Weekend in the Twin Cities

We're back (well, actually we got back last night) from our trip to the Twin Cities to visit Erin. We had a wonderful time, of course - great eating, plenty of good coffee, so many interesting things to do and see, and (the main reason for our trip) lots of time to catch up with our daughter.

On the drive up, we took the interstate as far as LaCrosse, and from there, 35 north. We do this often, even though it does add an hour or so to the trip. We think it's worth it because being alongside the river is so relaxing, and there are so many interesting stops (too many, according to Erin.) But she was glad we stopped in Maiden Rock at the Smiling Pelican Bake Shop, where we picked up Cranberry-Wild Rice bread, a heavy whole grain bread, and a half dozen Lavender-Ginger Sugar cookies. Mmmmm.

We stayed at the very lovely Grand Hotel, which we'd recommend highly. They have very cushy beds, a great fitness center which we never used :) , and the priciest Pringles I've ever seen.

Well, this could get long if I ramble on about everything, so I'll do the brief highlight version. Dinner at Longfellow Grill, then off to Prairie Home Companion Friday night - wow! Fantastic, wonderful music - nearly 3 hours of it. Got Erin back home, got stuck in what turned out not to be our parking ramp (or garage, as they are known outside of Madison), eventually got to bed at midnight.

Beautiful, wild and windy visit to Minnehaha Falls on Sat morning. Impressive falls, lovely park (see pic), and plenty of birds. Here's a vid of one of our friends bathing.

Coffee to warm up, (shout out to Molly whom we met at Spyhouse Coffee), visits to the Basilica of St. Mary, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and the Vatican Splendors exhibit at the Minnesota History Center. The latter was very crowded and also lighter on "splendor" and heavier on "bling" than I expected, though interesting nonetheless. The Basilica was the most awe-inducing, I felt. Gorgeous architecture.

Buzzed past the giant spoon bridge, stopped briefly at Crafty Planet and a vintage clothing store, bought Surly beer for Drew, and then had dinner at the Red Stag with Andy and Kristina. Really wonderful food! Excellent company, too. Adjourned for coffee at the Wilde Roast (as in Oscar...).

Quick greasy spoon breakfast at the Ideal Diner, goodbye hugs, and back on the road again. Yes, we took 35 on the way home too. Stopped again at the Smiling Pelican and got a pie for Thanksgiving. Eagles, hawks, herons, and even 4 tundra swans.

I posted several pictures on Facebook, and you can see them here. A wonderful visit, and the only thing I'd change next time is to bring a GPS.