Golden Lantern Inn

If you are looking for somewhere cozy and comfortable to stay, this is your place. The location is great – just a 5 – 10 minute walk to downtown. Sometimes I am nervous about a B&B because the furniture may be old and unkept. However the furniture at the Golden Lantern, mostly antique and eclectic, was clean, comfortable and in great condition.
We were very pleased with all of the little amenities: Sherry and cookies upon arrival, board games and DVDs to borrow, catering to dietary reatrictions… the list goes on.
One last thing: the breakfast is enough reason to stay here!

I very rarely splurge with a night at a B & B, but after the delightful experience at the Golden Lantern Inn, I’m going to include this in my repertoire of special treats to myself. This was absolutely everything I was hoping for: not too far from the Twin Cities, close to the river, in a quiet town (Red Wing), small, great bed and a good shower. Of course the time I chose to visit, it was a gorgeous evening/​day with low humidity, cool temps and bright sun (in the midst of a steamy July).
The building was built in 1932 and is the former residence of a former president of Red Wing Shoes. The house was converted in the 90s for B&B use. It is immaculate and comfortable, and Sioux’s attention and friendliness was appreciated. My room (Helen’s Room) was a suite with a balcony. Very nice. A beautiful catalpa tree graced the balcony. The grounds are beautifully maintained. You can even have a cookout there if you like. There are several areas on the grounds where one (or a couple), can sit and enjoy the ambiance with sufficient privacy.
You can choose to have breakfast served in your room, but I chose to sit with other guests in the bright sun porch. The coffee was excellent (I can be pretty fussy about coffee) and the breakfast was delightful: a baked egg and cheese dish, with fresh fruit, juice, thick bacon and a warm apple pastry with butter slowly melting over it. Oh baby!
The occasional train whistle added to the experience of having reverted to a bygone age for a while. I will be back!