IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE

From the Twin Cities, it's about a five-hour drive to Mineral Point, Wis. Take Hwy. 52 (Lafayette Bridge) from St. Paul south to Decorah, Iowa. From 52, follow Hwy. 9 east to Hwy. 76. As you near Prairie Du Chien, Wis., take Hwy. 18 east into the city and follow it until you meet Hwy. 39, which will lead you to Mineral Point.

CHECKING IN

For those who prefer a chain hotel, there's a Quality Inn -- clean, quiet, friendly -- out on the bypass, a mile from town (1-608-987-4747). For something more intimate, there are guest rooms in town. There's even an 1836 miner's cottage available. Go to mineralpoint.com/lodging_dining/bed_breakfast.html for listings.

DINING

There are nearly a dozen places to eat in Mineral Point, and none will break your budget. You want a pasty, figgyhobbin or other Cornish specialty? Try the Red Rooster (158 High St.; 1-608-987-9936). Newcomer Cafe Ellie (121 Commerce St.; 1-608-987-3889) has a small, classic menu that changes weekly. Also worth a visit is Cafe Four (20 Commerce St.; fourcafe.com), with pizzas, pastas, panini and more (highly recommended: the Four French pizza -- white sauce, blue cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, fontina and thyme). Brewery Creek (23 Commerce St.; brewerycreek.com) is a brewpub and restaurant with a fairly extensive menu -- plus good beer and great homemade pies (try the coconut macaroon). Bring your eating pants, and park as close as possible to where you're dining. You don't want to waddle out of Brewery Creek and realize your car is six blocks away. All uphill.

THINGS TO DO

Walk, look and learn. Mineral Point is small enough to be covered on foot over two days. Enjoy the 19th-century architecture and learn the town's history, visit the galleries and talk to the artists -- or, more likely, listen as they explain their craft. Stop in one of the restaurants or bars to refuel, then wander some more. Shops and historic sites await. Or just drive around the streets above the town -- especially Front Street, with its lovely Victorian homes. And no, there's nothing in Mineral Point for the little ones. Should you choose to use Mineral Point as your home base, rent a guest house for a week and really soak up southwestern Wisconsin. Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin and the House on the Rock are within 25 miles, and Madison is only 45 minutes away.