memories will be priceless. You will be able to see the Super Truck Beauty Contest, eat one-and-a-half-inch-thick Iowa pork chops, enjoy live music, view one hundred antique trucks. Who could ask for more?
West on I-80 there are plenty of places to stop for food, gas, and lodging, but Williamsburg and Grinnell probably have the most to offer, especially Williamsburg, which has a large outlet mall.
I definitely look forward to discovering more about Iowa and perhaps attending the Walcott Truckers Jamboree!
Minnesota
The big state of Minnesota is known for its cold weather and such “creations” as eccentric former governor Jesse Ventura, the largest U.S. mall—Mall of America—its football team, the Mayo Clinic, and more. The natives’ speech has a very distinctive twang that is really quite enjoyable. No question, Minnesota is a beautiful place and a should-visit, particularly in the summer. Before my visit, I did not realize that the Mississippi River runs through Minnesota. I learned a lot about the Mississippi Valley and watched fascinated as the boats navigated the locks. The more I learn about Minnesota, the more I want to return—in the summer.
Wabasha (Population Approximately 3,000)
Wabasha is straight up the Mississippi on U.S. 61 off I-95, past the town of Winona. I drove around Winona to find that it is a small, friendly place with a lot of interesting history.
Wabasha, the oldest city in Minnesota, was founded by a steamboat captain in 1851. Not that far from bustling Rochester, it is seventy miles southeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul. When I arrived in Wabasha, I felt like I had stumbled onto a movie set. The town is spotless. The countryside and the Mississippi River are beautiful. In Wabasha, with its relaxed, wonderful lifestyle, you feel as if you are actually stepping into a different era. It has a mix of interesting shops, and many of the original structures have been maintained or are being restored.
The river seems to be the center of activity, from fishing to bald eagle watching. The Delta Queen and other river cruise ships call at Wabasha. The movie Grumpy Old Men was written and set here in little Wabasha.
Note: I include the following because it is a unique tidbit, a bit of local history, and unfortunately a sign of our times.
Anderson House
333 Main St.
651-565-2500
When I visited several years ago, my stay at this landmark was an experience and, in ways, a step back in time. This hotel opened in or around 1856, when small Wabasha was a bustling Mississippi River town. In 1909 the Anderson family bought the hotel, and it became the Anderson House. Aside from its hospitality, it was known for its authentic Grandma Anderson cooking and the “cat option.” If you wished, you could choose a resident cat from the cat suite as a companion during your stay. Anderson House was indeed unique. A few years ago, when I began this manuscript, I called to check if everything had stayed the same since my visit. “All is status quo,” said new owners Teresa and Mike Smith. Unfortunately, in 2009, due to the economy, Anderson House closed. Hopefully, a new owner will be found to carry on its traditions.
Restaurants
Eagles Nest Coffee House
330 Second St. W
651-565-2077
This lovely coffee house is a must-visit spot. When I called to see if it was still there, a nice gentleman answered. We chatted and had a delightful conversation, both bemoaning the Anderson House situation. When he learned of my book, he said, if I visit, perhaps Eagles Nest would do an author’s event. Oh, yes!
Slippery’s Tavern and Restaurant
10 Church St.
651-565-4748
This wonderful watering hole is the bar seen in the movie Grumpy Old Men and has been in existence since the 1970s. This was a fun spot. I don’t think there was a sad face in the joint.
FYI: The movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men were written by Mark Steven Johnson about his father, a native of Wabasha.
Sightseeing
A walk around town is
West on I-80 there are plenty of places to stop for food, gas, and lodging, but Williamsburg and Grinnell probably have the most to offer, especially Williamsburg, which has a large outlet mall.
I definitely look forward to discovering more about Iowa and perhaps attending the Walcott Truckers Jamboree!
Minnesota
The big state of Minnesota is known for its cold weather and such “creations” as eccentric former governor Jesse Ventura, the largest U.S. mall—Mall of America—its football team, the Mayo Clinic, and more. The natives’ speech has a very distinctive twang that is really quite enjoyable. No question, Minnesota is a beautiful place and a should-visit, particularly in the summer. Before my visit, I did not realize that the Mississippi River runs through Minnesota. I learned a lot about the Mississippi Valley and watched fascinated as the boats navigated the locks. The more I learn about Minnesota, the more I want to return—in the summer.
Wabasha (Population Approximately 3,000)
Wabasha is straight up the Mississippi on U.S. 61 off I-95, past the town of Winona. I drove around Winona to find that it is a small, friendly place with a lot of interesting history.
Wabasha, the oldest city in Minnesota, was founded by a steamboat captain in 1851. Not that far from bustling Rochester, it is seventy miles southeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul. When I arrived in Wabasha, I felt like I had stumbled onto a movie set. The town is spotless. The countryside and the Mississippi River are beautiful. In Wabasha, with its relaxed, wonderful lifestyle, you feel as if you are actually stepping into a different era. It has a mix of interesting shops, and many of the original structures have been maintained or are being restored.
The river seems to be the center of activity, from fishing to bald eagle watching. The Delta Queen and other river cruise ships call at Wabasha. The movie Grumpy Old Men was written and set here in little Wabasha.
Note: I include the following because it is a unique tidbit, a bit of local history, and unfortunately a sign of our times.
Anderson House
333 Main St.
651-565-2500
When I visited several years ago, my stay at this landmark was an experience and, in ways, a step back in time. This hotel opened in or around 1856, when small Wabasha was a bustling Mississippi River town. In 1909 the Anderson family bought the hotel, and it became the Anderson House. Aside from its hospitality, it was known for its authentic Grandma Anderson cooking and the “cat option.” If you wished, you could choose a resident cat from the cat suite as a companion during your stay. Anderson House was indeed unique. A few years ago, when I began this manuscript, I called to check if everything had stayed the same since my visit. “All is status quo,” said new owners Teresa and Mike Smith. Unfortunately, in 2009, due to the economy, Anderson House closed. Hopefully, a new owner will be found to carry on its traditions.
Restaurants
Eagles Nest Coffee House
330 Second St. W
651-565-2077
This lovely coffee house is a must-visit spot. When I called to see if it was still there, a nice gentleman answered. We chatted and had a delightful conversation, both bemoaning the Anderson House situation. When he learned of my book, he said, if I visit, perhaps Eagles Nest would do an author’s event. Oh, yes!
Slippery’s Tavern and Restaurant
10 Church St.
651-565-4748
This wonderful watering hole is the bar seen in the movie Grumpy Old Men and has been in existence since the 1970s. This was a fun spot. I don’t think there was a sad face in the joint.
FYI: The movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men were written by Mark Steven Johnson about his father, a native of Wabasha.
Sightseeing
A walk around town is
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