Alexander Mansion B&B, Winona, Minnesota

Location

Positioned on a large island in the Mississippi and nicknamed the Island City, Winona is a largely undiscovered riverside hamlet at the intersection of Highways 61/14, hosting a portion of the Great River Road. Alexander Mansion B&B is a 12 minute walk from Lake Winona and 18 miles from the Great River Bluffs State Park. Other attractions in the town include the Polish Cultural Institute & Museum, St Stanislaus Kostka Basilica and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, home to original works by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh.

Accommodation

Each of the five lavishly appointed rooms and suites are named after bygone residents and aim to convey the story of each. All rooms feature a fireplace, free WiFi, European-quality linens, and are tastefully decorated and furnished with period antiques. The bathrooms have deep soaking tubs and thick fluffy towels and proudly feature Winona’s own J. R. Watkins Natural Apothecary toiletries for guests’ use. The rooms have four poster or canopy beds and window seats and the DC Alexander Suite even has its own sun-room, flooded with natural light offering a great place to unwind after a long day.

Dining

The Alexander Mansion B&B only serves breakfast, but it’s a good one. Intended to indulge, each of the four gourmet courses is designed to emphasise the all-natural spices and extracts from Winona’s Watkins Company. The feast is served by candlelight every morning at 9am, either in the dining room or more intimate tables for two are available on the veranda or in the parlours. When you finally have room to eat again, the host Richard is an expert on the local dining scene and is happy to make recommendations.

Facilities

The host at Alexander Mansion B&B prides himself on his genial hospitality and included in the package are a welcome wine reception and evening turn down service, not to mention the 4 course breakfast. Other amenities comprise free WiFi, complimentary pick-up at either Winona marina or Amtrak station and personalised concierge services. Outdoor activities centred around wildlife or land and water sports can be easily arranged. Despite its small size, Winona also has a thriving arts scene, laying on music festivals, film festivals, art festivals and theatre festivals that are truly world class.