TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: taylors falls

  • St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour

    St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour

    It’s time for the 32nd Annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour! I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with potter and founder, Will Swanson. We met at his studio in Sunrise, Minnesota, just a little over a mile from Wild River State Park. It’s a beautiful setting to explore pottery, meet the artists, and enjoy a relaxing vibe. You can feel and see the heart and energy that goes into creating each piece. My soul was full and smiling after talking with Will and walking the property!

    LISTEN to the INTERVIEW

    St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour in Chisago County, Minnesota

    Enjoy a sneak peek at some of the pieces I captured while the potters from across the USA were unloading.

    The pottery tour is May 10, 11, and 12, 2024, located at 7 different locations with 69 potters. The studios are within an hour of the Twin Cities and admission is FREE. Friday and Saturday hours are 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Sunday is 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour began in 1993 and their focus is ceramics with a wide range of diversity.

    LISTEN to the INTERVIEW

    Make sure to check out podcast episode 5 for places to stop along the way – from eating, drinking wine, shopping, and hiking. Or visit the blog post HERE. Have a beautiful weekend!

    Let’s Explore Local Together!

    Powered by Soulsite Media

    ©Explore Local Together

  • Taylors Falls, Minnesota, St. Croix Scenic Boat Tours

    Taylors Falls, Minnesota, St. Croix Scenic Boat Tours

    The Taylors Falls scenic boat tours begin in May! This is a Minnesota must if you love the water, nature, and history. The Taylors Falls boat tours run 7-days a week through October. I recommend visiting each season to see the landscape change. The St. Croix River boat tours are also great for celebrating special events. The tours begin with perfect timing for Mother’s Day!

    Paddlewheel River Boat Tours on the St. Croix River

    The two authentic paddlewheel Taylors Falls excursion boats are the first to be this far upstream since 1924.

    History of the Taylors Falls Paddlewheel Boats

    Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours has operated as a family business since 1906! A little more history from Taylors Falls Boat Tours President, Amy Frischmon:

    The first boat was the Pinafore, a small power boat that carried 8 passengers. In 1910, Carl Muller (Amy’s Great Grandfather) added canoes and row boats for rent. Some canoes were rented in Taylors Falls and were paddled down river, some all the way to Stillwater. Carl would drive the tour boat down the river after a day of tours and bring back the canoes late in the night. This was the start of the Taylors Falls Canoe Rental. Still in existence today, as the Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental.

    Speaking of history, while on the paddlewheel river boat, the captain narrates the tour providing guests with history and more about the rock formations along the river. You will enjoy seeing the world famous Dalles of the St. Croix, and the beautiful cliffs and pinnacles.

    Tip: Arrive early for a charcuterie board and wine on the Red Rock Patio. The Red Rock Patio opened in 2021. It’s a great spot to hang out before or after a boat tour and take in the views. You can also order ahead and have the food waiting onboard. They offer pizzas, sandwiches, pretzels, and soft service ice cream. Plus, watch their calendar for live music events!

    This is such a unique way to see the river and spend the day with family and friends.

    For more Taylors Falls day trip ideas, click HERE.

    Keep 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

error: Content is protected !!