Red Wing

My love and I just returned from a two-night trip to Red Wing MN.  It was so wonderful that I wish we could have stayed a week.  Trouble is, we may have ran out of exciting things to see around the next corner.  The little hidden gems that most people never hear about. The things that make this city so special.  If we had "done it all" and "seen it all," we may not have left feeling the deep need to return.

And I do want to return.  

Although I have been to Red Wing before, twice, I never spent the night and certainly never appreciated all the town has to offer. 

Despite the Mississippi River running right through town, perhaps the thing that set Red Wing apart from other small towns/cities, is that they have worked hard to make their city special.  From the restored buildings, to the beautification of the city, they have succeeded.  





Just passing through, it is unlikely you would notice the small things, but if you sit at the fountain downtown, you start to note special things, from the fact that the street lights and traffic lights are all black metal, adding to the yesteryear feel of the city, to the fact that even the plants have hoses discretely attached to them for watering. Businesses have been beautifully restored, pride in the city is shown everywhere.




And the St. James Hotel?  Well, it is the biggest jewel in a city of bright gems.  Built in 1875, it has a long, interesting history.  It was an honor to be a guest there. 

Our room looked out over the River and the train depot.

We will be back Red Wing. Next time we are taking the train over.  But first . . . a trip to Galena, IL and then Pennsylvania.  I guess we will have to do Red Wing for my birthday in November, then back to Cedarburg in December.

Life is good. Thank you God. 

~Rhonda