One of my favorite things to do is explore places in Stillwater with my friend, Emily. A resident expert in her own right, Em helps me navigate all the best food, local lore, around-the-bend hidden spots and has a pulse about town, which is nice for someone like me. Since I’m a Minnesota history fiend, it made perfect sense to go to the Lowell Inn, one of the most history-laden places around. The Lowell Inn, named for famed Stillwater entrepreneur Elmore Lowell, was built in 1927 on the grounds of the old lumberjack boarding house, The Sawyer House. Located right in historic downtown and holding its own spot on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lowell Inn has had its fair share of politicians, famous run-ins, galas, historians, debutantes, residents and stories. The Inn was actually run by Arthur and Nelle Palmer, former Vaudevillians, for many years who lived in the Inn while raising their family. In 2001, the St. Croix Boat and Packet Company purchased the Lowell Inn but kept the Victorian-esque furniture, fixtures and Vaudevillian lifestyle present in each room. All of which are decorated differently. Including the Garden Room featuring a spring-fed water fountain, originally stocked with trout and the Matterhorn Room dedicated to the lost art of Swiss wood carving. Lowell does have High Tea and it is served in the historic George Washington Room which is where we had brunch. The place is absolutely incredible, really. I can’t recommend it enough.