Day 39 Red Wing, MN to Stillwater, MN 65.6 miles Down Day 40 Total 1899.0 mi

 Steve started off early with a small breakfast at the hotel.  The early hours are cooler, and he made good time to the only place on the route with restaurants, although we both ran into road closures and detours. 


A short bit on routing and closures. While I spend time planning out my routes, I have had no luck figuring out road closures. I might be able to figure it out if I wanted to spend more time, but these quick changes to routes sometimes make for interesting riding. I have run into quite a few of these obstacles along the way generally at the end of a day's ride. John and Nancy can attest to this quirky and sometimes frustrating phenomenon.  

Allane left the hotel and went downtown to the post office.  When I turned left to go back around the block to the main street, I realized I was on the very street where Hamisch Bakery is located.  I decided it was fate, because yesterday I read that Hamisch donuts have been voted the best donuts in Minnesota.  Their motto is "You deserve a donut."  I do agree that their maple glazed donut was a very delicious experience!

I drove on into Stillwater, which is a nice little town on the St Croix River with lots of "bests" to its name...it is listed in America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and Most Romantic Cities.

 While I agree it was nice, I don't think it outshines our Route 1 gems!


This picture shows how much of the land around the banks of the Mississippi and inland are shaped.  Flat along the river and the bluffs going up steeply and then turning into rolling hills beyond.  Stillwater has several stairways leading up to vantage points from the bluffs.  I dutifully walked up ONE staircase.

I drove 5 miles out of town to the B&B called The Outing Lodge.  It was still very early, but Sophia generously let me hang out in the gardens.  The lodge was built in 1858 by  the county for use as a Poor House and farm. Huge old fireplaces, beams and floors.  


The owners are a very interesting couple. Lee has made his living restoring and selling vintage Mercedes racing cars of the 1920's and 30's. Carlota was born in Argentina and is a very talented artist. The Outing Lodge is a uniquely interesting and relaxing place. Sort of reminds me of one of the stately old English manor homes Agatha Christie might have used as the setting for one of her mysteries. 









One could almost play ping-pong in the fireplace.




Interesting shops on Main Street in downtown Stillwater

More downtown

Our "Down Day" in Stillwater was topped off in fine fashion at an amazing pizzeria downtown called Victoriano's.  There was a table free in the courtyard, so we grabbed it and ordered.  Our pizza came, hot and delicious, with fresh mushrooms and NY style crust.  The owner came out to ask how we liked it and we had a great conversation.  She has visited Bailey's Island!  

Craft soda from Victoriano's

Steve and Amy, the owner of our new favorite pizza shop!



Stillwater, what a pleasant and relaxing town with good food, great little restaurants and nice people. 


Comments

  1. John BenzigerJune 21, 2021 at 12:21 PM

    Donuts and pizza. You are living large!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Izzy DriscollJuly 9, 2021 at 5:26 PM

    I am so sorry I did not know you were going, and having a rest day, in Stillwater - one of my favorite towns in MN. The owner of my distributor there owns a wonderful restaurant called Domacin - he would have been thrilled to host you and give you some delectable wine. Next time!

    ReplyDelete

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