Staycation Itinerary: A day out in Granite Falls with Friends

On the warmer days, take advantage of a day out with your friends in Granite Falls, where there are outdoor art scenes to enjoy, but also the opportunity to catch a break from the heat in the shops and eateries.

This itinerary takes advantage of the proxim­ity of the arts and some interesting shops to take in all being located with­ in walking distance of each other in downtown. While this isn’t all of the opportunities in Granite Falls for shopping and eating, these are the ones located closely enough together to fit into a con­venient itinerary for the Staycation Series. Check out the Fall in Love With Granite Falls social media page for any events taking place during the date this itinerary is planned for, as there are frequent events held throughout downtown.

What to pack: A cam­era for photo opportuni­ties, good walking shoes, a reusable shopping bag for any purchases.

Morning: Stop at Carl’s Bakery for a cof­fee and some fresh-baked donuts. There are many to choose from in the bakery’s selection. Enjoy the fare at the outdoor ta­bles located in front of the building. Before the weather warms up, cross the street to stroll along the Riverwalk, while taking in the art painted all along it Take the op­portunity to snap some photos together in front or the colorful artwork that lines the walls.

Late morning: Take in the art work in the Mak­ers on the Minnesota Gallery inside the KK Berge building. Inside, visitors can view the most recent displays which currently feature the work of John White. The gift shop provides the opportunity to browse and purchase work from local artists, jewelry makers, potters, authors, musicians, and more. From there, stroll down to Falls Boutique for a little shopping and browsing through an ex­pansive building packed full of goods with every­ thing from nostalgic can­ dies to boutique clothing, fine soaps and lotions and more. There’s even a room where Christmas decor can be purchased year-round.

Lunch: Stop in to Bluenose Gopher Public House for a light lunch, and perhaps a brew or two from Minnesota breweries. Take in the additional artwork that graces the walls of the Public House, rotating monthly.

Afternoon: Stroll down the road a short way to Stella + Poppy. Be sure to take a deep whiff of the various soaps and lotions, candles, room sprays and more that are located inside this shop. The handmade items fill the space with the aroma of essential oils. When you’ve had your fill or shopping, stop at A Taste in Time ice cream parlor near Stella+ Poppy for a taste of classic ice cream parlor offerings in a vin­tage-styled atmosphere. As you stroll back to your starting point. be sure to look up and take in the architecture of the early 1900s buildings oo Main Street.

For even more of a look at this itinerary, fol­low the QR code at the end of this article.

Start the day with coffee and a treat at Carl’s Bakery.

While strolling through downtown, be sure to look up and appreciate the architecture of the early 1900s.

Be sure to take a moment to check out the art benches throughout downtown.

After all of the strolling and shopping, stop for a treat at Taste in Time.

Check out the work by local artists, authors and musicians at the Makers on the Minnesota Gallery in the KK Berge building.

Reporter & photography by Jessica Stolen-Jacobson