Day 3 Minnesota!

Sept. 6, 2017

Today was so much fun.  As we were traveling through Iowa, Becky remarked that she had never been in Minnesota!  So, we altered our planned route and headed north into Minnesota and what  fun we had!  We ended up spending the entire day driving the length of Minnesota and found lots of diversions!!

First fun spot was Spring Valley, Minnesota.  We saw a sign for the Wilder Museum in that town and so, we hung a left and went exploring.  Unfortunately, the museum was closed but we saw the prettiest church and the outside of the museum.  The town of Spring Valley is so pretty.  Typical midwest small town.  Loved it!!

Before that,t we say a tribute to Larry, Moe and Curly!!!  Statues in front of this house!!  Unfortunately, Curly had fallen down!!!

Next, the Laura Ingles Wilder Museum
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After leaving the museums, we didn't get too far down the road when we spotted.....
an A&W rootbeer stand!.  Oh my, such wonderful childhood memories of stopping at an A&W rootbeer stand on the way through Wisconsin to visit cousins!!  Well, of course we had to stop and eat lunch there!  Best food ever!!!!

 

Well, after being thoroughly stuffed with good food and great memories, we headed down the road again.  Not far before Becky spies 4 Daughters Winery.  While asking do I want to stop (a dumb question to begin with!!) she was already turning in.  What an absolute gem of a place.  They did their tastings at tables and brought the wine in very small glasses that you then poured into a normal wine glass.  We did the Red wine tasting and let me tell you, Minnesota wine is really good!  Had a most enjoyable time there and ended up buying several bottles to add to the collection!  Great time!!

 

When we left the winery, we decided to stay on Rte. 14 and head to Walnut Grove, home of Laura Ingles Wilder!  What a great decision.  We arrived at the museum about 10 minutes before it closed, but the lady there was so nice and pointed out all we needed to see.  The best was the actual church bell that Pa Ingles gave up his new boots for in order to help pay for it!!  We also saw a replica church from that era.  We then headed down the road a bit to see Plum Creek and the site of the dugout house the Ingles lived in.  It was a fun place but the mosquitoes were unmerciful so we did not linger long.


 

 

 

Upon leaving Walnut Grove, it was time to get on down the road!  About an hour later, we were in Luvern, Minnesota, checked into our hotel for the night then headed out to dinner, a place highly recommended by the hotel establishment.  Right next door was the Howling Dog Saloon!  We decided to give it a try and in we went.  It was one of those luck of the Irish decisions!  What a fun place and our waitress reminded us of our friend Lucy...only in a more rough Minnesotan type of way!!  When we asked about wine the waitress didn't exactly laugh at us but it was clear that wine was not their thing.  We decided to forgo the wine and join the natives and have a beer.  The waitress was funny in trying to figure out what we might like so she finally said "Ill just bring you one" and when she brought it to us she said it was on her!!  How nice!!!   Well, it was really good so we enjoyed that, ordered some wonderful food and also another beer each!  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

 

I feel so blessed to have been able to travel this far and see the beautiful country we live in.  These wide open spaces, beautiful weather and fields and farms are so refreshing.  From Virginia to Minnesota.  From rootbeer to beer!  So glad I am getting to experience it all!!  Wonder what tomorrow will hold??  Can't wait to see!