Steve and I went to this very fine winery and meadery recently. It didn't take a whole lot of…read morethought as to what I would get after looking at tge menu. We got the Dancing with Chupacabra mead which was no brainer for me. First of all yes, that label art drew me in as I love cryptozoology but I also liked the fact that this was a Hibiscus flavored mead which was a flavor I don't recall in coming across from the handful of meadery experiences that I have had. It didn't let me down in the namesake department either as the Hibiscus flavor was in full effect. Very flavorful with that and a good honey aspect at work made me purchase a bottle of this mead to enjoy at home as well.

We found this place by accident just driving around. Very nice owners. Let us taste anything we…read morewanted. Small but nice place out in the country. Food trucks on weekends. Meadery & vineyard.

Saturday I was on a brewery excursion...starting @ Fat Pat's in Spring Valley....as I chatted up…read morebeertender Harley, we got on about whiskey and Old Fashioneds.... She mentioned "on the other side of the park is RockFilter Distillery, I sometimes work over there". I excitedly replied: hey I'm pretty sure I follow them on social media (gets out phone) "yes" they open at noon... it's 11:52, annnd the stars have aligned! Thanks as I was brewery focused!" So... I drove the two minutes around the park, from parking spot to parking spot to check it out. Parking was easy right out front along the curb. They had a windowed garage door they opened & a few tables & chairs about. I didnt know the fella i met as i came in was the co-owner/distiller! As i made my way to the bar, two gals working. I thought i heard one say to the other "mom"... no way, im crazy. Sure enough when i asked what she drinks? "Im not old enough, these are my parents." Solid!! I love a family run, local, small business!! Co-owner Kate did a FAB job explaining the tasting notes of the several drinks i inquired about!! I went w the Honey Bourbon. It was delicious but i opted to have what i came in for; an Old Fashioned! After, of course consulting Kate on whether she'd go w an Old Fashioned or New Old Fashioned? Its a cute tasting room. They have several bottles on the bar. I didnt see a couple bottles he referred to but i LOVED when he said it was his grandparents picture on the Rail Splitter, his uncle on a tractor on the Red Rider Rye and his great uncle on another!! How fun!! Rochester brewery Forager takes barrels after hes used them! I really like the old pulley above the bar for the lights. The old pipe as a bar footrest. I really liked the river bar top! For...everything ive mentioned; RockFilter is a must visit; err must imbibe. Chat up the owners. Take in the....history(?) ... story of RockFilter!! Thanks for an informative & delicious spirits stop in between breweries! Cheers

RockFilter makes exceptional whiskey. It is made to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. I would say…read morethe drinks and service are ok. Go and buy several bottles and take home.

This is a hidden gem!! Came here after fishing all day and…read morethe beer hit the spot!! The bartender gave me a couple samples and I let him pick a flight for me. We got a pizza as well, very good for just a frozen pizza. Looks like they have food trucks a lot as well. It is very cute inside and it lets you relax.

We visited Sylvan Brewery in April while exploring the quaint town of Lanesboro. Although the trees…read morehadn't bloomed yet, you can tell this place would be absolutely stunning once spring is in full swing--nestled right in the scenic bluff country. The brewery itself is really well-built with a cozy, welcoming vibe. There's plenty of seating inside, plus a great outdoor area that I can imagine would be perfect on a warm day. They offer a great variety of beers to suit most palates. We tried a flight that included: * Lanesbrew American Lager - Crisp and super refreshing, one of our favorites. * Willow Citrus Wheat Ale - Light and citrusy, great for an easy sip. * Gnarly Old Ale - Rich, flavorful, and full of character--definitely a standout. * Butterbeer Weisse - A fun, slightly sweet way to wrap things up. It made a great final note to the tasting. On top of the drinks, they also offer pizza and a few snacks onsite, which is a nice bonus if you're feeling a little hungry while you sample. Overall, Sylvan Brewery is a solid stop if you're in or around Lanesboro. Great beer, good vibes, and I'm sure the view gets even better as the season turns. Would definitely return!

This is one of those "destination" breweries that is as much about hosting events as it is making…read moregreat beer. That said, the beer tends to be excellent (if they have it on tap). It's an enormous, industrial-chic space and is built for events and charter busses. Their patio is dog friendly but you have to come inside to order at the bar after checking in. The food looked decent and the pretzel was ok. Standard, uninspired brewpub food for the most part. Worth noting that their beer list isn't up to date so we missed out on a few barrel aged things they said they had. Basically you have to get there on release day if you want any non-flagship dark beers. It's a nice one-stop shop on a road trip for food and beer but I don't think it's worth going out of the way for.

Second time coming in. Can't say I like their beer but the food is tasty…read more Got a burger and cheese curds this time. Super filling. The fist time, we shared a crab Rangoon pizza, which was oddly delicious. Will definitely come again.

Burr Oak is a very small town tucked between the Minnesota border and the Iowa city of Decorah. We…read morevisited on a quiet Saturday. We paid for our tickets in the gift shop, then crossed the street to the old hotel, where we joined a tour that had just begun. The docent was great, bringing to life the history of the building, Laura's life, and present efforts to restore the property. I've wanted to visit Burr Oak for decades so that I could better understand the portion of Laura's life that she omitted from her fictionalized autobiography. Our tour took a little over an hour. We went throughout the hotel and then outside, where we could also visit the neighboring one-room schoolhouse. We then returned to the gift shop to look around. Visitors should note that the buildings are not readily accessible to handicapped individuals. In particular, the stairs to the attic guest rooms were quite steep and narrow. My very-tall husband had to be very careful when he went up there, too, as the ceiling is low.

Burr Oak, Iowa, is the only location where Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family lived that was not…read moreincluded in the Little House series of books. The volunteer board along with a part-time director, a part-time curator, and part-time summer tour guides have done an amazing job preserving three historic buildings in Burr Oak including the hotel where Laura and her family lived, and worked. The volunteer board has also acquired a fourth historic building, the Mercantile. I can not wait to see their vision for the Mercantile come to fruition. They also maintain a park that adds to the experience. In addition to summer tours, there is also a summer festival at the end of June celebrating life as it was when Laura and her family lived in Burr Oak. It is a fun time to be in Burr Oak.

Great experience! Country home feel, but with modern upgrades make this place a cozy and enjoyable…read moreplace to stay. The staff is great and the porch is amazing! I would absolutely come back again.

This was my first time staying at the Cottage house. I have traveled to 46 states and stayed in…read morehundreds of hotels, and Cottage house was one of the best experiences of them all. I was incredibly impressed with the cleanliness, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere at the Cottage house. The lobby was decorated with the cutest decor. They had a great variety of coffee and tea to choose from. It was Great coffee, too, from a Keurig. Allison. was incredibly kind and informative. The hotel even let me check in early. Then when I left my personal blanket behind in the room after checkout, they were so kind to mail it to me. I cannot say enough nice things about this hotel. Stay here! You will Absolutely love it.

This was our first B&B experience and our first time to Lanesboro. Thanks to Susie and Steve's…read morewarm hospitality, it won't be our last. Anna V's is a short jaunt from downtown Lanesboro on a quiet residential street. Please be advised to make your reservations well in advance because this is one of the best B&B's in town and it's no secret. We were warmly greeted by both of our hosts upon arrival. We were given a tour of the house and warm cookies and cider! Once we settled in our hosts were also helpful with dinner suggestions and willing to make reservations if needed. They had lots of helpful information (menu's, etc) available in booklets in our room as well. The bed was super comfy and the sheets were to die for. The most amazing sheets I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. The room had all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. In the morning, we enjoyed coffee delivered outside of our room, followed by an amazing three course breakfast. Every detail was attended to. They even took our pictures before we left! I've never felt so at home in someone else's home! Please visit Susie and Steve on your next visit to Lanesboro!

Victorian house with private baths and large rooms. Our hosts were warm and engaging and made our…read morestay very enjoyable. There is a bike barn to store your bikes at night. Breakfasts were amazing and they accommodated our dietary needs as well. Enjoyed the upstairs deck with my morning coffee. Quiet neighborhood. Would highly recommend this house to everyone.

With a limited amount of vacation time, I need to make every night count. I am so glad that I…read morediscovered this wonderful B&B in one of Southeast Minnesota's most gorgeous towns. The first time I stayed at Scandinavian Inn was 2009; the last time was this past weekend. I initially was attracted to the place because of their commitment to serve only free range eggs and locally raised meats at their breakfasts. I've since learned many more reasons to love this inn. Breakfast The breakfast at the Scandinavian Inn is probably the best one in all of Lanesboro if not Fillmore County. On our first morning we were served Persian Quiche (crust-less), which contains free range local eggs, Swiss chard, spinach, tofu and other delicious ingredients. Along with it was coffee, warm cornbread right from the oven, a selection of homemade jams and jellies, fresh fruit, orange juice, and ham steak from a local farmer whose livestock range free in naturally stress-free pastures. Our second morning's breakfast was similarly as big and included oven-baked French toast with homemade syrup made by Peter and Vicki (the inn's owners) as well as chocolate chocolate-chip muffins, lemon bread, fresh raspberries from the inn's gardens, and rommegrot--a rare Norwegian treat. Bed I am picky where I sleep, and need a firm mattress. My wife prefers a more cushy sleeping experience. We were both quite satisfied. Rooms at the inn are tastefully decorated in period pieces (the inn was built in 1892). While some are attracted to the Bed and Breakfast because of its commitment to sustainability--for example, it draws heavily from geothermal heating and cooling rather than constant AC--this may worry some who are used to the creature comforts. However, with our window open and two fans available to us, the room was quite pleasant and in fact one night we found ourselves reaching for the comforter / quilt beautifully adorning our antique bed. It should be noted that one bedroom has its own dumbwaiter, whereby breakfast is served in the room and not communally with the other guests. Hosts The inn is owned and run by Peter and Vicki, world travelers who have been to Egypt, Morocco, Japan, Nepal, and beyond. Their experience in the Peace Corps and as upstanding Minnesotans serves them well in their roles of host and hostess. Guests are made welcome by an initial tour (the house is quite big and a tour is welcome and needed) as well as by the smaller things: fresh coffee brought upstairs an hour before breakfast, personal recommendations, and a willingness to share their music, art and conversation. House In the Bed & Breakfast capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro is in no short supply of beautiful Victorian style houses. There are a few things that set Scandinavian Inn apart from the others: -located in quietest part of town -green-minded (no power lawn mower, sheets and towels air dried, etc.) -rooftop gazebo (great place to enjoy a glass of wine or just stare at the stars) -tastefully appointed common areas with antique couches, a piano, books, cd collection and stereo The Town If the Root River State Trail is a necklace, stringing together Bluff Country villages for some 60 miles, then Lanesboro is its crown jewel. The town has a waterfall, regional theater that is quite good (and I am a theater snob), winery with delicious wines made from (mostly) local ingredients such as apples and rhubarb, art gallery, restaurants, shopping and more. If you want a laid back weekend away, Lanesboro is an excellent choice.

My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary weekend in this beautiful home! We truly enjoyed our…read morestay. The house was clean, the room was lovely, the food was delicious, and our hosts were gracious! I was delighted by all the unique touches, from the antiques, the phone booth in the hallway, and the tower gazebo, to the handmade soap and homemade maple syrup! Peter and Vicki put time, creativity and care into each breakfast, not simply feeding us. We enjoyed riding our bikes into Preston, a night at the Commonweal Theatre, ice cream at Clara's (try the London Fog!) and a trip to the local farmers market on Saturday.