Archive for the ‘Thoughts from your Innkeepers’ Category

I Love my Kids, BUT…

December 28th, 2009 by Angie Allen

As relatively new “empty nesters”, and having experienced a few urgent phone calls home from our college freshman, a thought came to mind one day. How many parents out there; whether new, seasoned, or empty nesters, are constantly giving and giving to their kids – selflessly and without a second thought about themselves. We love and adore our children, and want to give them the very best as parents, and the best opportunities that we possibly can in today’s world. But we also need to take a step back on occasion, and put ourselves and our relationships first. We will be better people, better partners, and better parents for it. So as I hung up from the phone call from my fantastic child (we are very lucky parents), I said to myself…”I love my daughter, but…” and hence the new package addition!

Whether it’s this package, or any one of many others that we offer, we urge you to take time for yourselves and your relationships. A stay at the A G Thomson House in spectacular Duluth MN is a great way to start!

Celebrating 2009; Looking forward to 2010!!

December 27th, 2009 by Angie Allen

As we enter into the 10th year of this century, and our 3rd full year as Innkeepers of this lovely home, and…well you get the picture. This is the time of year when everyone often reflects upon the past and looks forward to the future. It often tends to be cliche, but always with heartfelt sincerity. We can, without a doubt and with heartfelt sincerity, say that this has been an absolutely incredible 2009 for us in so many ways. And we are looking forward to an equally incredible 2010. We cannot reflect on the past year, and years prior since becoming Innkeepers, without giving a HUGE shout out to all of our guests. To all of our new guests (& friends) in 2009, to all of our repeats guests (& friends) from 2009 and before, we are deeply grateful and appreciative. Cliche’…yes…with heartfelt sincerity…yes!

We still feel like new Innkeepers of this gorgeous home, and surely will for awhile. But we also feel we have accomplished a great deal and learned a great deal in a short amount of time. We have tried each day to put ourselves in your shoes. With each additional amenity that we have added, with each new recipe we discover, and with each new detail that we create; it is with your comfort, convenience and relaxation in mind. We are proud to have not only brought back the life to this great Inn in the physical sense, but are also proud to have brought back the reputation of our Inn and the bed and breakfast industry in general. For each new guest that has walked through our doors, we have made sure to provide a wonderful bed and breakfast experience that will keep them coming back to not only our Inn, but Inns across the country! Duluth is truly a fantastic place no matter the season! And we believe that the best place to relax and unwind, is a bed and breakfast – and we will strive to make the A G Thomson House your preferred choice.

So once again, as I write this while enjoying a great football game (and hoping my beloved team will be celebrating in 2010), we thank our guests for choosing to spend their valuable time and hard earned money with us over the past year and years prior. We are humbled, greatly appreciative, and look forward to many, many more years of sharing our home and warm hospitality with new friends across the country and globe. We will not rest on any laurels, but will continue put all of our energy and efforts into making our Inn the absolute best it can be…for you!

Happy New Year everyone! And our wishes for a safe and prosperous 2010 and THANK YOU!!!

What a summer so far!!!

August 4th, 2009 by Angie Allen

Whew, we don’t know where to begin! What a wild and crazy busy this summer has been for us so far – and we are loving it!!! A shout out to all of our guests who have joined us and made this such a fun summer so far. Thank you!!
Because it’s been so busy, it seems like a very long time since we’ve updated you on the “goings on” around the A G Thomson House. Earlier in July we had the great honor of hosting two (2) elopement ceremonies. The Lake Superior Suite was the room of choice; and what a great space to begin your life together. And what a great way to get married; no fuss, stress, or big expense. Congratulations to both couples and we know we will see you on future anniversaries to come!
We’ve had the great surprise of receiving a couple of honors/awards this year as well. When taking over the AG Thomson House two (2) years ago, we knew we had one of Duluth’s finest and unique pieces of property. Two (2) acres of towering pines and seclusion in the heart of the city with great convenience to everything. We also knew there was alot of work to be done noth only to the Inn (physically), but in reputation too. Since taking over, and working very hard, we have become Trip Advisor’s #1 Bed and Breakfast in Duluth AND Minnesota! We are very, very proud of this and will continue to make you – our guests – feel welcome and at home when you choose to spend your time here.
This month, in the August issue of Minnesota Monthly and much to our surprise, the A G Thomson House was named a Best Bed and Breakfast for 2009. We had no idea until receiving the issue, and are particularly proud of what they had to say. As mentioned in this month’s issue: “A longtime favorite, this 1909 mansion continues to charm guests in Duluth’s historic hill district with its tasteful combination of classic-not frilly-decor, practiced hospitality, and multi-course breakfast.” Thank you, Minnesota Monthly!!
And just recently, we were awarded the winner for the best Commercial Garden by the Duluth Garden Flower Society for the Gardens on Display Contest. This is a tremendous honor considering the state of the gardens, yard, and grounds when we took over less than two years ago. One of my favorite things to do is spend time in my garden, which is difficult to do during these busy times. But there is a great sense of pride and joy when we look at what we have accomplished and how are grounds are flourishing in comparison. It is without a doubt a work in progress with much, much more to come. After all, there’s a lot more “ground” to cover!!! We look forward to sharing our lovely grounds, perennial and annual gardens, and my absolute favorite – hydrangeas, with you. We have several different varieties thriving and will be continuing to add to the collection.
As we continue through this wonderful summer, we look forward to meeting and making more friends at the A G Thomson House!

So Romantic!!

June 10th, 2009 by Angie Allen

AG Thomson House HammockWe experience many engagements here at the AG Thomson House, but it’s a rare occasion to actually witness one. Today was one of those rare occasions. While preparing breakfast and visiting with our guests, we just so happened to look out the dining room window at our beautiful grounds and at the incredibly comfortable hammock , that’s nestled between two towering pines with Lake Superior in the background. This is where we caught the adorably romantic proposal occuring. It was a lovely morning in Duluth and at our Inn, the view of Lake Superior clear and spectacular, and happily the ideal time and place to propose!

First Timers!

June 7th, 2009 by Angie Allen

Once again we enjoyed a wonderful weekend of guests here at the A G Thomson House. And once again, a group of first time B and B ers! It has not yet ceased to amaze us how many first time bed and breakfast guests that we have had the pleasure of hosting. It is a wonderful experience to share our home and the experience of staying at a Duluth Bed and Breakfast and watch our guests depart having enjoyed every minute and planning a return. Our Inn offers guests a secluded environment to unwind and relax in a comfortable, casual atmosphere amid the history and beauty of an historic home. They are amazed at the modern amenities of a large, queen size whirlpool, LCD TV with DVD player, a choice of over 450 DVD’s, IPOD Docking station, complimentary beverages, wine and snacks; and the freedom to either hibernate together or enjoy the company of others. We are proud and pleased to offer all of these options.So come and join us at the A.G. Thomson House Bed and Breakfast Inn in spectacular Duluth Minnesota – it’s an experience you will cherish, whether it’s your first time and your perhaps your third!

A Baby in Springtime!

May 18th, 2009 by Angie Allen

A G Thomson House NewbornWaiting for MommyTrying to keep upWait for me Mommy!Seeing many, many deer on the grounds of our Duluth Minnesota Bed and Breakfast is not an unusual thing around here.  It’s a daily occurence; one of the reasons why we believe our location is one of the most unique and ideal spots to share with our guests in Duluth.  Not only do we enjoy over two acres of secluded grounds in the Congdon Mansion District with wonderful wildlife, but also enjoy the breathtaking majesty of Lake Superior right from our front porch. 

Well, we had an amazing treat today.  As usual, we watched our family of deer meander through taking a munch here and there, but were shocked to see a newborn fawn following along today –  Our own little “Bambi” following its mommy.  At the AG Thomson House, there is always romance in the air and apparently the deer have taken advantage of the atmosphere around here too!!

Come and join us; you’re likely to capture some of the romance!

Geek Prom

April 28th, 2009 by Angie Allen

It’s the best Nerdfest in the Midwest – enough said!  Not quite…we were fortunate to have perhaps the best “geeks” stay with us at the AG Thomson House on the 18th of April for Geek Prom!  We had such a great time visiting with Steve and Tasha, and then sending them off to the “PROM” like proud parents!  Below are some pictures that they were so kind to share with us.  We also enjoyed great discussion about our 4 legged family members too, and at their request, were able to introduce one of them.  We always keep our “4 leggeds” in our private space, but will happily introduce them to anyone who is interested.  Also below are Tasha & Steve’s adorable family members, Atticus and Zoey, in pictures!!

A huge thank you, as always!  We really enjoyed sharing our home and this great event with you – your spirit is just wonderful and anyone meeting you is instantly in a great mood and enriched! 

tasha-before-geek-prom.jpg   steve-at-the-pump-organ.jpg  steve-and-tasha-at-geek-prom.jpg  Zoey  Atticus

"Quiet" Season???

March 30th, 2009 by Angie Allen

It€™s been quite awhile since our last post, so it€™s about time to catch up! 

This time of the year is supposed to be a Duluth Innkeeper€™s €œquiet€ season; a season where you take some time to relax and plan for the upcoming summer.  Well, it has been anything but quiet around here.  We have been planning for the upcoming season in many ways, while also enjoying the guests that have decided this is not their quiet season!  We feel very fortunate and thank all of our guests who have chosen to stay with us and share our home.  We have and will continue our efforts to improve not only the Inn and each of our rooms, but also the type of amenities and comforts that we can offer our guests. 

Our most recent completion and update took place in the Ryerson Suite.  Guests staying in this wonderful space will find a newly updated and renovated bathroom to match the already updated bedroom and sunroom.    We think this may be our new favorite room!!  The changes that took place include a new, state of the art, Queen Size Aero Massage Whirlpool Tub.  This tub has earned rave reviews from its most recent guests.  By massage, we mean 28 jets of glorious luxury!   The jets on this tub are protected by a check valve that prevents bath water from entering the air induction system, thus offering the ultimate in hygienic protection!  Also, in our continual efforts to live and work green, we have installed a duo-flush commode in the Ryerson Suite providing our guests the option to participate in water conservation.  The soft, warm tones of this room compliment the incredible amenities this room now offers.  We will have new room photos up and posted within the next few weeks to provide the true sense of beauty and luxury this room now offers.
What we are most pleased with in this new bathroom is that it is not only €œstate of the art€ in its amenities, but we have maintained the integrity of this beautiful and historic home by choosing fixtures, tile, and decorating details that work and blend perfectly for its 100th birthday!
 
The Ryerson Suite is not the only room to have undergone a transformation during the €œquiet€ season.  The Brule River Retreat also received a new look!  Guests will no longer find a €œcabin€ at this Bed and Breakfast.  You will instead be treated to an updated and refined look with a beautiful sleigh bed, updated lighting fixtures, mosaic sitting table, and new arrangement in the furniture offering more comfort and space. 


For those guests staying in one of the Upper Carriage House rooms (Brule or North Shore Retreat), you will find a strategically placed mini-refrigerator when you walk through the door.  We have added this amenity particularly to provide our guests some extended options of what guests in the main house receive.  The refrigerator is stocked with sodas and water, and each morning we bring a thermos of hot coffee and hot water, allowing guests to avoid the cold temps first thing in the morning.  It is a wonderful convenience that has been a long time coming!
 
Check out our Guest Room page, and our Policies and Information page, for more details on what the A.G. Thomson House has to offer.  We are continually striving to offer our guests the highest level of comfort, convenience, and hospitality.  We keep our ears, eyes, and minds wide open for comments and suggestions; listening and learning from our guests which is the reason why we are here.  Thank you for making the A.G. Thomson House Trip Adivor’s #1 Bed and Breakfast in Duluth AND Minnesota €“ this is truly an honor that speaks to our guests and our commitment to you! 
                                   brule-2.jpgRyerson Suitebrule-1.jpgNewly renovated Ryerson Suite

  

California Dreamin'!

February 3rd, 2009 by Angie Allen

Last week, we had the great pleasure of having a flight crew from California stay with us for a few days.  While they enjoyed a relatively warm day on Saturday, they did experience some of our legendary cold temps when they arrived.  Nonetheless, they embraced Duluth and the beauty it has to offer during the winter season.  From nordic skiing in Lester Park to down hill skiing at Spirit Mountain, they were able to get a sense of why we live here.  

So, to expand on the title above, below is a picture of why Californians are pretty tough too!  We had decided to leave our hammock up this winter with the simple reasoning that we can look out the window and dream of warmer days.  Well, who needs warmer days.  A lesson for all of us to embrace the beauty and opportunities that Duluth has to offer each day; no matter what the season. 

A big thank you to Ben, Paul, and Lori! It was such a pleasure!

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You matter!

January 31st, 2009 by Angie Allen

When we took over the AG Thomson House nearly 1 1/2 years ago, we knew we had acquired a unique home with a perfect location.  Nestled in the heart of the city on 2 acres of beautiful grounds, and within minutes from all things fun in Duluth and along the North Shore; we know how fortunate we are to be able to offer you a B&B stay that you may not have experienced before.  We take great pride in the level of service we offer; not for service sake, but because we approach each guest and their stay as unique and deserving of the level of care that we would hope to receive. 

We have also strived to not only improve the level of care our guests receive, but have focused that desire into improving the Inn as well.  We have blogged about a lot of changes that we’ve been making recently, adding to what we were able to accomplish last year as well.  We continue to be proactive in our attempts to maintain our level of service and quality.  One of the changes recently made has been to the dining room seating.  We have now added additional seating in our dining room, allowing for great conversational seating, or for a couple looking for that intimate, romantic “alone” spot while enjoying breakfast and admiring the beauty of our Great Lake.   

We will always look to you, our guests, for that next great idea that will continue to move the AG Thomson House forward!  We thank you; as always!

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