Yesterday afternoon was a fine version of a Minnesota summer day, low humidity (and how often does that happen in Minnesota in August??) warm temperatures, sunny skies, and a light breeze. In this near-perfection, after putting my little dogs in “jail” — actually they are simply secured in my bedroom with a gate across the doorway — and serving them their chicken jerky sticks as their usual goodbye gift, I set off for Hudson Wisconsin, about 30 miles from my home, to meet three friends for dinner at Pier 500. Fortunately, my route took me through Woodbury, Minnesota, so of course I stopped at Trader Joes for a few bottles of their great inexpensive wine …

Hudson, Wisconsin, is a picturesque, historic little city on the east bank of the St Croix River which separates Minnesota from Wisconsin. It’s sister city on the west, Minnesota, side, of the St Croix is Stillwater, which is the first city incorporated in Minnesota. Stillwater is probably best known for it’s famous lift-bridge which spans the St Croix and raises up to allow the river traffic to pass underneath the bridge. Stillwater, like Hudson, is a lovely little city that fills with tourists, especially in the summer, and is home to many intriguing antique and old book stores along with both casual and fine dining. Thus, both sides of the St Croix are favorites of many visitors from both in and out of state and are well worth the drive from the Twin Cities.

I arrived at Pier 500 in Hudson to find a crowded parking lot and several large limos attempting to park on the street. There was a wedding party at the front door and both the inside of the restaurant as well as the substantial patio were already overflowing with diners. My friend Bobbi was already there so we had a drink at the bar while waiting for our table. Soon we were seated in the patio area, with a great view of the St Croix river, and ordered appetizers while we waited for Laura and her sister Sharon who were driving from their home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We had almost decided they were not going to show up, when there they were … they had been waiting for us inside the building while we were waiting for them outside … so we ordered our dinners and had a great time relaxing in the open air with the enjoyable food and equally enjoyable conversation.

Of course, the dinner and conversation had to come to an end and I had to go home to my little dogs — who don’t like their mom to be out too late at night — before it got dark.

If you’re interested in history and antiques, a day or weekend trip to either Stillwater, Minnesota or Hudson, Wisconsin is a very pleasant experience for unbridled travelers. Be sure to take the lift-bridge across the river to take in both little cities and enjoy the views of the beautiful St Croix. Enjoy the summer!

“With Enchanted Eyes We Watch As These Sweet Moments Turn To Memories”

At least once during each summer a few of us unbridled travelers, who work in the same office, go out to dinner and then on to Canterbury Park to enjoy an evening of Minnesota horse racing. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, most of the usual suspects were unable to participate so this time it was just one other person and me … but it was a great evening nonetheless. Our first stop was at my favorite bistro in this area — Stephano’s in Burnsville MN. This great little Italian restaurant is right at the intersection of Cliff Rd and Highway 13 so it’s easy to find and is always my favorite stop on the way to and/or from Canterbury. I arrived a few minutes before my friend so I waited at the bar. I was more than a bit disappointed to learn that my favorite bartender is no longer working there (where oh where will I ever again find that perfect Midnite Martini I’ve learned to love??) but there was a lovely blonde lady serving drinks who was very friendly and since I just wanted a beer, I didn’t immediately have to endure the trauma of facing the fact that I’m no longer going to have a bartender who knows what kind of wine I enjoy and will always recommend something that he thinks I will like. When my friend arrived, we were seated in the dining room and ordered dinner. I ordered cheese Ravioli and my friend ordered a veal Tortellini; as usual the meals were excellent. The only glitch in the service was at the beginning of the meal when a young man brought our water glasses and a basket of bread … I asked for dipping oil for the bread and he said he would bring it but then he did not. When the server came to take our order, I requested the oil again and she promptly went to get it so it was only a minor inconvenience for a moment. After dinner we drove on to Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Racing begins at 7 p.m. on Friday nights so the heat of the day was fading away and the humidity was at a tolerable level turning into a very lovely evening. As an extreme horse lover, I truly enjoy the horse races and just watching the horses run (notwithstanding the terrible heart-wrenching catastrophic breakdowns that sometimes occur) and I have only a minor interest in wagering on the races. So, I didn’t place any bets at all which turned out to be a good thing since only one horse that I chose to win (in my head) actually came in first. My friend actually DID place a bet on every race and had nothing but bad luck … one horse reared in the gate just as it popped open and the dumped the jockey … so the loose horse ran around the track with the rest of the field (and still came in last even without the weight of the jockey!) … and a few races after that, her horse of choice became agitated in the gate, tossed the jockey and was ultimately scratched by the track veterinarian. When darkness fell, an incredibly orange, incredibly full, moon rose directly over the track to complete this wonderfully relaxing evening … just what we needed after a long week at work. If any of you unbridled travelers are in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area and are looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy a weekend evening, consider going to Canterbury Park. For just a modest admission charge you can enjoy a relaxing night watching horse racing under the lights. You can wager — or not — as you please and there are a variety of places to grab a snack or even a full dinner. On Friday nights there is a live band playing music between races that is a most enjoyable addition and you’re welcome to get up and dance if the spirit moves you. Of course, my recommendation for dinner before or after the races is Stephano’s in Burnsville. Enjoy all your travels and remember …

the fun is in the going!

“With Enchanted Eyes We Watch As These Sweet Moments Turn To Memories”

Hello Friends of Unbridled Traveler … I know you’ve been wondering where we’ve been … well, we didn’t go far and now we’re back! Sort of anyway. I had problems with my previous webhosting company so I have moved to a new webhost and I’m just in the process of rebuilding the site.

(My hosting company is now “hostmonster” and I can personally give it my highest recommendation. Unlimited domains starting at just $6.95 per month and their customer service is the best I’ve ever found — I need a LOT of techincal help with my websites, believe me … If you’re looking for a webhost, check them out by clicking the banner above.)

Soon all the things you loved about this site will be restored; along with some great new information to help all unbridled travelers enjoy their travel adventures even more!

We’ll be doing restaurant and hotel reviews as well as finding fun and out-of-the ordinary places to go and things to do. Since we’re based near the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN, many of the things we review will be within driving distance of the metro area … BUT … as a dedicated unbridled traveler … we also will keep you up to date on our own personal travels and help you find the perfect vacation or romantic getaway.

Of course your questions and comments are always welcome. Let me know where you want to go and what you want to do and we’ll do our best to help your wishes come true … we’re not a travel agency so we don’t book travel but we’ll try to get you the best information about any destination you may have in mind.

Unbridled Travelers love to hear from others who are passionate about seeing the world. Please feel free to share your experiences, both good and bad, on this blog.