The fisher persons with their boats have been coming and going and we are seeing nice catches for them, but is summer REALLY here? At last? We sure waited for it a long time this year. We were happy to host our first Central Minnesota Watercolorists Retreat this spring. It was awesome and inspiring to watch the artists at work. They created many beautiful works of art while here and actually gave us a large one which we will be putting on display for our many guests to see.
       How is your summer going so far? Do you have vacation plans? If they include the north woods (or any woods for that matter) please take along some good insect repellent and keep an eye out for ticks on everyone. Those little monsters are creating more problems every year - and the health problems they create can be really serious. 
      If you're having a Staycation (staying at or near home) consider Riverside Inn or Riverside Resort for a week or a few days - it's great to get away. You will enjoy our pool and hot tub. Looking for something for the kids to do to burn off some extra energy? How about bringing them to the pool here - we are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for public swimming (it's a good idea to give us a call and see how busy the pool is, since we also do pool parties).  Stop in and say hello and take a tour of our newly re-decorated theme rooms. We have just completed the Game Room, Liberty Lounge and we are almost done on the Pilot's Lounge. If you haven't seen the Jaws Room, India Tiger Hunt or the School Room - you should stop by. Have a great summer!

The April blizzards seem to be over and although it came close, the river did not overflow the bridges here in Cold Spring. We have started our Spring Cleaning - the patio is looking clean and ready for the first BBQ of the season. We will be putting new lights out there this week, weather permitting (it is raining as I write this blog). We have put out the Spring decorations in the lobby and the fireplace has seen its last log until next winter! The bird-feeder is full as is the birdbath, and some feathered friends are looking at our bird house rooms! They tend to not only just sing for their supper but also for their rent! Oh well, its fun to watch and listen to them. We will be bringing our front patio furniture back this week, and a giant sunflower print is already making everyone's day brighter on our front facing outside wall. Hope you will stop in if you're in Cold Spring and have a cup of coffee with us. We will be adding new re-themed rooms soon. This winter we finished the Jaws room and The Game Room - stop in and take a tour - we love to show off our rooms. Don't forget our Event Center is a great place for reunions, birthday parties, weddings and showers, as well as a great retreat and business training center. Call us to set up a tour 320-685-4539 or just stop by.

Fall seems to have arrived and decided to be on the winter side this year! The temperatures around the area are in the low 30's and 40's as I write this. There have been flakes flying (and I'm not talking about dandruff!) and ice skimming small ponds already.... it's way too early. We are, however, enjoying the harvesting of fall apples, pumpkins and a few other yummy things from gardens and orchards. The farmers are rushing to get in the crops before any "real" snow hits the area. It's time for you snowmobilers and skiers to make your reservations as this looks to be a great year for both. If you like to ice fish, remember we are right on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes and there are plenty of lunkers just waiting in the waters next to the hotel. For those that just want a quiet weekend away, join us in the lobby for a fireside chat or a fun game - we keep a lot of them here - and enjoy the homey atmosphere and friendliness of our small town setting.

The sun is warming the shores and beaches near the hotel and the lake cottages are being opened for the season. We are in full summer mode here at the hotel with the public dock in our back parking lot we have fishing people enjoying our great Chain of Lakes. Our golfing packages are seeing quite a bit of use also. The bike/walking trail is pretty busy especially down by the dam where photographers can get some great pictures. What great adventure is awaiting you in Central Minnesota? We would love to be your home-away-from-home for all of your stay and play needs. Of course if you are just looking to relax and get away from it all - there's no better place for it than at the Riverside Inn in Cold Spring!

Thanks for stopping by our new website. We have been working hard behind the scenes to get it ready for you. It tells more about us, what we offer and things you can do here. If you are coming to Cold Spring, we hope you will stay with us. We also hope you check out some of the local shops like Little Sisters Antiques, and the White Rabbit. While you're at the White Rabbit grab a salad or sandwich or 1/2 of both (!) and enjoy a step back in time in this older brick mansion.

Don't forget to get to the tasting room at the Cold Spring Brewery or to have a snack and pack some treats for home at the Cold Spring Bakery. If it's a Thursday you don't want to miss Max & Deb in the evening playing and singing at the Firehouse Cafe just a short drive in Richmond, great tunes and great food!