Fine Dining Across the River

Pure enjoyment! Since moving to Red Wing last July, David and I are having a wonderful time experiencing the delights of the Mississippi River Valley area.

While recently out exploring the beauty that sits across the river from Red Wing, we popped in to eat dinner at a gem of restaurant, the Chef Shack, in Bay City, WI.

http://chefshackbaycity.com/ 

We had heard the local buzz, with reference to the chef prepared seasonal food with a french flair along with the awards and accolades belonging to the talented chefs, so we were anticipating greatness. We were not disappointed; the experience was extraordinary!

Crossing over the threshold we were charmed with the Chef Shack’s warm and hospitable  vibe. The interior decor was pleasing to the eye- a combination of rustic and industrial accents.   Comfortable seats were available at the bar and the relaxing atmosphere added to our enjoyment. We learned that having a reservation is preferable if a table in the dining area is desired.

After being seated we were served a complimentary rhubarb spritzer – beautiful color and delicious!

The appetizer platter and main course was a rich symphony of flavor and the dessert of Baked Alaska was a perfect finale to our dining experience. So good, so good!

As I write this blog, I find myself mentally planning another visit to the Chef Shack.  It truly is a lovely dining experience; you will not be disappointed! Bon appetit!

We look forward to your visit at The Candlelight Inn!

David and Eve Baer

http://candlelightinn-redwing.com/

Front Porch Season

“…the good ‘ol American front porch seems to stand for positivity and openness; a platform from which to welcome or wave farewell; a place where things of significance could happen.”  Dan Stevens

The long awaited season of front porch living is under way! The white wicker furniture is set in place and the cushions are fluffed and plumped. White lights hang overhead to lend a warm glow to the cool evenings.

The days when I can take the time to linger on the front porch with a beverage and a book is a luxury. I settle myself in the wicker rocking chair, close my eyes, inhale the smell of spring and listen to the relaxing sounds of Red Wing.

The majestic magnolia tree that is rooted near the porch has produced an abundance of white flowers this season; the porch is the ideal place for breathing in the sweet fragrance of the many blossoms.

While relaxing on the porch, the sound of church bells and train whistles create a charming sense of nostalgia of a simpler time in this historic rivertown.

Come join us at the Candlelight Inn in Red Wing, MN. Pour yourself a glass of wine, make yourself comfortable with a book or magazine. Grab a game and snack from the library and enjoy our front porch. We look forward to your stay!

David and Eve Baer

Candlelight Inn, Red Wing, MN

http://www.candlelightinn-redwing.com

100-Mile Garage Sale!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by mentatdgt on Pexels.com

It’s that time of year – garage sale season! Many people take the time in spring to unburden themselves by selling their accumulated possessions at bargain low prices in order to lighten up their living spaces and wardrobes for the coming year.

Photo by Kevin Blanzy on Pexels.com

Then there are others who enjoy “feathering their nests”. Garage sales, yard sales, tag sales become a most anticipated treasure hunt. Perhaps a list is made to search for specific items at rock bottom prices or maybe the day is left to chance and a gem is discovered that, unbeknownst to the finder, is essential for life and happiness.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Sara Santos on Pexels.com

I personally love finding the sales with the fresh, homemade, baked goods that are displayed on a card table, next to the person with the cash box. An assortment of cookies packaged in plastic baggies with a twist-tie or delicious bars arrayed on a white paper plate covered with cling wrap. Yum! Sweet nourishment to continue my quest.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by kendall hoopes on Pexels.com

So, get the truck or Suburban out of the garage and gassed up. Make space in your trunk and mark your calendars for May 2-5, 2019 to experience the 100-mile Garage Sale “that spans all towns along Lake Pepin” – Minnesota and Wisconsin side. http://www.100milegaragesale.org/

Reserve your comfortable room at the Candlelight Inn in Red Wing, MN to refresh yourself with a good night’s sleep in our relaxing guest rooms and partake of a delicious 3-course breakfast the next morning before venturing out on your hunt!  http://candlelightinn-redwing.com/

We look forward to your stay and hearing about the treasures you find!

David and Eve Baer

Candlelight Inn, Red Wing, MN

Watercolor Joy

Recently Dave and I had the privilege of welcoming a very special guest to The Candlelight Inn in Red Wing, MN.  Charlotte Laxen is a dear friend, mentor, and an amazing watercolor artist from Winsted, MN.

Charlotte Laxen

I am honored to introduce Charlotte and celebrate her awe-inspiring gift of expressing beauty and emotion, particularly joy, through watercolors.

I first met Charlotte ten years ago after experiencing a devastating loss in my life. My sister commissioned Charlotte to paint a watercolor of a special family memory, from a photo, as a Christmas gift for my children and me. With brushes, paint and a sensitive spirit, Charlotte gloriously captured a whimsical yet tender memory; a treasured image that will never be forgotten.

Family of Snow Angels

I was soon captivated with the joy that I saw in Charlotte’s paintings and I deeply desired the ability to express joy on paper, with paints, as well. I was not at all confident in myself when I shyly asked Charlotte if she would be willing to teach me the art of watercolors. Her generous kindness and easy personality quickly put me at ease and I fell in love with painting and the joy that comes in creating.

I have included a sampling of Charlotte’s paintings. Please read more about the artist and person, Charlotte Laxen, and delight yourself in her paintings that are displayed on her website. She is an extraordinary person with an amazing story and exquisite artwork to share.  http://www.charlottelaxen.com/

https://www.charlottelaxen.com/

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We wish you much joy and we look forward to welcoming you to our Inn.

David and Eve Baer

http://www.candlelightinn-redwing.com

Shredding the Slopes

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Our teenage son, Mathias, recently experienced his first time snowboarding the slopes of Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik, MN.  Being a beginner yet feeling quite confident in his abilities, he decided to forego the “bunny hill” and made a bee line to the top of the run with his more experienced friends. Mathias soon discovered that his Apple watch continuously instructed him to BREATHE when the wind had been knocked out of him after a wicked wipeout.

Photo by Ingo Joseph on Pexels.com

After listening to Mathias’ downhill adventure stories, Dave and I reflected on our skiing days during our teenage years.  Dave grew up skiing Afton Alps, Buck Hill, Highland Hills and Welch Village. He soon became a “shredder” of the slopes; he earned the name “Downhill Dave” by his bros (fellow rippers and shredders).

Photo by Terje Sollie on Pexels.com

My experience with skiing was a bit opposite to Dave’s “black diamond carvings”.  I was granted the nickname “Crash” because of my not-so-pretty wipeouts. According to snowslang.com I was a Gaper- “A novice skier whose hapless technique makes them stand out.” Yep, that certainly described me. Fortunately, I never broke any bones.

Photo by Flo Maderebner on Pexels.com

Skiing is a terrific way to enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors and to celebrate the winter season rather than lamenting for the warm days of summer. The clear crisp air that fills the lungs, the beauty of bare trees, contoured hills and the white landscape are all a part of the skiing experience. Yes, I know this winter has not produced a big white winter yet, but we still have many weeks of cold and February/March may bring us a delightful dumping of snow.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Yesterday Dave, the kids and I took a short drive to Welch Village – the nearest ski village to Red Wing, MN  (also a favorite in Dave’s youth). A fifteen minute drive from the Candlelight Inn led us to an idyllic setting of a small village nestled amid the high hills and trees of the Cannon River Valley. It is truly a charming place to visit and ski.

With plenty of snow on the hills, Welch Village offers “sixty runs on five distinct ridges overlooking the Cannon River and Belle Creek Valleys.” (welchvillage.com)

A large chalet positioned at the bottom of the runs provide warm and comfortable seating to enjoy food/drink. Large windows give a vantage point to scrutinize the “shredders and gapers”.  For even more enjoyment, live music is featured on Saturdays starting at 4pm.   http://www.welchvillage.com/

Come and enjoy this charming village and ski the beautiful hills of Welch. If you can’t beat winter, you might as well join it (and maybe even enjoy it too).

David & Eve Baer

Candlelight Inn in Red Wing, Mn

http://candlelightinn-redwing.com/