Is Luverne ready to be destination?

Your article in the Feb. 11 edition of the Star Herald highlighted the work of so many committed citizens in Luverne who have made it possible to ask the question, “Is Luverne ready to be a destination?” From our perspective, the answer is a resounding YES! 
In June of last year, a group of twelve of our friends from Minneapolis joined us as we all enjoyed Luverne as a destination for three days.  We had spoken glowingly about everything the city and the area have to offer, and they wanted to see firsthand what makes our hometown so exemplary.  Perhaps they imagined we were exaggerating. 
Our field trip to Luverne began with Betty Mann’s knowledgeable historical trolley tour of Luverne that included a behind-the-scenes look at the Palace Theater. 
Jane Wildung Lanphere orchestrated the entire trip, including a guided tour and hike at Touch the Sky Prairie, time at the Brandenburg Gallery and the military museum, a tasting at Take 16, and tours of the Hinkly House Museum and the Interpretive Center. We hiked at Blue Mounds State Park and at the quarry and visited Prairie Heights Bison Ranch, thanks to the Bowrons.
The Grand Stay was our very accommodating home away from home, and everyone raved about our meals at Sterling’s and The Blue Stem.  A fun lunch at Vinnie’s reminded everyone of the diners we frequented as kids.   Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with friendly, kind Midwestern hospitality.  Even though we can’t begin to name every Luverne resident who made our trip so memorable, we thank all of you.    
As we prepared to leave town after our busy days, the words we heard from our friends in describing Luverne were “charming,” “hometown spirit,” “amazing community,” “forward thinking,” “beautiful parks,” “wonderful people.” They all pledged to come back again and to tell their friends what they had experienced in Luverne.
Our friends no longer suspect us of exaggerating our hometown’s charms.
Is Luverne ready to be a destination?  We enthusiastically say, “Yes, indeed!” 
Cammie (Martin) and Rich Iverson graduated from Luverne High School in 1964 and currently live in St. Louis Park.