Laura Oakes One Cool Thing: Christmas Road Trip
Laura crosses the border into Wisconsin this week and introduces us to a beautiful little town on the Mississippi River and the owners of a cool, little shop.
Q: It is the last weekend before Christmas. What's your One Cool Thing this time?
A: This week, my One Cool Thing is a little road trip that is just the ticket if you're longing to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and slow things down a bit. It's a drive down Wisconsin's Great River Road along the Mississippi River to Stockholm. The little village is completely decked out for Christmas with a serious Swedish flair, and this weekend is extra special. Saturday night is the annual "Fire of Stockholm," a beautiful evening of candlelight, bonfires, luminaries, and even fire dancers to celebrate the Winter Solstice. And it looks like the roads will be in good shape for the trip.
Q: You had the chance to chat with a local business owner who is part of the so-called “minimalist” movement. Tell us about that.
A: Sarah Smith-Prokosch and her husband own the Humble Moon Folkstead in Stockholm, and it is like stepping into a kinder, simpler, quieter time. It’s really the hub of the community and not only houses an art gallery and shop, but also serves as a performance space, place to hold farmers’ markets, and even a spot for horseback riders to hitch up their horses. The Prokoschs decided to give up their mainstream jobs, sell most of their stuff, and adopt a very simple, low-tech lifestyle with their children. What Sarah told me about their philosophy and how they’re able to do this is fascinating, and you can hear our entire conversation below. We sat and got to know each other on a bench in her cozy shop on a chilly fall day and I didn’t want to leave!
Q: Tell us about Stockholm for those who have never been there.
A: Stockholm is a tiny little village on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River, just south of Red Wing. As you can probably figure out, it was founded by Swedish immigrants in 1854, and has a population of about 65 residents. Stockholm is about a 70-mile drive from the Twin Cities, and takes roughly an hour and a half on Wisconsin 35, which is the state's only National Scenic Byway. It's a lovely drive any time of the year, where you can stop off in other tiny villages that each have unique shops and wonderful restaurants like Maiden Rock and Pepin, with plenty of opportunities to cross over back into Minnesota down in the Red Wing and Lake City areas.
Q: What else is going on down there on this final weekend before Christmas?
A: A little farther south in the city of Pepin you'll find the Villa Bellezza Winery's annual Outdoor Christmas Market. This winery has an Italian feel to it, with a big piazza filled with outdoor booths and shops. You'll find everything from candles and jewelry to hand-turned wooden items made by the artists on-site. The market is open Sunday from noon-4. More information on all there is to do along the Wisconsin side of the river at stockholmwisconsin.com/events. See you there!
