Good Morning from The Depot!

We hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend and festive Fourth of July! It was a busy weekend at the visitor center with many people popping in to cool off from riding the bike trail on a very warm and humid day! These coming days will feel nice and cool in comparison. 

On Wednesday, Jonathan and I welcomed back our visitor center coordinator, Ann Thacher, who rejoins our team after having a kidney transplant in May. She will be working in the afternoons on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, visiting with people and sharing ideas for fun adventures and information about Lanesboro, Whalan and our surrounding area! She will also be calling members to remind them to bring in rack cards and brochures for our wall and mailing information to those who request it. 

Jonathan reported there were A LOT of people on the river this past weekend and I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous. When my siblings and I were kids, we would float the river several times a summer, putting in at Moen’s Landing and floating on tubes to Whalan, following behind my parents in their flat-bottomed boat. I think they may have attempted to catch some fish, but I don’t think we were ever quiet enough to make that happen. It always makes me a bit nostalgic as I see families carrying their tubes as they make their way to the river bank. 

As you read through our Depot Delivery this week, you will discover many reasons Lanesboro is such a magical place - Jonathan has highlighted some of the great patio spots for spending a summer afternoon or evening, and our Ear to the Ground section begins with a whole line-up of special events hosted by Lanesboro Arts. Coming events also include many opportunities to listen to live music; compete in some trivia; watch some professional and community theater; take a twirl around the dance floor and so much more.

If you haven’t picked up your Buffalo Bill Days t-shirts and/or hats, you can grab one at city hall or here at the visitor center. T-shirts are $18 and the hats are $25. Show pride in your community and support the celebration. I am continually amazed how small towns can throw such impressive events - from Harmony’s Fourth of July to Preston’s Trout Days and Lanesboro’s Buffalo Bill Days. It takes a lot of dedicated volunteers and each one deserves a ton of gratitude for the work they do to make these events happen each year.

Wishing you a day filled with blessings and butterflies, - Melissa

Lanesboro Experiences — Patio Edition

The thing about living in a place like Lanesboro is that the last place you want to be in the summer is inside. That truth has clearly inspired local businesses as outdoor dining experiences abound and cannot be missed. Our decks provide the perfect atmosphere for exciting summer excursions and sublime autumnal outings. Be sure to fully complete your patio punch card! 

Sylvan Brewing at Parkway and Beacon has a great outdoor space. The multi-purpose site has seating al-fresco, as well as roof-covered patio and the scale room - a really cool room where grain used to be weighed - is now a three-season covered porch, for when you need to get fully out of the sun, but don’t want to be inside.

Root River 102 at 102 Coffee Street has an amazing porch tucked half a block away from the hustle and bustle of Parkway. Enjoy a signature cocktail and some great shareable plates on a patio that gives you relaxed vibes, perfect for engaging conversations.

Pedal Pushers’ awning-covered sidewalk tables are a great way to grab a great meal from a scratch kitchen while taking in some people watching! Grab a burger, chicken pot pie or Korean bowl with a tap beer or tap root beer, and enjoy the show.

The Lanesboro American Legion deck is only open sometimes, but keep an eye on their website and the Chamber’s calendar of events page to see when they are having events on the deck! The deck has amazing acoustics for the live music and other special events that happen on it, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and plan for a great night!

Clara’s sidewalk tables are a wonderful option for a rest, and refueling. Whether you’re grabbing a panini, splitting a pizza or enjoying a cup of ice cream, this is a nice spot to recharge after a long day on the trail.

The High Court Pub’s covered porch and riverside patio view offer the best of all al fresco worlds. The riverside patio hangs over the Root River and its babbling offers an amazing soundscape for trivia, open mic nights and karaoke. With the addition of giant Jenga and cornhole games, it’s a perfect spot to kill an afternoon. The covered porch has installed space heaters for the upper-Midwesterners who don’t want to go inside until there's at least 6 inches of snow on the ground.

Junipers’ foundation is built right into the river’s embankment and the covered porch offers some amazing views of the river. It’s a truly beautiful place to enjoy an elevated meal. The patio, located right off the trail, features beautiful landscaping and shaded environs that give you a great blend of nature and people watching to enjoy. 

Click here to view the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce News - July 6, 2023