We are in our final miles of our grand adventure and the morning is heavy with moisture and fog. Highway 14 was our travel route choice this morning. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the landscapes of Minnesota. However, I will always have a love of the bluff country in southeastern Minnesota. My parents were from opposite ends of the state. My dad was born in the extreme Northwestern part of the state and my mom in the extreme southeastern part of the state. Both from farms and farming communities. They met in the twin cities and settled north of the cities in Scandia. We took monthly trips to Hokah to visit grandma and my mom's other two sisters. This was a more achievable weekend destination than my dad's family which was 7 hours north.
Our preferred path was down Highway 61 and I loved as we caught the river view and traveled along the Mississippi. Lake City always opened up into Lake Pepin and that is such a panoramic view. As you get further south the bluffs start hugging you on the right and the water on the left. It was fairly common to see trains running in-between as well. In the spring the ice is stunning as it creates mini frozen waterfalls.
Today, our first destination was What's Brewing in Wabasha. The fog banks were thick as we traveled in and out of the valleys.
Wabasha is a beautiful little community and worth the drive by itself. Our greeter was working on a stamped embroidery when we entered and the sweet smell of artisan coffee tempted our senses.
We had a nice visit with Java Jan and took some delicious coffees to go.
Lake City has two shops nearly directly across the street. We found a nice parking spot near Rather Bee. I love their painted store sign.
Jan and Judy greeted us as we entered the shop. They have colorful Elizabeth Hartmann quilts all about the shop. These are such whimsical, fun designs.
Pumpkinberry stitches was our next destination. Years ago when I was revisiting my quilting passion, Alyssa and I visited this shop on a quest for Row by Row designs. Alyssa filled her first bag of scraps in this store carefully choosing fabrics that inspired her. She has come a long ways from those days.
Our last destination was Winona and we enjoyed our lunch along the way and were able to enjoy or scenic river drive a second time. The day continues to be overcast and heavy with moisture but all the greens are richer on a day like today.
I forgot to take a picture on the way out. This is the best I have. Sorry Pauline and Mary.
Bluffview quilts was our last destination for today. Pauline and Mary were at the helm and we enjoyed our time in their shop.
Home and naptime were calling.
(permission was given to use the sleeping photo)
There is only one shop left on our passport and that is our home shop, Pine Needles Quilt & Sew. We will visit this morning and then I will take my mom home. With the rain they have recently had she is hoping to can beans and pickles. She has cabbage waiting for her and the sauerkraut is ready to be jarred. One thing for sure, we never go hungry with such a bountiful garden.
Our menu last night was sloppy joes, leftover pulled pork and my son made fries to round out the menu.
After supper, Alyssa and my mom started on the secret projects.
My mom is the queen of the steam and prepared all the fabric for Alyssa to sew. I went to bed before they finished for the evening but when I got up this morning one quilt top was finished.
Thanks for following our journey.
Happy Hopping and hoping to see you in the shop! Joy
Comments will be approved before showing up.
