In my many, many cross country drives I’ve been to scores of small towns and walked along their main streets. I must say that Decorah is among the most charming. Nothing lavish or spectacular. Just clean, neat and not run down. The shops don’t have that hollowed-out, Wal-Mart is sucking our soul, feel to them. Lots of Norwegian tidbits and bric-a-brac. Just very nice. And the Hotel Winneshiek is particularly charming.

That’s all.