Monticello, MN

Monticello, MN (28 June – 7 July)

Our next stop on our continental U.S. tour was the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” – Minnesota! We selected a small, family-owned campground in Monticello, MN close to our friends, Curt and Robyn Gilbert who reside in a nearby town. Other than visiting friends, we developed a short “to do” list for the area and executed it to great effect!

Upon arrival, we did our trailer set up and looked around the immediate camp area. One of the neat features was the fact that we were literally only yards from the Mississippi River. It is a very scenic location! A short transit into town revealed a micro-brewery named Nordic where we enjoyed some of the best homemade German brats and ‘kraut ever eaten! It was a great pairing to their beer!

After coordinating some schedules, we were able to meet Curt and Robyn for a picnic and music in the park at Sturges City Park in Buffalo, MN. Great food, great company and music by “Rockin’ Hollywood,” a cover band of older gentlemen singing hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s! Afterwards, we walked a short distance to “Hayes Public House”, a Celtic themed bar to add another notch to our local craft breweries.

We eventually made it to the Gilbert’s where we enjoyed their hospitality on several occasions. Despite the morning rains, we managed to get out on their boat on Medicine Lake on two days. One was the 4th of July where we celebrated the birth of our nation with fireworks on the lake. Prior to the boat ride, Curt made some outstanding BBQ on his Green Egg. The day was a great time with friends, food, and fireworks!

Curt and Robin also introduced us to a local iconic eatery known as “Fat Nat’s” famous for their breakfasts. It is not like any other breakfast in the area or probably in the Northern region – they serve several house specials that all include the New Mexico Hatch Chili in the recipes. We favored the “Hatch Chili Huevos” and it was delicious! It was a good hash of fried potatoes, bacon, cheeses, and hatch chilis served with eggs on top! Soooooo good!!

We learned Curt and Robyn are also avid cyclists and are lucky enough to live right next to an extensive bike trail. We took them up on their offer to go for a ride (or two) to explore the area trails. Beautiful scenery and cooperative weather made for a great experience. And best of all, the trail went right by the Luce Line Brewery. Yet another local micro-brew, we felt it was our duty to stop about halfway through our ride and quench our thirst while sampling some of the local wares. Another great stop!

So as not to be derelict in our touring duties, we kidnapped the Gilbert’s and forced them into a tour guide role to visit another American icon, the “Mall of America” in Minneapolis. We could not be this close and not visit the Mall, right?!? Robyn and Tina had to sample the “stuffed to order” crème puffs at “Beard Papas.” According to all accounts, they were delicious! The highlight of our visit to the MOA was our venture in “The Escape Game” escape room. The four of us took on the challenge to find the miner’s hidden gold! We were successful with 5 minutes
to spare having conquered yet another challenging puzzle. We made a great team!

Last, but not least we also discovered and enjoyed the Rustech Brewing Company in Monticello. A hidden gem in the heart of “downtown”, we literally stumbled upon it driving by one evening. Glad we found it!

We wrapped up our trip by celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary with Curt and Robyn. Not a real fancy fest – which is what we like – we revisited the Nordic Brewing Company to get some more of the brats!! Another great time and an overall outstanding stop to spend time with dear friends. We are already planning our next outing to break in the soon to be campers (Gilberts) as they await delivery of their trailer and tow vehicle. Those details in another chapter!!