Minnesota B&B Blog

The beauty of Duluth and the Cutest Puppy Contest – a must see!

For all of us that live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or the northern region of the country, we know that winter not only feels long, but often is depending upon when that “last Spring storm” hits us.  But what we all know from being able to live and work in this beautiful part of the country is that if you don’t embrace it, you will be miserable.  That sentiment is one of our favorite things about Duluth and being able to live in, love, and be the caretakers of the A G Thomson House Bed and Breakfast.  Year round, the city of Duluth offers so much to visitors and residents alike; from the extraordinary beauty of “our” Lake Superior to the shopping, dining, theaters, symphony, etc.  There truly is no shortage of things to see and do up here; whether it’s dining at one of our many fine restaurants and cafes, or outside on one of our extraordinary nordic ski trails, or downhill on the slopes of Spirit Mountain!  Not only are we Innkeepers and “concierge’s” for this great Lake Superior city, we are proud residents who love it here and are eager to share it with you!

And one of the great annual events during this beautiful season is coming up this weekend, January 29th.  Events for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begin this Friday, January 29th and runs to February 4th.  One of the favorite and most popular events is the Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, January 30th.  This is so adorable and a must see to help kick off the 27th Annual Event!  So consider “embracing” what the beauty of this season, Duluth, and the A G Thomson House have to offer you on your next trip to Duluth! See you soon!!!

Posted in Arrowhead Region, Community Events, Duluth, Event Special, General, Lodging Specials, MBBA, MN Travel Tips, News, Nordic Skiing, Trails, Uncategorized, weather | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

 

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/.

Posted in Community Events, Event Special, General, Metro Region, News, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Volk Ski Lodging Special on the Gunflint

Cook County’s Volk Ski –400 on January 23

Cook County, between the Gunflint Trail’s three Ski systems, the North Shore and Pincushion Trails, has over four hundred kilometers of groomed trails. To highlight these trails, on Saturday January 23 the county is conducting the Volk Ski 400. Each of the county’s’ ski areas are being asked to have skiers ski their entire system. As part of the event contributions will be accepted to support Pancreatic Cancer Research.

We think this is a great event and it should be lots of fun. You can join in the fun by becoming part of the Banadad’s Volk Ski relay by joining- Team Banadad. Skiers on Team Banadad will each ski a portion of the Banadad’s 39 kilometers. . You choose the portion of the Banadad you wish to ski and hopefully together the team will be able to cover the entire trail system.

Lodging along the Banadad Ski Trail at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Cabins available at 30% off  and Boundary Country Trekking will pay the $10 registration fee for all Team Banadad participants. All participants will each receive a colorful T-shirt. While this is not a race, skiers will be asked to time their treks. Times will then be posted that day at Poplar Creek Guesthouse and on www.volksskifest.com website.

Also Donations will be accepted for Pancreatic Cancer Research at trail check-in areas and a Volks Ski 400 pin is your gift for your donation. Skiers are encouraged to dress in purple to show your support!

Volk Ski- Jan 23

Volk Ski- Jan 23

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Central MN events this weekend!

Visit the St Cloud/Central MN area this weekend! Check out this website for entertainment ideas, www.granitecountry.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Great Cross-Country Ski Trails!

New Ulm’s Flandrau State Park’s cross country ski trails are in excellent condition and groomed as of Jan. 8. Stay with us at the Deutsche Strasse Bed and Breakfast and take advantage of our weekend ski package: includes a certificate to cover the cost of cross-country skis for two, day pass and day vehicle pass for the state park, a $50.00 certificate for dinner at Lola’s Larkspur-An American Bistro, and two Schell’s faceted beer mugs (yours to keep) filled with warm spiced cider upon your return from your outdoor adventure. $74.95 + tax, in addition to the cost of your selected room.

Cross Country Mascot of the Deutsche Strasse - Herr Bear

Cross Country Mascot of the Deutsche Strasse - Herr Bear

Posted in Lodging Specials, Southern Region | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Australian & New Zealand Wine Dinner & Room Special Afton House Inn

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!

 

 

 

 

Posted in Event Special, General, Lodging Specials, Metro Region, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The ski and snowmobile trails are great here!

Enjoy our Winter Wonderland!

Enjoy our Winter Wonderland!

The ‘Great Christmas Snow of 2009′ was a gift for all snow lovers.  If you like to cross country ski, or if you are more the kind that likes to have a motor on your sled, the ski and snowmobile trails are in great condition.  When you come to the woods, there is a place to relax here at Embracing Pines Bed & Breakfast and a sauna waiting for you to warm after your day on the snow.

Posted in Heartland Region, Nordic Skiing, Trails | Tagged | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Community Events, Event Special, General, Lodging Specials, Metro Region, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

New Year’s Weekend Getaway

Ring in the new year with a getaway to Lanesboro, MN the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.

The Old Village Hall Restaurant is featuring a lovely dinner all new year’s weekend including:

Appetizers: Sautéed Mussels in an Orange Gin Chile Cream Sauce,
Seasoned Lamb Chops with Irish Whiskey Cherry Sauce
Entrées: Monkfish Scaloppini,
Dry Aged New York Strip,
Roasted Organic Chicken Breast on a Bed of Fettuccini
Desserts: Almond Cake and Apricot Ice Cream,
Baked Alaska with Hazelnut Brittle,
Chocolate Tart with Fresh Marshmallow Praline Sauce

Call (507) 467-2962 to Reserve Seating (Advance Reservations Recommended)

With a fresh pack of snow, the vistas around Lanesboro  resemble a winter wonderland.

Amish Farm in the Country

Amish Farm in the Country

Root River

Root River

The hills, valleys, streams and farm country glisten white in the snow.

The Root River State Trail is groomed for cross country skiing.  Weather has been great the past 2 weeks to maintain good skiing conditions.  There are plenty of places to snow shoe as well.

Relax, recover from the holiday rush with a quiet getaway to one of Lanesboro’s welcoming Bed and Breakfasts.  Curl up with a good book or celebrate the new year with friends

Posted in Nordic Skiing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Economic Recovery for Bed and Breakfasts

Tonight I had the pleasure of talking with John O’Reilly.  John and Sandy own and operate the beautiful Woodland Trails Bed and Breakfast in Hinckley and I can honestly say it’s a little piece of Heaven on earth.  During our conversation we discussed the Small Business Association’s “Arc Loan Program” and I wanted to share it so below is a brief description of the program and links.  If you are a small business it’s worth looking into.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Shannon McKeeth

Bingham Hall Bed and Breakfast – New Ulm

SBA ARC Loan Program

If your small business is stressed meeting expenses during these economic times, the U.S. Small Business Administration has a new loan program designed just for you.

SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital Loan Program can provide up to $35,000 in short-term relief for viable small businesses facing immediate financial hardship to help ride out the current uncertain economic times and return to profitability.  Each small business is limited to one ARC loan.

ARC loans will be offered by some SBA lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes firstSBA Participant Lender Fact Sheet

About the ARC Loan Program

ARC Loan Eligibility

Applying for an ARC Loan

Learn How SBA Can Help

SBA ARC Loans for Recovery
(video – external link)

Since June 15, lenders across the country have provided millions of dollars in capital to small businesses through the America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loan program. Created under the Recovery Act, the temporary ARC program offers interest-free loans to viable small businesses, which carry a 100 percent guaranty from the SBA to the lender and require no fees paid to SBA. Loan proceeds are provided over a six-month period and repayment of the ARC loan principal is deferred for 12 months after the last disbursement of the proceeds. Repayment can extend up to five years.

The ARC loan program is open to any SBA-approved lender. Non-SBA lenders can easily become SBA participants by working with their nearest SBA district office. Businesses interested in applying for an ARC loan should first contact their current lender.

List of lenders who have made ARC loans to date
If you would like to speak directly to a customer service representative about the ARC Loan Program, please call our toll-free number (866-947-8081) Monday through Friday during the hours of 8am to 6pm (Eastern Time).

Posted in For Innkeepers, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

620 Ramsey Street
Hastings, MN 55033
Call: 651-438-7499
Fax: 651.437.4129
Email Us