6th Anniversary: Afton House Inn

This is where we stayed for our anniversary get-away, a historic landmark sitting quietly by the St. Croix River.  Afton is so small and quiet, especially in the early spring, that we enjoyed amazing relaxation and a walk through the whole town in about 15 minutes.

The beautiful spiral stairway from the lobby to the rooms upstairs.

Our room had a view of the St. Croix.  Unfortunately, it was mostly covered in boats moored for the winter, but I can imagine that in the summer, it is a beautiful view.

I thought this lamp was especially pretty, sitting on an antique vanity.

This radio actually worked.

The formal dining room was ready for Easter.  In the evening it was especially classy with candles on each table.  We didn't actually eat here, but we had to peek in.

The following morning a nice little breakfast buffet was available.  It was a little like the continental breakfast you receive at some motels/hotels, but a notch or two higher with fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, oatmeal, batter for waffles, yogurt, and a variety of drinks.

This blue and white pitcher caught my eye, as does most blue and white.  It looked quite pretty sitting on the mantel in the breakfast room.

Here's where we walked and talked (and pushed a baby stroller).  Did I say Cody came with us?  He was actually a very good baby and didn't interrupt too often.  He even made us smile a time or two with his latest chuckles. 

We really felt like we needed this time, and thankfully, no one was sick, and we have wonderful friends and helpful sisters to watch the younger ones.  Besides, Kent got a great deal using Groupon, so this room was at least 50% off the usual price.  Gotta love a good deal and a memorable weekend at the same time!

6th Anniversary: German Restaurant

 Kent and I got away for our anniversary last weekend.  We didn't travel further than 20 minutes, but it felt like we were miles from home.  With no definite plans in mind, we were pleasantly surprised to happen upon this German restaurant.  Winzer Stube, open since 1999 by a native German woman, is located in the lower level of the historic Opera house in downtown Hudson.

The  walls were lined with postcards from Germany.

A German woman was our server, making the whole experience seem that much more authentic!  She brought us this delicious sourdough bread before our meals were ready.  It was ever so soft on the inside with a chewy crust on the outside.

German books sat on the shelf by our booth (not that I could read them but it was fun to look at them)
, and the little lamp on our table actually had dried flower petals and leaves on its shade. 

Kent ordered all-you-can-eat fish and chips.

I ordered a Reuben because I love them, and never make them at home.  It came with a cup of wild rice and chicken soup all for $8.  The menu was also fun to read because it told a little about the owner and her family as well as descriptions of the food and their philosophies.

Kids eat free Thursday nights.  Certain dishes are 1/2 price on Wednesdays.  Appetizers are 1/2 off from

4-6.  Winzer Stube was voted the ninth best German restaurant in the United States.