BY BRIAN G. SCHOMMER Welcome back to “Out and About;” the fun and feel-good “feature article” found exclusively in The Journal newspapers. This week, our path begins south of Hastings in the Red Wing, Welch, Miesville, and Cannon Falls area but fear not those across the river and in Washington County, we have you covered.

A quick trip to Red Wing can easily turn into a “DAY TRIP” if you so desire and you won’t be disappointed. From a multitude of cool shops downtown to a walk along the riverfront, to more shopping, dining, and of course, antiquing at the Pottery Place, there is plenty to do, and THIS is just scratching the surface. A highlight of a recent stop was the tasty cuisine at Rancho Loco Grill and Bar in the Pottery Place Historic Center. Authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price with some of the best guacamole around. A dash across the parking lot to the Stockholm Pie’s Plate Café & Red Wing General Store for a little dessert (the Peanut Butter Fudge Pie is divine and should be shared as it is quite rich) is highly recommended. Be sure to schedule some time to check out all the shops and if you need a little adjustment, at least of the chiropractic type, you might even catch Dr. Linden Pfeiffer, DC of Unlimited Chiropractic in his Red Wing location. The “walk-in” clinic concept of this business is quite different from most chiropractic offices and is worth looking into. There are currently offices in Red Wing and Hastings.

Speaking of Hastings, “Performances in the Park” will feature Collide Theatrical Dance on Tuesday, September 13th beginning at 6pm at the Hastings Rotary Pavilion. The twohour event is sponsored by SMEAD Manufacturing

and is FREE of charge will feature a variety of magic, dance, and theater performances. For more information about this and other activities happening at the Rotary Pavilion, check out the Hastings Parks and Recreation website or give them a call at 651-480-6175. For those who say there is nothing to do in Hastings, a quick visit to either the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce or the Hastings Parks and Recreation websites will show you that this event is but a snapshot of the many opportunities that exist when you want to get “Out and About.”

Speaking of “snapshots,” a few Hastings Photographers have made location changes and if you are looking for something special when it comes to the memories you are hoping to capture via photos, be sure to reach out to either of these phenomenal photography studios. Jeannie Tribe Photography has moved her studio to 411 Vermillion Street where you can not only see samples of her work but much more. Her focus is Newborn- 18 month and based on reviews is excellent at her craft. Be sure to check out www.jeanniertribephotography. com for more information. Tribe moved from a space at 220 Sibley Street, Suite #130 (The Old Armory Building) which is now inhabited by Becker Photography Studio.

From family portraits, weddings, and senior photography to videography, promotional videos, and business type photography services (headshots, marketing, and branding), husband and wife team John and Aricka Becker take pride in their work and have completed products to prove it. Their website is www.beckerphotographystudio.

com.

Ever thought about taking up Archery as a hobby?

The City of Cottage Grove Parks & Recreation department is offering an

Archery Camp to provide the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to do just that. Besides technique and eye-dominance, the campers will learn range safety and more. Better yet, all equipment is provided. The camp will be held for ages 9-14 on September 13, 15, 20 and 22 from 3:45pm until 5pm. The cost of the camp is $65 and there will be an Archery Tournament for campers from 1pm-3pm on Friday, October 21 (cost to participate is $30). More info can be found at www.cottagegrovemn. gov on the Parks & Recreation events page. After the camp, a stop for a bite to eat and a little family time might be in order. The Muddy Cow, located at 7350 Hardwood Court or maybe some Asian cuisine at Ho King (8711 E. Point Douglas Road, #103) is more up your alley. If you are short on time, there are plenty of “fast food” options in Cottage Grove.

Fast… speaking of fast, a reminder of one thing guaranteed at this time of the year is there will be plenty of road construction projects that are in the process of wrapping up. These projects tend to slow us down when we are “Out and About.” For those who were frustrated by the closure of 316 between Hastings and Highway 61 between Red Wing and Miesville, here is some good news. The path is clear now and for the time being, you can take Minnesota 316 as you head to Treasure Island Resort and Casino, the Almquist Farm for a wedding reception or to Welch Mill Canoeing, Tubing, and Kayaking, at least for the time being. Rumor has it there will be a roundabout installed along the way which could lead to additional short-term closures and delays. If you were getting used to heading out Highway 61, a quick right instead of left on Highway 50 will take you to New Trier and Hampton. A quicker left onto Highway 20 after your right turn will bring you to Cannon Falls. Keep this in mind as “Out and About” will bring you this direction next week.

No, we did not forget the Wisconsin side of the river this week. With talk in many towns being “to have chickens or not to have chickens,” did you know that you can get baby chicks at Tractor Supply in Prescott? Not only that, but you can also get everything you will need, from feed and vitamins, right down to the chicken coop right there in the store. The store is located at 1445 North Acres Road just off Highway 10. Tractor Supply has a lot of other items for home, hobby farm, and farm alike. You will notice a decent selection of utility trailers, grills, kayaks, and lawn tractors before you ever get into the shop. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well. If you head east out of Prescott on Highway 10 and hook a right just before Ellsworth, you will end up back in Red Wing, which if you are not careful, might turn into a daytrip… or longer, so you may want to pack an overnight bag. Come to think of it, that is not a bad idea the next time you go “Out and About.”