LANESBORO, MN – Celebrate the holiday season with a visit to Minnesota’s Bed and Breakfast Capital. A festive atmosphere will welcome visitors to the 2016 Lanesboro Christmas Inn Tour.
Eight participating inns will be decorated for the holidays as Lanesboro area innkeepers welcome you to visit at this special time of year. Set for December 4 from 2-6 p.m., the tour will feature beautiful homes, seasonal decorations and holiday treats and entertainment.
Tickets for the tour are available through the Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce at Lanesboro.com or (507) 467-2696. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour at the Lanesboro Visitor Center. Those staying at participating inns will receive half-price admission to the tour.
A highlight of the tour this year will be artists at each inn. Most of the artists participate in the Lanesboro Area Art Trail, held annually in the fall.
Prior to the start of the tour, a complimentary “History of Lanesboro” presentation will be given by Ted St. Mane, an entertaining local historian, downtown at the Commonweal Theatre at 11 a.m. prior to the tour.
In addition, many Lanesboro downtown businesses and restaurants will be open the day of the tour for holiday shopping and enjoyment.
Participating inns and expected highlights include:
Cedar Valley Resort
Located in nearby Whalan, the Cedar Valley Resort is located on property first purchased in 1928 by owner Larry Johnson’s grandfather. This family-run resort has nine log-sided cabins on 30 acres along the Root River. Larry and Sheryl Johnson will be your hosts. Featured artist will be Ann Madland, jewelry.
Habberstad House Bed and Breakfast
This Queen Anne Victorian home will be decked out for the holidays with evergreen roping on its front porches and the Carriage House. The interior will feature a Fraser fir tree complete with tinsel. Built in 1897 by Norwegian-immigrants Olaf and Celia Habberstad, the home features quarter-sawn oak throughout the first level and three sets of pocket doors. Your hosts will be innkeepers Mark and Elaine Edwards. Featured artist will be Joan Finnegan, painting.
Historic Scanlan House Bed and Breakfast
Lanesboro’s first Bed and Breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places was built by Michael Scanlan, whose family was among the founders of Lanesboro. This was the first house in Lanesboro to have indoor plumbing and electric. Your host will be innkeeper Kirsten Mensing. Featured artist will be Jane Grevstad, fiber arts.
Iron Horse Outfitters and Inn
New in 2015, the hotel decor will remind visitors of a different time, when traveling was an adventure and small towns thrived. Each hotel room has a view of Lanesboro’s iconic bluff cut by the Root River. Your host will be Pat Shanahan. Featured artist will be Mike Meyer, artist and sign painter, who painted the mural outside the business.
James A. Thompson House Bed and Breakfast
This 1862 brick Italianate two-story home, sits on a hilltop overlooking Lanesboro and offers breathtaking views of the river and the Lanesboro Dam. The library, front parlor and dining room were restored in 2016 and feature Bradbury and Bradbury Art wallpaper, reflecting a look back in time. Enjoy musical entertainment while touring the Thompson House during the Christmas tour. Your hosts will be innkeepers David and Marti Gray. Featured artist will be Val Tindall, fiber arts.
Mrs. B’s Historic Lanesboro Inn
This nine-room inn was built in 1872 and was the first Bed and Breakfast in Lanesboro, opening in 1983. Listed on the historical register, it is located in the heart of Lanesboro and is on the bike trail and the Root River. Your host will be innkeeper Trish Capua. Featured artist will be Jennifer Wood, water color.
Scandinavian Inn
Sample traditional Scandinavian treats at this 1892 Queen Anne Victorian, built by Norwegian immigrant Ole Habberstad. As co-owner of the Lanesboro Lumber Company, Ole ensured the home was solidly constructed, with southern yellow pine trim work and pocket doors warming its interior. Natural sumac, milkweed and rosehips decorate the downstairs Christmas greenery, with edible ornaments adorning the family Christmas tree. Weather permitting, the rooftop gazebo offers a memorable view of the Root River Valley. Your hosts will be innkeepers Peter and Vicki Torkelson. Featured artist will be Heidi Dybing, fiber arts, needlework and mosaics.
Stone Mill Hotel and Suites
Family-owned since 1999, the hotel has served Lanesboro guests with overnight lodging since 2001. The historic building previously served the area as an ice house, egg and poultry processing facility, and a feed mill. Visit the 13 themed guest rooms, browse the gift shop, and enjoy the entertainment and refreshments during this year’s Christmas Inn Tour. Rick and Cheryl Lamon will be your hosts. Featured artist will be Cheryl Lamon, fiber arts.