Summer is the perfect time for road trips in the Midwest being the weather is warm and the roads don’t have any snow! We’ve been taking full advantage of day trips this summer (see our recent day trip to Stillwater MN here!) and I have a new one to share with you today!
We took the 1.5 hour day trip to Nelson WI (and beyond) from Minneapolis. Keep scrolling for all the details.
Twisted Oak Coffee House
It was harder than we thought to find a local coffee shop on our way to Pepin. I also needed some breakfast, so we pulled over in Prescott and found Twisted Oak Coffee House. This must be a popular place being they were out of all their baked goods, but they did have a coconut roll left! The coffee and roll hit the spot as we continued our drive into Wisconsin.
Stone Barn Pizza Farm
We started our day 10 minutes East of Pepin in Nelson, Wisconsin to eat a late lunch at the Stone Barn pizza farm. The pizza restaurant is located inside the stone foundation of a barn that was built in the late 1800s, and all ingredients are either grown on site or purchased locally. You can even walk around to see where they grow all the herbs!
We ordered the Muffuletta and Southwest pizzas which are cooked in a wood fire brick oven in just a few minutes! Unlike other pizza farms, there is both indoor and outdoor seating available, and utensils and seating is provided. You can also purchase beer, wine, and other drinks on site.
If you have some extra time, take a walk on the path that leads up the hill right next to the barn for some great views of the rolling hills on the farm. There is also a gift shop on site, along with another barn that is perfect for weddings!
Nelson Creamery
This little town of Nelson is filled with hidden gems! We stopped in town at the Nelson Creamery and we weren’t alone. This place was busy on a hot Sunday afternoon and we were so surprised with everything it had to offer.
We were expecting just ice cream, but were greeted with a cheese and wine shop, ice cream, and restaurant. It was really hot outside, so we sat inside at the adorable wine bar and ordered a drink. When in Wisconsin, it’s a must to drink New Glarus! If you’re hungry, the food and cheese boards all looked amazing, but we were still full from the Stone Barn!
On our way out, I grabbed an ice cream cone, because there’s always room for ice cream, right?! There was a long line but it went quick. I ordered a single scoop cone with white chocolate raspberry ice cream for only $2! YUMMY.
Villa Bellezza Winery
To end our day, we stopped at Villa Bellezza Winery right off the highway in Pepin, Wisconsin. Right when we got out of the car I felt like we just stepped foot into Tuscany! (If you want to see actual Tuscany, click here to read about our honeymoon in Florence!)
We spent some time exploring the grounds and climbing up to the tower before ordering a bottle of rosé to share. We sat in the piazza (courtyard in the center of the surrounding buildings) and pretended we were in Italy! There is also a tasting room and a full restaurant inside if you’re craving some AC.
This was a perfect day trip to Nelson WI. For another day trip idea, check out my post about Stillwater, MN here! Another great town along a river.
You’ll have to visit Pepin and Nelson again to eat. The barbecued ribs at J&J BBQ IN Nelson are amazing! Best I’ve found in the upper Midwest! And just about everything on the menu at Villa Bellezza is outstanding! Chef Antonio is a true food magician!
I will have to try those for sure!!