A few fast getaways
Posted on May 2nd, 2008 – 3:58 PMBy Chris Welsch
This endless, sludgy spring is grinding me down. I believe it was Garrison Keillor who said March was the year’s hangover month, but this year it appears to be April and May too. With that obligatory complaint out of the way, I get to the point: This seems like a good weekend to get out of town, even for a night, and even if it’s just to hole up somewhere and read.
Here are some of my favorite quick getaway spots:
The Hotel Winnishiek in Decorah, Iowa: The beds are big, the TVs are big, and the building is grand. The Dayton House down the street serves up inspired bistro fare (and usually a few Norwegian specialties). Because of Luther College, there’s usually some sort of arts happening going on. The Seed Saver farm is just north of town, and even in this grim rain, it’s fun to get perennials and some novelty tomatoes for the garden.
Elephant Walk in Stillwater: Great hosts, rooms improbably decorated with all kinds of Thai artifacts.
Cottage House Inn in Lanesboro: Simple and not stuffy. Good service, friendly (but not obtrusive) hosts.
Pinehurst Inn in Bayfield, Wis: The Old Rittenhouse is a solid value for special occasions but my favorite place in town is the less ostentatious Pinehurst Inn, with an outdoor sauna, congenial hosts and a cozy feel (but not in the horrifying sense of lots of doilies and 30 pillows on the bed. Why do people do that?)
I need some new inspirations. Who’s got some?
4 Responses to "A few fast getaways"
Mark off one square meter in your backyard, lie down on your stomach, and log activities in that square meter for a few days. It will be more than you can keep track of. You will develop favorite characters, have your mind changed, meet new friends…and get some rest. No reservations needed. No missed connections. No baggage fees. Next week roll over and do the same with a piece of sky. I know whereof I speak.
We like to go to Lanesboro and rent a pontoon, bringing a picnic lunch with us. I also enjoy day (or overnight) trips to Lutsen. And day canoe trips down the St. Croix, or even overnight trips. Some of the “car camping” parks down there, like William O’Brien, make camping into less of a chore and more of a quick get away. One of the best and easiest camping experiences we had was a “camping cabin” up in the Gunflint Trail area (http://www.gunflintpines.com/index.shtml). It was a rustic cabin that was essentially a cabin with two bunk beds. You still had to cook outside and everything, but there was no need to set up a tent or sleep on cots or sleeping pads, which was essential for my parents.
I also love Wabasha or Winona. There are some beautiful bed and breakfasts down there, right along the Mississippi.
P.S. I am now on the East Coast and making a trip to the Adirondacks–any recommendations for good camp sites (specific parks or companies) or good areas to visit (parts of the Adirondack Park)—ones that are away from the Lake George/Lake Placid tourist craziness?
I wish I could help but I’ve never been in Upstate New York. … I sure appreciate your contributions though, shruti. are you living out east or just visiting?
Kerri Westenberg has globe-trotted for National Geographic and other magazines. Now she zips around the region, on the lookout for travel news you can use.
Elizabeth Larsen lived in Salzburg, Austria, and has traveled throughout Europe and the Americas. She can say "diaper," "bottle" and "crib" in four languages.
Troy Melhus has heli-skied on glaciers, dived alongside Monk seals and raced for 24 hours on a mountain bike. All this, and he rarely spends more than $500 on a trip.
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