The “D” Trip on HWY 12

So, here’s the deal with this trip… it took place several months ago… in the spring...

Over the past several years our good friends have led us on many urban explorations in Minneapolis and now we are returning the favor by taking them on road trips in suburban and rural areas.

  

Our fellow explorers are always up for traveling off the beaten path, so they make excellent traveling companions. I make mention of that as there were at least three unplanned stops on this road trip… and these guys were up for the adventure!

Darwin, MN

First stop, Darwin, MN for the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man.”

 

Mr. Johnson began rolling a ball of twine back in 1950 and continued until 1979. Soon he had to move the ball outside on support beams… read more here at Atlas Obscura.

 

If you want to touch the ball of twine and visit the museum, make sure to call ahead to schedule a tour. As it happened we had other places to visit, so we contented ourselves with looking at the ball of twine through the glass structure and reading about Mr. Johnson and the process of creating this large work of art.

Dassel, MN

You never know what you’ll find driving down the road. You just might find one of the most interesting museums you’ll ever visit (as least in my opinion). This was one of those “bonus stops,” not on our itinerary. We were driving along and what in the world did we see? A mushroom shaped, vintage gas station (not in service). Photo op! And what did our wondrous eyes see… but a sign for The Dassel History Center & Ergot Museum! Only one of four had any idea what ergot is; a fungus that grows on the stalk of grains such as rye, oats, or wheat. When ingested...

Cokato, MN

On our way out to Darwin, we noticed this ginormous log on the back of a pickup truck.  So of course we said to ourselves… “we need to stop and get our picture taken with that truck.”  The things you see while on a road trip!  

Delano, MN

Beer stop at Lupine Brewing.  One card, eight growlers, $35.00… good deal. So, since we were heading out this way anyway, we thought we would pick up a growler.  And how do you decide which beer to choose? Sample a flight! After tasting, we settled on the Barleywine (so tasty!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This town had two breweries… South Fork was the other brewery… which is now closed. Unfortunately, we know some of the reasons why: the beer was not our favorite and the old couches and broken pallet table left something to be desired. The staff were friendly and (the company was amazing as our friends are excellent conversationalists), so the experience was not an entire loss. All of that said, there may be others out there who have different opinions about this former brewery. Everyone has his or her own preferences.

Howard Lake, MN

A nice surprise was driving by Grandpa Ittel’s Meats, the local meat market. We were looking for a place to eat, when we found this place. Tasty beef jerky. They have even won awards for their meats.  

 

If you are hungry stop at Frontera Cafe & Bistro, a charming, little Mexican bistro.  The enchilada’s were delicious!  

Waverly, MN

 

At the Moon Antiques store, I found a reed organ!  I love the sound of accordion and I am lucky enough to have a husband who humors me…

Long Lake, MN

Birches on the Lake… mmm… another tasty Barleywine.  The atmosphere is casual elegance.  Fine dining upstairs and bar downstairs.  We went in the spring, so it was still a little chilly so we wouldn’t have enjoyed the patio.  In the summer it would be lovely to sit by a fire pit or in the Adirondack chairs.

The Red Rooster is a tasty, family friendly restaurant that was hoppin on a Saturday night.  The burger and grilled cheese were delicious.  The portions are large, so we took half home (next time we might share).

 

What a great day!