Greetings Gentle Travelers…yes, I borrowed that from Bridgerton, I think I like it! From House Beautiful, I’ll share a report:
“From Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings to the literary worlds of Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses, fantasy worlds and kingdoms have long dominated pop culture. It’s no wonder that these faraway realms have begun to influence our interiors as well. Pinterest has recently predicted that “castlecore” will be one of the top trending styles in both fashion and home. Of course, plumbing and electricity are modern comforts we simply cannot live without, so instead of suggesting that you move to the English countryside and take of residence in a Tudor-era manor, we’re here to help incorporate this medieval-inspired trend while enjoying all the comforts of the modern age!” As well one should. As much as I love to travel, promote travel, talk about travel, I also love to share our home with travelers and give them an American Castle to call home for a day or two or three. I have noticed our guests are booking longer stays than we’ve had in previous years. I’m glad they are settling in, enjoying the Castle rooms, of which we have a plenty. Breakfast from the castle kitchen changes with the seasons and what is in season in the market. It’s all a great cycle.
My brother is in Portugal. We have friends in Spain, planning a trip to Ireland (or was it Scotland) and I’ve had Hawaii on my mind for the past week. This always happens in the cold winter months, it’s a time to hibernate, let your mind wander a bit, read a deep thinking novel. Spring will be here before we know it and the Castle will be bustling with guests coming and going, I can’t wait! As we begin our 7th year (how time flies) we glance back at the past year, friends we have lost, places we’ve seen, wonderful food and sights! I hope you have a lot of the same and we can look to the year ahead together! It’s time to plan the year! When are you coming to Castle La Crosse? That should be what everyone is asking!
There are several trolly tours available, I should really say MANY! Our fabulous friend Kelly the Unofficial Hostess of La Crosse (I’m trying to make that official) will take you on a journey and tell you tales from this magnificent region. You can find most of those, including the Bluff to Bluff Experience, with takes you on a journey between the bluff side of the river in La Crescent, MN to the bluff side of the river in La Crosse. Here’s a link: https://explorelacrosse.com/historic-trolley-tours/. Check out the Mansions and Memories Architectural Tour and see if you can think of a place that might be included in that tour. HINT: There is a CLC on the front door. We have been on several of the trolly tours and I have to say they are packed full of information, great fun and a surprise for most everyone with a lucky ticket to ride! The reviews are in: Historic Trolly Tours are one of the best things to do in La Crosse! You heard it here folks.
As for the year ahead, we have a list as long as my arm! First and foremost, we have to finish a short list of things we have started before starting anything new! Or try our best anyway. Next, we have some travel plans, some family and friends coming to visit and of course all of you that have your favorite room already booked. Come when you can, stay a while and let the Castle work its magic. The big house has a way of wrapping around you, a welcoming hug. I know I’ve said it before, but I feel like the luckiest guy in the room. The big house came along needing something to do right about the time I needed something to do, too. Kismet!*
*Kismet is a word that means “fate” or “destiny”. It is used in many languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Persian, and Turkish.
Safe Travels, Happy Anniversary/Birthday/Retirement, see you soon
Billy and Brandon
