Northfield, Minnesota

Stop + Shop
The home-and-textile store digs is reason enough for a trip to Northfield. This creativity depot is crowded with enticing fabrics, rugs, and yarn, plus entertaining wares and select pieces of furniture. Digs is not for those with beige tastes—downstairs, bolt after bolt of colorful fabric lines the walls—Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, and Osborne & Little are among the vendors—as do hundreds of ribbons and skeins of yarn. Upstairs, find home accents, lighting, gift items, and kitchen- and home-cleaning products by Cuccina and Mrs. Meyers. The store also offers interior design services, as well as custom-made furniture, slipcovers, and window treatments. 310 S. Division St., 507-664-9140

In the heart of historic downtown, Sisters Ugly’s fuchsia walls and contemporary clothing are an unexpected find. The mother-daughter team of Diane and Jenny Sinclair showcase on-trend threads by Kenzie Girl, Miss Me, Beau Bois, For Love, and Liberty, as well as shoes by Minnetonka Moccasins and handbags by Tano. 13 Bridge Square, 507-645-2376

Apothecary and gift boutique Oolala has been a mainstay of Northfield retail for ten years. The citrus walls and light wood floors are a fresh backdrop for the shop’s range of home and body items, including hair care by Bumble and bumble, holistic body care by Dr. Hauschka, and products by Caldrea and Thymes. Don’t miss the nicely priced artisan-made jewelry, children’s gifts, and selection of chic wrapping papers and letterpress cards. 320 Division St., 507-645-5275

Food + Drink
The Tavern of Northfield is one of the town’s best restaurants. The ambiance is romantic, the service unpretentious, and the food superb—prime rib, pasta, and fresh fish. When the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio, which overlooks the Cannon River. 212 Division St., 507-663-0342

Small towns aren’t often known for their ethnic dining, but Northfield, home to Chapati, is an exception. This casual dining spot in The Archer House serves up Indian fare—several curries, lots of vegetarian options, and beef, chicken, and seafood dishes. 214 Division St., 507-645-2462

From the street, descend the spiral staircase to Froggy Bottoms River Pub, a tavern filled with architectural finds—salvaged pillars, decorative ironwork, and tables and chairs from an old school—where locals, professors, students, and out-of-towners gather for live music, beer, and amusement. The food is traditional pub fare—fries, pizzas, quesadillas, and sandwiches—perfect for a late-night snack or a hearty lunch. 305 S. Water St., 507-650-0039

Place to Stay
Hang your hat for the weekend in one of The Archer House’s thirty-six individually decorated rooms. A café, a salon, two restaurants, and retail shops are also located in this pleasant French Second Empire inn, which makes a good base for exploring the town. Book the Manor House room, a two-room suite with a river view, four-poster queen-sized bed, and double whirlpool tub with shower. Plus, each day home-baked cookies are hung on your room’s doorknob. $75–$168. 212 S. Division St., 800-247-2235