I Love my Kids, BUT...

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 is a great way to start!

Celebrating 2009; Looking forward to 2010!!

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!!

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!

Tall Ships return to Duluth!!

"Wisconsin's Flagship" will be coming to Duluth on July 3rd, just in time for Fourth Fest! But even more exciting will be what Visit Duluth is planning for next summer. From today's Duluth News Tribune:

"Visit Duluth spokesman Gene Shaw said the tourism office is working to bring as many as 10 ships here next summer for an event that he predicts would be Duluth’s largest in more than 30 years. “It could be the biggest event in the state of Minnesota outside of the State Fair,” he said.

Come visit Duluth, Minnesota today, then make your plans to stay with us at the AG Thomson House for this incredible event! See you soon!

So Romantic!!

We 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!

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!

Duluth's Treasures!

Despite all weather predictions, we are enjoying another beautiful day at the A. G. Thomson House and in Duluth, Minnesota. The temp is cool, but the sky is blue! Our lilacs are ready to pop and the aroma is exhilirating as you step out the door. All of the area attractions are in full operation from the Vista Fleet to the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Come and join us in Duluth and at our Bed and Breakfast Inn; there's a lake view with your name on it and genuine hospitality awaiting your arrival (along with the homemade chocolate chip cookies!)

Babies in Springtime!

We have a new arrival at our Duluth, Minnesota Bed and Breakfast. We know there is always romance in the air around here, but we don't often get to see the newborns. But today, our first fawn of the season just wandered past with its Mommy on our secluded grounds. It's not unusual to see our family of deer on a daily basis, but what a special treat to see new life at the A G Thomson House!