2020 Winners of “The Best of the Best”

“I love the variety this store offers, from Amish goods to vintage and collectible items. A must stop shopping experience!”

“I love there great variety of treasures! They also have awesome prices! Very clean and organized!!”

“They have a lot of neat vintage items that is not seen too much anymore.”

Runner Ups

• Lanesboro Clockworks – Lanesboro, MN
  “I love old clocks and the owner /proprietor is very friendly and knowledgeable.”
• Treasures Under Sugar Loaf – Winona, MN
  “Huge selection in an amazing, scenic building. The staff are always super friendly.”
• Antique Center of La Crosse – La Crosse, WI
  “It’s 3 floors full of antiques. I love it in there. So many treasures. It’s like a stroll down memory lane!”
• Heaven’s Hill Antiques, Collectibles & More – Guttenberg, IA
  “Wonderful selection of interesting and unique items.”
• Turkey River Mall – Elkader, IA
  “Very cool setting and if you’re looking for something you will probably find it there”

“The shopping experience you get when you enter this cute shop is by far the best from staff to merchandise. You can rest assured that you will be coming back time and time again. They have some of the cutest apparel, jewelry, shoes etc.”

“Always changing inventory. Hometown greetings and sincere help. Keeping the history when renovated.”

“Urban upscale yet quaint and small town service.”

Runner Ups

• Fisk Farm & Home – Cresco, Decorah, Monona, IA
  “Wide variety and selection! Name brands like Under Armour as well as work clothes and all varieties!”
• Amish Experience and E2 Boutique – Lanesboro, MN
  “Friendly staff and great helpful service. Variety and “spot on” current clothing is great. Also, very price friendly and competitive to other stores, especially larger cities.”
• Village Farm & Home – Mabel, MN
  “Availability of tall & big men’s sizes of outdoor clothing.”
• Little River General Store – Lanesboro, MN
  “They have the best bike jerseys and t-shirts in the area.”
• Chic de Chateau – Spring Valley, MN
  “Jen does an amazing job, the product is hip and she makes you want to look in every corner of the store to make sure you didn’t miss a thing. Her place is so cute!!”
• The Clothes Shop – Winona, MN
  “It is a clean and very friendly place with good prices.”
• Hoffmann’s Stabels & Tack Shop – Preston, MN
  “It is hard to find true western shops, this is it.”
• Threads – Chatfield, MN
  “So easy to work with and always willing to help you find it design what you are looking for.”
• Amundson’s Clothing for Men – Decorah, IA
  “Great casual and dress clothing for men; they offer personal consultation and tailoring.”
• Julia Claire Consignment and Variety – Preston, MN
  “I love consignment shops and this has to be one of the most organized shop I have seen.”
• Footwear by Footskins – Spring Grove, MN
  “I love the handmade deer skin and leather work.”
• Trailhead Inn – Preston, MN
  “Good selection.”
• HIS Business – Spring Grove, MN
  “I love the knitted apparel. Beautiful sweaters, hats and mittens.”

“The staff are very friendly and they know me as a person, not just a number.”

“They do a lot of things for our community and have very kind workers.”

“I enjoy the newsletter they publish and send out.”

Runner Ups

• First State Bank of Fountain – Fountain, MN
  “It’s small and everyone is very helpful.”
• Rushford State Bank – Rushford, MN
  “Genuinely caring and respectful employees.”
• Root River State Bank – Chatfield, MN
  “Small town bank, but big on community support.”

“They provide a wide selection and every changing. Lori runs a great business and wants to carry products that people want. If there is something you like that she doesn’t carry, she will try to get it.”

“What a selection! No more stops in Rochester Lori will have it or order it for me.”

“This store rocks…always helpful and super convenient!”

Runner Ups

• Karst Brewing – Fountain, MN
  “Karst Brewing is one of my favorite breweries. The beer is excellent and just what you need once you hit the top of the trail!”
• Pam’s Off-Sale Liquor – Harmony & Rushford, MN
  “Convenient and know where to find my favorite beer! Ice cold!”
• Preston Liquor – Preston, MN
  “They are willing to try and get ANYTHING you want!”
• TJ’s Liquor – Spring Valley, MN
  “Tim greets everyone with a smile and calls as many people as he can by name. Even if he’s only met you a couple times! Small town business owners are the best!”
• 52 Bottle Shop – Chatfield, MN
  “New energy and very creative. Great variety.”
• Garvin Heights Vineyards & Event Center – Winona, MN
  “Excellent wines and a beautiful view!”
• Toppling Goliath Brewing Company – Decorah, IA
  “Great atmosphere and service. the food and beverages are wonderful.”
• Empty Nest Winery – Waukon, IA
  “Great variety of wine and sangria for almost everyone, great atmosphere, friendly and welcoming, good food and free snacks!”
• Winneshiek Wildberry Winery – Decorah, IA
  “Friendly environment and great wine!”
• Pulpit Rock Brewing Company – Decorah, IA
  “They have such unique beer options!”
• Eagles Landing Winery – Marquette, IA
  “Great wines and fun times on patio in summer.”
• Reads Landing Brewing Company – Reads Landing, MN
  “Excellent ambiance and great food and adult beverages.”
• Mabel Liquor Store – Mabel, MN
  “Have great wine selections.”
• Promise Land Winery – Guttenberg, IA
  “They are very kid friendly and have good food.”

“Super fun bike ride from Lanesboro love the people and the ambiance plus the beer is fantastic.”

“I love the name! Karst is what is under our feet here in Fillmore County and this brewery celebrates that. The owners are very conscientious about how we treat our karst and the water that percolates through it. It’s fun to meet at the brewery after work and try out the latest flavor.”

“Fun place to go to sit and visit and enjoy a beverage.”

Runner Ups

• Toppling Goliath Brewing Company – Decorah, IA
  “Good beer and food available. Also serves wine for non-beer drinkers!”
• Pulpit Rock Brewing Compnay – Decorah, IA
  “Everything, the beer, the people, the atmosphere. It’s such a great place to be.”
• Reads Landing Brewing Company – Reads Landing, MN
  “A must stop Brewery when in Bluff Country.”

“This place has something for everyone, golf, swimming, canoeing, fishing, biking…wow! The restaurant has delicious food!”

“It is so neat to have the campground, pool, restaurant, bike trail, fishing, and golf all right there!!!!”

“They have a clean campground & a good restaurant on site.”

Runner Ups

• Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging – Lanesboro, MN
  “Close to the action but still its own little haven.”
• Good Earth Village – Spring Valley, MN
  “Children have a blast there for summer camp. Happy kids, happy parents:-)”
• Hruska’s Canoe Livery & Campground – Decorah, IA
  “Convenient riverside location for floating and close to trout streams.”
• Kendallville Campground – Kendallville, IA
  “Absolutely love this campground! Nice clean, trees, convenient for river access.”
• Bluffview Campground – Rushford, MN
  “Large lots and it’s kept up very nice. Best one around.”
• Amish Valley Cabins & Campers – Canton, MN
  “This is a very unique location and the owner is very accommodating. We stayed there this winter with a group of ladies, loved it! Will definitely go back again.”
• Maple Springs Campground – Preston, MN
  “This is a campground that shows off the best of what Fillmore County has to offer, set in the hills, valleys and streams that feed the Root. It is nestled in an area adjacent to Forestville/Mystery Cave with easy access for campers to visit all the park has to offer.”
• Lake Mayer Park & Campground – Fort Atkinson, IA
  “Small, quiet, and quaint. The small lake is great for fishing on a boat or out on the kayak.”
• Outback Ranch –
  “Wonderful hosts and facilities.”
• County Fair Campground – Preston, MN
  “Close to everything in town.”
• Winnebago Springs – Caledonia, MN
  “Beautiful area.”

“Very helpful to visitors.”

“They are my morning coffee stop every day!!”

“Small town gas station local owners.”

Runner Ups

• Pam’s Corner Convenience Store – Rushford, MN
  “They sell most ever thing you need including stamps.”
• Lanesboro BP – Lanesboro, MN
  “Quick and easy with great customer service”
• Mabel BP – Mabel, MN
  “It is convenient to get to and always clean…good pizza.”
• Goodies & Gas – Wykoff, MN
  “I love that no matter the gas prices this store is always cheaper.”
• Houston BP – Houston, MN
  “Store clerks are always friendly, reasonably priced, great location and good snack selections.”

“Hands down the best chef in Fillmore county. Delicious food and drinks. Outdoor seating, love the decor.”

“Literally my favorite restaurant. My first recommendation any time someone asks where to eat. I love the ‘from scratch’ kitchen and there’s always a surprise. Once there were brown sugar macarons and another time there was cotton candy. Every meal I’ve had there is delicious and balanced and their service is wonderful even when they’re busy!!”

“Atmosphere and friendly staff – food is awesome”

Runner Ups

• B&B Olympic Bowl & Restaurant – Preston, MN
  “Great food and people. Very accommodating for parties.”
• Branding Iron – Preston, MN
  “Prices are good and a nice place. Just a step above the others and fish is excellent.”
• Burdey’s Cafe – Peterson, MN
  “It doesn’t matter what you get off of their unique menu, it’s sure to be delicious. Their cranburdey is my favorite!”
• Pedal Pushers Cafe – Lanesboro, MN
  “Great food that you can’t really find anywhere else. There’s always something new to try. We also enjoy some of their healthier options, like the blackened chicken grain bowl. “
• Don Jose Mexican Restaurant – Decorah, IA
  “This place is terrific! We love to have a reason to head to Decorah to eat there. The food is fabulous and the folks are helpful, welcoming, accommodating and understanding.”
• A&W Restaurant – Spring Valley, MN
  “Nothing better than old fashioned carhop service! Plus their broasted chicken is the BEST around!!”
• Atomic Pizza Pub – Cresco, IA
  “Yum! Love the homemade crust – plus they have a gluten free crust option!”
• Il Luigi Italian Restaurant – Rushford, MN
  “Best Italian outside of Italy!!!”
• Whiskey Dicks Eatery & Saloon – Millville, MN
  “Down home atmosphere.”
• Old Barn Resort – Preston, MN
  “All their food is really good, but I especially love their burgers! Best in the area!”
• Stumpy’s Restaurant & Lounge – Rushford, MN
  “Pizza and cheese curds are fantastic!”
• Green Mill Restaurant & Bar – Winona, MN
  “Great food.”
• K-Town Tap – Kendallville, IA
  “We eat here often and my fav is the steaks once a month.”
• T-Bock’s Sports Bar & Grill – Decorah, IA
  “Wide variety and never disappointed!”
• Beaver Bottom Saloon – Fountain, MN
  “Great service and awesome food!”
• Barista’s Coffee House – Houston, MN
  “Love the coffee and their breakfast sandwiches.”
• The Creamery/Nordic Lanes – Rushford, MN
  “Great pizza.”
• The Pizza Place – Spring Valley, MN
  “Seriously the best pizza ever.”
• High Court Pub – Lanesboro, MN
  “Flat bread pizza is amazing!!”
• The Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe – Preston, MN
  “The Sandwich Shoppe is a delicious one-stop place to get lunch or supper. Great staff, always very welcoming.”
• Rack’s Bar & Grill – Spring Valley, MN
  “Awesome burgers! Friendly staff! Very tasty fish fry.”
• Ive Grove Cafe – Spring Grove, MN
  “Great service, friendly atmosphere, large helpings for great price.”
• Shari’s Sports Saloon – Chatfield, MN
  “Friday night fish fry is awesome.”
• The Bite – Lanesboro, MN
  “The food is very good and the deserts are better.”
• The Place – Protivin, IA
  “Nice menu, good prices, friendly people”
• Harmony House – Harmony, MN
  “A Favorite place to eat with family and friends!”
• Norsland Lefse – Rushford, MN
  “It just doesn’t get any better than sharing the Uff Da Breakfast Wrap with my husband for a morning date!”
• Root River Saloon – Lanesboro, MN
  “Good food.”
• Village Square of Fountain – Fountain, MN
  “Delicious lunches and pizza! It’s not in Rochester.”
• Good Times Grill – Decorah, IA
  “Amazing food and amazing service.”
• Good Times Restaurant & Bar – Caledonia, MN
• JT’s Corner Bar & Grill – Houston, MN
  “Friday night fish fries!”
• Staghead Gastropub – Red Wing, MN
  “Excellent food.”
• Fennellys’ Irish Pub & Restaurant – Elkader, IA
  “Great Irish food.”
• Preston Servicemen’s Club – Preston, MN
  “burger nite.”
• Rubaiyat – Decorah, IA
  “Excellent food-atmosphere”
• Shawnee’s Bar & Grill – Rushford, MN
  “The food/company/management”
• Oneota Food Coop – Decorah, IA
• Shooters – Wykoff, MN
• Some like it Hot – Spring Valley, MN
• The Gateway – Wykoff, MN

“Excellent family owned stores for years. Love these people & their employees! Top notch! Excellent selection of affordable brand names furniture!”

“Have to pick this one! Got our bedroom set here. Still use it after 32 years! Wedding present! Still use our dining room set. Over 39 years old!!! Great place to purchase items and service is great too!”

“Awesome help at this place. They go the extra mile to help find that special piece of furniture. Also helpful with color schemes. Katelyn and crew rocks!”

Runner Ups

• RJ Amish Furniture – Harmony, MN
  “Quality wood furniture that is built to last.”
• Countryside Furniture – Harmony, MN
  “Love the Amish furniture.”
• The Woods Fine Amish Furniture – Plainview, MN
  “Beautiful craftsmanship.”
• The Rustic Corner – Charles City, IA
  “Best store around for a small town.”
• Hershberger’s Woven Shag Rugs – Harmony, MN
  “Love the rugs.”
• Looking Glass Prairie Furniture Store – Harmony, MN
  “Wonderful items at great prices”
• Langseth Wood Carving – Minneiska, MN
  “Like to see the unusual and original pieces on display.”
• Triple M Furniture – Harmony, MN
  “Great craftsmanship.”
• Jane’s Consulting of Amish Furniture – Decorah, IA
  “Fun to visit.”

“I love the lily’s they planted outside. Very personal to pick from so many! They have expanded the store and have very nice items.”

“Wonderful people running a great business! Updates to their business have been amazing!”

“Friendly and beautiful flowers. Great choices and helpful when questions arise for choosing the “just right arrangement””

Runner Ups

• Preston Floral & Gift – Preston, MN
  “Wonderful place to get just about any gift item and wonderful service! Daughter got her wedding flowers here and they were beautiful!”
• Pinter’s Gardens – Decorah, IA
  “Offer not only plants, flowers but also homemade candies.”
• The Treehouse Landscape & Garden Center – LeRoy, MN
  “Fabulous quality and epic variety”
• Mabel Flowers & Gifts – Mabel, MN
  “Very welcome there, and they have wonderful ideas and products to go with anything.”
• The Anderson Gardens – Wabasha, MN
  “Beautiful gardens!”
• K & K Gardens – Hawkeye, IA
  “K&k has every type of plant would want for great prices!! We go every year for mother’s day and they have the best succulents I have found! The yard is like walking in a fairy garden!”

“Nice to pick up stuff when camping in Lanesboro”

“Great shop near the bike trails.”

“Like to rent bikes here.”

Runner Ups

• Fisk Farm & Home – Cresco, Decorah, Monona, IA
  “Pretty much have everything you need or want to shop for. Staff is above and beyond helpful.”
• Rushford Hardware Rentals – Rushford, MN
  “This hardware store has everything from A to Z. Super helpful store assistance.”
• Lansing Hardware & Service – Lansing, IA
  “Great people with small town pride always willing to help!”

“This place is as magical for grown-ups as it is for kids. The classic toys are nostalgic and the new toys are SO MUCH FUN. Hilarious masks and a fun carousel. It’s wonderful!!”

“This place is amazing. Carousel rides, delicious ice cream, and tons of toys and books. The displays of antique toys are a must see. Bonus, mini golf. This place has it all.”

“Known around the world and something for everyone!!! So much fun, great owners!!!”

Runner Ups

• Harmony Gardens & Floral – Harmony, MN
  “Beautiful assortment of gifts to choose from. The owners are kind too.”
• Preston Floral & Gift – Preston, MN
  “Love that you can go in for baby, birthday, anniversary gifts. Good gift selection for all occasions!!”
• Amish Experience & E2 Boutique – Lanesboro, MN
  “Great place to find whatever you need or want or to pick up a last minute gift for someone!”
• Niagara Cave – Harmony, MN
  “Oh the kids love this one full of creativity…gifts/toys/experiments.”
• Norsland Lefse – Rushford, MN
  “All the Norwegian items available to purchase and great lefsa!”
• Little River General Store – Lanesboro, MN
  “Just fun to look around and I always find something new!”
• Stone Mill Hotel & Suites – Lanesboro, MN
  “Always find a great gift of clothing or jewelry…beautiful items, great pricing and very friendly staff!”
• Sudio 9 – Cresco, IA
  “Lots of cute items.”
• The Village Depot – Harmony, MN
  “They have a lot of cute gift ideas!”
• Hoffman Tack Shop – Preston, MN
  “Lot of good little items and great service.”
• The Rustic Corner – Charles City, IA
  “They have a wide selection of gifts. The engraving machine can make a personal gift for each occasion.”
• Turkey River Mall – Elkader, IA
  “Unique items and fun to look around”
• Winona County History Center – Winona, MN
  “Nice selections”
• HIS Business – Spring Grove, MN
  “Nice knitted items that make great gifts”
• RJ Amish Furniture – Harmony, MN
  “They have a good variety to choose from.”
• Countryside Furniture – Harmony, MN
• Langseth Wood Carving – Minneiska, MN
  “Great gift ideas”
• The Village School Quilt Shop – Harmony, MN
  “Gorgeous quilts”

“Very well kept course.”

“Beautiful! Greens are smooth.”

“Fun golf course and friendly staff.”

Runner Ups

• Harmony Golf Club – Harmony, MN
  “Nice course, good staff.”
• Rivers’ Bend Golf Course – Preston, MN
  “Beautiful grounds and a wonderful experience.”

“The store is clean, staff works hard to provide a nice small town grocery store.”

“This is the best place for purchasing grocery items! Tim is the bomb here! You ask for it and he will try his darndest to get it for you! Very clean place and workers are very helpful if needed!”

“Best chicken!”

Runner Ups

• Harmony Foods – Harmony, MN
  “Friendly staff always willing to help.”
• Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm – Preston, MN
  “This family run business is a gem from plants, to pizza, to baked goods, and more. It’s not just about the apples, but those are great too.”
• Ody’s Country Meats – Spring Valley, MN
  “Cody has a great selection to choose from for frozen and fresh foods. He’s always bringing in new things. Love the beef sticks! We have family who visits from 4 hours away and they stop there every time.”
• Norsland Lefse – Rushford, MN
  “Delicious food, excellent Lefse, fun gift shop!”
• Rushford Foods – Rushford, MN
  “Friendly and if they don’t have it they will get it.”
• Oneota Food Coop – Decorah, IA
  “Great co-op with gluten-free and vegan options. Love having lunch there too.”
• WW Homestead Dairy – Waukon, IA
  “The ice cream is so good and its awesome cheese curds hit the spot!!! Plus they listen to customer suggestions! It’s the perfect place to get a treat on a hot day!!”
• Parkway Market & Coffeehouse – Lanesboro, MN
  “Small town market with nice produce section and love the wall of chocolate!”
• Sunshine Foods – Spring Valley, MN
  “Fresh produce”
• Pine Tree Apple Orchard – Preston, MN
  “The BEST rollovers ever! And, a wonderful selection of fresh apples! Plus, the best frozen pies!”
• Pam’s Corner Convenience – Rushford, MN
  “You always find something you need”

“Great rentals. My family had so much fun tubing and bike riding.”

“Great place to rent tubes or canoes.”

“Great management, friendly service, wide variety.”

Runner Ups

• Magnum Sports – Chatfield, MN
  “Wide variety of hunting and fishing options”
• Little River General Store – Lanesboro, MN
  “Good supplies and great quality.”
• The Driftless Fly Fishing Co. – Preston, MN
  Great little shop for all the trout fisherman out there.””
• National Trout Center – Preston, MN
  “Lots of information here”
• Root River Rod Co. – Lanesboro, MN
  “Very nice store with nice inventory and knowledgeable employees”
• Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters – Whalan, MN
  “This is the most wonderful place. Great service and great owners.”
• Rushford Hardware Rentals – Rushford, MN
  “This store has all the basic for my hunting and fishing needs.”

“Always doing what they can to promote the town and the businesses in it.”

“The BEST! They are busy all the time and very helpful for guests to our local and surrounding community.”

“Full of great information.”

Runner Ups

• Preston Tourism & Chamber of Commerce – Preston, MN
  “The staff here really care about the town of Preston and how to continually promote its growth and quality of living.”
• Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce – Harmony, MN
  “Great bunch of people advocating for the community”
• City of Chatfield – Chatfield, MN
  “The city plays, music and musical groups they have in.”
• City of Rushford – Rushford, MN
  “Well kept clean city.”
• City of Fountain – Fountain, MN
  “close nit”
• Howard County Business & Tourism – Cresco, IA
  “They are very helpful in letting visitors know of the upcoming events.”
• Spring Valley Tourism – Spring Valley, MN
  “Nice people”
• Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce – Caledonia, MN
  “Exceptional people”
• Allamakee County Conservation Board – Lansing, IA
  “Provide multiple activities to educate and involve young people”
• Cherry Grove United Methodist Church – Spring Valley, MN
  “Cowboy Church – check it out!”
• City of Mabel – Mabel, MN
  “Wonderful people, very friendly and caring”
• Rushford Peterson Valley – Peterson, Rushford, Rushford Village, MN
  “Nice place”
• Allamakee County Historical Society – Waukon, IA
  “Good information”
• Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce/EDA – Spring Valley, MN
  “Work to and try to bring ideas to town for work and living.”
• City of Peterson – Peterson, MN
  “Enjoy their traditions and the community events they have..concerts, Gammel Dag and Christmas celebrations.”
• Lime Springs Community Club – Lime Springs, IA
• Spring Grove Communications – Spring Grove, MN
  “Customer service is top notch! Great asset for a small community”
• Charles City Chamber – Charles City, IA
  “Great guides while visiting”
• City of Rushford Village – Rushford Village, MN
• City of Whalan – Whalan, MN
• City of Wykoff – Wykoff, MN
• Mabel Business Association – Mabel, MN
• Spring Grove EDA – Spring Grove, MN
  “They’re sprucing Spring Grove up in many ways.”
• New Hampton Parks & Recreation – New Hampton, IA
  “good job with the parks”
• Mitchell County Conservation Board – Osage, IA
• City of Elkader – Elkader, IA
  “They keep the town very nice and all the people are very nice.”
• Prairie Visions – Leroy, Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi, MN
  “This club is very dedicated to its area.”
• Guttenberg Development & Tourism – Guttenberg, IA
• McGregor/Marquette Chamber of Commerce – McGregor, IA
• Delaware County Tourism – Manchester, IA

“Great weekend getaway spot. Very family friendly.”

“Lots of things to do and central location.”

“The landscape is gorgeous!”

Runner Ups

• Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters – Lanesboro/Whalan, MN
  “So great for LARGE gatherings! Many relatives have gone there for years for family reunions and really very nice lodging facilities.”
• Hotel Winneshiek – Decorah, IA
  “Beautiful place, nice accommodations.”
• Asahi Loft – Harmony, MN
  “Privacy, luxurious accommodation with great hosts”
• Country Trails Inn & Suites – Preston, MN
  “Great rooms and reasonable prices”
• Jail House Inn – Preston, MN
  “The setting, the history and architecture of this place is a rare find.”
• Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging – Lanesboro, MN
  “Good campground”
• Stone Mill Hotel & Suites – Lanesboro, MN
  “Very uniquely decorated rooms of different themes”
• Big River Resort – Wabasha, MN
  “Clean, updated, and great service!”
• Trailhead Inn – Preston, MN
  “Private owners, friendly. Great ice cream”
• Fairfield Inn & Suites – Decorah, IA
  “New and modern”
• Good Earth Village – Spring Valley, MN
  “Quiet and secluded.”
• Amish Valley Cabin & Campers – Canton, MN
  “Surprisingly nice place”
• Dick’s Halfway Inn – Millville, MN
  “Beautiful! Peaceful! Love it!”
• Habberstad House B&B – Lanesboro, MN
  “Simply beautiful and unsurpassed service & charm!”
• Winnebago Spring – Caledonia, MN
  “Cabins are nice and clean.”
• Historic Scanlan House B&B – Lanesboro, MN
  “Great place to rest, relax and enjoy the local scenery.”
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Winona, MN
  “Fantastic lodging, attentive staff and a really nice atmosphere.”
• Berwood Hill Inn – Lanesboro, MN
  “Stayed here for my sister’s wedding. Love the gardens and the breathtaking view of the valleys.”
• Fairfield Inn & Suites – Winona, MN
  “Friendly”
• Riverport Inn & Suites – Winona, MN
  “Nice place. Great burgers.”
• RiverView Inn – Lansing, IA
  “Nicely kept rooms, great view of the Mississippi River.”
• Driftless Area Inn and Event Center – Lansing, IA
  “Unique and educational”
• Cottage House Inn – Lanesboro, MN
• The Shady Rest Guest House – Decorah, IA
  “Nice bed and breakfast.”
• Grandma’s Inn – Lanesboro, MN
  “Convenience”
• Sand Berg Retreat LLC – Platteville, WI
• Days Inn – Winona, MN
  “Clean”
• Oakenwald Terrace B&B – Chatfield, MN
• The Plaza Hotel & Suites – Winona, MN
• River House Inn – Peterson, MN

“The antique toys are a must see for young and old alike.”

“So much fun to look at their collections. Toy maker on site. The carousel is beautiful! Nice book store and gift store.”

“Lots of things to look at, unique and memorable toys from one’s past.”

Runner Ups

• The Fillmore County History Center – Fountain, MN
  “Everyone should visit this place at least once!”
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum – Burr Oak, IA
  “There was a lot here we did not see at other LIW museums.”
• Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum – Decorah, IA
  “The ship! A great collection of Norwegian history!”
• Bily Clocks Museum – Spillville, IA
  “Such a different type of museum you don’t find anywhere!”
• Pope & Young Club – Chatfield, MN
  “Hidden treasure! High quality displays and so interesting.”
• Veterans Hall of Honor – La Crosse, WI
  “A great ace to honor our veterans.”
• Castlerock Museum – Alma, WI
  “Wow, a must see!”
• Winona County History Center – Winona, MN
  “Very up to date with the many festivities they have plus the beautiful building and gift shop.”
• Houston County Historical Society Museum – Caledonia, MN
  “Great place to spend time and learn a little history! Awesome people/volunteers that work there.”
• Polish Cultural Institute and Museum – Winona, MN
  “Great cultural experience for family.”
• Montauk Historic Site – Clermont, IA
• Froelich 1890s Village Museum – Froelich, IA

“Very friendly. Always willing to take the extra time to get to know you and find your dream home.”

“Todd! Amazing realtor! Will continue to get our business!”

“Local, professional, hardworking.”

Runner Ups

• ReMax – Roxanne Johnson – Harmony, MN
  “Roxanne and her staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.”
• Weiss Realty – Chad Garteski – Chatfield MN & Durand WI
  “Chad helped us buy our first SE MN property and made the experience easy and enjoyable.”
• Coldwell Banker Burnet – John Nelson – Lanesboro, MN
  “John is personable and wants to find you the right home. He grew up with good family values.”

“Fun for the whole family! Not all my kids like the cave so one of us adults stay back sometimes with the little one and play mini golf or look for gold.”

“Beautiful cave, a natural waterfall is the best.”

“Haven’t been there since o was a kid, but every time I see the sign I think ‘Man I need to go back to see if it’s as cool as I remember!'”

Runner Ups

• Warrens Cranberry Festival, Inc – Warrens, WI
  “This town really knows how to host a festival. Everyone should come here at least once.”
• B&B Olympic Bowl and Restaurant – Preston, MN
  “Great place for food and bowling. This place is very active in community response and participation.”
• JEM Theatre – Harmony, MN
  “Good movies…good popcorn… inexpensive entertainment.”
• Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center – Lanesboro, MN
  “Great place for kids to learn from the naturalists about nature. Rock climbing, high ropes confidence course.”
• Commonweal Theatre Company – Lanesboro, MN
  “EXCELLENT productions right in tiny Lanesboro! Reasonable prices and even more reasonable if you see previews :)”
• Field of Dreams Movie Site – Dyersville, IA
  “Awesome place to visit and relive the movie.”
• International Owl Center – Houston, MN
  “Great presentations and kids love the owls.”
• The Old Barn Resort & Rivers’ Bend Golf – Preston, MN
• La Crosse Queen Cruises – La Crosse, WI
  “Nature is beautiful along the Mississippi River!”
• Dream Acres Organic Farm & The Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative – Wykoff, MN
  “These folks had a dream and made it a reality. The setting is lovely. All electricity is supplied by solar power which is a wonderful accomplishment. And the best oven fired pizza ever is celebrated here on Friday nights during the summer. People come from miles around for a taste and often some entertainment as well.”
• Fort Atkinson Rendezvous – Fort Atkinson, IA
  “Local history recreated.”
• Chatfield Center for the Arts – Chatfield, MN
  “Good variety of shows”
• Mabel ’50s and ’60s Day – Mabel, MN
  “I try to get to this event every year. It is neat to see the cars that come in. An eventful day for all.”
• Fun in the Sun Houseboats – Alma, WI
  “Very relaxing.”
• Spring Grove Family Swim Center – Spring Grove, MN
  “Great lifeguards and support staff! A fun pool for big and little kids alike.”
• Amish Valley Cabins & Campers – Canton, MN
• Nordic Lanes & Lounge – Rushford, MN
  “Like taking grandchildren to bowl.”
• Charles City Whitewater – Charles City, IA
  “Awesome white water area. Great for kayaking.”
• Great River Shakespeare Festival – Winona, MN
  “Excellent shows and programming.”
• Spring Grove Cinema – Spring Grove, MN
  “It’s a really nice cinema for a small town.”
• Big Valley Ranch, Inc – Winona, MN
• Hammell Equipment – Chatfield, Eitzen, Harmony, Rushford, MN
  “Good selection.”
• Lanesboro Arts – Lanesboro, MN
  “Events for all ages throughout the year.”
• Cedar Summerstock Theater – Osage, IA
  “Great talent.”
• Lost Creek Hiking Trail – Chatfield, MN
  “Love walking my dog on this trail!”
• Outback Ranch – Houston, MN
  “Our family outing here was peacefully wonderful!”
• Winnebago Springs – Caledonia, MN
  “I just like being there.”
• Prairie Visions – LeRoy, Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi, MN
• Shari’s Sports Saloon & Lanes – Chatfield, MN
• Spring Grove Fitness Center – Spring Grove, MN
  “Friendly people, good selection of equipment and Brandon is a great help.”

“Like the availability of canoes for the Root River, and also the bikes for the trail.”

“Bike rentals are reasonable.”

“Convenient to rent from.”

Runner Ups

• Hruska’s Canoe Livery & Campground – Decorah, IA
  “Good location and responsible owners.”
• Cedar Valley Resort & OUtfitters – Whalan, MN
  “They have all your outdoor adventure needs!”
• Rushford Hardware Rentals – Rushford, MN
  “They have always had what I needed to rent.”

“Found items I did not know I could find in Fillmore County! Friendly”

“I’ve never used their services, but have heard they are great. Would like to try them sometime.”

“Great service.”

Runner Ups

• Hesper-Mabel Historic Barn – Mabel, MN
  “The barn is beautiful and holds many people. Can be used for a variety of events”
• NAPA – Preston Auto Parts – Preston, MN
  “The have everything you need saving a trip to a big town!”
• Quilter’s Garden – Cresco, IA
  “Fabulous quilt shop! Excellent long-arm work.”
• Hammell Equipment – Chatfield, Eitzen, Harmony, Rushford, MN
  “Good place to do business.”
• Lanesboro Stage Line – Lanesboro, MN
  “Friendly staff”
• Doggy Day Care – Peterson, MN
  “Have kept our dog here while on vacation. Liked how friendly and clean the place was, and fees were very affordable. Prior to this kennel locating outside of Peterson, pets either had to be kept at a vet’s or in a kennel much farther away – both of these options being much more expensive.”
• Serenity Hills Event Venue – Preston, MN
  “Beautiful place to hold a special event.”
• Garvin Heights Vineyard/Event Venue – Winona, MN
  “View is great.”
• Blue Heron Knittery, LLC – Decorah, IA
  “Super helpful!!! Always willing to answer questions or help out if you are a newbie to knitting or yarn crafts!!”
• Pine Tree Apple Orchard – Preston, MN
  “Wide variety and fun for all ages.”
• Some like it Hot – Spring Valley, MN
  “Her cakes and desserts are to die for! She really puts a lot of time into her creations!”
• National Trout Center – Preston, MN
  “Very knowledgeable and a great asset to our area.”
• Doubletree Leatherworks – Cherry Grove, MN
  “Great place.”
• NAPA – Chatfield Parts House – Chatfield, MN
  “You never know what you are going to find there that you need. No need to drive all the way to city.”
• Harmony Telephone Company/Computers – Harmony, MN
  “Barry Churchill is a genius fixing computers.”
• Denny’s Trailer Sales – Wykoff, MN
  “Good items to rent reasonably.”
• KDEC Radio – Decorah, IA
• Spring Grove Communications – Spring Grove, MN
  “Second to none! Have really helped revitalize this small town!”
• Hoffmann’s Stables/Tack Shop – Preston, MN
  “Offering good selection of horse related care items.”
• Root River Hardwoods – Preston, MN
  “Great place!”
• Regional Health Services – Cresco, IA
  “Great local resource.”
• Gansen Auto & RV Sales – Riceville, IA
  “Nice selection of RVs”
• Five Wynds Event Venue – Spring Valley, MN
  “All remodeled and very nice for Parties.”
• Harrington Enterprises – LeRoy, MN
• Studio 9 – Cresco, IA
• Alum-Line Trailers – Cresco, IA
  “Great trailers”
• Harmony Custom Kitchens – Harmony, MN
• Lime Springs Medical Center – Lime Springs, IA
• Spring Valley Living – Spring Valley, MN
• Valley Laundry – Spring Valley, MN

“This was an excellent tour, very informative.”

“Wonderful cave and good tourist attraction for the area. Toured it as a child and also have taken our children and grandkids there to see the cave.”

“Exciting adventures for the whole family.”

Runner Ups

• Amish Tours of Harmony – Harmony, MN
  “It is beyond amazing going to Amish farms in the area and seeing how they live. And it’s so great to be able to purchase their handmade goods!”
• Bluffscape Amish Tours – Lanesboro, MN
  “So interesting and worth the time and fun!”
• Historic Scanlan House B&B – Lanesboro, MN
  “This historic B&B is beautiful and shows show much of the Lanesboro History!”

“Dedicated to good customer service. Their service department is awesome!”

“Friendly customer service. Sales people are not pushy.”

“If you ever need a Chevy, they are the people to talk to!”

Runner Ups

• Preston Service Plus – Preston, MN
  “The boys are helpful and affordable and have great customer service!”
• Brown’s Tire, Battery & Transmission – Rushford Village, MN
  “Gary and his crew a great! They will get u back on the road in no time!”

“Love their wine as well as their selection of beers and ciders. They always have different events going on as well.”

“The owners are the nicest people ever, the location is gorgeous, and the wine is awesome.”

“Beautiful place, excellent wines!”

Runner Ups

• Winneshiek Wildberry Winery – Decorah, IA
  “A neat setting out in the country, and very friendly.”
• Garvin Heights Vineyard/Event Center – Winona, MN
  “Great wine, a beautiful view from the balcony and friendly servers.”
• Eagles Landing Winery – Marquette, IA
  “Love, love, love this little winery! Best wines around!”
• Promise Land Winery – Guttenberg, IA
  “Beautiful drive to Guttenburg and great wine.”