Thanks for taking time to enjoy our second installment of fantastic gifts that hail from Minnesota. These four delicious picks have two things in common: within their respective food or beverage categories, I’d define them as “crave-worthy,” and they claim MN as their home state. So grab a full mug of your favorite blog-reading beverage, and let’s cozy in!
Continue reading “As Promised…More Holiday Gifts from Minnie!”
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”
Even our BFFs—best furry friends—need a vacation, right? Those trusted canine companions work overtime, too. If you’re searching for a Lutsen-area vacation spot that is dog-friendly, here’s a hint…look no further than our pro-pup condo 142C at Caribou Highlands. In fact, the resort boasts 29 units – from condos to town homes to lodge rooms – that warmly open their doors to doggies. Continue reading “Dog-Friendly Stay: Sit. Nap. Explore. Relax. Repeat.”
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…
Cruising I-35 north toward the Superior Shore, Duluth welcomes travelers like a great aunt…never a cordial handshake, always a collossal hug. There’s the anticipation of the view that awaits around the Thompson Hill bend…a spectacular vista of Lake Superior, spotting the city’s iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in miniature, eyes searching quickly for ships in and near the harbor and zipping along feeling darn pleased to be almost 150 miles closer to vacation! Making tracks toward the heart of the city, we’re typically in need of a quick stretch and a refuel for both the car, the kids and grownups alike. On my last trip to Lutsen, my midway pit stop discovery…Dunn Brothers in Duluth—what a super spot!
Continue reading “Warm, Woodsy & Welcoming: Duluth’s Detour-Worthy Coffee Shop”
Nestled just to the north of Lutsen, MN, there’s a treasure trove of made-from-the-heart art, collectibles, gifts & beautiful goods waiting to be discovered at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery. Split into a charming two-building haven, this art playground features the works and wares of wonderful North Shore-based and regional artists. The welcoming gallery also offers hands-on painting and crafting workshops for wannabes like me. They even rent cabins near the shore, which are BFF approved for those of us with best furry friends in tow! You’ve got to see the depth of beauty and artistic talent on display at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery…
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…
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.
Motoring up Lutsen Mountain’s Ski Hill Road, you’ve likely noticed welcoming and playful signs for the area’s latest landmark: North Shore Winery and Sawtooth Mountain Cider House. Curiosity won me over and on our last 142C visit, I popped in during Bluegrass Sunday.
Superior adventures await year round in Lutsen, MN! 