Archive for July, 2009

Lanesboro Minnesota Girls Getaway

Monday, July 27th, 2009

This morning we’re hosting 2 sets of women enjoying a girls getaway to Lanesboro, Minnesota.  We host many groups of women because 3 of our rooms have hide a beds allowing up to 4 women to share a room.

Especially when we have ladies for breakfast, we like to garnish our plates with flowers from the garden.

Bee Balm petals

Bee Balm petals

 

Recently, we planted some Bee Balm (also known as Monarda) in our landscape labyrinth.  The plants are incredibly hardy and have been blossoming since I put them in the ground (even without watering and no rain for 2 weeks)

 

The individual petals are so dainty AND they are incredibly tasty (and sweet) to eat.  No wonder the bees like them!

This morning we sprinkled the petals on Carol’s Apple Bacon Pancake – a great entree with maple syrup.  

See other blog entries to learn more about our landscape labyrinth. Visit our web site to see our Lanesboro, Minnesota bed and breakfast.

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Lanesboro: Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Capital

Monday, July 20th, 2009

The quaint town of Lanesboro, nestled in the valley of southeastern Minnesota, has been known for its bike trails and rhubarb for years, but recently, the small town received another designation.

Sen. Sharon Ropes and Rep. Greg Davids present the B&B Capital Proclamation

Sen. Sharon Ropes and Rep. Greg Davids present the B&B Capital Proclamation

On Monday July 6, state Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes and state Rep. Greg Davids officially declared the city the “Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Capital.” The Minnesota Senate bestowed the honor in a resolution near the end of the 2009 session.

With 15 bed and breakfasts in Lanesboro, and the immediate surrounding area, there is a great display of history and architecture, including Victorian homes, Craftsman homes, and new homes.  Innkeepers extend their Minnesota hospitality to today’s traveler and offer a unique experience in their comfortable and nationally recognized B&Bs.

Downtown Lanesboro

Downtown Lanesboro

 

Lanesboro’s entire downtown district is on the National Register of Historic places.  The downtown has been revitalized; the arts flourish, gift shops intrigue, and restaurants satisfy a variety of tastes.  The Cornucopia Art Center features original art works from more than 70 artists in the region.  The Commonweal Theatre Company performs in new 3 million dollar state of the art facility that opened in 2007.

Lanesboro is in the center of Minnesota’s Fillmore County where there is only 1 stop light in the entire county.  The pace in Lanesboro is quieter and slower.  It is a perfect place to relax. Lanesboro is 2 1/2 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul, 4 1/2 hours from Milwaukee, 5 1/2 hours from Chicago, and 4 1/2 hours from DesMoines.  Visit www.lanesboro.com to learn more about our special town.

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Lanesboro Minnesota Theatre Summer Season

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

One of the great blessings of owning a B&B in Lanesboro, Minnesota is the variety of things to do both for our guests and for us.   Many people who stay at our bed and breakfast come to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the Root River State Trail. 

In the evening guests can take in high quality live theatre.    Since 1989, the professional artists of the Commonweal Theatre have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity. Located in the heart of southeast Minnesota’s bluff country, Lanesboro, Minnesota  (pop. 788) is home to the company’s new theatre in its historic downtown.  

The Lanesboro Commonweal Theatre summer season is in full swing featuring two plays: The Odd Couple and The Rainmaker.

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple

May 15 through October 23, the Odd Couple is on stage in the theatre. Felix Ungar, neurotic fusspot news writer, and Oscar Madison, slovenly sports journalist, attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies while trying to rekindle their social lives. In this classic comedy, Neil Simon gives us the story of a friendship that defies all odds.
ASL performance Sunday, June 14, 1:30pm

 

June 19 through October 24th, the Rainmaker by Richard Nash is on the theatre stage. Living on a farm stifled by drought, Lizzie has resigned herself to a solitary life —until a charismatic con-man named Starbuck comes promising rain. This 1950s American fable teaches us how love can overcome cynicism in the most tired of souls, and can bloom in the most barren of landscapes.

Come visit Lanesboro, Minnesota to see all that we have to offer.

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Garnishing with Flowers: Lanesboro Bed and Breakfast

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Late June early July has arrived.  The Stella Day Lilies are in full bloom. We have a large row of these lilies in front of our house.

webStellasLarger
Stella Day Lilies

The Stellas are one of many edible flowers that we grow in our garden.  The Stellas are a treat to use regularly because they are so plentiful and they rebloom throughout the summer.  The blossoms are thick and crunchy – almost like biting a potato chip.

Fruit garnished with Stella Lily
Fruit garnished with Stella Lily

Both our fruit plates and the main entrees are garnished with the Stella Lilies.  Guests are some times hesitant to eat the flowers.  We just tell them:  “go ahead, be brave.”  They are often surprised by how tasty the flowers are.  For more information, visit our web site.

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Our Landscape Labyrinth is ready for you

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

We have just completed installation of a landscape labyrinth in our back yard.  A labyrinth is circuitous walking path with a single entrance and single entrance.  Entrance to the labyrinth is via an arched pergola. 

Welcoming Landscape Labyrinth

Welcoming Landscape Labyrinth

The pathways are bordered by perennial flower beds.  Day lilies, Lamb’s Ear, Beard Tongue,Black Eyed Susans, Snow in Summer, Sedums, Hen and Chicks, Creeping Thyme and Russian Sage are among the plants that are now taking hold.
The walking path is beautiful multicolored landscape gravel with a fountain in the center.  Watch for future posts with close up flower photos.  Visit our web site to learn more about our inn.

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