Best of the St. Croix Valley 2016

The St. Croix Valley always has been unique—not only because of the historic downtowns of Stillwater and Hudson, but because of the connection the two towns have, facing each other on opposite shores of the St. Croix River. Each town is unique, with its own shops and special features that make it attractive to tourists and residents alike, but connected by the river and the valley—and all the towns and villages in between. The edges of two states become one through the river; here are some unique aspects of each side that make this area so special.
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Framing the Outdoors

Anyone who knows the St. Croix Valley appreciates its impressive combination of rich colors and textures that evoke wonder in the eye of the beholder. When a local family decided to remodel their cabin overlooking the Black Bass Bay area along the river, their mission was to create an intimate space that would capture their exclusive view like art on a wall. Read more about Framing the Outdoors

Stillwater Goes Green

On April 22, Earth Day events will be held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It’s a fitting time to catch up with Kristin Klemetsrud, project lead for the Main Street Stillwater Independent Business Association’s S.E.E.D. (Stillwater Eco-Empowerment Directive) program.

“I think it’s important for the community to know just how much their local businesses do care about the vitality and longevity of their town, and how hard they work to take positive steps to make that happen,” Klemetsrud says. Read more about Stillwater Goes Green

Making Sense of the Kitchen

Even if it doesn’t feel like spring yet, Cooks of Crocus Hill will warm up all five of your senses with a fun and engaging cooking class. The back of this specialty kitchenware shop in Stillwater is outfitted with a granite island and industrial appliances, where chefs lead both demonstration and participatory classes in an engaging style.

Cooks of Crocus Hill is owned by Karl Benson and Marie Dwyer, and the Stillwater storefront, which opened four years ago, is one of three locations that offers a range of classes year-round designed for every level of home cook. Read more about Making Sense of the Kitchen

USA Today Travel Names Stillwater One of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns

While this likely doesn’t come as a shock to Stillwater residents and visitors, the city was named one of the “most picturesque small towns” in the United States by USA Today Travel. The ranking from October was based on research and crowdsourcing, and Stillwater took the top spot for Minnesota’s selection for its scenic riverfront views, bustling historic downtown and year-round seasonal events. Read more about USA Today Travel Names Stillwater One of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns

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Travel Log: St. Croix in the Vineyards

Grant resident Emily Bretzel enjoys a good read at Cable Bay Winery on Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand.

Don’t forget to bring a little piece of St. Croix Valley with you when you travel! Snap a shot of someone holding a copy of St. Croix Valley Magazine for a future installment of Travel Log. Email us your image at stcroixvalleymag@tigeroak.com, along with name(s) and hometown(s). Read more about Travel Log: St. Croix in the Vineyards

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A Tasty Tour

Every March for the past 14 years, the Bed & Breakfast Inns of the Scenic St. Croix River Valley has put on Chocolate March, offering attendees the chance to tour historic inns while enjoying quality chocolate treats at each stop. The self-guided tours March 6, 13 and 20 include visits to inns, historic museums and, in a new addition this year, wineries. Read more about A Tasty Tour

Give It a Swirl

When it comes to wine, Swirl in downtown Afton has it all. In addition to stocking quality bottles for purchase, Swirl operates as a wine shop, wine bar and bistro, offering wines by the glass each week, and the option to choose any bottle off the shelf and drink it there.

“It’s really a unique wine bar and shop concept,” owner David Jarvis says. “Every time you come to Swirl, it’s a different experience.” Read more about Give It a Swirl

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