What to do

Franconia Sculpture Park Visitors take in a delightful 20-acre park with a rotating colection of contemporary sculpture 25 miles north of Stillwater. Free. See reviews and ratings. [1] (651) 257-6688; franconia.org [2]

Kathe Wohlfahrt of America Superior old-world craftsmanship goes into each creation, whether it's a music box or a hand-carved nutcracker. See reviews and ratings. [3] (651) 275-1236; christmasfromgermany.com [4]

Midtown Antique Mall Stillwater’s 30,000-square-foot mall includes vintage toys and sporting goods. (651) 430-0808; midtownantiques.com  [5]

Where to eat

The Bikery This local bike-themed coffeehouse happens to be a vintage shop, too. Separate areas make it easy to find a nook to enjoy a fresh-baked treat. See reviews and ratings. [6] (651) 439-3834; thebikeryshop.com [7]

Phil’s Tara Hideaway Bar and Restaurant Join the locals for walleye, pastas or Greek dishes. Located off of State-36. (651) 439-9850; tarahideaway.com  [8]

Where to stay

Ann Bean Mansion Enjoy a romantic stay with a gourmet breakfast just a few blocks from Main Street. See reviews and ratings. [9] (877) 837-4400; annbeanmansion.com [10]

The Outing Lodge at Pine Point The 1858 Georgian premises in the heart of 300-acre Pine Point County Park is known for sumptuous theme dinners. See reviews and ratings. [11] (651) 439-9747; outinglodge.com [12]

Rivertown Inn Guests sip wine in the evenings before retiring to opulent yet welcoming rooms named for Victorian novelists. See reviews and ratings. [13] (651) 430-2955; rivertowninn.com [14]

Water Street Inn Each room in this historical inn has period furniture and a whirlpool tub; all but five have a gas fireplace. See reviews and ratings. [15] (651) 439-6000; waterstreetinn.us [16]

For information: Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention and Visitors Bureau (651) 351-1717; discoverstillwater.com [17]