Stillwater, Minnesota is the perfect base for enjoying activities along the St. Croix River like taking a trip to the renowned boating town of Bayport. A new bridge, St. Croix Crossing, just opened connecting Oak Park Heights, Minnesota and St. Joseph, Wisconsin, allowing for convenient access for a weekend getaway.

Stillwater itself is a historic town often called "the birthplace of Minnesota," and has a rich pioneer history. Along with the Twin Cities, it is one of the three oldest major settlements in the state. Today you will find many retail outlets in the city, and there are plenty of local restaurants close to the hotel. Guests can also unwind with an adult beverage at the Lift Brewing Co. or St. Croix Vineyards Winery, located right down the street.

(19.5 miles) Nakashian - O'Neil

DOWNTOWN. Nakashian-O'Neill has a beautiful selection of 18th century French and English antiques displayed in elegant style in this two-level gallery. Included are silver, porcelain, crystal, jade, art objects and an extensive collection of holiday decorations. Expect the prices to match the quality merchandise.

(20.1 miles) Wescott's Station Antiques

DOWNTOWN. Wescott's offers a just the right touches of old-fashioned charm and service. This family-operated antique store has managed to remain one of the downtown area's best-kept secrets for more than twenty years, and for good reason - the antiques are in good condition, the staff is knowledgeable and helpful and the prices are hard to beat. The store specializes in 19th century furniture, but you'll also find a wide range of antique odd and end items throughout the store, from lampshades to cut glass.

(20.2 miles) John's Antiques

DOWNTOWN. John's Antiques specializes in antique lamps and lighting. This cozy downtown shop, nestled on the corner of Walnut and West Seventh Streets, is littered with various and sundry originals and reproductions. If it is old and has to do with lighting, John's probably carries it - including antique chandeliers, dome and slant side lamp shapes, bulbs, and authentic turn-of-the-century fixtures.

(21.6 miles) The Red Balloon

GRAND AVENUE. This modern house with the red balloon houses one of the best children's bookstores in the Twin Cities. With everything from read-to-baby books to sophisticated 12 year-old literature, this is a hot spot for children. And children are not underestimated here--the books are not arranged by age but by category like adults. Downstairs are educational and foreign language materials.

(25.0 miles) Ribnik Fur and Leather

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Long before the warehouse district became fashionable, those "in the know" knew that Ribnik's was the place for fur and leather - at discount prices - and still is.

(25.7 miles) Indigo

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. It's not a surprise that a shop named Indigo has a blue door. This marvelous store is well stocked with artifacts from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions and includes masks, folk art, textiles, and furnishings. Many of these unique items are antique or collectibles.

(26.1 miles) Hubert White

DOWNTOWN. Since 1916, this high fashion men's store has been an institution. The last of its kind in the downtown area, White's features tailored clothing and shoes from England, Italy, and Germany. Although some may think the prices are high, the quality is equally high, and the service staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

(26.7 miles) Ingebretsen's

UPTOWN. Although there is a dearth of Scandinavian restaurants in town, there is no lack of Scandinavian food at Ingebretsen's. The deli features lutefisk, lingonberries, and lefse as well as meat, cheeses, and pastries native to the country. Credit cards accepted for gift items, which are also Scandinavian, such as Hardangar embroidery, rosemaling, lace, crystal, and jewelry items.

(27.2 miles) Patina

UPTOWN. A fun shop featuring artsy decorative items, including lamps, jewelry, flower pots, picture frames, journals, candles, cards, and unique gifts.

(28.0 miles) intoto

UPTOWN. Women and men will enjoy shopping at intoto if they want designer clothing such as Theory, Paul Smith, and Citizens of Humanity. These clothes are made from the finest fabrics and the sales staff is unsurpassed. Expect to pay for this excellence (but look for unmarked price reductions in the corner).