Via ArtReach St. Croix:
Everyone knows the weekend starts on Friday. During Take Me to the River, you can get a jump start by embracing this truth.
Things start early at the Guillermo Cuellar & Friends: Fall Pottery Sale on the St. Croix Trail. On the bluffs near the St. Croix, you will find Guillermo’s showroom/studio, along with guest artists: potters Linda Christianson, Jim Lorio and Mike Norman and Melanie Ebertz with Peruvian rugs and textiles.
Make Friday a fun day by the falls. Get a close up view of the power of the St. Croix and say hi to the Old Man of the Dalles with Taylor’s Falls Boats trip. Then make your way to St. Croix Falls, another great place for art and nature lovers.
Stroll along the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk and enjoy the fall beauty of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway before heading to Luhrs/Björnson Artworks where colorful stoneware and blown glass by Leif Björnson can be found alongside watercolors, pastels and hand-rubbed block prints by Meg Luhrs.
Top off your Friday with a performance at St. Croix Festival Theatre where you can catch comedian Mary Mack!
Start your Saturday by grabbing a cup of joe at Tin Bins and satisfying your inquisitive nature at Valley Bookseller in Downtown Stillwater. A local favorite, Valley Bookseller is a great independent book store. Pick up a book by a St. Croix Valley author or go for a classic road trip selection…Mad Libs anyone?
Cruise south out of Stillwater to see the construction progress on the St. Croix River Crossing as you make your way to Afton. This charming little river town has a picturesque town square park, a perfect venue for Afton’s Art in the Park. Enjoy the work of more than 80 artists of all media including fine arts, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, photography, fiber arts and more.
Crossing the St. Croix River into Hudson you get a great sense of how the spirit of the river is different is here at Lake St. Croix than just 30 miles north where you experienced the Dalles. In Hudson’s Lakefront Park, you will find the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival. This juried festival is accompanied by acoustic music, performers, artist demos, hands-on activities, and great fair food.
Allow Seasons on St. Croix to be your next destination. This award-winning gallery is offers a relaxed vibe along with electric mix of contemporary craft and fine art.
Extend your beautiful weekend with a stay at the Phipps Inn Bed and Breakfast, considered the “Grand Dame of Queen Anne Houses” in Hudson. If that is booked, well, you’ll have to come back next year!
Find more information and other itineraries, including “Take the Kids to the River,” at www.TakeMeToTheRiver.info.
