- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
There’s a particular kind of cold that comes off the river in January. It finds the gap between your scarf and your collar, and after a walk up to Freedom Park to see the eagles, all you want is a warm mug in both hands and a seat by a window.
Over the years I’ve built up a list of favorite places to warm up, from a coffee loft in downtown Prescott to a village coffee counter down the river and a chocolate shop in Hudson. Here’s where I’d send you this winter, and exactly what to order.
My first stop on any cold morning. The Twisted Oak sits on Broad Street, a short walk from the river, and it’s open every day. Order at the counter, then head upstairs to the loft regulars call the tree house. It’s the coziest seat in town, especially with snow coming down outside. There’s a fireplace, too.
What to order: A latte or one of their signature drinks (people who come back ask for the Starry Night by name), and a breakfast burrito with hot sauce. If you’re more of a tea person, they have a good selection. Reviewers like that the flavors aren’t overpowering and the portions are generous.
The Kitchen Table is known for breakfast, but its winter drink list is worth a visit on its own. When it’s cold, look for the North Pole Mocha and, for a slow weekend morning, the Hot Buttered Brandy. The Coffee Flight is fun to share, and the Millionaire’s Coffee is a treat. Pair whatever you choose with a slice of their cornflake-crusted Apple French Toast. Read more in my Kitchen Table guide.
Insider tip: It’s closed Tuesdays, and weekend mornings fill up. Go early and you’ll usually walk right in.
About 40 minutes south on the Great River Road, Sunrise Coffee sits right on Highway 35 with a drive-thru and a few seats inside. The signature drinks come hot or iced, and on a cold day I go with the Bomber: espresso, chocolate, peppermint and vanilla. It tastes like a candy cane mocha, in the best way. The Dirty Chai and the Night Rise (espresso, lavender and honey) are great too. Regulars love the white chocolate and salted caramel drinks, and the holiday specials have a following.
Insider tip: From November through April, weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekdays end at 1 p.m., so this is a morning stop.
A few miles farther, Maiden Rock Mercantile is part coffee counter, part shop for local makers. They pull espresso with Peace Coffee beans and serve local baked goods, sandwiches and wraps. Sit for a while, then browse the shelves for a gift. It’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and winter hours can shift, so check first.
While you’re on this stretch, Stockholm Pie and General Store is ten minutes on and open year-round. A warm drink and a slice of the Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Walnut is about as cozy as a winter afternoon gets.
Sometimes warming up means wine. At Villa Bellezza in Pepin, they heat the porticos around the piazza in winter and put fur throws on the chairs, so you can sit outside with a glass of their wine in the snow. On weekends from November 14 through December 20, the piazza hosts their European Outdoor Christmas Market.
Farther down the road, the Nelson Cheese Factory has a Fireplace Wine Room, made for a glass of wine and a cheese board on a cold afternoon. Hours vary in winter, so call ahead.
For the chocolate lovers, head 30 minutes north to downtown Hudson. Knoke’s makes handmade truffles, English toffee and their signature “St. Croix Critters,” and they roast their own nuts. Pick up a box to take back to your room. While you’re in town, walk a few doors down to Chapter2Books and pick up a book for the night in.
Make downtown Prescott your home base and book direct with us: The Port of Prescott for boutique king suites steps from the river, Port After Dark for romantic suites made for couples, The Harbor Hotel for themed rooms and extended stays, and The Cove Guest House for downtown condos and group getaways.
