Category: Cook County

Trolling for Fun & Fish on Lake Superior

Trolling for Fun & Fish on Lake Superior

Today we’re casting the line back in time to August 2014. Enjoying a late-summer break along the North Shore with the boys and two of their best buds, we were soaking up those steamy dog-days before the school bells started ringing again. Looking for a new adventure, we tried a Lake Superior charter fishing trip. The guys reeled in a few lake trout, I snapped some shots and we devoured our catch over an amazing foil-packet dinner that evening. We’d set sail again in a heart beat…

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Road Trip: Grand Portage

Road Trip: Grand Portage

These wild and remote lands that stretch wide open across Northern Minnesota’s tip of the Arrowhead fill our hearts. Beauty shines and evolves from season to season…a vast gift to take in, appreciating and trying to comprehend the depth of what all this beloved and sacred spanse of Superior shoreline and forest has meant to many, for many generations through centuries of time.

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It’s a Wrap! North Shore Gift Guide

It’s a Wrap! North Shore Gift Guide

There is so much joy and happiness in choosing special gifts for those we love the most…yet finding the perfect item can be a perfectly exhausting experience. Fortunately (go Minnesota!) we live in a state that may have more amazing makers and crafty creators per capita than anywhere in the world. Well…I don’t have data to support that claim; but, take a peek at this MN-inspired gift round-up and I think you may agree…

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North Shore Décor & More

North Shore Décor & More

Strolling through Grand Marais last week, my dear friend Dawn and I were enjoying the welcoming mini-city sights, Superior sounds of the lake’s waves & winds and pretty snowflakes fluttering about. I was excited to pop in to Picnic & Pine, a Minn-spiring storefront on Wisconsin Avenue—it just doesn’t get much more North Shore-friendly! I had met Kelsey, the co-owner, on Facebook a while ago. And she kindly agreed to share a bit about Picnic & Pine, a retail store bursting with cute, clever and cuddly North Shore décor and more. Hope you enjoy this post highlighting an outstanding local shop that is mother-daughter created, owned and operated. Be sure to stop in next time you’re poking around Grand Marais! Continue reading “North Shore Décor & More” →

Lofty Updates from A»Zzz

Lofty Updates from A»Zzz

Hey, there! Thanks for stopping by to sneak a peek at the latest “up”dates Eric and I tackled during our 24-hour blitz visit to Lutsen last weekend. It was a whirlwind tour! The really good news—there are big improvements happening inside our little 142C condo at Caribou Highlands Resort…

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Grand Marais’ Saturday Market

Grand Marais’ Saturday Market

While visiting Lutsen along Lake Superior’s North Shore, a summertime Saturday house rule mandates a beautiful 20-mile Saturday jaunt to Grand Marais. Yep…tough job, but someone has to take responsibility for strolling through the always lively Cook County Farm and Craft Market. This wonderful and welcoming open-air space opens from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and features local farmers and artisans who gather to share their gifts, offer a welcoming conversation and sell their one-of-a-kind goods…

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Having a Ball at Superior National

Having a Ball at Superior National

Eric and I ventured over to Superior National Golf Course to enjoy this stunning and scenic 27-hole course overlooking Lake Superior’s serene blue hues to the East and Lutsen Mountain’s vibrant green slopes to the West. We rented a cart + clubs, nabbed a to-go beer cooler + score card and set off for a relaxing game…

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Traversing Lutsen Mountians: Part 2

Traversing Lutsen Mountians: Part 2

Ready, set, hike! Sharing highlights & a pictorial of the second half of July’s Lutsen Mountains adventure. Click here to catch the first-leg details of this grand loop, which began at the Poplar River and stretched along the back side of Mystery Mountain. This excerpt shares images of lovely wildflower sightings, towering forests and curious rock formations as we scaled the summit of Moose Mountain then descended, winding our way to the lower Poplar River. It was a Superior day with ideal weather conditions, so much to explore and even more to appreciate about the beauty that surrounds us.

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Hiking Poplar River –> Moose Mt.: Part 1

Hiking Poplar River –> Moose Mt.: Part 1

Exploring a hidden stretch of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) leading from Lutsen’s Poplar River along the backside of the Lutsen Mountain range has been on Eric’s bucket list for a few years. It’s about an 7 mile circuit along the Northern ridgeline, and given we’re not über trekkers, we were wishing for agreeable temps, little precipitation and few if any bugs! We finally tackled the adventure last month. Over the course of 3 hours, several granola bars and 100+ photos, we made it back to 142C. Given there were so many lovely vistas and souvenir snapshots, we’re dividing this adventure into two posts.

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So Happy Together

So Happy Together

Taking time to escape—together. Sounds idyllic, but perhaps not realistic most days. A break from routine takes effort and commitment. Here’s what happens when you mindfully set aside a weekend with that special someone whom you adore and purposefully unwind with no kiddos, spotty cell service and a whole lot of North Shore options to explore. Thank you Heidi & Danny Geller for sharing your Lutsen adventure! Continue reading “So Happy Together” →