Fosse the Chicken:
Explores the Crate Suite

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HELLO!

What a delight to see you again!  I greatly enjoyed our visit last time. And, thank you for asking about that grain truck/appetizer from last time – it was delicious!  There was corn, and corn and more corn… yum, yum, yum…

You know… I was thinking… that I should

about the unique lodging and qualities of Stone Mill Hotel & Suites. The best place to begin would be in the area where I entered the building.  That area is now called the Crate Suite.

Private Entrance to the Crate Suite

After the initial shock of my ride on the back of that 1930’s Ford truck and my sudden escape from having my tail feathers plucked, the Crate Jacuzzi Suite is where all of the chaos first took place, and much to my dismay, the Crate Suite has become one of the most popular suites for guests!  You would not believe this but when the Lamon – Mortimer families opened the doors to the hotel in July of 2001, the first guests in that room was a young couple on their honeymoon and they have been coming back every year for their anniversary!  They are such a nice couple.  Great fun to visit with…but I digress.

Living room with private two person whirlpool tub

The Crate Suite is on the first floor of the hotel. One of the unique features to the hotel is that the first three floors of this four story building are on ground level and was originally designed to meet the needs of the freight train industry that ran through the Lanesboro area in the late 1800’s. The Crate Suite has a private entrance that now opens up to a lovely guest area that features a two person whirlpool tub.  And don’t you know that’s a great bird bath if I ever saw one.  Much nicer than the bath they gave me when I first arrived.  Which was more like a dunk, dunk, plunk in cold water.  Burrrr chills me to the bone thinking about it. 

Traditional chicken crate used to bring chickens to the poultry processing plant

When I arrived, I was in a crate very similar to the one that is prominently displayed in the
suite as well.  Some other unique features to this now wonderful suite is the old chicken de-beaker (and let me tell you I am so glad that that thing don’t work no more…  It’s more of a dust collector if I do say so myself.  Colleen, the owner, would pluck another feather or two if I convinced Mandy to throw it in the dumpster!)

Antique Chicken De-Beaker

The rest of the suite includes a queen bed.  For those of you that are electronically inclined there are two TV’s so, if you roosters and hen’s out there disagree on what to watch, there is one for you and one for the love of your life to watch, because it is all about keeping the peace and providing you with a great place to rest, relax and re-connect! 

Well, now that I have talked you ear off, I think that it would be prudent to go scratch around for some more information about my namesake, Fosse.  I look forward to seeing you soon at Stone Mill Hotel & Suites; and don’t forget, we are just a stone’s throw from anywhere you are!
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Art in the Park in Lanesboro, MN

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Come and stay, shop and play!  This Red Hat group was from New Hampton, Iowa, and visited Lanesboro recently.  Along their visit they took time to “chillax” with Rick.

Speaking of “chillaxing”, Art in the Park in Lanesboro, MN will be held on Sunday, June 17.  This annual event will be held in Sylvan Park from 10 am – 5 pm.  There will be over 100 booths of art along with food and entertainment.

In just a few weeks, we will celebrate our nation’s independence.  July 4 is a favorite time of year for me as I enjoy the daylight and warmth of the days.  I also enjoy visiting with the guests and visitors that pass through the doors of Stone Mill Hotel & Suites.

At Stone Mill, each room has a journal for our guests to comment about Stone Mill and the area.  Darrell & Vicki, guests in May, enjoyed their time in Lanesboro and thought it was peaceful and relaxing.

When you visit, I hope you will find it peaceful and relaxing also.  Until next time . . .

 

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New Massage Therapist
at the Lanesboro Day Spa

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Lanesboro Day Spa welcomes Crystal NarvesonThe Lanesboro Day Spa is proud to announce the addition of a new massage therapist.  Crystal Narveson is a Certified Massage Therapist who graduated in September 2009 with high honors from Minnesota School of Business with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy.  She opened her first office, Massage On Main By Crystal Narveson, in September 2009 and has now joined our team at the Lanesboro Day Spa located in the lower level of Stone Mill Hotel & Suites as a full-time therapist.
Crystal is professionally trained and is offering the following modalities: Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Bamboo Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Geriatric Massage, Body Polishing, Thai Massage, and Sports/Stretching. You can discover more about each of these modalities on our newly re-designed website -www.lanesboromassage.com.
We are currently running a New Therapist Special to welcome Crystal to our team: As an introductory offer you can receive your first massage with Crystal for $5 off or 3 massages for $170 (swedish, deep tissue and trigger point therapy only). Must mention this ad at time of booking.
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Rhubarb Reigns in Lanesboro, MN

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I know summer is right around the corner when I see the rhubarb uncurl and reach toward the sun.  When I was a child, my mom had a rhubarb plant, as most gardens in the area did.  She was able to make many rhubarb delights from that one rhubarb plant.  At that time, little did I know, I would  live in the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota.

Discover all things “rhubarb” and more in Lanesboro on Saturday, June 2, at the annual Rhubarb Festival.  The festival consists of everything from Rhub ART to the Rhubarb Run.  Rhubarb is so famous in Lanesboro, it boasts a book titled Everything Rhubarb.  After the festival, stop by Scenic Valley Winery and sample Rhubarb Wine made from locally grown rhubarb.

As an added attraction in downtown Lanesboro on Saturday, June 2, a book signing will be hosted by local illustrator, Sarah Peterson, and author, Nancy Monson.  The book signing will be held in front of Pedal Pushers Cafe from 10 am – 1 pm.  This collaboration “Get Out of the Nest, Nelly!”, is on tap to be the best selling children’s book of 2012.  The book, famed as a children’s book, has a meaningful message for adults as well.

I think everyone should “get out of their nest” and make plans to attend the Rhubarb Festival.  Speaking of nests, Stone Mill Hotel & Suites is a perfect nesting place for your summer getaway.

In the meantime, enjoy the “reign” of our favorite vegetable, rhubarb.

 

 

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The Stand Still Parade in Whalan, MN and more to explore in Lanesboro, MN

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The new front desk area at Stone Mill Hotel & Suites is now decorated with the feed bags in the picture.  One of the bags was used in the facility during its “working days”.  As the renovation continues, we realize this will be an extended project and appreciate your continued support and patience as we work to be the “choice” lodging destination in Lanesboro.

The Stand Still Parade has become an annual event in Whalan, MN and will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 11 am – 4 pm.  Not only can you experience a parade where the “parade stands still” but you will also be able to sample a variety of foods, watch the pie eating contest, and listen to music.  Children’s games, a petting zoo, and other activities will be available for the kids.

The Bluff Country Gathering will be held in Lanesboro this weekend.  This multi-day event is sure to attract musicians from a wide area and provide entertainment for all ages.

After you take in the weekend festivities, check out the Spud Boy Diner and Another Time Ice Cream Parlor & Chocolates.  The diner and ice cream parlor are Lanesboro’s newest additions to the casual cuisine scene.

If you care for a short drive, The annual Trout Days celebration will be held in Preston, MN.

Wherever you are, near or far, there’s always a few more things to explore . . . .

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Introducing Fosse! The Indelible Spirit of Stone Mill Hotel & Suites

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Oh, Hello there!  My name is Fosse the Chicken!

How are you today?

GREAT!  I am so glad to have this opportunity to visit with you!  I have so much to share with you about myself and the history of this beautiful building that is now the home of Stone Mill Hotel & Suites.

I tell you, there is never a dull moment here, or in Lanesboro. And over the last 50 or so years I have gotten to know a lot about this area, The Lamon – Mortimer family that takes such good care of my home here at the Mill and all of the unique little nooks, crannies and people that make Lanesboro such a great place to live and visit!

Hum…. (Fosse takes a thoughtful pause….) 

What, sorry … I was drifting off thinking about all the fine grain I am going to have for dinner….  Oh, you want me to tell you how I got to be here at the Mill.  I remember it like it was only yesterday!

The first time I set eyes on Stone Mill (then it was SL Fosse:  Dealer in Eggs and Poultry) it was a beautiful summer day.  I was out in the coupe doing what chickens do best (pecking grain that is) and the next thing you know I was in a crate, on the back of an old 1930’s Ford truck.  That wind from the ride ruffled my feathers terribly!  Every feather literally out of place and then if that was not bad enough they took the crate inside and yanked me out and started to pluck out my tail feathers!  I had had enough!  I was not going to stand for such treatment.  So, off the table I hopped and flapped and squawked until I could find a place to hide.  After that I learned how to stay out of the way of you crazy humans!  But I won’t hold that against you.

Anyway, time passed and they forgot about little oh me, and I learned to survive on crumbs dropped from the workers lunch pails and then when the building became grain storage some time in the 1950′s when the Hager’s became owners of the Mill, well, I tell you I was the happiest chicken this side of the Mississippi!  I had all the grain that I could eat and there was so much of it, no one even realized that at night I would eat my fill.  I had to have put on a few pounds during that time of plenty!

That’s the short of it!  I just wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself, and share with you that I Fosse the Chicken will be making a few public appearances on the Stone Mill Hotel & Suites blog.  I will be telling you about events that come to town, like the one I just missed the Ibsen Festival, but we have a quite a few others so don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.  I will share with you some of my explorations around the Mill and read those great Journals that folks write in sharing their favorite things they did here in Lanesboro and some of the great people that live and work in Lanesboro.

So, so long for now… there’s a grain truck passing by and if I hurry I might just be able to catch some extra BˑEˑAˑUˑTˑIˑFˑUˑL grain as an appetizer before dinner!  I am a  connaisseur of fine grains!

See Ya soon and when you visit Lanesboro don’t forget to stop by and take a tour of my lovely home, Stone Mill Hotel & Suites!

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There’s More to Explore in Lanesboro, MN

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As you plan your next getaway, Stone Mill Hotel & Suites is the place to put the “perfect” in getaway.  A reservation for one of the luxurious themed suites helps you settle into the “Lanesboro” frame of mind.  Enjoy your stay in a themed suite that is reminiscent of the area – Amish, Garden, or Bicycle, to name a few.

Bring your bike or rent one and explore the Root River Trail.  As you ride the trail and enjoy the gentle breeze, your cares from the day fade away.  After your outing, check out one of the dining spots.  Intermission, Lanesboro’s newest, is right next to the Commonweal Theatre and joins the list of signature restaurants.

When you visit on Saturday, May 19, be sure to make plans to attend the Standstill Parade in Whalan.  Whalan is a short, five mile bicycle ride from Lanesboro on the Root River Trail, one of Minnesota’s scenic bike trails.  Our neighbor to the west, Preston, will celebrate Trout Days on May 18 – 20.  When you visit on June 2, plan to attend Lanesboro’s annual Rhubarb Festival.  If your visit is later in June, plan on attending Art in the Park on Sunday, June 17.

Having dinner is just the beginning of a Lanesboro evening.  Make reservations for a performance at the Commonweal Theatre or attend a performance of Over the Back Fence.   Before you call it a night, a nightcap might be in order at Riverside on the Root’s Dirty Martini Lounge.

I’ll be back soon to let you know of more things to explore.  The lights will be on and the doors open shortly  . . . .

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The Tulips Are Blooming

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A visitor to Lanesboro,Scott from White Bear Lake, took this beautiful picture of the tulips right outside our front door last weekend.  Thank you Scott!

As Lanesboro continues to awaken, the Commonweal Theatre Company will be hosting the 15th Annual Ibsen Festival on April 13 – 15.  This year, Pillars of Society, has been chosen as the Ibsen production.  A complete listing of the weekend’s events can be found at www.ibsenfest.org.

In addition to the Ibsen Fest activities in Lanesboro, Bluffscape Amish Tours will be offering tours.  The tours will depart on Friday and Saturday at 10:00 or 1:30.  The tours depart from the Lanesboro Feed Mill.  To schedule a tour, please call 507.467.3070.

To add a little relaxation to your weekend, the Lanesboro Day Spa has appointments available on Friday afternoon and Saturday.

 

 

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