alison's blog | Cottage House Inn

Spring Showers Bring Spring Events!

The winter brown is turning spring green, and our daffodils are blooming with the tulips ready next. Lanesboro and the region have a lot of fun spring events coming up, so we welcome you back to bluff country!

No ice, no snow, no problem – still lots to do or not do (just relax!) this winter in Lanesboro/Whalan!

Recent national headlines have featured the many necessary ice rescues on northern Minnesota lakes - this warmer winter means our lake ice just isn't ready for one of Minnesota's favorite pasttimes - ice fishing. The lack of snow and ice is not good for our northern Minnesota tourism businesses and visitors, as snowmobilers, dog sledders, skiiers, and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts can't enjoy these winter activities. I sure hope we get some snow and cold temperatures soon - I live in Minnesota for a reason!

Season's Greetings...and Shop Local!

Winter is here, and although we are lacking on the snow, there are plentiful reminders of winter's beauty all around us: the red dogwood stems standing out in a brown landscape, the ice forming on the bass pond, geese flying overhead, and holiday lights all around.

And when you consider those last minute gifts, don't forget our downtown businesses in Lanesboro, or the small businesses in your own community. Supporting a small business keeps our communities vibrant. Here are my favorite items and shops in Lanesboro, including unique gift ideas:

Cheers to 30 Years!

The Cottage House Inn is celebrating 30 years of being 'Your Inn When You're Out!'

Must-Do Autumn Adventures

September is here and the season begins to change, but not before one last (hopefully) heat wave. Fall is a beautiful time to visit bluff country (aka the driftless, aka karst country, aka my favorite place on Earth), to witness nature display her colors on our oaks, maples, birches, aspens, catalpas, basswoods, hackberries, and more. Thanks for bearing with me, I love my trees, and I need to exercise my horticutlure degree and its memorization of trees and scientific names!

Summer Happenings

Lanesboro is hopping this summer, and there are still so many fun things to do until those leaves change colors.

Signs of Spring

After a yo-yo of winter and summer temperatures and precip (thunderstorms and inches of snow!) hitting us in April, Spring feels like it is here! The signs of Spring we are enjoying around the Cottage House include guests filling up the front porch again, tulips in full bloom, and fresh blacktop in our alley and south parking lot. Last year's City infrastructure project (yay for new storm sewer, sewer, water and gas lines!) project is wrapping up with concrete curbs, blacktop pavement, and fresh sod. Our north and south parking lots will soon be all put back in or

Welcome Back!

And just like that.....we are back open for another year of hosting you for your bluff country getaway! Spring is here, with wide swings in temperature and precipitation, but the daffodils are still blooming and trees are just opening their buds. Anglers and hunters are ready for trout fishing and turkey hunting. Bikers are itching to get back on that beautiful pavement that winds through valleys, farmland, woodlands, riverbank, and more. The Commonweal Theatre Company has opened its repertoire with the play "Bernhardt/Hamlet". Lanesboro and Whal

Quiet Time Isn't Just for Kids

Quiet Time in Lanesboro: It may be quieter around town, but that means it is a perfect time to really relax and unplug in Lanesboro and Whalan for a day trip or overnight stay. While some of our Inns (including us) close for a few months during the winter, there are still plenty of lodging options. Check out availability on our Chamber lodging search, by going to lanesboro.com and doing a search on the homepage or under the "Where to Stay" section.

With Thanksgiving....Online Auction....Give to the Max!

It is the season of Thanksgiving...once again! We have so much to be thankful for in Lanesboro - our public school, our outdoor recreation opportunities (thank you DNR!), multiple organizations to get involved with (Sons of Norway, Lanesboro Museum, VFW, Chamber, EDA...), volunteers, entrepreneurs, a strong arts community, new underground infrastructure around our building (thank you City!), neighbors helping neighbors, and so much more.