GEOGRAPHY LESSON

Alexandria is named after Alexander Kinkead, the town's first postmaster, who came to the area with his brother William in 1858. The area's plentiful lakes were formed by glaciers nearly 20,000 years ago.

GETTING THERE

From the Twin Cities, it's about 130 miles to Alexandria. Head northwest on Interstate 94 and take exit 103. Turn right on Hwy. 29 and follow it north for 3 miles into downtown Alexandria.

CHECKING IN

Alexandria offers a variety of lodging options, including mom-and-pop resorts, chain hotels and vacation home rentals. Visit www.vacationalex andriamn.com for detailed information.

Those interested in a bed-and-breakfast experience can find historic charm and warm hospitality at the Cedar Rose Inn (422 7th Av. W.; 1-888-203-5333; www.cedarroseinn.com), which is on the National Register of Historic Places. For a more secluded location, try Country Gardens on Lake Mina (360 Karen's Way NW.; 1-320-762-8502; www.countrygardensonlakemina.com), 5 miles west of Alexandria.

DINING

The Depot Express (104 Broadway; 1-320-763-7712) serves brick-oven pizza in the renovated 1907 Great Northern Railroad Depot. Also located in a historic building is Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale (115 6th Av. E.; 1-320-759-2277; www.sixthavenuewineandale.com), a former saloon given new life as a cozy wine bar.

Thirteen miles north of town, locals and tourists alike flock to Chet's Lakeside Inn (15681 County Road 102 NE., Parkers Prairie; 1-218-943-2471), known as the chicken shack. Mentioned in the May issue of GQ magazine, the longtime family-owned restaurant serves up delectable fried chicken. The restaurant, which closed for the season in mid-December, is set to reopen Feb. 12.

MORE INFORMATION

www.alexandriamn.org; 1-800-235-9441.

JOY RIGGS