Goin' To The Lake: Cannon Falls (Day 2)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It was another steamy day in Cannon Falls as Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello headed out for this week's Goin' To The Lake trip.

The Hi-Quality Bakery & Historic Murals

There's a great spot to stop in downtown Cannon Falls if you need a coffee and a sweet treat. The Hi-Quality Bakery has been open in downtown Cannon Falls for more than 60 years. WCCO Radio's Dave Lee and Mike Lynch were broadcasting there live Friday morning. Joe and Julie Disch have been the proud owners since 1992. You can find the bakery on North 4th Street.

After you grab your baked goods at Hi-Quality, enjoy the historic murals. There are five large ones, and four of them were the brainchild of the Cannon Falls Historical Society. The works of art are based on actual photographs from Cannon Falls history. The harvest mural depicts the area's proud heritage of wheat production. The Stone Mill Mural shows the Little Cannon Mill that was built in 1856.

Canoeing Down Cannon River

When you mention the Cannon River to friends, you'll probably hear that it's a great river for tubing. It's also great for canoeing and rafting, so Frank and Amelia headed to Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental to check out the river. Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental is a family-run business. Brothers Joe and Ben Lacefield lined up the trip.

Local Products At Ferndale Market

Minnesota is the number one turkey producing and processing state in the U.S., and there's a place in Cannon Falls where you can find Minnesota turkey and other fresh, local products. Ferndale Market is a family-owned business founded by Fern and Dale Peterson, now run by the third generation. They raise Minnesota turkeys and have an on-farm store where they carry their own products, along with goods from more than 70 area farmers and food producers. Make sure to try their turkey sausages and smoked turkey breast.

Althoff Hardware Has All The Right Tools

Located on North 4th Street, the family-run (sensing a theme?) Althoff Hardware has been open since 1933. Besides hardware, paint and appliances, the store also has a wide variety of local crafts and other souvenirs. It's such a friendly place there are stools where you can grab a seat at the checkout counter. We also found out this trip wasn't the first time WCCO has been to Althoff Hardware. There's a picture on the wall of  WCCO Radio's Bob Dehaven when he stopped by the store in 1947 to cover an expansion and remodeling.

A Romantic Way To Ride

The Cannon Valley Trail runs for 20 miles between Cannon Falls and Red Wing. It's very popular for hiking, biking and rollerblading, so Frank and Amelia decided to check it out on a bicycle built for two. Again, they hit up Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental for the trip. You need a "Wheel Pass" to use the trail; it costs $4. In the winter, you can cross country ski on the trail.