Best girlfriends escape (southern Minnesota) - Lanesboro - 2014 Best of MN

There are few rewards for bikers as sweet as the Aroma Pie Shop in little Whalan (1-507-467-2623; thearomapieshop.com) or treats such as Amish-made cashew brittle at Lanesboro's farmers market or the morning feasts at its many historic bed-and-breakfasts. The charming towns in southeast Minnesota make for perfect, laid-back getaways with abundant paddling, biking and driving opportunities along the scenic river, trails and country roads. Check out the area's small art studios. Choose from more than 80 creators at Lanesboro Art Center (1-507-467-2446; lanesboroarts.org). Or grab a seat at the Commonweal Theatre, where even the lobby is packed with imaginative art that reflects the town's rural — but creative — heritage (1-507-467-2525; commonwealtheatre.org). Enjoy meals at Pedal Pushers Café or start the day with a feast at more than 10 historic homes that make Lanesboro the state's B&B capital (1-800-944-2670; lanesboro.com).