A Minnesota Reunion

 The main event of the day was a wonderful get-together for the Korkowski Cousins' Luncheon at The Old Mill in Urbank, but the journey there and back was an adventure in itself. We took a road trip through the heart of Minnesota, soaking in the gorgeous autumn colors.

Paying my respects to a Minnesota icon.

Our first stop was a pilgrimage to a regional celebrity: the giant Viking, Big Ole, who stands guard over Alexandria. After a fantastic lunch and catching up with family, we took a drive by the old Bergquist family homestead in Parkers Prairie—a quiet moment to connect with our roots. We finished the day's tour with a stop at another local legend, Chet's Lakeside Inn, home of the best chicken anywhere and its own giant fowl mascot. It was a perfect day, filled with family, history, roadside attractions, and the brilliant beauty of a Minnesota fall.

No trip through Alexandria is complete
without a stop to see the legendary Big Ole.

The drive to Urbank was filled with beautiful autumn scenery.

The rich, earthy tones of Otter Tail County in the fall.

The spectacular fall colors reflecting in Lake Irene.

The main event: a wonderful reunion with the
Korkowski cousins at The Old Mill in Urbank.

A drive by the old Bergquist family homestead in
Parkers Prairie, connecting with family history.

The fall foliage was absolutely at its peak.

Chet's is famous for two things:
this giant chicken, and
the best fried chicken anywhere.

Our final stop of the day was another local legend,
Chet's Lakeside Inn in Miltona, Minnesota.

Wherever your road takes you today, I hope it leads you to good food and even better company.

Don Bergquist – 12 October 2024 – Otter Tail County, Minnesota, USA