Local Recommendations
M A I D E N R O C K
Restaurants
Smiling Pelican Bakery
This bakery is only open one time per week (Saturday mornings, limited weeks in winter). This is a highlight of the town and a weekly tradition for us - they open promptly at 9am, the line starts forming outside around 8am and usually wraps around the block by 8:45am. They are only open until they sell out of items, which could be anytime between 10am-12pm. Payment is run on the honor system and is only payable by cash or check (no change given).
Vino in the Valley
This gorgeous local winery is a wonderful destination! They have a big Italian-American food menu and their entire restaurant is a large outdoor patio (it is heated and fully covered which makes it comfortable even on cool/rainy days!) Open May through October.
Maiden Rock Cidery
This has been a staple of the community for years. They make a variety of apple ciders (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and also serve local wines. This is a fun place for families with young kids as you can stroll through the apple orchards and see farm animals and see how the juice is pressed. Very casual outdoor picnic tables. They don’t offer any full meals but they have some snacks available for purchase. Open year-round.
A to Z Pizza Farm
This local gem is an organic farm that offers homemade brick oven pizza nights every other Tuesday in the summer. Check their website for more details - their reservations system is highly competitive, but if you can get a spot, it is a lovely way to spend a weeknight! Seasonal, Tuesday evenings only.
Six String Saloon
This bar downtown is a beloved biker bar, they have good pub food and a great patio on the back that overlooks the river. They are one of few places that’s open year-round 7 days a week.
Shopping
The Nest
Adorable boutique run by a local artist. She sources all of her products from local artisans, and offers many beautiful items for gifts or for home (candles, jewelry, kitchen furniture, baby clothes, etc).
Cultural Cloth
Another beautiful boutique owned by two local women. They source all of their products by supporting women artisans in many countries by giving a livable wage. They specialize in woven fabrics, blankets, pillows, rugs, scarves, etc.
Lakeview Organic Farm
This local favorite is a farmstand with freshmade goodies. Everything runs on the honor system (payment only by cash, check, or venmo). Open year-round daily 9am-5pm
Activities
Hike Maiden Rock Bluff
This is a gorgeous and iconic hike in the region. Relatively easy although some parts are a bit rocky and you need to watch your footing. I have done this hike with a friend who was 9 months pregnant and also with my grandmother on her 85th birthday! It’s a 1.6 mile loop, usually takes 30-45 minutes. Most people don’t have cell service near the entrance and there are no turnoff signs from the road, so make sure to download driving instructions ahead of time! Once you get there, the path is very obvious.
Rush River Produce
Blueberry picking in a gorgeous blueberry field on top of the bluff! Open summers only, mornings and early afternoons.
Liberty Tree Farm
This gorgeous wedding venue is open sporadically on Tuesdays for free local concerts. Check their website for more details. They often have food truck style dinners available in addition to a cash-only bar.
S T O C K H O L M
Restaurants
Stockholm Pie
This local staple has been around for decades and has been consistently awarded nationwide. They have a wide variety of pies and desserts, in addition to a delicious sandwich and cafe menu. They also offer a full espresso menu. They have a General Store attached, which has many options for gifts (including retro style toys and candies) and they also feature local cheese and wine makers. Open year-round.
Humble Moon Saloon
This is a favorite spot for locals! Owned by local couple Dan and Sarah, this cozy restaurant has home cooked meals and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. They have poured so much loving energy into this space, often have live music from local performers, and also have an expansive Mercantile section with select home goods, shelf-stable groceries, and an off-sale liquor license for beer, wine, liquor, and THC cocktails. Truly a one stop shop! Open year round (limited hours Jan-Mar)
Hopdish and Vine
Another local favorite! Matt and Faith create a phenomenal rotating seasonal food menu. They also have a great beer list and feature many local ingredients in their craft cocktails. Most of their food is vegan or vegetarian friendly. They are currently outdoor seating only on a gorgeous patio (only open summer/fall).
Little Larke Bakery
This is a local gem and deserves the hype. Leigh is a fabulous baker who always delivers high quality fresh homemade baked goods. They also offer espresso drinks. Highly recommend! Open seasonally with outdoor seating.
Shopping
Iris & Oak
This boutique has wonderful options for gifts, including local pottery, clothes, jewelry, and other unique gifts. They usually feature local female artists and have a beautiful selection and great customer service.
Scandihoo
This boutique has wonderful Scandinavian goods, from clothing to decorations to gifts.
Indigo Swan
This is another boutique gift shop with jewelry, clothes, and decor. Tucked behind the patios of Hopdish & Vine and Little Lark Bakery.
The Palate
Gourmet food and beverage shop. They have a wonderful wine selection, in addition to many gourmet dry goods that make wonderful charcuterie board compliments. They also have a variety of kitchen accessories and gifts available. Open year round.
Activities
Lavender Bluff Farm
Stroll through lavender fields and pick a bundle to take home! Kim and Rand do a lovely job providing a unique agro-tourism experience. They also have a beautiful gift shop with assorted lavender goodies. Open seasonally.
Campground Views
The Stockholm campground is right downtown with access to the lake. If you drive through and park near the water (or walk from downtown) there is a rocky path that goes far out into the lake so you can have 360 degree views of the water all around you! This path is usually flooded in the spring, but this is an excellent photo opportunity and quick walk that’s well worth it.
R E D W I N G
Restaurants
Red Wing Brewing
This is one of our favorite local breweries! Great selection of house brews, and they also have great pizzas.
Scarlet Kitchen & Bar
This is a gorgeous restaurant inside the St. James Hotel. They have a wonderful chef and craft cocktail list, and a beautiful indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Bayside Saloon & Grill
This is a good steakhouse in the area - they have a great patio overlooking the river in the summertime.
Red Wing Barrel House
This bar downtown is a beloved biker bar, they have good pub food and a great patio on the back that overlooks the river. They are one of few places that’s open year-round 7 days a week.
Shopping
Red Wing Shoes
The iconic shoe factory and homebase for boots!
Red Wing Olive Oils & Vinegar
We adore specialty food shops and love purchasing fun gourmet food items and tools here. Lots of fun olive oil infusions and infused balsamic vinegars - they make great souvenirs or gifts!
Pottery Place
Red Wing has a multitude of vintage shops inside the historic Red Wing Stoneware factory. Across the street from the Pottery Museum, this is an indoor mall with different vintage shops with many gems to explore. They also have a sandwich shop and coffee shop indoors to make for a pleasant afternoon.
Activities
Barn Bluff Hike
This beautiful hike overlooks Red Wing and the Mississippi River! Overall pretty steep and rocky, but there are a handful of trail options ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. The full loop to the Scenic viewpoint is 3 miles and ~1.5 hours.
Pottery Museum of Red Wing
This is a detailed museum showcasing the rich history of Red Wing Stoneware company. They also have a gift shop with highly discounted vintage ceramics where proceeds are donated back to the museum.
River Blu Salon and Spa
Nestled inside the St. James Hotel, this is the best salon and spa in the area! They offer wonderful services across the board, from haircuts to pedicures to massages. A lovely vacation treat for relaxation and rejuvenation!
W A B A S H A / F R O N T E N A C
Restaurants
Herb + Arrow
This is one of the nicer and newer restaurants in the area. They have a lovely patio outside and a good beer list.
Hoppy Girl Brewing
This is a local favorite brewery. It’s located in a garage (a very nice bar-garage-combo!) They have free ice cream for kids, a handful of games to play, and a nice outdoor area in the summertime. They’re open year-round but have very limited hours so check online before driving over!
Read’s Landing Brewery
In our opinion, this is the best brewery in the area! They have a great selection of house-made brews and a great patio overlooking the river (across the railroad track).
Shopping
Lark Toys
This is a famous toy store in the area. A great place for gifts and a fun place for kids to explore!
Driftless Books
This adorable boutique book store features new and used books. They also bring in occasional live music and art gallery shows.
Common Closet
This thrift shop was recently named the best Thrift Shop in Minnesota! They are integrated into the community and your money spent here is helping locals in need.
Activities
Frontenac State Park
Frontenac State Park is at the top of the bluff right across Lake Pepin from our house (in the winter, you can see it from the edge of our property!) They have a handful of trail options ranging 2 to 6 miles and ranging from easy or moderate. Many options for gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Pepin!
National Eagle Center
The Lake Pepin region is a national haven for Bald Eagles. Year-round we have a huge concentration of wild eagles (you can see many right in the sky above the Guest House in the summer!). The National Eagle Center is a beloved educational center and a great activity for kids. It’s an interactive museum featuring shows with live eagles and tips on how/where to spot wild eagles nearby. Admission tickets are $10-12.