Discover the St. Croix River and The Twisted Oak: A Fit Foodie Finds Adventure in Prescott, WI
Welcome back to the Fit Foodie Finds Minnesota Series! For our latest adventure, Linley and I are thrilled to transport you to one of our absolute favorite havens in the greater Twin Cities area – a place that has recently become a cherished second home for both of us. Prepare to be enchanted by the serene beauty of the St. Croix River, particularly around the vibrant small town of Prescott, Wisconsin. Now, before you point out that our “Minnesota Series” has once again led us across state lines into Wisconsin, hear us out! A quick glance at any map reveals Prescott’s unique geographical embrace; it sits directly on the border, with the majestic St. Croix River itself serving as the natural, breathtaking divide between Minnesota and Wisconsin. This makes it an honorary extension of our beloved Minnesota experiences, offering the best of both worlds.
Our deep affection for the St. Croix River is more than just admiration for its scenic views; it’s rooted in countless shared memories and moments of tranquility. Linley, for instance, has embraced the river life wholeheartedly, spending her entire summer at her family’s charming river house nestled right on the St. Croix. If you’ve been following our daily escapades on Snapchat (you can find us at FitFoodieFinds!), you’re well aware of our weekly pilgrimages between the bustling Twin Cities and this idyllic river retreat. The house itself is a sanctuary, perched gracefully atop a bluff, offering panoramic views and a front-row seat to nature’s theatre. It’s not uncommon to spot a graceful deer family, observe tiny tadpoles in the shallows, and even marvel at the industrious bees buzzing around. We both unequivocally agree that this spot embodies serenity, providing the perfect antidote to city life’s hustle and bustle. There’s an undeniable magic in waking up with the sun, lacing up your running shoes, and embarking on a refreshing four-mile jog along winding country roads, past golden cornfields that stretch endlessly under the big sky.
Embracing the Great Outdoors: St. Croix River Adventures
When the weather beckons, our favorite gathering spot shifts from the cozy confines of the river house to the expansive dock that extends invitingly over the water. This dock isn’t just a place to tie up a boat; it’s our outdoor office, our creative hub, and often, our dance floor. We’ve spent countless hours here, brainstorming innovative recipe ideas for Fit Foodie Finds, meticulously planning exciting new projects, and simply soaking in the natural splendor. From this vantage point, we’ve witnessed monumental fish leaping from the depths below, watched small airplanes gracefully navigate the skies above, and, of course, hosted numerous impromptu dance parties (our loyal Snap friends will instantly recognize the infamous “Move It Monday Baby!” chants!). The dock epitomizes the joy of shared experiences and the simple pleasures of river life.
Beyond our private sanctuary, the St. Croix River watershed is a treasure trove of natural beauty, home to a collection of magnificent State and Regional Parks. This past summer, we made it our mission to explore several of these green sanctuaries, each offering its own unique charm and array of activities. Among them, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Kinnickinnic State Park stand out as our absolute favorites. These parks boast miles upon miles of meticulously maintained trails, perfect for both exhilarating trail runs and adventurous mountain biking excursions, all while offering breathtaking views right along the river’s edge. The diverse terrain, from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents, ensures that every visit brings a fresh challenge and a new perspective on the river’s timeless beauty. The air is crisp, the sounds are those of nature, and the feeling of accomplishment after conquering a trail is incredibly rewarding.
A Memorable Trail Encounter (and a Laugh!)
Speaking of trail runs, we can’t talk about Kinnickinnic State Park without recounting a truly unforgettable (and hilarious) incident. One sunny afternoon, Linley and I were deep into a spirited run when she paused, bending down to tie her shoelace. Little did she know, her foot had inadvertently landed directly on top of a very real, very alive snake! The moment she realized, her scream echoed through the woods – a sound of pure, unadulterated terror that, to this day, makes me burst into uncontrollable laughter. It was one of those truly priceless Fit Foodie field trip moments that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable joy of exploring nature. While we always advocate for safe and respectful interaction with wildlife, sometimes nature just surprises you in the most comical ways!
The Heart of Prescott: The Twisted Oak Coffee House
When Linley and I aren’t immersing ourselves in the natural grandeur of the regional parks or enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the dock, you can almost certainly find us nestled in the heart of downtown Prescott, at the truly delightful The Twisted Oak Coffee House. Let us tell you, with full confidence and sincerity, this place serves up the best dang latte in the entire St. Croix River Valley! And that, dear readers, is a bold statement we stand by. But our love for The Twisted Oak extends far beyond their exceptional coffee. It’s the entire experience – the warm atmosphere, the friendly faces, and the irresistible treats – that keeps us coming back.
More Than Just Coffee: A Community Gem
The Twisted Oak boasts the most legitimately delicious donut selection we’ve encountered, with their sprinkle donut reigning supreme as an absolute must-try. Each bite is a little piece of joy! But what truly seals our affection for this establishment are the wonderful owners, Matt and Taylor. They aren’t just proprietors; they’re an integral part of what makes The Twisted Oak feel like a true community hub. Why do we adore them so much, you ask? Because they’re incredibly good sports and aren’t afraid to join in on our silly Snapchat shenanigans, enthusiastically participating in both “Move It Monday” and “Fun Fact Friday.” Their genuine warmth and playful spirit are infectious, making every visit a memorable one.
Just look at how charming their seasonal window setup is right now! It perfectly captures the cozy, small-town essence that we find so incredibly endearing about Prescott and The Twisted Oak. There’s a comforting sense of belonging here, a place where time seems to slow down just enough for you to savor your drink and your company. And here’s a little secret for you: if you ask Matt really, really nicely, and perhaps flash your most charming smile, he might just let you step behind the counter and craft your very own drink! It’s a unique, hands-on experience that truly makes you feel like a part of their coffee-making family.
Oh, and did we mention that every single drink purchase comes with a complimentary piece of decadent chocolate? It’s the perfect little indulgence, adding a touch of sweetness to your day. There’s simply nothing better than sipping on a perfectly brewed latte, paired with a square of rich chocolate, especially on a crisp autumn afternoon as you watch the world go by from their welcoming window. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate The Twisted Oak from just a coffee shop to a true local institution.
The Apple Nachos Saga
Our excitement reached peak levels when Matt, always innovating, decided to add Apple Nachos to their menu. We envisioned a glorious fusion of crisp apples, sweet drizzles, and, of course, a generous dollop of peanut butter – a true Fit Foodie dream! Our hearts, however, experienced a dramatic shatter when he gently informed us that peanut butter was not, in fact, an ingredient. Not okay. We repeat: NOT OKAY! But even this minor culinary disappointment couldn’t diminish our love for The Twisted Oak. Perhaps one day we’ll convince Matt to introduce a peanut butter version, or maybe it’s a sign for us to create our own Fit Foodie Finds Apple Nacho recipe with all the glorious peanut butter!
Plan Your Escape to Prescott, WI
The St. Croix River and the charming town of Prescott, Wisconsin, offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy community charm, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the ordinary. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast eager to hit the trails, a coffee connoisseur seeking the perfect latte, or simply someone looking for a peaceful getaway with a touch of small-town magic, this corner of the world has something special waiting for you. Its proximity to the Twin Cities makes it an easily accessible retreat, allowing for spontaneous day trips or extended stays to truly unwind and recharge.
So, we turn the conversation over to you!
- Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful St. Croix River? We’d love to hear about your experiences and favorite spots.
- Where’s your go-to place for an amazing trail run in your own town or city? Share your recommendations with the Fit Foodie Finds community!
Join us next time as we continue our journey through the Minnesota Series, uncovering more hidden gems and beloved local favorites!