This post is sponsored by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. It is written by me (hi!). It includes my family’s pictures and stories and vacation rental experiences. Ready set go!
So Happy Fourth of July!
We just got back from a great 4-day vacation to the beautiful Mississippi River Valley – specifically, this gem of a place called Lake Pepin. And now we’re back home and it’s July 4th! Literally right at this second I can smell someone in the hood grilling up some hotdogs and my happy-summer-o-meter is flying high. Remind me next time I go on vacation to schedule my return over a holiday weekend, because back to back to back fun is, like, super extra sparkly fun.
One of our favorite things about summer in Minnesota is the abundance of vacation rentals that make you feel like you own a cabin… without really owning a cabin. Every summer my family does the vacation rental thing up in Northern Wisconsin (thinking about making a paper chain for countdown), and this summer we jumped on the bandwagon and vacation rental-ed for a few days with Bjork’s family, too.
The incredible vacation rental that we stayed at was simply beyond anything I could really describe. Like Whoa. But now I’ll try to describe it.
It was rustic, with lots of old, curvy, knotty wood everywhere, and it felt a lot like a cabin in terms of woodsy look and smell, but then also it felt a little bit like a mansion because it was huge and beautiful with high ceilings and grandiose windows. The doors and windows were formed into adorable arches and there were little beds and snuggly lofts tucked into every nook and cranny of this place, and there was a LADDER in the living room, all of which made it feel cozy and quaint (think Hobbit house) while also still being rustic and a mansion. So my description comes to this: cozy, quaint, rustic Hobbit mansion. Kinda get it?
We had an incredible view over Lake Pepin/the whole river valley (scroll on back up to the first picture for a better look at that one) and a big ol’ deck to sit and take it all in. Many teas sipped, birds watched, snacks eaten, books read, stars gazed, and conversations had right there on the million dollar log cabin deck.
Oh yeah, and pajamas worn. I mean, maybe that’s obvious. Cabin life, guys.
Here’s the thing about Lake Pepin – I had never even heard of it before we started planning this trip. 100% Minnesota born and raised and yet I had no concept that such a thing existed. This brings up lots of geographical knowledge suspicions, like why don’t I know what incredible places exist less than one hour from where I live? It’s not super important for us to answer that.
The important thing is that I now know what to do the next time we have a free weekend and we’re looking for charm, natural beauty, and freshest of the fresh air –> grab an Americano for the road (new drink discovery! ❤) and road trip to the Lake Pepin area.
This trip was extra special because it gave us time to spend with the people who we love and appreciate the most – and even though Bjork and I see our families on a regular basis, there’s something extra wonderful about spending that extended and uninterrupted time together.
You guys? July is national vacation rental month! Annnd this is one of those obscure facts that you had no idea was a real thing but then it actually comes at a perfect time. Honestly, we’ve always enjoyed staying a in rental rather than a hotel when we’re vacationing with family – it allows us to make meals together (I’m all over that, as you saw from this post and our experience in Emerald Isle in general), spread out a little bit, and experience a new place in a more authentic way. And now this is your month, you vacation rental newbie! If you’re looking for ideas, the Wyndham Vacation Rentals website is a great place to start.
(Some of you have asked about this specific rental, and just to be clear, this place was not a Wyndham Vacation Rental, but because July is national vacation rental month – wheee! – they’ve awesomely agreed to sponsor this post. If you’re interested in more details about this particular place, just shoot me an email.)
Here are a few more pics from the week to get you pumped about your next destination! Even if it’s just to the hot dog bar later tonight. I’ll probably see you there.
Thanks for being friends who share slices of life! <— who am I. Seriously who am I.
Happy Fourth! Happy Friday! Happy Vacation! XOXO
Thanks to Wyndham Vacation Rentals for sponsoring this summery, good times, vacation rentals post.
Hello! Wondering if this is an Airbnb- type scenario available for rent. Please let me know!’
This place looks gorgeous! Would you be able to provide a link to this vacation rental? Would love to rent this place .
Hi Lindsey!
I’ve been searching high and low for a place like this to have a little getaway with my boyfriend! Can you email me info about it!!! We would appreciate it so much!
Hi Lindsay,
I was researching a place for our family to go next summer in Minnesota and saw your post on pinch of yum about Lake Pepin. Could you share with me the name of this home? It looks beautiful!! We are from Virginia so we have no idea about any of the lake resorts there, but Lake Pepin looks like it could be our first choice! Thank you for your help! Terri
Do you know where I can rent this place from? Looks gorgeous. Thanks!
Hi!
Could you tell me how/where to rent this cabin? It looks amazing.
Thanks,
Jen Hinton
Could you send me the details on this rental…looks fabulous!
Hey Lacie! Just send me an email and I’ll share the link with you!
I’ll have Lindsay get back to you on this!
Ha, I stayed at that same cabin for my bachelorette party last winter and a pal’s 30th birthday the year before! It is such an incredible place — we all can’t wait for an excuse to go back.
No way! How funny – it would be perfect for a bach party! 🙂
At this time it sounds like WordPress is the best blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Lindsay,
Thanks for sending the info, but unfortunately this cabin would be way too big. It will probably be just my husband and myself. Have you ever rented a smaller one in that area? Our children are spread too far apart to ever get them in one place unless it’s at our home in
St. Louis, which doesn’t happen very often.
Kathy Z.
No, this is the first time I have been to the area, so I don’t have any other recs for you! Sorry!
My parents have a camper in the Pepin campgrounds! Love it up there!
Can you email me where the cabin is located?
Would love to stay there on one of our visits, maybe this fall, when the trees have turned
Thanks!
Yes! just send me an email through the contact form and I’ll send you the details of the listing.
can you send me the details of the cabins here? ruehs@butler-bremer.com
Thanks
Gorgeous photos! I live in MN. I’ve been looking for the perfect place to convince extended family to vacation with us. This looks like THE place. Would love details!
I’ll send you the link to the listing – just shoot me an email! 🙂
I grew up in Eden Prairie MN and we moved to Winona Mn 22 years ago, I never knew MN could be so different from “up North” and the cities area! We love the bluffs and beauty of the river! I would love to know how to rent the cabin on Lake Pepin! You should take a drive from Lake city to Winona! Go down the Mn side and come back up the Wisconsin side~ Cute little towns and shops! Nelson Cheese, Stockholm Art Fair (next weekend!) The Pie Shop!! So much to explore! All in a days drive!
I know – we were sad that we missed the art fair! If you email me I’ll send you details about the place. Thanks Kristin!
I would love the specifics about the cabin that you rented. We live in St. Louis and want to a do a northern Michigan trip. We just might go ahead and add Wisconsin/Minnesota as well.
Thanks and love your blog!!
Sure, Kathy! Feel free to send me an email and I’ll send you the name of the place.
Is that an SLP sweatshirt in your family photo? My alma mater! Lake Pepin sounds lovely.
Yes! But it’s for Student Leadership Project… a Young Life program that Bjork participated in in high school. 🙂
My husband and I are celebrating our first anniversary this Sunday. We were trying to come up with what to do, and because of you we are now headed to the Stockholm, Lake Pepin area for the day. Do you have any restaurant recommendations for brunch or lunch? We’re thinking Bogus Cafe, though I’m seeing mixed reviews. MN/WI summers are the best!
We liked Bogus Cafe! I also heard great things about the Stockholm Pie Company but we didn’t eat there. We ate at a little place in Pepin called Homemade Cafe and it was pretty good, too!
love your stunning photo collage.
I took one look at your first picture and thought ‘wait a minute, I know this place…’ My 8 friends and I rented that same cabin last winter! It was amazing. We especially enjoyed the hot tub and fireplace since it was cold. Your pictures are beautiful in the summer! Happy belated 4th!
Oh my gosh, too funny! Love that!! 🙂
It looks like an amazing trip, your photos are beautiful!
ohhh, this makes me miss MN (except for the mosquitoes) grew up in Lake Minnetonka and my parents had a cabin by Hayward, so lovely and so many memories. Hard to find this in San Diego without driving hours!
The mosquitoes are especially awful this year. Bleh! But the view makes up for it. 🙂
Yay Wisconsin!! Sorry. I get excited about small things. I wish I would have know about this website when we were planning our family reunion earlier this year. Luckily we had a family member volunteer her home. Glad you had such an awesome stay. It looks so beautiful!
Did you make it to Harbor View Cafe in Pepin? I live in Saint Paul and make the drive once a summer. Definitely worth the trip!
No! They were closed 🙁 but we did eat at a few other cute places and I am determined to make it back for dinner at Harbor View sometime soon!
Looks beautiful! In your post you mention it is in the Mississippi River Valley, but later it states Minnesota. Just thought I would bring it to your attention in case it is a mistake! Thanks for sharing!
I see now…you said Mississippi RIVER VALLEY! Not Mississippi. Sorry!
Good catch Shelly! I should actually double check that that’s technically what it’s called, but yes, we were in Minnesota/Wisconsin. 🙂
Looks like a gorgeous getaway. I’m a strong believer in vacations… And many of them! They are the perfect reward and boost for hardworking families 🙂 I write this from Sedona, a beautiful red rock city only two hours from home (Phoenix, AZ). 🙂
Happy 4th weekend!
I’ve always wanted to go to Sedona! Thanks for the comment Dala.
So beautiful! What a lovely place to spend family time together.