trails are pretty rugged with lots of steps. You can also rock climb! There was an REI class going on while we were there. REI offers many helpful outdoor classes, events, and adventures.

    rock climbers at Interstate State Park in Minnesota

    Or take a boat tour on the Taylors Falls Queen. The offer 45 or 80 minutes excursions. See more details on their website here: https://www.taylorsfallsboat.com/boat-tours/daily-excursion/

    After our hike, we stopped at Juneberry Cafe for some watermelon. I love their healthy, quick, and fresh options.

    This snack was perfect to get us back on the road driving the St. Croix Scenic Byway to Marine on the St. Croix for lunch.

    Places to eat in Marine on the St. Croix

    Such a cute town! The General Store has everything that you need from clothes to a deli. There’s also a yummy coffee shop. We had lunch at Brookside Bar and Grill. The nachos were so good!! They layer the cheese between the chips not just on top. It’s a huge portion! The patio in the back is so cozy and is dog-friendly.

    Of course we needed dessert. Nita Mae’s Scoop is adorable. You can get over 24 flavors of soft-serve ice cream! It is the perfect treat.

    Make sure to stop at Franconia Sculpture Park too. We didn’t this trip but have in the past and they offer such cool exhibits.

    For other best small towns in Minnesota, see my Afton, Minnesota, blog post.

    Life is short, never stop searching for What Stirs Your Soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

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