Thursday night we just stayed in and all helped make a dinner of mussels and corn on the cob. It was delicious and gave us time to relax and catch up. On Friday we headed down to Red Wing. There we visited a lot of shops; lots of antiques, art, gifts, etc. It's such a great town just to wander around. We also went to the St. James Hotel for lunch on the veranda and to check out it's historic lobby. Then we headed down towards Lake City. We stopped along the way to hike around Frontenac State Park - but ended up cutting that stop short because of a threatening storm. In Lake City, we checked out their marina and their Main Street. We then finished out the day by driving all the way around Lake Pepin and ended up in Pepin, WI to have dinner at the Harbor View Cafe. Jon and I have been their once before and it was just as excellent the second time.
On Saturday we got up pretty early and went to the Farmer's Market and picked up some fresh veggies and fruit. We then headed to the French Meadow Bakery for brunch. We then went to the Rose Garden, Japanese Peace Garden and the Bird Sanctuary near Lake Harriet. Considering how close these places are to wear we live in Minneapolis - it's surprising - but neither Jon nor I had even been to these gardens. The roses were in bloom and everything was fragrant and colorful. We'll definitely have to go back there again. Then that evening we had dinner at Saffron and then went to the Guthrie to see "Ella" - about Ella Fitzgerald. Dinner was delicious and unique and the play was very well done. I have to confess, I knew very little about Ella Fitzgerald, and very little of her music - but I really enjoyed it! And then we were able to catch the fireworks for Minneapolis' Aquatennial. I don't know how it can be - but every year the fireworks keep getting better! It was a perfect way to end the evening - even though leaving after the fireworks meant being stuck in traffic an extra 40 minutes!
On Sunday, their final day in town - Kathy and I went to my baby shower at my Aunt's house, while Jon stayed back with Jack. They were in charge of smoking a pork shoulder for dinner. They also were able to do some much needed work around the yard and just relax out on our patio. When Kathy and I returned we joined the men out on the patio for some relaxation. Jon, Kathy, and Jack played a little croquet while I put my feet up and then we all enjoyed our dinner of pulled pork, coleslaw, roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.
It was a great visit! It's always great to see Jon's mom and Jack. We always have a great time when they are here. We'll get to see Kathy again sometime in October when she comes back to visit us and our little one. We'll be excited to see her then, too!
Lunch on the Veranda at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing
Frontenac State Park with a gorgeous view of Lake Pepin
Jack, Kathy and Jon in the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet
Jon feeding me a sample of pulled pork
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