Imagine getting away from the ordinary and stepping into the exquisite. The grand scale of the Oakenwald Terrace in Chatfield, Minn., will whisk visitors away to days gone by, with dramatic flair. Owned by Marion Lund, the bed & breakfast innkeepers are her son Bob and daughter-in-law Ruth Ann Lund.  Ruth Ann performs the day-to-day running of the business, spending many … [Read more...]

Award-winning artist Karl Unnasch dwells among humble settings. His studio, the former 1800s-era general store of Pilot Mound proper, sits among what he calls “Ten acres of Unabashed Utopian Vision.” Open to all, his studio philosophy is crafted as purposely as his distinctive works of art. “‘The Mound’ has become a harbor for self-expression; an anchorage for conceptual … [Read more...]

Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MnWOO) is a new private well advocacy group working out of Rochester. The organization’s goal is to build awareness among well owners so everyone can have safe water to drink. “You do not know that your water is safe,” says Jeff Broberg, licensed geologist and MnWOO director, “until you test it. Private well owners don’t test nearly enough.” … [Read more...]

        The sights and sounds of the rural countryside await you.  Imagine a quaint old farmhouse on 60 acres of serene property as wildlife and colors of the season surround you. Although these things seem a world away, they are actually only a phone call away.  Located near Forestville State Park outside of Preston, Minn., the Schmidt Farm Guest … [Read more...]

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds motorists to use railroad emergency notification system signs when there is a safety issue or emergency situation at a rail grade crossing. The blue and white signs are posted near the crossing on both sides of the road and should be clearly visible to the motorist. The emergency notification system sign includes the … [Read more...]

With spring plantings around the corner, a trip to the Rustic Rose — formerly Spring Valley Greenhouse — is in order.  This business is run by the family of Mitchell and Carolee Shultz.  They have four children: Courtney, Brittney (Dalyn), Hunter, and Megan, whose ages run from 16-24, and a grandchild, Saskia Raine.  Mitch comments, “Carolee is originally from Canada and I grew … [Read more...]

During a tour of Niagara Cave near Harmony, Minn., the knowledgeable tour guides take a moment to turn off the lights to have visitors experience the fact that it is so dark you literally cannot see your hand in front of your face. While experiencing this strange sensation, the last thing you are wondering about is where the energy for the lights comes from — you just want the … [Read more...]