Worth the Drive: Taking the Trip Down to Stockholm for the Pie
People often tell me the drive to Stockholm is half the reason they come. I understand why they say it, though I like to think the pie has something to do with it too.
If you have never made the trip, let me tell you what you are in for. Stockholm sits along the Great River Road, Wisconsin Highway 35, right where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. It is one of the prettiest stretches of road in the Midwest, matter of fact USAToday named it the most beautiful drive in America 2 years in a row for good reason. The bluffs rise up on one side and the water stretches out on the other, and the view changes with every season. In spring the hillsides turn soft green. In summer, sailboats dot the lake. Come fall, the bluffs put on a show of red and gold that brings people from all over. Even winter has its own quiet beauty, with eagles gliding over the open water.
My advice is to take your time. Roll the windows down if the weather allows. Stop at the overlooks. This is not a drive to hurry through.
And then, almost before you expect it, you arrive in Stockholm. Blink and you might miss it, but please don't. Our little village was settled by Swedish immigrants in 1851, and it remains one of the smallest villages in Wisconsin. What it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. There are art galleries, gift shops, gardens, and friendly faces up and down the street. There is a saying about Stockholm, "come for the weekend, go home with a house." So, you have been warned :),
When you have wandered the village, come see us at the pie shop (or for best selection, get to the pie shop early, then wander!) We opened our doors in May 2008,with my sister Janet (aka Her Pieness") and my spouse Steven, with the simple notion that people might like a slice of old-fashioned, handmade pie. Now all these years later, with #1 Pie Shop titles under our belt we are still doing things exactly the same way as when we opened. You will find 20+ flavors on the board on weekends - cream pies, fruit pies, nut pies, pie cookies, whole pies - but hurry, things can sell out quickly. Every crust is made from scratch, by hand, with the same recipe that Janet learned decades and decades ago from a woman in her church in rural Kansas. No cans of filling ever go in our pies, it's all real fruit, real spices and real love. And dont forget lunch. Our European inspired menu is as beautiful as it is delicious and we are happy to craft an espresso drink of your choice or scoop you some of the best ice cream in America from Chocolate Shoppe in Madison to go with your meal and pie.
While you wait for your food, take a look around the general store side of the shop. You will find old-fashioned goods, local treats, and more than a few things you didn't know you needed. Then find a seat, savor the delicious food and of course, the famous pie (maybe with some homemade whipped cream?), and let the day slow down a little.
Our guest book holds names from Japan, France, Australia, Germany, and just about everywhere in between. People have crossed oceans to sit in our little shop. All you have to do is take a beautiful drive along the river.
We will have the coffee on.
-Alan