B&B & Be Yourself

Photo courtesy of Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, Adventure & Brewery

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Treat yourself to a getaway to one of Minnesota’s many LGBTQ-friendly bed & breakfasts.

Once we all check off both COVID-19 vaccinations, I think there is one thing that should be at the top of our lists: vacation. We’ve certainly earned it, after more than a year of quarantine, job loss, immense loss of life, and mental health struggles. And what’s a more relaxing vacation than a quaint B&B, complete with good food, drinks, conversation, and activities.
“[B&Bs in Minnesota are a good option for LGBTQ+ folx looking to get away because of] focused time on personal relationships, intimate time, the value is good as you can drive and stop at places along the way, comfort of being in a home, breakfast is a great time to socialize, and good value for the money,” says Brenda K. Pearson, Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association Administrator and owner of Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, Adventure & Brewery. “The smaller venue is more stable, trustworthy, intimate versus staying at a large venue.”

Pearson says LGBTQ+ folx can check out the MBBA website for LGBTQ-friendly B&Bs, and she says many include a bathroom in the room, jacuzzi, breakfast, proximity to state parks, restaurants/bars within the area, and much more.

“B&Bs offer less room choices and many are offering breakfast in room (for a small fee).  Because of the nature of B&Bs, cleaning practices and it being their home, cleaning protocols are enhanced,” Pearson says. “Many B&Bs are still limiting the number of guest-rooms in use to keep people at a safer distance or blocking days in between room bookings.”

Pearson says the neat thing about B&Bs is that folx don’t have to socialize if they don’t want to, but it is available if they want that. 

“There may be a misconception that there is no privacy at a B&B, but with bathrooms ensuite or not, it is more quaint and you can make it what you want. B&Bs allow for interaction with people you may not sit next to in a normal situation. Meaning people get to know the person before they may/may not judge on their way of life,” Pearson says. “Personally, at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast & Brewery, it is a safe haven where no one gets to discriminate against another.”

Here are six of the MBBA B&Bs that Pearson recommends for LGBTQ+ folx:

Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, Adventure & Brewery – Wabasha

Bed, breakfast, AND brewery? That’s music to my ears. Turning Waters offers it all, with the local amenities of quaint Wabasha, Minnesota, delicious breakfasts, and the latest brews from Hoppy Girl Brewing. Built in 1902, Turning Waters is chock full of history and coziness, and its proximity to Southern Minnesota’s bluffs, forests, and riverbeds makes it the perfect getaway for folx looking to get outdoors—but have a comfortable home (and tasty food and drinks) to return to at the end of the day.

Moulin Rouge House – Mankato

Located in downtown Mankato, the Moulin Rouge House offers a not-too-far getaway for folx in the Twin Cities looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. Currently under renovation, the Moulin Rouge House will be reopening in 2021 for guests to enjoy the historical 1893 property, which was previously known as the Lewis P. and Lizzie Hunt House.

Park Street Inn – Nevis

The Park Street Inn, located in Nevis, Minnesota, is the classic B&B getaway. Originally built in 1912, the inn boasts its original wood staircase, trim boards, and solid wood doors, and includes several antiques throughout the property. There is also access to a public beach, and it is just a block from the Heartland bicycle, snowmobile and ATV trails, making it a great spot for adventure seekers of all kinds. 

A.G. Thomson House – Duluth

If you needed a reason to escape to scenic Duluth, here it is! Book a relaxing stay at the A.G. Thomson House for a traditional Midwest B&B vacation, complete with all of the amenities and activities that Duluth has to offer, from incredible hiking and water sports, to shopping and enjoying the city’s nightlife. If you’re looking to make it an extra special trip, book one of the B&B’s romance packages for a getaway you and your S/O won’t soon forget.

Water Street Inn – Stillwater

Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater, Water Street Inn offers sixty-one rooms that provide access to all that Stillwater has to offer, from its vast antiquing scene to its delicious restaurants and bars. On the St. Croix River, the Water Street Inn also boasts incredible views and access to fun outdoor activities. The property also includes Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub and Papa’s Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, so guests don’t have to travel far to get something good to eat or drink.

Green Heron Bed & Breakfast – Grand Rapids

Just minutes from Grand Rapids, Green Heron Bed & Breakfast, which is open year round, provides guests with an old European country feel and modern American amenities. Just minutes away from bike and ski trails, snowmobile trails, golf courses, fishing or paddling, hiking, and shopping, Green Heron Bed & Breakfast has it all. Located near Lake Pokegama means Green Heron Bed & Breakfast always has something going on—morning and evening paddles, fishing tournaments, fireworks, hockey, ice skating, snow shoeing, the list goes on and on.