Audrey was really excited to see all the horse statues around town, and was quite impressed with this epic-sized St. Lucia in front of Hemslojd on Main Street Lindsborg. Actually, most of the shopping in the town was in a neat 2 block area of Linsborg. It is a tiny little town, but packed full of such personality. The downtown streets are all brick, with wide lanes and sidewalks made for promenading.
When we arrived Saturday afternoon it was a beautiful day– sunny and clear and a perfect temperature of not too hot, not too cold. Surprisingly, there weren’t many people out shopping in town. I’m wondering if Lindsborg really shines during its festival times. There were many little shops, but also several that were inexplicably closed for business in the middle of a Saturday. But those that were open were very friendly and laid back and packed full of Swedish goodness (with a smattering of other Nordic country items for good measure).
We stayed at the Swedish Country Inn right in the midst of downtown and I have to say I think this was probably the best digs in town. It’s a B&B run out of one of the old buildings there in town, and it’s beautiful. They’ve really done a great job giving the place the Swedish feel with lots of Swedish furniture, decor, and food. It was really clean and the service was good. Downstairs was a main sitting room with a fireplace and coffee and lots of books to browse through. We stayed on the second floor in one of the smaller rooms, a family of 3 sleeping in a full-size bed….but it was cozy 🙂 and the room was nice:
We were all pretty taken with the folding wooden shutters on the windows. What fancy contraptions! And everything had little folk art flowers painted on them. And you know I love that!
After we settled in we went walking down town, visiting the shops, and I tried not to get too overwhelmed by instant access to all the random and kitchy things that I never dreamed I’d see all in one place. St. Lucias here! Tomtes there! You want straw ornaments, well, look right here! Carl Larsson– a whole shelf! My family was very patient with me 🙂
While exploring the town we also came across this little park set between the buildings with these huge St. Lucia murals painted on the building walls. They were heartwarming and pretty to look at. There’s something so exciting about seeing other art celebrating the things you love, definitely wouldn’t see these type of things around where I live, and I was honestly surprised to learn that such a large and lasting Swedish population existed so close to my home. I for some reason thought they were all in Minnesota, or thereabouts. I’m happy to be wrong!
I’m just sad we had to cut things short after staying up half the night with a sick little one and then trying to get her home without any terrible incidents. So that meant we didn’t stay to do more shopping or visit the dugout that we’d planned to see. But I think those things will be saved for a another visit.
Anyhow, over all, it was good. I’m well stocked in Carl Larsson (for the moment) as well as Lingonberry preserves (yum!) and we even got a little wooden dala horse. It was such fun to see these pieces of art and culture that I’ve admired for so long being celebrated and being very much alive and a part of people’s heritage in an every day way. Lindsborg is such a pretty little town. Even without all the Swedishness. It’s clean and well kept and just really simple. They don’t have a McDonalds. The grocery store is closed on Sundays. It’s its own little place, and I can admire that. And I hope to admire it again!~
Sleightholm Folk Art 
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