2021-12-16 06:02:07
For a memorable Minnesota getaway with your favorite gal pals, explore Central Minnesota’s Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway. Wineries, waterside restaurants, enticing shops and scenic trails make it easy to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with each other. ALEXANDRIA AND SAUK CENTRE Known for great lake vacations and America’s biggest Viking, Big Ole, Alexandria anchors the byway’s northern end. Kick off your girls getaway at Carlos Creek Winery, where vineyard tours, wine tastings and the adjacent Norseman Brewery will satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Weekend afternoons are always packed with entertainment, from live music performances to fun festivals, like fall’s Grape Stomp. In Alex, touches of the area’s Scandinavian and resort town heritage pop up in places like Now and Then, which features four floors of antiques in a sturdy, elegant former bank building. Or poke around Past and Present Home Gallery, Special Memories and the other shops. You might find Norwegian sweaters or giant fishing lures or who knows what? Keep exploring the byway’s northern end in Sauk Centre, where you’ll find enticing shops downtown, as well as The Palmer House, a century-old hotel, bar and restaurant said to be haunted. You’ll also find the boyhood home of Sinclair Lewis, best known for penning satirical novels of the American middle class (such as “Babbitt”) and small-town life (such as “Main Street”). Visitors can tour the antique-filled home with knowledgeable guides who share stories of his life and career. WEEKEND AFTERNOONS ARE ALWAYS PACKED WITH ENTERTAINMENT, FROM LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES TO FUN FESTIVALS, LIKE FALL’ S GRAPE STOMP. NEW LONDON AND WILLMAR Travel south to tiny New London, which has much more to offer than its size might suggest. Pick up new and used books at Flyleaf Book Shop, shop for women’s clothing and gifts at The Happy Sol, or simply head to the corner of Central and Main and see what stands out. Lake Affect, the local coffee shop, makes for a great place to refuel before heading down the road to the Glacial Ridge Winery, where tours and tastings, plus music and other events, take place year-round. Save room for dessert at Mr. B’s Chocolates in Willmar, the byway’s southernmost endpoint. Its trademark Swiss truffes and Belgian-style chocolates are made with local cream as well as ingredients from around the world. Call ahead for a tour; it’s sure to come with samples. PARK HOP AND LEAF PEEP AT SIBLEY, MONSON LAKE AND GLACIAL LAKES STATE PARKS Fall is an especially lovely time to explore the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. Peak color usually sweeps across this part of the state around late September or early October, and three state parks in close proximity are wonderful spots for leaf peeping. One of the best panoramic views can be found atop Mount Tom at Sibley State Park in New London. A 3.3-mile loop trail leads to a platform overlooking an expanse of red, orange and gold treetops. Or rent kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards and explore the colorful shoreline from the water. Bikers can pedal all the way from the park to Willmar on the paved Glacial Lakes State Trail, a former railroad track. Jump back in the car for about 15 minutes to get to Monson Lake State Park to see more leaves. Then head a little farther west to Glacial Lakes State Park, where fall color will be on display across a prairie landscape rife with unusual glacial landforms such as kames (cone-shaped hills) and kettles (water-filled depressions). High Peak Trail leads to the highest elevation in the park. SCENIC BYWAYS Travel Minnesota’s 17 scenic byways to discover scenic views, small towns and unique roadside stops along the way. ExploreMinnesota.com/ScenicByways MORE #ONLYINMN From an exhilarating polar plunge in January to a serene sunset on the beach in July, year-round memory-making opportunities abound in Central Minnesota.
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