This Fall, Slow Down in Stockholm, Wisc.

The Stockholm Haüs is beautifully perched on the bluffs, surrounded by a vivid array of autumn leaves.

You don't have to travel across the country to feel like you've escaped it

If you're looking to trade busy weekends for a little more breathing room, the perfect escape may be waiting just beyond the city, where the Mississippi widens, the bluffs rise, and the road seems to invite you to slow down.

This fall and winter, take the long way to Stockholm Haüs, a luxurious Scandinavian-inspired retreat in Stockholm, Wisconsin, and let the journey become part of the experience.

The adventure begins on the Great River Road. From the Twin Cities, the drive south unfolds through some of the Upper Midwest's most beautiful river country, following the Mississippi past postcard-worthy towns, dramatic limestone bluffs and expansive views. Wisconsin's Great River Road stretches along 250 miles of the Mississippi and connects 33 river towns, making the route as much a destination as the stay itself.

In autumn, this stretch of the Driftless Area becomes a moving painting. Hillsides turn shades of amber, gold and crimson. The water reflects the changing leaves, while the winding roads along Lake Pepin offer one breathtaking view after another. The Stockholm, Pepin and Maiden Rock area has long been a favorite fall drive for Twin Cities residents looking to chase color without spending an entire day in the car.

And then, almost unexpectedly, you arrive in Stockholm.

This tiny village on the banks of Lake Pepin is home to fewer than 100 people, but it has the heart, creativity and culinary charm of a place many times its size. Visitors will find art, handcrafted goods, exceptional food and the kind of small-town hospitality that makes strangers feel like neighbors. Stockholm has become known as a cozy hub for arts, culture and food along the Great River Road.

There is Stockholm Pie, of course. There is strong Swedish coffee. There are pastries at Little Lark Bakery, wine at The Palate and Maiden Rock Cider, Hop Dish and Vine, Humble Moon Saloon and unexpected little shops worth wandering into. (Iris & Oak, Mercer and ScandiHoo for starters). And beyond Stockholm, the river towns of Pepin, Maiden Rock and Alma offer even more reasons to pull over, explore and stay awhile. From bluff-top overlooks to waterfront views, the region rewards those who aren't in a hurry.

But eventually, you'll want to come home. That is where Stockholm Haüs comes in.

Designed as a luxurious retreat rather than simply a place to sleep, Stockholm Haüs is where the outside beauty of the season meets the warmth of an intentionally designed interior. After a day of exploring the Great River Road, return to cozy, elevated surroundings that invite you to settle in. Make dinner. Pour a glass of wine. Gather around the table. Turn the fireplace on, sink into a comfortable chair with a blanket and finally open the book you've been meaning to read.

This is the kind of place where you don't feel pressure to go anywhere.

Oh, but there is more. As temperatures drop, one experience becomes especially unforgettable: stepping into the wood-fired hot tub. Surrounded by the crisp fall air (or the quiet beauty of winter) guests can soak in the warmth while steam rises into the night sky. There is something wonderfully simple about it: the crackle of the fire, the cold air on your face and nowhere else you need to be. Perfection.

Winter brings an entirely different kind of magic to Stockholm. The crowds fade, the pace slows and the village becomes even more intimate. Stockholm itself has been celebrated for its cozy winter character, offering visitors a warm welcome despite the Wisconsin chill.

At Stockholm Haüs, winter is not a season to endure. It is a reason to stay in. Imagine waking slowly on a snowy morning, coffee in hand, with nowhere on the agenda except a leisurely breakfast and a drive along the river. Spend the afternoon exploring local shops or enjoying a long lunch. Return before sunset, light the fire, slip into the hot tub and settle in for an evening surrounded by comfort and quiet luxury.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of a weekend at Stockholm Haüs: you don't have to travel across the country to feel like you've escaped it. Follow the river, watch the landscape change and discover a part of Wisconsin that feels both familiar and wonderfully removed from everyday life. Take the scenic route. Stop in the river towns. Eat the pie. Chase the fall colors. Meet the artists, shop owners and locals who give this stretch of the Midwest its unmistakable warmth.

The best kind of luxury isn't about going farther.

It's about finding a place that makes you want to slow down.

This fall and winter, take the Great River Road to Stockholm Haus and discover why the West Coast of Wisconsin may be the perfect place to get away. BOOK DIRECTLY to save on third party fees. www.stockholm-haus.com

For more ideas on exploring the region, visit Stockholm Haüs' itinerary and Travel Stockholm Wisconsin or West Coast of Wisconsin.