Anyone from Minnesota? Planning a vacation and passing through
 

Hi all,
We are planning a road trip west during the month of September. Wondering if anyone here is from Minnesota.
We are looking for side trips, good Mom & Pop diners, music, great picnic spots, quilt shops, amusement parks, antique shops, spots not to miss, etc. Not so hot on tourist traps/attrations.

Thanks in advance,
d

I live near Winona, SE corner on the Mississippi. In Winona there is a bakery named Bloedows, (pronounced Blaydoes), they make the best donuts, etc. in the world. Krispy Kreme didn't stand a chance here. There is the MN Marine and Art Museum, impressive group of paintings, Monet, Rembrandt. The headquarters of Watkins Products, a salesroom and museum. Two banks, several churches and Watkins have large stained glass windows. Winona National's were designed by Tiffany and Co. Right now Winona has the Shakespeare festival and the Beethoven festival going on. Two universities, a basilica, friendly people. Just up the river about 30 miles is Wabasha, with the National Eagle Center, close up contact with eagles. All on the banks of the Mississippi River.

For quilt shops, check this recent thread:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...a-t226095.html