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It would be easy to breeze past Stockholm,Wis., on the way to Pepin. But Stockholm has become a destination in its own right, boasting stores, galleries and critically acclaimed pies - both pizza and dessert varieties - far more sophisticated than its population of 97 would suggest. Summer is the perfect time to take the 90-minute drive southeast of the Twin Cities to this charming spot on the shores of Lake Pepin. It's close enough that you could make it back by 3, but you probably won't want to.
Weekends are the liveliest, when you're sure to find all the stores, galleries and antiques dealers open, and probably musicians performing in the streets. But during summer,many retailers extend their weekday hours - just check before visiting.Tuesday evenings are another popular time to visit Stockholm for "Pizza on the Farm" at off-the-radar A to Z Produce & Bakery just outside of town. (No phone, no tables, no drinks, no plates - purely pizzas, made with farm fresh ingredients.)
Stockholm Pie Company serves a warm welcome to those who come to the heart of the town's shopping district, the corner of Spring Street and Highway 35. Just two years old, this spot already feels like an institution, with a repertoire of more than 30 pies and other sweet and savory treats, all made from scratch. Grab a table outside - the shop itself is tiny.
Next door is one of the more impressive retailers in town, Abode Gallery, celebrating nature and contemporary design with furniture, art and home accents from artists local, regional and beyond.
Stockholm General stocks all the basics for gourmet living, that is: Wisconsin cheeses, locally brewed beer and wine - and an espresso bar.
Up a Creek is a sunny shop filled with the elements of a great weekend at the cabin: Adirondack chairs, gourmet foods and cookbooks.
Across Spring Street and up a staircase is Crazy Cat Candy Shoppe, a new store painted as bright as the jellybeans and taffy it sells, along with homemade fudge and specialty chocolates. It overlooks a shady courtyard where Bogus Creek Cafe & Bakery offers patio dining for breakfast and lunch. It's an idyllic place to linger. Just past the tables is Savvy, a store that just keeps going with everything from wind chimes and home décor to sandals and jewelry.
A Sense of Place offers books and toys about nature and history. Heading toward the waterfront park at the end of Spring Street, you'll hit Stockholm Pottery & Mercantile, where for more than 20 years Diane Millner has been creating and selling functional stoneware ranging from Japanese style garden lanterns to popover pans. The store represents the work of several other regional artists, as well. Neighboring Northern Oak Amish Furniture sells traditional American furniture and gifts.
There are several stores worth hitting on Highway 35, starting with Out of the Blue Gallery, a breezy shop with art, gifts, crafts, jewelry and clothes. Poke your head around back - the displays often spill into the yard. As you make your way down the block, you'll find places to hunt for vintage goods and antiques as well as O.Q. Quilts & Treasures for supplies and finished products.
The Palate is a chef's delight with gourmet foods and cookware. Plan ahead and take a cooking class.
Amid the galleries and gourmet shops, find casual and contemporary women's apparel at Sandy's.
Ingebretsen's serves as a bookend to Stockholm's shopping. An offshoot of the Minneapolis store, this Swedish boutique in a historic building is filled with Scandinavian gifts including books, jewelry, hand-blown glass and wood serving pieces.
For a quick bite on the way out of town, there's always the homey Gelly's Pub & Eatery (popular with bikers). But if you're not quite ready to leave the region, the famed Harbor View Cafe in Pepin is just minutes away.
Allison Kaplan writes about shopping and style for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Visit her Twin Cities shopping guide, AliShops.com.
products sold at Stockholm General.
