Hotel review: Americinn, Winona MN

To find the Americinn in Winona, just follow the main drag across the lake (Huff St.) all the way to the end. It technically isn’t under the Mississippi River bridge, but you could hit a 9-iron over the bridge from the hotel parking lot. There’s even a convenience store right next door in case you need anything convenient.

It was what you’d want from a normal hotel stay. Room clean, air conditioner actually cooled the room to desired temperature, no glitches with anything. Mattress may have sloped a bit into center, but otherwise was comfortable. Hot tub was moderate hot, not the kind where you boil yourself ala lobster.

Breakfast was a good spread – large bagels, fresh muffins, a waffle maker, quick-fix french toast and eggs, cereal, oranges, yogurt. Plenty of choices, not just a platter of rolls. Open 6-10 am.

Lots of bikers and fishermen in for the holiday weekend.

Travel: Winona MN

Two ways to get to Winona from Twin Cities:  buzz 52 to just past Rochester and take a left, or go to Hastings and follow the river for the scenic drive.  Hwy 52 is several miles longer, but overall faster because you can go freeway speed, even 70 mph on the I-90 stretch. Couple minor road work areas at present, but no detours or delays.

Ran 5 miles around Winona Lake, two minutes faster than last year. Most of the north and west sides have a nice, fresh topcoat of tar – as smooth as tar ever gets. Quite a few people out for a early holiday morning.

Checked out Airport Lake at the west end. Got one sunny in a fairly short period. For the adverturesome, Airport Lake has a couple of swinging ropes where you can climb a tree and then Tarzan yourself into the lake (at least the college kids do that).

Restaurant review: Perkins, Winona MN

Scheduling error: not enough kitchen help for a holiday (Labor Day) lunch period. Turned a regular lunch into a 1 1/2-hour-plus event. Fortunately, we weren’t in a hurry and got in good visiting time.

The host managed to keep a smile with a constant lobby full of waiting customers, some of whom gave up, and the frantic waitresses did their best.

Otherwise, once the food arrived, a combination of breakfast and lunch items, it was up to Perkins’ usual good standards.

By the way, the attached Quality Inn is closed and appears pretty run down. Doesn't scare away the Perkins crowd at least. The hotel is for sale if anyone wants to take on a project

Travel: headed to Winona

It's time for what has become our annual Labor Day trip to Winona, MN to meet our son for his birthday. Two more times (he's a student at Winona State).

It appears the Quality Inn, where we stayed the last two years, has closed, at least temporarily due to bankruptcy. It got some awful reviews online, but we found it acceptable because of its low rate, not to mention the coupon for Perkins.

So this year it's the Americinn. Super 8 had the best price. Americinn has a pool. Review to come after the trip.