REGIONS: CENTRAL ON THE GLACIAL RIDGE TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY GIRLS GETAWAY 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 Keep exploring the byway’s northern end in Sauk Centre, where you’ll fi nd enticing shops downtown, as well as T he Palmer House , a century-old hotel, bar and restaurant said to be haunted. You’ll also fi nd the boyhood home of Sinclair Lewis , best known for penning satirical novels WEEKEND of the American middle AFTERNOONS class (such as “Babbitt”) and small-town life (such as ARE ALWAYS “Main Street”). Visitors can tour the antique-fi lled home PACKED WITH with knowledgeable guides who share stories of his ENTERTAINMENT, life and career. FROM LIVE MUSIC NEW LONDON AND WILLMAR PERFORMANCES PLAN A View from the Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway Known for great lake vacations and America’s biggest Viking, Big Ole, Travel south to tiny New TO FUN FESTIVALS, Alexandria anchors London, which has much the byway’s northern more to o er than its size LIKE FALL’S end. Kick o your girls might suggest. Pick up getaway at Carlos Creek new and used books at GRAPE STOMP. Winery , where vineyard Flyleaf Book Shop , shop for tours, wine tastings women’s clothing and gifts and the adjacent Norseman Brewery at The Happy Sol , or simply head to the corner of will satisfy even the most discerning of Central and Main and see what stands out. Lake palates. Weekend afternoons are always A ect , the local co ee shop, makes for a great packed with entertainment, from live music place to refuel before heading down the road performances to fun festivals, like fall’s to the Glacial Ridge Winery , where tours and Grape Stomp. tastings, plus music and other events, take place year-round. In Alex, touches of the area’s Scandinavian and resort town heritage pop up in places like Now and Then , which features four fl oors 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 fi nd Norwegian sweaters or giant fi shing lures or who knows what? Save room for dessert at Mr. B’s Chocolates in Willmar, the byway’s southernmost endpoint. Its trademark Swiss tru es 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. Palmer House Hotel Cafe in Sauk Centre, photo by Waqar Ahmad 66 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2022 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 66
