Copper & Canvas: A Weekend in Lanesboro
Some weekends feel like they’re wrapped in gold—sun-warmed, slow-paced, and soaked in little joys. This past one was exactly that. Perry and I packed up our art, our gear, and just enough clothes for two nights away, and headed to Lanesboro, MN for Art in the Park. It’s one of those tiny towns that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard—Americana at its finest.
We stayed at the Guest Hus, a sweet little spot within walking distance of everything (a dream when you’ve got limited downtime and tired feet). Friday was all play: we rented bikes and rode the path that winds along the river and through town, then wandered into the local gallery and a few shops that felt like treasure chests. We capped the afternoon with a round of drinks at Sylvan Brewing—my Amaretto Sour was tart, fizzy perfection—and dinner on the balcony at Juniper’s. With views of the river and the bike trail bridge, it was one of those meals that just settles into your memory. Perry had the bolognese, I had the fish, and we shared cheese curds and a dreamy mushroom soup. The staff made us feel right at home.
After dinner, we wandered back to the Guest Hus and queued up a scary movie (a new tradition for us when our son stays behind with the grandparents). This time it was Monkey… and wow. I don’t even know what to say. It was weird, it was wild—I’m open to your takes if you’ve seen it. I barely slept, but that’s become par for the course lately.
Still, we were up by 5:30am, in the park by 6. Perry’s setup always takes him three hours on the dot, and I clocked in at two and a half—my fastest yet. I realized I'd forgotten two totes of decor and my ring display (cue the internal spiral), but made it work anyway. That’s the thing about doing this so often: you get better at rolling with it.
Art in the Park started at 10am, which gave us a quiet pocket of morning to just breathe. The show itself was beautiful—live music, local brews (yes, I sampled freely), food trucks, and rows of incredibly talented artists. I made a few lovely trades: a handmade mug for my ever-growing collection and a stunning upcycled jean jacket with a woven back panel that I can’t wait to wear. Perry had a fantastic day—his work really connected with people, and he even outsold me (not that it's a competition, but… dang).
Just as we were packing up, thunder rolled in the distance. I love that sound—an electric lullaby—and I was especially grateful we didn’t get caught in a downpour. Sweaty, happy, and just the right kind of exhausted, we returned to the Guest Hus for one more night and a second go at Juniper’s. That night I finally slept soundly.
Sunday morning we packed up and grabbed breakfast at the Pastry Shoppe. It was cozy, affordable, and full of tempting treats—though we stuck with the classics and coffee. Then it was time to head home to celebrate Father’s Day with our son and Perry’s dad. My own dad stayed behind to pack… because he and my mom are moving to Eau Claire soon (!!!) but more on that another time.
Next up? We’re heading to North Milwaukee for the Bayshore Makers Market on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st–22nd. We’ll be staying with a dear friend (thank goodness for that hotel savings) and doing it all again. Our son’s staying behind for this one too, but we’ve promised him ice cream and stories when we get home.
Until then, I’ll be dreaming of river towns, good beer, unexpected movies, and the sound of thunder rolling somewhere far off.