Wednesday, May 31, 2017

To Duluth and Back

If you are lucky enough to have time for a slightly longer road trip… say an overnight or weekend trip here are some places to check out on your way up to the Duluth area and back along I-35.


Hinkley, MN: 
On your way to Duluth, please, please stop at Tobie’s (just off I-35) in Hinkley… it’s a one stop shop for gas, food, restrooms, and a bakery (the most important part is the bakery, of course).  We can’t speak for everything in the bakery case, but definitely try the cinnamon and caramel rolls (so tasty).

Duluth, MN: 
There are many unique places in Duluth, but these are just a few (right in Canal Park) we tried out this trip.
   
If you like smoked fish, meats, and cheese stop at the Northern Waters Smokehaus deli in Canal Park.  Order a la carte, or grab a sandwich to eat there or to go.  As with all worthwhile eating establishments, bring your patience as there will probably be a line, but it is totally worth it!

If you like beer, definitely stop by one of the newest breweries in Canal Park, Hoops Brewing, opening soon.  HefeweizenDunkel wise, Pale Wheat, and Amber ales are some of the first brews (worth a taste!) on tap.  The space is modern, with purse hooks and outlets at the bar; comfortable, with backs on the chairs (yay!); and reminiscent of days past with exposed brick, two by two wood pillars, and original hardwood floors.

Another drinking establishment nearby worth checking out is the Vikre Distillery.  An old manufacturing building with exposed brick, beams, and hardwood floors.  Grab a cocktail or tasting flight, and if you happen to be there around at 5… learn more by taking a free tour.

Superior, WI: 
 

 
OMG… if you are looking for a dive bar with an inexpensive, tasty burger, make a stop at Anchor Bar.  Be prepared to order as they might pass you by if you aren’t ready (don't worry, they are friendly, just efficient).  Oh, and listen to the server… he’ll tell you what to order (and he’ll be right)… definitely go with the french fries!  Just reading the menu is entertaining as it is a mix of sarcasm and humor.  The tiny bar is also a nautical museum of sorts, with a life preserver from the Edmund Fitzgerald and much more.

   
Pine City, MN: 
 
On your way back to the Twin Cities, stop at the Rock Creek Motorstop (also just off I-35) for gas, dumpling soup, restrooms (singles, so you might have to wait in line), and a photo op with the chicken!  A way better stop than the Mobil station down the road.  The dumpling soup is just what you need on a cold day, or if you have a cold.  Daily specials are cheap and make room for dessert as there is pie (my fav)!  If you don’t have time to sit down and eat, grab the dumpling soup to go.  Come back for the Rodeo in the fall (that’s our plan) to see children riding the sheep, or wild cow milking!   

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Road Trip Adventures along North America’s scenic byways…

The adventures began shortly after we were married… one day, to be precise. Ted has many skills and talents; planning (trips, events, presents, etc.) is one of his BEST. I was lucky enough to find this guy and snatch him up!

So… in addition to planning almost all our wedding (with my input, of course)… Ted planned our ENTIRE honeymoon. And what an amazing adventure it was… a Great Lakes tour starting in downtown Chicago, then heading up to Ontario, Canada via Pelee Island on Lake Erie, over to Niagara Falls (the Canadian side), then back through Sudbury to Wasaga Beach (the longest freshwater beach in world) on Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada, and finally back through Sault Ste. Marie, MI (and through Wisconsin) to get back to our home in the Twin Cities. Our trip was a mix of camping, hotel and bed and breakfast stays. If you know us, that makes perfect sense, as we love exploring big cities just as much as we love hiking, walking, and biking in the wilderness.


Fast forward to this year. What has prompted us to write about our adventures? Well, we wanted to find out what we could see within a few hours of home. We began searching out small towns to find points of interest such as bakeries, breweries, wineries, murals, statues, roadside attractions, etc.

After going on one of our “adventures" we tell all our friends and family because we love to share about places we think might be interesting to others. Now friends, family, and coworkers ask us where to go and what to do for fun… or they ask, “Where are you going next?”


You don’t have to go far to go on “vacation” or have an adventure… Minnesota (and the entire Midwest) has amazing, interesting, and quirky places to visit, all within driving distance… hence the “Road Trip” and “Day Trip” adventures! So, read on and choose one that interests you… and take your own adventure!

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