The Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
A: Lanesboro! Legend has it that the fast-moving Root River and lack of places with standing water keep the mosquito population very low. Lanesboro is in the driftless area: few flat places for water to pool, unlike other parts of Minnesota. I was in Lanesboro on July 5 and while the mosquitoes and gnats were at their biting best in Mankato, I encountered few bugs in the lovely southeastern Minnesota town.
A pedestrian bridge over the river.
I was in Lanesboro to do a book signing at Shipwreckt Books, on the town’s main street, in the afternoon. It was a homecoming of sorts. I spent a glorious two weeks in Lanesboro in June 2005 as an artist-in-residence. My book started to gain its shape while I was in Lanesboro.
Lanesboro’s Main Street. It was the Fourth of July weekend, and the town was packed on Saturday.
That evening, I appeared on “Lanesboro Live”, a good old-fashioned variety show. Well, maybe not so old-fashioned–the host, Damon Prestemon, says it’s rated PG-13 🙂
The show is held the first Saturday of each month at St. Mane Theater, from April to December. Damon offers comedy, music, and guests (often authors). If you’re lucky enough to be in Lanesboro on a first Saturday of the month, do check out the show! It’s thoroughly entertaining.
A picture of me talking, go figure! I have been blessed with the gift of gab. I can talk to anyone most anytime about most anything. “Lanesboro Live” host Damon Prestemon is on the right.
I have not done anything like this yet during my book tour–I was glad for the unique opportunity. Next stop, “A Prairie Home Companion”? I wish!
If You Have Five Seconds to Spare 
Awesome, Rachael! I like the lack of bugs and the full circle back to Lanesboro! It is beautiful there!
I forgot how beautiful it was! We are lucky to live in such a gorgeous state!