CREATIVE CONFLUENCE. the popular Midwest travel and culture publication, Midwest Living, features three-page spread on the Chippewa Valley in its latest edition. (Background photo by Up Up and Around)

If you’re one of Midwest Living’s 2.5 million-plus readers, you’ll recognize a familiar community in the Spring 2024 issue’s pages: the Chippewa Valley. In the new issue, writer Katy Spratte Joyce offers up 10 reasons (specifically non-Bon Iver related) for folks to put a trip to Eau Claire on the calendar.

Under the headline “Creative Confluence,” the article notes Eau Claire’s Native American roots and French name, the Chippewa Valley’s fast-growing population and proximity to major metros like the Twin Cities, its creative vibe, and even quotes from a familiar local, Volume One’s own Nick Meyer.

“We’re big enough to have lots of ideas and the people to make them happen, yet small enough that each new (one) gets the individual attention it deserves,” Meyer says in the article.

Midwest Living’s top 10 reasons to romp through Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley includes the area’s hopping arts scene from the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and various downtown music venues to frequent pop-up art markets to the Pablo Center; the Sculpture Tour and numerous murals; our recreation and parks scene; eateries such as the Wissota High Shores Supper Club and Mogie’s Pub; brew spots like the Leinie Lodge; the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire; and more.

The three-page spread came to life thanks to Midwest Living and Visit Eau Claire, the latter noting it had been working with the writer since last November. In total, about 16 different local businesses and partners are featured in the piece.

Pick up the Spring 2024 edition of Midwest Living at a local bookstore today.