Captivated Me

Today In Brief: Beginning in downtown Stillwater, caramel latte in hand, I strolled the iconic green bridge that spans the St. Croix. The sun shone brightly, the most perfect clouds glided slowly overhead, a sweet elderly couple walked their two dogs, two children laughed as they threw rocks into the river, and pigeons cooed soothing songs from the bridge’s beams. I made my way to Main Street where I climbed the stairs to my favorite lookout over the city, noting I had been here just three months prior when the river was iced to a standstill. The stairs were slathered with chalky encouragement, which brought smiles from all of us scaling them. “Be brave.” “Bring your own sunshine.” “Say yes to adventure.” Throughout the walk, I notice in big and small ways: The city is awakening with springtime.

A short three miles south of Stillwater lies Bayport, home of Mabel’s Ice Cream and Lakeside Park. At the latter, I step out of my car to enjoy the river vistas. A grandfather and his young grandson practice roller-blading along the park path, birds fly between the trees that line the winding trail, water laps quietly against the rocky riverbank. I pause, breathe, delight in more sights and sounds of spring, then continue along the byway.

Continuing to dot my way down the charming towns that line the river, I pass quiet Lakeland, stop briefly at Lake St. Croix Beach, and continue past cozy Afton, ending at a bridge that traverses the river into Prescott, WI. I park the car and walk the streets, contemplating food. Home of Muddy Waters, Lucille’s, and other homey restaurants, I end up getting a panini to go and situating myself at the nearby Point Douglas Beach. From here, you can see where the St. Croix and Mississippi join forces and continue southward. I eat slowly, sip some iced tea, and daydream. Grateful for these sweet, simple moments. Heart filled to the brim.