Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
Summer is wonderfully busy in Minnesota with so many exciting events and activities. However, the transition of the seasons from Summer to Fall brings empty nesters, like us, the opportunity to recharge our batteries by planning a weekend away to escape from life and put the everyday hustle and bustle of life on the back burner. Stillwater is the perfect destination for relaxation, wonderful food, and a great atmosphere to soak in the fading summer days. In this article we will show you that Stillwater Minnesota is the Best Getaway near Twin Cities.
Out for a Stroll on Main Street – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
Discover Stillwater invited us to come to Stillwater to be their guests and discover the charming birthplace of Minnesota ourselves. Of course we gladly agreed to their ideas and this was particular late summer weekend that we were able to make it happen. So come along for the ride and get some ideas for your next adventure to Stillwater.
The Rivertown Inn
Front Fountain -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
We love the character and charm of staying in Bed and Breakfast establishments, allowing us the ability to connect with the owners and other guests, or just shut the doors and reconnect with each other. Each B&B has its own personality and unique stories and Stillwater has many options to offer. During this visit to Stillwater, The Rivertown Inn was the perfect place to escape for a romantic rejuvenating get-away.
Out Front – The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
At this fabulous award-winning mansion turned boutique-style Bed and Breakfast, the owners, Jeff and Julie Anderson have thought of every detail to ensure their guests are welcomed and treated like royalty.
European Elegance -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
The Rivertown Inn, with its European-style elegance and it’s author inspired themed guest rooms are filled with antiques matching the era and theme of the room.
European Elegance -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
The minute we walked through the front doors, we were transported back into a simpler time and the stress of everyday life melted away. We were offered a glass of wine and some snacks which was the perfect start of the weekend!
Gardens -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
General Manager Larry Loyer
Upon arrival, General Manager Larry Loyer took it upon himself to give us a tour of the house, which included answers to all of our questions about the interesting history of the house. You can tell, he loves what he does. Then he took us to see the beautiful grounds, and gardens.
The Carriage House
One highlight was when he took us into The Carriage House to see the amazing Grand Suites.
The Agatha Christie Suite was designed after the book Murder on the Orient Express, complete with train depot, train cabin and the orient.
Rich walnut parquet floors, shelves aside the fireplace filled with Doyle’s works, a richly detailed map of London in full view from the luxuriously appointed king-sized bed below are only the beginning of the story: a stay in this suite is full of discoveries and surprises where no detail is too small.
The Browning Suite
The room that we booked was the Browning Suite. It was perfect beyond anything we had expected.
The Browning Suite -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
This suite is a fitting tribute to the love story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning, two of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era. Large windows give guests tranquil garden views below, while rich chocolate-brown wallpaper featuring colorful urns, birds and flora set the perfect backdrop for a spectacular Rococo Revival half-tester walnut bed.
The Browning Suite -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
An opulently carved marble-topped boudoir table is the throne of femininity while bookcases flanking the fireplace lend an air of literary elegance. A beautiful stained glass window adds serenity to the bath featuring a deep rectangular tub and a luxurious shower.
Watch the Video Tour of The Rivertown Inn
First Friday In-House Dinners
At the Rivertown Inn, on the first Friday of the Month, they offer the opportunity to experience a culinary tour around the world with a four-course dinner offering and drink pairing on site.
First Friday In-House Dinners with Chef Maggie -The Rivertown Inn – Stillwater Minnesota Best Getaway Near Twin Cities
We’d heard great reviews about the chef Maggie Wescott and were looking forward to the event. The Rivertown Inn menu features locally grown or sourced clean foods and fresh flavors. This month they were serving a Farm-to-Table Dinner
As you might be able to guess, the dinner was amazing!
Gourmet Breakfast
Since we’d experienced a culinary delight the evening before, we were looking forward to the gourmet breakfast at the Rivertown Inn and we were not disappointed!
Menu
Gourmet Breakfast Menu
Berries with Mint
Berries with Mint
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Muffin
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Muffin
Spinach, Sun-dried Tomato Quiche
Spinach, Sun-dried Tomato Quiche
Well after a meal like that I think we are all fueled up for a busy day!
Tours and Events
Stillwater Trolley Tour
When visiting a big city or small town, we love to take tours to get to know the history and people of the area. The Stillwater Trolley Tour was the perfect choice, with the trolley driver expertly filling us in on the facts and fascinating stories of the city. The trolley meandered throughout the downtown city streets, often stopping for explanations and photos.
We have a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of Stillwater to our state as well as hidden gems in the city of Stillwater.
After the tour we had to quickly go back to some of the most interesting places in the city so that we could explore that gem in more detail.
Jeff and Julie Anderson Home
Tours and Events
St. Croix Valley Segway Taste of Stillwater Segway Tour
Taste of Stillwater Segway Tour
Another activity that we’ve never experienced was trying a Segway tour and what better place to partake than in a “Taste of Stillwater Segway tour”. This was a wonderful way to try a number of restaurant options, as well as take in the sites of Stillwater and have a great time with the group of folks trying out Segways. Our tour guide, Tony, filled us in on some great stories of Stillwater throughout the day.
Taste of Stillwater Segway Tour
After the Segway tour, we found an open bench down by the river and just soaked up the sunshine and took a short nap on the green grass. We decided real exercise was in order. We walked up and down the river walk, enjoying the sights and sounds of happy people strolling on the parkway.
Dock Cafe – ST. CROIX VALLEY Segway Taste of Stillwater
Revé Bistro and Bar
Later that evening, we relaxed for a delightful dinner at Revé Bistro and Bar — wow, what a wonderful find! Mike Willenbring is the 28 hr old Head Chef / General Manager of Revé Bistro and Bar. We had the great honor of having Mike host us for the evening.
Let’s Start with Champagne Revé Bistro and Bar
He had decided to cook items that were not on the menu for us to give us a very special treat. Here is the menu that Mike created for our evening.
First Course
First Course Scallop en Croute Revé Bistro and Bar
Scallop en Croute Seasoned with Lemon Pepper Served with a Belgian Endive and Watercress Salad with Watercress Pesto and Red Currant Vinaigrette.
Wine: Pasqua Family Prosecco
2nd Course
Second Course French Rack of Lamb Revé Bistro and Bar
Frenched Rack of Lamb With Pistachio Crumble and Sautéed Local Wild Mushrooms (chanterelles, lobster, blue oyster, and Shiitake), and Red Wine Reduction.
Wine: Tre Saggi Montepulciano
3rd Course
Third Course New York Style Cheese Cake Revé Bistro and Bar
New York Style Cheese Cake With Walnut Crumble, Caramel and Raspberry, and Rosemary Whipped Cream.
Wine: Jones of Washington Riesling
Conclusion
As you can see, Stillwater is one of the most amazing cities in Minnesota to visit. There is rich history, great activities and of course amazing food. You will not go wrong planning your next weekend getaway to Stillwater!
If you have any questions at all about this trip, please reach out and contact me!
And until next time, get out and capture the adventure!
These images and much more are available for purchase.
Wow you definitely were busy in Stillwater — complete with a Segway your! I really love how that B&B looks! So much character. I loved Stillwater before but I think need to go back and love it some more!
Gosh Jenny it was so beautiful and so much fun. It was quite fabulous being treated like royalty.
Love historic bed and breakfasts! Really enjoyed your photos. And Stillwater is such a fun place to visit. Thanks for the reminder to get back there soon!
Go go go, Susan, you will love it. Rivertown Inn is just so richly amazing!
Stillwater is definitely one of the best destinations in Minnesota. The segway tour is a great way to see plenty of sites. Great blog post Wayne!
Carole,
We had so much fun on the Segway tour. I must admit the special surprise was a visit to Candy Land. 🙂
Wow, amazing food all weekend. We were in heaven!!
Thank you for staying at the Rivertown Inn and doing such a beautiful blog representing all that Stillwater has to offer.
Gosh Larry, It was our complete pleasure. Thank you so much for running such an enchanting place!!
What a beautiful write-up of our Inn, our food, our lovely town of Stillwater. It’s all so appreciated. And so wonderful to meet you and Anne. It was an all-around pleasure!
Thanks for all you do Maggie!