Delano, MN: 4th of July Carnival & Fireworks

If you happen to be near this farm community of about 5,500 people in central MN during the week of the 4th of July, you're going to want to stop and check out the  annual carnival. Lots of midway games, hand-pressed lemon-squeezes, bingo, tons of foods on sticks, frozen dairy treats, and the best part, fresh Minneapple Pie with ice cream. A deep fried hunk of sweet sweet love in either apple or pumpkin varieties.

 

Not just the food and games either. If you time your visit correctly, you can stay late that night and catch the fireworks. It was easily one of the best boom-boom shows I've ever seen, and totally unexpected.

 

 

Northern Waters Smokehaus, Duluth, MN

Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives isn't often wrong... and Northern Waters Smokehaus is unique and delicious. Like a number of my recent posts suggest, you should consider stopping at this place if you're in the Duluth area. They have a nice menu of unique sandwiches, which all incorporate their smoked fishes/meats or their homemade salamis (salamii?). They appear to turn a very brisk business (it was busy), but the staff knows what their doing and actually seem to be happy doing it. It helps when the people like what their doing, a lot.



 

Not only is the food worth it, but the DeWitt-Seitz building that houses this restaurant also has a ton more shops, and the whole area is down on the lakefront with lots of stores and eateries. It could easily be the perfect afternoon stop on your way back down to the T-C.

This is the Northern Bagel. It's a great helping of smoked salmon and a healthy schmear of scallion cream cheese. I would whole-heartedly recommend it. They have about a dozen other options too.

Lake Superior Shoreline

I saved the best of the Noth Shore for last. I was pretty well mezmerised by Lake Superior. Having grown up only miles from Lake Michigan, I might have to concede that this lake truly is superior.

 

I think I could get used to waking up to that everyday

 

 

Do you see the three geese? (I know, kind of hard...) 

 

This help?! But now is another group too

 

Even when it's crummy out, the lake still has its majesty 

 

I brought a bag full of rocks home, just cause they're so unique 

 

 

microlife

 I had a great time seeing all the small things growing along trails and roads and snapping a quick pic. Life is all around you, often times hiding in plain view. Take the time to check it out once in a while too...

 

Teeny red mushroom. I didn't eat it... everyone knows bright colors in nature mean danger.

 

This spider has been damn busy. 

 

Orange-yellow lichen or moss 

 

No idea what this was growing on the rocks next to Lake Superior 

 

Great flower... but do you see the bee? 

 

Green and slimy river run-off... but it is super vibrant 

 

With all the water, most plants had sprung to life... and with a little sun, most flowers too. 

 

Oberg Trail, Lutsen, MN

This a very simple out-and-back loop starting just north of Tofte. The views all the way around the trail make it well worth it for everyone. It isn't a hard slog at all, and even with some recent rain stayed relatively un-muddy. Recommended.

Life of a Firework

If you blink, you'll miss it

Carlton Peak Trail, Tofte, MN

 When life gives you lemons that are being rained on, go for a hike and wait to make lemonade until you get back.

 

This place is just off Hwy-61, north of Tofte, MN. I would recommend it for the easy trails and great views. There are a few terrain challenges, like slick granite, but I think most folks can handle it, especially when dry.