Minnesota B&B Blog » Metro Region http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog Bed and Breakfast Association of Minnesota Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:02:25 +0000 en hourly 1 Artists wanted Afton Art in the Park on the St. Croix River http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/07/artists-wanted-afton-art-in-the-park-on-the-st-croix-river/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/07/artists-wanted-afton-art-in-the-park-on-the-st-croix-river/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:42:07 +0000 Kathy321 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/07/artists-wanted-afton-art-in-the-park-on-the-st-croix-river/ Looking for quality Artists to participate in the 34th annual Afton Art in the Park in downtown Afton. For more information and vendor forms go to www.aftonmnarea.com or aftonartfair.com

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/07/artists-wanted-afton-art-in-the-park-on-the-st-croix-river/feed/ 0 Count down to BIG Innspiration in the Mini-Apple http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/04/count-down-to-big-innspiration-in-the-mini-apple/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/04/count-down-to-big-innspiration-in-the-mini-apple/#comments Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:00:26 +0000 Pam Thorsen http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1377 Innkeepers will be gathering at the MBBA annual conference and annual meeting April 18-20 at the Crown Plaza in Brooklyn Park. Highlights this year include Jay Karen as keynote from Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII).Also exciting will be the kickoff of the organization’s Green Journey. Classes range from The Art of the Tart to Social Networking made Simple and The Power of Reviews. As always great food and this year’s  entertainment is innkeeper talent Kevin Knox from Nicolin Mansion and his band.     As one innkeeper says, “there is quite simply no better value for my marketing dollar than the annual MBBA conference.”  Vendors expected include Deneen Pottery, bedandbreakfast.com,  Inside Out Solutions, Rustic Ridge Hospitality, My Pillow, Out of The Box Dates, Gilcrest & Soames, Comphy Sheets,  and Nordic Ware and more.

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/04/count-down-to-big-innspiration-in-the-mini-apple/feed/ 0 Chocolate March Marching On http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/chocolate-march-marching-on/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/chocolate-march-marching-on/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:09:02 +0000 Pam Thorsen http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1351 There are three lovely Sundays remaining for a tour of inns and tasting divine chocolate in the St Croix Valley. This coming March 14th, visitors are welcome in Hudson and Osceola Wisconsin at member inns of the Inns of the Valley. On March the 21st Stillwater and Marine Inns will be swinging open their doors and spreading out their chocolate desserts  and the final Chocolate Sunday is March the 28th with St Croix Falls,Taylors Falls and Center City innkeepers boasting hospitality and chocolate. Visit Inns of the Valley for more information about the ticket purchase . Dont forget a portion of the proceeds benefit Second Harvest and this is Minnesota Food Share Month so your donations are doubled.
Tickets are only $21 in advance and $25 at the door. Each Sunday features at least four stops and one wine pairing or sampling each Sunday. This is the 8th annual March and the 15 inns have been tantalizing visitors with creations such as apricot white chocoalte scones, triple chocolate ricotta muffins, deep dark devil dipped chocoalte cookies, fluff tuffs, truffles, hot chocoalte surprise, smores by the fire, chocolate fountains, choco baklava, and even a chocolate port from Alexis Bailley Vineyard. The best deal of all though is that the 15 inns of the St Croix Valley are offering a package for booking any two days in March–the second night is 25% off and you receive two free tickets to the Sunday of your choice Chocolate March.

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/chocolate-march-marching-on/feed/ 0 Stillwater’s Art on Main this weekend March 12 & 13, 2010 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/stillwaters-art-on-main-this-weekend-march-12-13-2010/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/stillwaters-art-on-main-this-weekend-march-12-13-2010/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:15 +0000 waterstreetinn http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1341 Art on Main, Stillwater’s Fine Art Walk this Friday 3/12 – 4pm to 9pm and Saturday 3/13 11am to 5pm. Explore the galleries and studios along Stillwater’s Historic Downtown.  View new works, meet the artists and enjoy appetizers and refreshments with friends.

651-351-0262

www.discoverstillwater.com

www.waterstreetinn.us

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/03/stillwaters-art-on-main-this-weekend-march-12-13-2010/feed/ 0 St Croix Valley Annual Chocolate March http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/st-croix-valley-annual-chocolate-march/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/st-croix-valley-annual-chocolate-march/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:54:23 +0000 Pam Thorsen http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1331 With Spring just around the corner, what could be more divine than visiting inns, tasting chocolate and pairing up a local wine (at one stop each Sunday) with some divine handcrafted truffles?Pound the drums —it is the Annual St Croix Valley Chocolate March every Sunday in March. Every year for the last 7 or is it 8? innkeepers in the St Croix Valley have offered a variety of chocolate stops and even thrown in a historic site or two. From Taylors Falls and Osceola on the North to Hastings on the South, each Sunday has a different selection of four or five stops.  The first one March 7th includes Hastings (Classic Rosewood Inn and LeDuc Estate), Afton (Afton House Inn and Afton Historical Society) and River Falls(KinniCreek Inn) and Oak Park Heights( Cover Park Manor). The wine pairing is at Afton House inn. Visit the group website for more information and many of the innkeepers even share their recipes. The area has a nickname now (The Chocolate Valley) based on the fact that independent chocolate shops prevail in the valley amid wineries and inns— check out Creative Confecitonaire for example. You dont have to go far to be in the Chocolate Valley (and a little piece of heaven.) By the way a percentage of the profit goes to Second Harvest as March is Minnesota Food Share Month and donations are doubled that month. Tickets are $21 in advance or $25 at the door.   CAll 651-998-0185 for more information. Oh and one more thing, all the innkeepers in the group are offering a special package. Book any two nights in March and get the seocnd night at 25% off and two freie tickets to the Chocolate March. The Classic Rosewood Inn and Spa is even throwing in a Chocolate Almond Scrub when you order massages in March.

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/st-croix-valley-annual-chocolate-march/feed/ 0 Dine and Stay for Haiti http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/dine-and-fly-for-haiti/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/dine-and-fly-for-haiti/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:09:14 +0000 Kathy321 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/dine-and-fly-for-haiti/ The Afton House Inn & The Stillwater Balloon Co. along with over 80 Twin Cities Restaurants and over 50 hotels and B&B’s  have come together to help raise $50k to build an orphanage with a 30-50% off  Gift Card Sale at  http://www.dineandstayforhaiti.com. 

100%  of proceeds to build an orphanage in Boucan, Haiti.

Make a Difference & Help Rebuild Haiti, Go to http://www.dineandstayforhaiti.com and buy gift cards. Help spread the word, cut/paste into your status. Gift Cards are available now!!  This Fundraiser is endorsed by Minnesota Restaurant Association, Minnesota Lodging Association, Inns of the Valley.com Bed and Breakfast Association and Twin Cities Originals.  For more information you can contact Dave Jarvis at The Historic Afton House Inn.  612-859-7914

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/dine-and-fly-for-haiti/feed/ 0 7th Annual Winter Wine Down for Muscular Dystrophy http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/7th-annual-winter-wine-down-for-muscular-dystrophy/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/7th-annual-winter-wine-down-for-muscular-dystrophy/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:32:26 +0000 waterstreetinn http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1326 This year marks the 7th annual Winter Wine Down event. The event is held at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater, MN and will be on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 from 6pm to 10pm. All the proceeds of the event will stay local and help to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Over the past 6 years we have raised over $250,000.

Join us for heavy appetizers, over 80 different wines available for tasting, live music provided by Anglo and Collins and a silent auction as well as a live auction

Tickets are $45 ahead of time and $50 at the door

To purchase tickets, please click on the ticket link on the left or contact the MDA office at 952-832-5517

It is a wonderful event and we hope to see you all there!

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/02/7th-annual-winter-wine-down-for-muscular-dystrophy/feed/ 0 Ice Cream Social in Stillwater’s Lowell Park January 23rd http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/ice-cream-social-in-stillwater%e2%80%99s-lowell-park-january-23rd/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/ice-cream-social-in-stillwater%e2%80%99s-lowell-park-january-23rd/#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:04:06 +0000 waterstreetinn http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1308  

Ice Cream 1

Ice Cream Social in Stillwater’s Lowell Park January 23rd

 Ice Cream 2

The Washington County Historical Society is bringing back, again, the ice cream socials of Stillwater’s past. This year’s ice cream social will have more flare, fire and ice cream than last years.

 

On January 23rd from 1pm to 4pm in South Lowell Park there will be ice cream cones, coffee and chili for anyone who wants to thumb their nose at old man winter and get outside and enjoy what Minnesota is made of…….namely ice, snow and the cold.

 

Back in 1950 Stillwater businessman Gib Larson of Snowland Foods as well as other business people held the first winter ice cream social up at the St. Croix Boom Site. Even though the temperatures were well below zero more than a thousand people came out and enjoyed the ice cream and the season.

 

The event was moved to Lowell Park the next year and later it moved to Lily Lake. The event was sponsored at that time by the Jaycees and eventually faded away like winter into springtime.

 

“This event brings together our history and the community,” says Brent Peterson, Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society. “What a great way to celebrate the place where we live and enjoy ice cream as well!!”

 

The ice cream, cones and chili will be provided by Leo’s Grill and Alesci Furniture Gallery in downtown Stillwater and the coffee from the Supreme Bean Coffee Shop on North Main Street and also sponsored by the Water Street Inn of Stillwater.

 

There will be a bonfire going to keep the family warm and the St. Paul Saints Baseball team will also be on hand.Ice Cream 3

 

The event is free to the public and donations to the Washington County Historical Society will be accepted.

 

For more information please call the Historical Society at 651-439-5956 or visit http://www.wchsmn.org/.

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/ice-cream-social-in-stillwater%e2%80%99s-lowell-park-january-23rd/feed/ 0 Australian & New Zealand Wine Dinner & Room Special Afton House Inn http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/australian-new-zealand-wine-dinner-room-special/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/australian-new-zealand-wine-dinner-room-special/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:10:49 +0000 Kathy321 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2009/12/australian-new-zealand-wine-dinner-room-special/ Friday January 15, 2010

“A Taste of Down Under” 
Australian & New Zealand Wine Dinner Event
 
4 course dinner plus horsdouveres paired with 5 wines

 6:30 PM Reception
7:00 PM 1st Course Served

$54.95      (Plus tax and 15% gratuity)
 
Hors d’oeuvres
Chef Selected Canapés
Traminer/Reisling – Rosemount – South East Australia
Seafood Course
Curry Marinated Shrimp Sautéed over Kamura Puree with a
Rich Curry Sauce and Green Oil
Pinot Noir – New Harbor – Marlborough, New Zealand
Soup Course
Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with Horseradish Crème Fraiche,
Sautéed Porcini Mushrooms
and Fresh Chive, Served with a White Truffle Crostini
Shiraz – Rosemount “Mudgee” Show Reserve – Mudgee, Australia
Intermezzo
Kiwi Lime Sorbet
Entree
Cinnamon Rubbed Rack of Lamb with Figs and Smoked Root Vegetable Tower
Finished with a Sweet Fig Demi Glace
Shiraz/Grenache – Rosemount Estate – South East Australia
Dessert
Authentic New Zealand Pavlova topped with Mixed Berries, Fresh Berry Sauce and Whipped Cream
Muscat of Alexandria – Alice White “Lexia” – South East Australia
 

 Don’t want to drive? Stay with us!

“Romantic Room Special”
Reserve a Romantic Room with
a Jacuzzi and Fireplace
Save 35% off room reservation with
 Wine Dinner Reservations.
Call 651-436-8883 Today!

 

 

 

 

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2010/01/australian-new-zealand-wine-dinner-room-special/feed/ 0 Ring in the New Year Historic Afton House Inn Lodging and Dining http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2009/12/ring-in-the-new-year-historic-afton-house-inn-lodging-and-dining/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2009/12/ring-in-the-new-year-historic-afton-house-inn-lodging-and-dining/#comments Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:25:30 +0000 Kathy321 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2009/12/ring-in-the-new-year-historic-afton-house-inn-lodging-and-dining/ Start the New Year with a Romantic Room and Dinner at The Historic Afton House Inn. Enjoy a room with a Jacuzzi for two and gas fireplace. No need to drive. You can enjoy fine dining and celebrate the New Year Dining at The Afton House Inn’s award winning restaurant. Enjoy Flaming Steak Diane or try our special of the night. Four Course Dinner with or without wine pairings and many more special appetizers,entrees and desserts to choose from  Stay two nights and receive 50% off your second night stay.

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