Nicollet Island Inn Welcomes Spring with Teas, a Cabaret and the Return of the Twilight River Cruise

Spring arrived this Sunday, and at the Nicollet Island Inn, Caryl and Larry Abdo are welcoming the change of season with specialty teas, a cabaret and the return of the Twilight River Cruise. Check out what's on their calendar and menus.

A recent article in Eat This, Not That shared that tasting experiences are trending, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy special menu experiences packaged for one price as they sample the chef's culinary creativity.  

If you ask owners owners Caryl and Larry Abdo if they're "trending with that trend," they'd inform you it's nothing new. For nearly all of the 17 years they've owned the historic inn and restaurant, they've been doing just that.

With every season and holiday, the Abdos package experiences that include seasonal afternoon teas and special culinary and cabaret dinners. Last summer when guests were somewhat hesitant to dine inside, Caryl and Larry launched the Twilight River Cruise Experience - a one-hour river taxi cruise. Chef Michael Rain prepared wicker baskets for each excursion filled with wine, cheese, bread, fruit and chocolate, followed by dinner inside. And during the height of the pandemic, romantic room service menus accompanied roses and champagne during guest stays that were routinely booked. Both experiences were so popular they're returning.

• The Underground Cabaret returns again the evenings of March 31st and April 1st with local pianist and singer Michael Thompson sharing a medley of Judy Garland, Sinatra, Billy Joel and Elton John, to name a few. Dinner before or after his performance makes for a memorable eventing. Tickets in advance; $48 per person.  

• Springtime in Paris Tea will take place on Sunday, April 3; tickets in advance at $65 per person for a five-course celebration. The Mother Daughter Tea at $65 per person will again offer five courses on Sunday, May 1st.