It is cliche, but we can hardly believe another year has passed by so quickly.  The AG Thomson House enjoyed another fantastic year in 2010, and once again we have been so fortunate to meet more wonderful people as they chose to make Duluth, MN their destination!  And here we are with almost a month behind us in 2011, and we continue to greet incredible visitors, and look forward to another fun year ahead of us!

One of our first tasks each year is to assess what improvements and projects we want to take on. And this year is no different!  While we have completed a number of big projects over the past 3+ years, there is always something to improve upon.  Fortunately, the "honey do" list is getting smaller, and not so grand. 

 

Our first project completed in 2011 was repainting the grand foyer.  It is the first impression when entering the Inn, and had always been on the list to change; albeit low on the list.  So after about 6 quarts of color testing to make sure it was the perfect color for the space, project #1 is complete!  The photos of the new entryway are posted on our Facebook page for all to see. (Be sure to "like" us when you take a peek).  The color is a rich, warm "Mineral Alloy" (Benjamin Moore color) and now works beautifully with the grey/blue marble floor and makes the detailed wainscoting pop!  We are thrilled with the results and find ourselves just standing in the entry enjoying the color!

 

Project #2 was more painting - this time the dining room.  It is a bright, airy room so we added a touch of "earth" to the color scheme to contrast the vibrant floral fabric surrounded by detailed mouldings.  The previous color was a bland yellowish/green so we kicked it up a notch to a rich, earthy (again, Benjamin Moore) color called "Broken Arrow."  It works perfectly with the oak floors, black table and chairs, and bright floral fabrics on the walls and curtains.  The photos of the dining room are also posted on our Facebook page, so take a look!

 

So Project #3 is next.  And you guessed it...more painting!  There are more projects planned for the new year that aren't just painting, and we will keep you informed as we move forward and continue to make the AG Thomson House the best it can be, while preserving the integrity and beauty of this historic home!  "Like" us on Facebook and watch the progress!

Once again, Duluth~Superior Magazine is asking you to vote for their 2011 "Best Of"  and voting has begun.  The AG Thomson House was proud to announce it had won in the categories of "Best Bed and Breakfast", "Best Hotel Rooms", and "Best In-Room Dining" for 2010, and we need your help and votes once again this year.  It's quick and easy, you don't have to "sign up" for anything, and you can participate in a fun survey of your favorite things in Duluth! 

To take part in the survey, just open up this link: BEST OF POLL.  Enter your email address at the top, then scroll through and type in your favorites, then click the Vote button (don't forget that part!).  You are not required to vote for every category, so if you just want to enter "AG Thomson House" in the categories that apply, you surely can!  You can only vote once per email address, so if you have a personal email and a work email, you can vote with each address.  Voting has begun, and ends on February 28th, so don't delay!

We are very proud of our of accomplishments, honored to have received these awards, and we credit you - our wonderful guests - for taking the time to vote for us!  We appreciate it very much and thank each and everyone of you!!! We hope to add "Most Romantic" to the winners list!  Can you help us out again this year?

Since becoming Innkeepers of the AG Thomson House about 3 1/2 years ago, we have surely learned a lot about a lot.  One thing became clear to us early on, that  B&B's are still flying "under the radar" for a lot of travelers.  It's just not an option that a large portion of the population even thinks about when planning a getaway.  Whether it's because of the ridiculous stereotypes protrayed on TV and in movies, or if it is just not an option that they are aware of.  We strive to be ambassadors for all B&B's across the country and are excited about plans by our industry's organization, the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. 

In 2011, the association plans to role out a media blitz called "A Better Way to Stay."  We are very excited about this, and hope to help in spreading the word about B&B's being a better option for travelers.  As guests of the AG Thomson House, we hope your experience was just that...a better way to stay.  We have worked to make our Inn comfortable, and updated with modern amenities like whirlpools, LCD HDTV/DVD, free WIFI, complimentary beverages and snacks, in-room breakfast delivery option, a DVD movie library of over 500 movies, and so much more! 

We are very excited about the future of our industry, and even more excited to open our home to you, and provide you a Better Way to Stay!

Besides the Inn projects that we have planned, we are looking forward to another exciting year in our beautiful North Shore City.  So far, we have enjoyed a terrific year for snow, so take advantage of our Ski and Stay Package to ski at Spirit Mountain.  If you're not a downhill skier or Snowboarder, there are some fantastic Nordic Ski Trails in Duluth!  Ask us, and we will help make your plans for this fun and healthy activity.  Of course, snowshoeing is an option too.  It's winter in Duluth - we embrace it!

Not too far on the horizon will be the kick off to summer with Grandma's Marathon, and all of the wonderful activities to enjoy once warm weather hits. Barely touching the surface of things to do in Duluth and the North Shore is the Vista Fleet, beautiful and extensive hiking trails, spectacular Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, Glensheen Mansion, and SO very much more!  If you're getting tired of winter, look forward to summer, and plan your stay now!

 
Finally,we look forward to greeting old and new friends in 2011!! We continue to thank you for your incredible support, appreciate all of you,  and wish a Happy New Year everyone!