See the Hardanger lace creations of talented Diane Hoven.

While lace-making is a tradition throughout Europe, at Ingebretsen's we are particularly fond of Hardanger lace which originally was from the Hardanger District in Norway.  We are fortunate to have local lace-maker Diane Hoven whose work is high quality and beautiful.  When Diane was a young woman, her aunt encouraged her to learn Hardanger.  Diane enjoyed it and applied herself toward the art in earnest in 1982 when she bought Hardanger books. In the thirty years since, Diane has received top ribbons at county fairs, the Sons of Norway District Convention competitions, and Sons of Norway International Convention competitions. When you visit Ingebretsen's av Stockholm and see Diane's Hardanger lace, you will realize that all those awards were richly deserved.

Traditionally, Hardanger lace is made with white thread on white even-weave cloth.  Today many different colors of fabric and thread are used.  Hardanger is a combination of embroidery, wrapping threads, cutting threads (gasp!), and pulling threads out of the fabric. Stitches have descriptive names like dove's eyes and spider's web filling. The patterns are geometric and balanced. While Hardanger lace was originally used for caps and aprons, now talented artists such as Diane apply this technique to all sorts of items from bookmarks to tablecloths. 

We understand that you might be nervous about spilling red wine on textile art such as Diane's creations.  That’s why we offer plenty of other Hardanger items that you can use to make your home beautiful.  You’ll find that each piece at Ingebretsen's is unique.  Stop by soon and see Diane's one-of-a-kind creations.  You will likely take one home with you.

We’d love to see you again,
Diane, Carstens, and staff
Ingebretsen’s

Join us for a magical day…

In part because it was the lightest night of the year, Midsommar was considered a magical night in Sweden.  Girls ate "dream porridge" in hopes that their future husbands would bring water to them in their dreams.  By watching where the moonbeams fell, legend has it that you could discover buried treasure.  Supposedly water would be turned into wine and ferns into flowers.  For one night, many plants took on healing powers. 

While we cannot offer any of these at our Midsommar celebration in Stockholm, Wisconsin, we will have fun for the family on Saturday, June 23.  Musicians of Tjarnblom will be playing nickelharpas, mandolin, and harmonium, an organ on wheels.  Swedish craftsmen will be demonstrating.  Local eateries will be serving Swedish treats.  Later in the afternoon, we will be gathering in the center of the town for the raising of the Maistang or Maypole.

Whether you wear a garland of flowers or not, join us and celebrate the longest sunlit day of the year.  Enjoy the fun and frivolity of Midsommar at Stockholm.

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants     
   

What happens to an old apple orchard?

I am Kathleen Burk, owner of the River Road Inn, Stockholm.  Before owning the Inn, I founded  ghl designs, graceful harmonious living.  When an old apple orchard in a special spot along the Great River Road near Stockholm became available, I saw the potential to create a nurturing and luxurious environment both inside and outside that I could share with you as a bed and breakfast. 

To develop the bed and breakfast, I designed three lavish suites each with its own feel  and each featuring a comfortable king-size bed, individual climate control, wi-fi, and wet bar.  In the Carriage House, I created the feeling of a step back in time by preserving the building’s original charm and stonemason foundation.  Since the Carriage House is separate from the Inn’s main building, I kept its entrance private and parking at entrance level.   

I gave the Stockholm Suite a European feel with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and ceramic tile bath with multiple shower heads.  Guests have called the bathing experience “wonderful and romantic.”

I installed huge French doors to the balcony of the Jade Room, the second room in the main building, to enhance the Pacific Rim décor of bamboo floors and a round, tiled spa shower with multiple heads and a skylight.  I have had guests wistfully refer to it as “the Zen room.”

To all the rooms, I added generous windows and private decks to enjoy the view.

My finishing touches were landscaping the gardens and the orchard.  I added a large, stone fire pit in the old orchard with built-in front row seats in order to see the moon shining on the lake.  I placed garden nooks here and there for guests to read, relax, and watch wildlife.  I set up the covered porch for lounging and the patio for grilling and assembled a breakfast basket that includes European-tasting coffee, fresh homemade muffins, and fruit. 

Guests’ comments are gratifying.  “What a beautiful, romantic place!”  “We've had four marvelous stays and will be going again... and again!”  “Wonderful and relaxing get away only 90 minutes from South Minneapolis.”  Visit the River Road Inn soon and delight in all that the Stockholm area offers. 

I’d love to see you,

Kathleen

The River Road Inn

Take the “Prettiest Drive in America”

Since we are all on the verge of summer road trips, Huffington Post sponsored a voting to determine the “Prettiest Drive in America.”

The competition was stiff, beginning with eight choices which were grouped in twos: 
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Oregon and California vs. Hana Highway, Hawaii;
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Maine vs. Ozark National Scenic Riverway in Missouri;
South Carolina Route 17 vs. Great River Road Scenic Byway in Wisconsin (That‘s us!);
Big Sur Coastal Drive vs. Avenue of the Giants, both in California. 

The four with the highest votes in those pairings were
Hana Highway, Hawaii,
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Maine,
Great River Road Scenic Byway in Wisconsin,
Big Sur Coastal Drive.

Although none of us who drive the Great River Road regularly and love its beauty were surprised, others were upset when first Big Sur Coastal Drive and then the “competitor to beat” Hana, Hawaii, fell to the Great River Road.  We are excited that so many others recognize the Great River Road’s beauty and cast their vote for it.

Take the “Prettiest Drive in America” on the Great River Road, right in your own backyard.  Stop by Stockholm on your way.  Stroll in the park.  Browse the shops.  Relax at one of the eateries.  Stay at a comfortable lodging with a view.

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants