Tag: lindstrom

  • 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

    Upcoming Local and Beyond Events:

    Here is our new Facebook group link! https://www.facebook.com/groups/804383574380433

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  • Explore Local Together Ep. 1 – Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    Explore Local Together Ep. 1 – Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    If you’re visiting from our podcast, thank you for listening to our first episode of Explore Local Together! If not, you can check it out HERE. We are excited to build community around exploring. We kicked off Explore Local Together with an itinerary for our stomping grounds, Chisago Lakes, Minnesota. Did you know this area is only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities? Enjoy the day and keep exploring local…together!

    Listen to the podcast here.

    Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    Northwoods Roasterie & Coffee Shop

    Northwoods Roasterie has been roasting its own fairly-traded organic beans since 2006. The owner is passionate about the highest quality beans and serving a great cup of coffee. The coffee is fantastic and the highlight is the atmosphere. It’s cozy with spaces to connect with others or work alone on your laptop. There is an outdoor patio, and little nooks including a quiet upstairs area. And as we said on the podcast, we really like their sausage and cheese bagels! 😉

    Antiquing in Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Picket Fence Gals offers many unique and fun treasures! The gals are super helpful while you browse and make sure to take your items to hold at the front desk so you don’t have to carry everything around. There are two buildings with multiple vendors offering a wide array of styles, from Farmhouse to Modern to BOHO to Mid-century. Every day is different because the vendors add new stock each night. Make sure to check out the local bakery items!

    Picket Fence Gals is only open once a month! Check their website for dates.

    Rose’s Collectibles – A vintage collectible shop with locations in Stillwater and Lindstrom, Minnesota. This is TD’s favorite spot to shop for vinyl records.

    Best Local Park in Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Allemansrätt Park is a Wilderness & Swedish Heritage Park. This park is a true hidden gem.

    From the Allemansrätt Park website: The term ‘Allemansrätt’ is a Swedish philosophy of the right of public access, and includes an implicit responsibility to protect and conserve. 

    Allemansrätt Park offers 125 acres to explore, including a 14-acre secluded lake and 10,000 feet of shoreline on three lakes (North Lindström Lake channel, North Center Lake, and Bull Lake), wetlands, a 5-acre island, a 33-acre peninsula, plus an 1853 homestead with educational and historic informational kiosks. There are trails, benches, restrooms, parking lots, and two campsites (camping is first come first serve for $15 a night).  

    You can walk, run, hike, go birding (over 100 species of birds), enjoy photography, ski, snowshoe, canoe/kayak or camp. The lakes are also part of the Chisago Lakes Water Trail which we will be discussing in an upcoming episode.

    Top Burger Spot near Lindstrom, Minnesota

    The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill

    The Northern reminds us of the show Cheers. They have the traditional square bar setup with all your favorite locals. It’s a relaxed, cabin-style atmosphere with yummy bar food. Our favorites are the patty melt, fries, fish, and the reuben. There is also a large patio to enjoy lake views.

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  • Holiday Events in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Holiday Events in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Holiday Events in Lindstrom, Minnesota, and surrounding communities

    The holiday events start the first weekend of November!

    You will find an abundance of holiday spirit in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota. There is so much holiday magic, I believe Santa has a special place in his heart for these Minnesota communities. In fact, you will see Santa at most of the Chisago Lakes holiday events arriving in epic fashion! Chisago Lakes is a 40 minute drive from the Twin Cities and encompasses Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Shafer, Taylors Falls & Almelund. 

    Horses pulling a sleigh at Christmas event in Chisago City, Minnesota

    Where to See Santa This Holiday Season

    The Chisago Lakes area is known for celebrations year-round, but over the holidays, it is extra magical.

    The holiday season events are what you imagine or remember when you think of wholesome fun, connection, and community. You will feel wonderment and joy watching Santa ride in on his sleigh, singing Christmas carols, taking horse-drawn sleigh rides, counting down and anticipating a town tree-lighting, shopping for the perfect homemade gifts, experiencing Swedish traditions, drinking hot chocolate, and seeing historic houses lit up in spectacular lights.  

    Calendar of Holiday Events in Chisago Lakes

    Check out these festive annual events in November and December!

    Chisago Lakes PTO Annual Craft Fair

    Kick off the holiday season at the huge Chisago Lakes PTO Annual Craft Fair at the Wildcat Community Center! 150+ booths with vendors and local crafters, plus food trucks and fresh baked goods. Free admission, easy parking, and building access. This event has been taking place for over 30 years! 

    Annual Cheese and Chocolate Weekend at Winehaven Winery

    Experience unique wines paired with amazing chocolates and rare cheeses the winery has specially selected for this special weekend. Winehaven Winery and Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery located in Chisago City, Minnesota, and has been in operation since 1995. Its vineyard consists of 15 acres of various winter-hardy grapes. 

    Dueling Pianos at Winehaven Winery

    Another can’t miss event at Winehaven. Enjoy a fantastic dinner and dueling piano show! The winery will be filled with the sounds of music from the 1970s through current favorites. Grab your family, friends, and favorite song requests for a fun night of food and music. 

    Taylors Falls Annual Lighting Festival

    The quaint town of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, becomes a Christmas Card Village! This event has been held on the Friday after Thanksgiving since 1985. The Lighting Festival includes a parade, medallion hunt,  craft fairs, Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House Museum, an ecumenical Choral Vesper Service, family Bingo, Mrs. Claus at the library, a giant bonfire, and snowman making. Watch for the limited edition Lighting Festival ornament and make sure to wear your lumberjack flannel!

    Annual Center City Small Town Christmas 

    Santa arrives in a fire truck! Small Town Christmas is hosted by the Center City Fire Department Auxiliary at the Center City Fire Hall. The annual small-town Christmas evening includes cookie decorating, cocoa, popcorn, raffles, and a Christmas story read aloud. Put your Christmas jammies on and celebrate! This is a FREE family event. All proceeds from the raffles go to local residents in need this holiday season.

    Annual Chisago Lake Lutheran Bazaar & Bake Sale

    The annual Christmas Bazaar has been a tradition for over 20 years. Including more than 30 vendors and their always popular “Bethlehem Bakery,” stocked full of fresh baked goodies, including lefse! They serve hot cinnamon rolls and coffee in the mornings and then a sloppy joe lunch in the afternoon. There are also antiques and a raffle with great prizes! 

    Annual Center City Holiday Craft Boutique

    The Holiday Craft Boutique is hosted by the Center City Fire Department Auxiliary at the Center City Fire Hall. Their annual Holiday Boutique has many vendors, crafters, and baked goods! There will be unique gifts for teachers, family, co-workers, friends, and so much more. Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win prize baskets. Lunch will also be available for sale. Do some holiday shopping while supporting a great cause! All proceeds go towards local residents in need.

    Holiday Cheers at Winehaven Winery 

    Sample new wines, mulled wines, special treats, and plenty of holiday cheer!

    Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Lindström Community Center 

    Have a fun day shopping! The Holiday Craft Fair has several vendors with a wide variety of items, including holiday gifts, Scentsy, jewelry, handcrafted items, and gifts. You can make a day of it and attend two other craft shows on the same day in Center City (within 4 miles of each other). Visit the above link to the Facebook event page with a Google Map and information. Local Cub Scout Pack #144 will be selling food and beverages, plus wreaths and garland. 

    Annual Lindström Tree Lighting Festival 

    Don’t miss Lindström’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival at Lindström’s Memorial Park! FREE Admission. 

    Visit a winter wonderland and see live reindeer, take pictures with Santa, stay warm with hot cocoa, coffee and a bonfire, enjoy a freshly grilled hot dog or brat, make a s’more with Boy Scout Troop 159, meet the KOD/Chisago Lakes Ambassadors, plus listen to live music: High School Brass Ensemble & Santa Lucia Carolers.

    Chisago City’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival at Moberg Park.  

    Come to Moberg Park for Chisago City’s Annual Lighting Festival! FREE Admission. 

    Events include horse-drawn sleigh rides, music, caroling, refreshments, and of course, Santa! Bring your letters to Santa with a returned addressed envelope, and Santa will reply. 

    Picket Fence Gals Annual Holiday Sale 

    Picket Fence Gals is a one-of-a-kind sale! They have become one of the premier occasional sales in Minnesota. Through the years, Picket Fence Gals has grown to 2 buildings and added Picket Fence Guys. Each vendor has their own design aesthetic that gives Picket Fence Gals a wide array of styles that shoppers will love, from Farmhouse to Modern to BOHO to Mid-century. Every day during the sale is different because the vendors restock each night. Have fun and find wonderful treasures. 

    Chisago Lakes Chamber Annual Meeting and Holiday Gala 

    Join the Chisago Lakes Chamber team for their Annual Meeting and Holiday Gala. Get to know the community and the team during a social hour then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and desserts! 

    For more events in Chisago Lakes, visit the Chisago Lakes Chamber calendar

    Another fun and unique spot to shop is Pleasant Valley Orchard. Plus, you can pick up fresh apples for your Thanksgiving pie.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    Wishing you a merry holiday season! 

  • Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Best Small Towns in Minnesota

    Happy first day of fall! Holy moly, summer zoomed by, and I still have so much to share from our Minnesota road trips. As we’ve been exploring our home state, we find ourselves drawn to the Chisago Lakes area and recently visited Lindstrom. We’ve driven through many times but have never stopped to check out the town.

    Most people know Lindstrom by the adorable teacup water tower.

    Teacup water tower in Lindstrom Minnesota

    Lindstrom, Minnesota

    First, we started with breakfast at Gustof’s On Main Eatery. We enjoyed the food and feeling of community in this historic house turned eatery. Next to us, a friendly couple started up a conversation and gave us suggestions for fun things to do in town. It felt like breakfast with a bunch of friends that we have known forever.

    After breakfast, we needed a little extra pick me up so we walked to Northwoods Roasterie. This coffee shop is awesome! We really enjoyed the outdoor seating and the coffee is delicious. It was very busy but the service was great and the line moved quickly.

    Next, you can’t go to Lindstrom and not stop at the Lindstrom Bakery! Food & Wine Magazine named the Lindstrom Bakery as having the best donuts in Minnesota. The donuts are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for dunking in your coffee. The owner, Bernie Coulombe, has owned the bakery for 48 years. She recently sold the bakery but the sale fell through and Bernie is back!

    Minnesota State Parks

    Then we were off to Wild River State Park for a hike. We stopped in the Visitor Center where a lovely woman helped us figure out the best hike for the amount of time that we had. When you stop at the Visitor Center, make sure to walk out the back and take in the views of the St. Croix River. There is also a lot of interactive experiences for the kids to learn about the park.

    a picture of the sign at the entrance to Wild River State Park in Minnesota

    The park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails. There is a paved 3-mile trail that links the trail center, visitor center, picnic area, and campground. In the winter, they offer cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing.

    We wrapped up the day at The Northern Tavern & Grill. Obviously, we were so hungry after our hike at Wild River State Park! The Rueben with house smoked corned beef melts in your mouth and their skin-on fries are amazing. And guess what? We ran into the couple that we sat next to at breakfast! It was such a perfect small town moment and reminded me of when I lived in Nisswa, Minnesota.

    For more Best Small Towns in Minnesota, see my Taylors Falls blog post.

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

    ©Tracy Blowers

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