6 Hours on Lake Pepin: Colorful Things To Do in October on Lake Pepin
Posted by Mary Anne Wise on 29th Sep 2016
Spend your weekends exploring our colorful picks for six hours of breath taking views and fabulous shopping and dining along the stretch of the Great River Road from Maiden Rock to Pepin, Wisconsin. Located just 70 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Thanks to Jay Olson-Goude for this photo of the Great River Road in full fall glory!
Meander downriver and take in the majestic river bluffs with an ever-changing array of jaw-dropping color.
Use this guide to check out up-to-the-minute leaf-season color forecasts.
Things To Do at 12 Noon:
We’ve begun our journey at the north end of Lake Pepin and headed south on the Great River Road. This excursion could also easily be enjoyed traveling the reverse direction.
Cultural Cloth, Maiden Rock, WI
W3560 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750
Described as a “jewel box” of textile treasures. This shop features a curated selection of artisan made home décor you’ve likely not seen before. The colorful vignettes of bedspreads, rugs and pillows make it easy to see how these pieces will fit in your home. Mary Anne and Jody, the owners who are both textile artists, happily relay the back-story to each and every piece because in most cases they have met the artisans and many of the pieces are produced exclusively for their shop.
Tip: check out the ever-changing selection of hand-made personal accessories, most are one-of-a-kind. Purses, totes, jewelry and scarves you won’t see elsewhere.
Recommended: eye-catching embroidered boots of cotton velvet from a family business in Kyrgyzstan. These are the same artisans who taught a workshop at the Cultural Cloth shop earlier this season. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to know when artisan-led workshops are being offered. Click here and Sign up for Cultural Cloth emails.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Maiden Rock Historical Marker:
Travel south a few miles downriver from Maiden Rock on Highway 35 and stop at the Maiden Rock Historical Marker. Learn a bit of historical lore and take in the spectacular view of Lake Pepin and the dolomite bluffs along the Great River Road.
Things To Do at 2:30 P.M.
Abode Gallery & Design, Stockholm, WI
N2030 Spring St #3, Stockholm, WI 54769
Facebook: Abode Gallery
Abode Gallery is a well-known mainstay in Stockholm’s artist community. Their revolving exhibitions make it easy to see why the store and gallery stimulate return visits throughout the year.
Abode’s latest group exhibit, “Earth,” features the work of regional artists who use earthly elements -- clay, metal, stone, glass, and even living plants -- to create objects ranging from the practical to the ethereal. Colorful tiles, delicate vases, earthenware, exquisite jewelry, and thought-provoking sculptures are included in the exhibition. In addition to the “Earth” exhibit, the shop carries a delightful collection of artisan-made furnishings, accessories, fine art, books and gifts.
Tip: proprietor Alan Nugent, ASID, offers design services through Abode’s highly regarded design studio. <
Recommended: Eau Claire woodworker Tim Brudnicki’s handcrafted tables blend Lake Superior pebbles with the natural beauty of black walnut.
Hours: open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Things To Do at 4:00 P.M.
Villa Bellezza Winery, Pepin WI
1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759
Facebook: Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards
Upon arriving at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards, you'll feel as though you've been transported a world away. The name for this Italian-inspired winery - Bellezza - is the Italian word for beauty, chosen for the area's stunning river bluffs and sparkling Lake Pepin views.
Their award winning wines are crafted using grapes grown both at their own vineyards and by local grape-growers. Their wine list covers a full range of palates: dry to sweet and white to rosé to red.
Tip: watch for their periodic "Paws on the Piazza" events, where you and your pup can socialize with fellow dog-lovers over wine and yappetizers.
Recommended: Enjoy a wine tasting in their Tasting Room. Or sip a glass of wine on their oh-so-relaxing European Piazza.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. -5 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Things To Do at 5:00 P.M.
Harbor View Cafe, Pepin WI
314 First Street
715-442-3893
There are few restaurants anywhere that consistently deliver the same fresh and delicious meals year after year but the Harbor View Café has been doing it for over 30 years. It’s a favorite with locals and a destination worth driving ‘out of your way’ to enjoy.
The menu is written on the chalkboard above the bar and changes daily. You can also find the day’s menu on their Facebook page.
Tip: they do not accept reservations so arrive early and be sure to note the hours and days because as the season winds down, so do their hours.
Recommended: Halibut in Black Butter caper sauce. It is so tasty that you’ll seriously be tempted to lick the plate.
Hours:
Thursdays thru Oct 20
th (closed on Thursdays thereafter)
11-2:30 and 5 – 8 p.m.
Fridays
11-2:30 and 5 – 9 p.m.
Saturdays
11-2:30 and 4:45- 9 p.m.
Sundays
11:45- 7:30 p.m.
Find out about the many unique shops, restaurants, inns, B&Bs and more at: www.westcoastofwisconsin.com