Last month, when elementary school-age children learned about pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, they may have crafted paper hats and enjoyed Thanksgiving snacks of dried cranberries, pretzels and candy corn. We know, of course, that pilgrims aren’t merely people from childhood history lessons. In fact, many modern-day travelers embark on pilgrim adventures every day. Read more about Laura Paulisich Completes the “Camino de Santiago” Journey in Spain

Beautifully decorated for the holidays, the Aurora Staples Inn in Stillwater will open its doors to guests during a series of three open-house events. On the Sundays leading up to Christmas, the Victorian bed and breakfast will provide tours of all the main areas and guest rooms. Read more about A Holiday Welcome

Thank you to everyone who cast votes in the 2015 Best of St. Croix Valley survey. During the month of October, this community weighed in on their favorite shops, restaurants, hot spots and more. The results of the annual readers’ choice survey will appear in the March issue of St. Croix Valley Magazine. Our Tiger Oak sister publications have been running the popular “Best Of” program for many years and we hope that our readers will enjoy the annual review as much as our neighboring communities have in the past. Read more about First Annual Best of St. Croix Valley: Thanks to Our Readers

It’s said that Santa Claus has a twinkle in his eye, but he’ll be no match for the lights on display at this year’s Twinkle Parade in Stillwater. The annual parade, organized by the Main Street Stillwater Independent Business Alliance (IBA) and also sponsored by the Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention and Visitors Bureau, will kick off outside the Dock Café. The event will include hot cocoa, coffee and cookies, along with a performance by the Teddy Bear Band. Read more about Annual Children’s Parade Kicks Off the Holidays