We’re soooo close to officially diving in to our long-awaited Minnesota summer season complete with sun rays, cool shades, outdoor games, lush hiking trails, extended daylight, bonfire nightlife, family fun, BFF adventures, lounge-chair olympics, poolside sippers, picnic fare, s’mores, and most of all … more time to make those MN memories!
As we wrap-up 2018 and bundle those precious memories together with a bow, we’re sharing some of the meaningful moments that really set the year apart. Were there high hills and speed bumps? (A metaphor my husband Eric and son Evan like to use.) Yes. Without a doubt. But, do we close the year on a high note with a whole lot of gratitude? Indeed. Continue reading “2018 Highlights”
While it doesn’t quite seem possible, Minnesota’s summertime countdown is on…just a few days remain as we hold fast to what’s been a glorious season—thank you kindly, Mother Nature ♥ There’s added gratitude in the air as we share a guest post from the one and only Living Nimbly blog. The talented writer, photographer, good-vibe sharer, creative spirit, curious adventurer and downright amazing person behind the blog is Jack Fitzpatrick. There’s a parallel path of the heart happening here… I cherish my friendship with Jack as much as Minnesota summers! With further ado, please sit back and enjoy highlights of a June 2018 Lutsen trip that Jack and his wonderful partner Melissa took, making the most of their time together and graciously sharing with us. Thank you, Jack & Melissa! xo
Continue reading “Overcast Skies Can’t Dampen a Lutsen Trip”
As the cage elevator doors opened, we emerged from our compact time capsule stepping into the hazy, humid August daylight. In three short minutes, our group of curious adventurers were safely transported a half-mile from the depths of one of Minnesota’s most well-known iron ore mines back to the earth’s surface. Have you toured the historic Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park? If so, you completely understand the mine’s global economic significance, the legacy that remains in the hearts and hands of thousands who built the state’s mining industry, and how these dedicated miners put Minnesota on the map…
Continue reading “Soudan Mine: A Celebrated Chapter of Minnesota History”
Reciting the iconic name of the North Shore’s superior, paved pathway might spark a smile. That’s because Gitchi-Gami Trail is super fun to say – and even more fun to ride! Your turn… say ‘Gitchi-Gami’ aloud a couple times, and then puff your chest up just a bit, Minnesota friends. Continue reading “Biking Gitchi-Gami: Lutsen –> Tofte”
Hi, ya! A quick reminder that we’re on the clock. The summer season we’ve waited for with all our determination, grit and Minnesota-might has arrived in all her glory. Time to pay tribute to the warmer weather + memorable North Shore activities we wait for each year. Grab your cuties, gear, camera and let’s go… Continue reading “Sweet On Summertime in Minnesota”
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…
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…
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.
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.
Superior adventures await year round in Lutsen, MN! 