TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: best small towns in minnesota

  • Patio Season! Top 5 Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Patio Season! Top 5 Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Spring is springing! In Minnesota, the moment the temp is over 30°F, we are ready for patio season. 😉 Chisago Lakes in East Central Minnesota includes five small towns; Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Schafer, and Taylors Falls. It is 35 miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis, so it’s a great day road trip from the Twin Cities.

    Top 5 Patios in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Winehaven Winery

    A Winehaven Winery slushy is a must! The flavor profiles are always creative and refreshing. Plus, there’s just something about that big straw that makes you feel like a kid. ha! There is a ton of wide open space to enjoy and take a stroll through the vines. We love stopping in for pizza and charcuterie and appreciate the dog-friendly patio. 🐾

    Nordic Harbor Rooftop

    The rooftop is the perfect spot to relax and take in lake views. It is so cozy with couches and shaded areas to truly unwind. They always offer fun specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non. You can also stop in the market for snacks to build your own charcuterie or make a Burnett Dairy pizza. Keep an eye on their calendar because they offer live music and other fun events throughout the year.

    Plus, if you want to spend the night or weekend, Nordic Harbor is the place! This new, adorable lakeside boutique motel offers 6 rooms plus a luxurious vacation house. Located in Center City, it is conveniently in the heart of Chisago Lakes.

    Uncommon Loon Brewing

    Excellent craft beer and a super-friendly, fun atmosphere. The brewery always has entertaining events happening, including live music. Dogs are very welcome inside and out! 🐾 We love to hang out, play cards or board games, and grab food from either the food truck or local restaurant.

    The Northern Lake Tavern

    Awesome pub comfort food. The Reuben is my favorite sandwich at the Northern Lake Tavern. The patio is on the smaller side, but there is a picnic table and plenty of grass and space by the lake. Watch out for Bigfoot!

    Jakes on the Lake

    Jake’s is a great spot in the middle of it all in Center City. Perfect to hit for breakfast before a day on the lake!

    If you’re looking for more fun, here is a 1-Day Itinerary for Chisago Lakes: https://tracyseesstuff.com/explore-local-together-episode-1-chisago-lakes-itinerary/

    Cheers to warmer weather! ☀️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • 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

  • 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/

    Picture of the Taylors Falls Queen and canoes on the St. Croix River

    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

  • Afton, Minnesota

    Afton, Minnesota

    Best Small Towns in Minnesota

    Historic Afton, Minnesota, is home to Afton State Park on the beautiful St. Croix River and is only 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. This summer, we’ve been exploring Minnesota in search of our new home base. We sold our house in 2020 and have been renting due to the crazy housing market and because we weren’t sure where we wanted to land. It’s been a fun summer visiting new cities and returning to our favorites. By doing so, we have a renewed appreciation for where we grew up. Minnesota is filled with incredible small towns, history, restaurants, nature, state-regional-and national parks, and endless recreation.

    Picture of Welcome to Historic Afton sign.

    Best Restaurants in Afton, Minnesota

    We started our day in Afton at the Lumberyard Pub. We sat at the bar to take in the open air (see pic below) and loved the atmosphere and excellent service from the bartender. The house-made chips and french onion dip are crazy good! The summer salad was fresh and bright and a perfect companion to the chips and dips. Terry loved his burger. Yes, I know you’re shocked he had a burger. 😉

    *Note: you can call ahead from your boat and pick up your food curbside to-go.

    The next stop was Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor. You can’t go to Afton and not stop at Selma’s! They offer so many unique flavors and we enjoyed the nostalgic candy for sale. *Tip: walk along the river while eating your ice cream.

    Afton State Park

    After fueling up, we headed to Afton State Park for a hike. The park offers 20 miles of trails including a variety of habitats and walking the old railroad bed. Three bridges remain from the line that once ran along the river to Stillwater. The river views from the bridges, bluffs, and lookouts are beautiful! Especially surrounded by all the wild flowers.

    “Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails pass through remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines, and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.” – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

    View of the St. Croix River from Afton State Park

    Did you know that Afton State Park has goats?! They brought the goats in for prescribed-grazing of their 42 acres. We visited in June so I’m not sure if they are still there but make sure to keep an eye out for them.

    We didn’t have the dogs with us on this trip but the state parks are dog-friendly.

    Girl jumping in the air at Afton State Park

    Add Afton to your Minnesota day trip list!

    Another fun spot to explore and camp close to the Twin Cities is Whitetail Woods Regional Park. The camper cabins are amazing!

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

    ©Tracy Blowers

error: Content is protected !!