Great River Road

Minnesota

Hastings
Levee Café
This simple café with its signature toy train serves burgers, salads, and wraps. 100 Sibley St., 651-437-7577

Alexis Bailly Vineyard
Two miles outside of town, the state’s first winery offers tastings May through fall. 18200 Kirby Ave. S., 651-437-1413

Mississippi Belle
Dim lighting, white linens, Godfather memorabilia, and pages of pasta and pizza. 101 E. 2nd St., 651-437-4814

Karl’s Kitchen
Where the locals linger for breakfast and lunch. 119 E. 2nd St., 651-437-5002

Antiques on Main
Twenty-plus dealers with colorful displays of china, jewelry, and more. 205 E. 2nd St., 651-480-8129

Mississippi Clayworks One-of-a-kind pieces—hand-decorated, glazed, and fired. 214 E. 2nd St., 651-437-5901

Scandinavian Marketplace
A Swede celebration of all things Nordic. 218 E. 2nd St., 651-438-4175

Creative Confectionaire
Dave and Cindy Blomquist craft chocolate delights from a downtown storefront. 216 E. 2nd St., 651-437-7788

Professor Java’s
Refuel with a perfect cappuccino at this sunny little coffeehouse, deli, and boutique. 202 E. 2nd St., 651-438-9962 

Red Wing

Red Wing Stoneware Co.
Watch the famous pottery being made as it has been since the 1880s and shop for a souvenir piece. 4909 Moundview Dr., 651-338-4610

Red Wing Shoe Store
Pick up a pair of hardy boots here after seeing the shoe-making process at the museum next door. 314 Main St., 651-388-6233

St. James Hotel
Stay the night at this historic Victorian standby—reserve the royal, leather-paneled Boardroom for a luxurious indulgence. Steal a window seat for sunset cocktails and take in the best view of the river town at Jimmy’s Pub or reserve a romantic table for two in the cavernous Wine Cellar Room at the Port Restaurant. 406 Main St., 800-252-1875

Moments on Main
Trend-right gifts, collectibles, and Oprah’s favorites are all here. 329 Main St., 651-388-2343

Liberty’s
Popular family restaurant for no-frills food and a Friday fish fry. 3rd at Plum, 651-388-8877

Josephson’s
Dressing gentlemen since 1878 in debonair hats, ties, and suits. 215 Bush St., 651-388-4261

Staghead
A handsome and historic venue for Guinness and steak. 219 Bush St., 651-388-6581

Candlelight Inn
A cozy Victorian B & B with rich red carpets and antiques throughout. 818 W. 3rd St., 651-388-8034

Golden Lantern Inn
An impeccable Tudor revival for a real retreat—especially when you can take breakfast and tea in the English garden out back. 721 East Ave., 651-388-3315

Jenny Lind Bakery
Pick up sweets, breads, muffins, and pastries before 2 p.m., Tuesday–Friday. 615 W. 5th St., 651-388-6025

Al’s Antique Mall
Full of antiques, furniture, and collectibles. 512 Plum St., 651-388-0572

Red Wing Pottery and Shops
Watch potters work, then shop for traditional and contemporary dishes and gifts. 1920 W. Main St., 651-388-3562

Round Barn Farm
A rustic, out-of-the-way country inn with feather beds and fresh-baked bread. 28650 Wildwood Ln., 651-385-9250

Frontenac State Park

Frontenac State Park
A birder’s paradise with 260-plus species. Bring binoculars for bald eagle sightings. 651-345-3401

Wisconsin
Prescott

Confluence
A contemporary, chef-driven restaurant. Dinner only. 112 N. Broad St., 715-262-5700

Cobblestone
Good for gifts and lamps. 215 N. Broad St., 715-262-3559

Bay City

The Norton’s
A must for wine lovers, this eclectic hideaway offers American specialties and a remarkable, affordable wine list. 715-792-2464