Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
The Spectacular Town of Tofte
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
I thought I would just take a moment to talk about the town of Tofte. I think sometimes people may just pass it by on their way to Lutsen or Grand Marais, really missing all its great qualities.
For example, did you know Tofte has a great waterfront park? This nice park, just off Highway 61, is a great area for a picnic and has a small shelter to keep the sun out of your eyes. It also has a firepit and a great path along the lake.
Next lets move on to some of the great shops in Tofte. Did you know there is a small yarn shop across from our office called Tall Tale Yarn Shop? It’s a great spot to pick up some yarn and make a scarf while looking out at the lake from one of our rental homes. Also across the street from us is Sawtooth Outfitters. They rent out summer and winter gear like bikes, skis, and canoes and have a small retail store as well. One of the other great stores of Tofte is WatersEdge. It is filled with great gifts, wonderful clothing and fun jewelry.
When you are in our area you have to eat some great food. If you decide you want to make your own meals, you can pick up some provisions at the North Shore Market. If you are looking at dining out, you have two great options. One is the Coho Café. You can dine in or pick one of their takeout options. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner is weekends only in the winter). Some of my favorites are the tuna wrap, and the Primavera and Call of the Wild pizzas. You can also take dining one step up by going to the Bluefin Grille. They have great food and wonderful views of Lake Superior from most of the tables.
Are you wanting some exercise and outdoor time? Then get a guided kayak trip from Sawtooth Outfitters, or take a hike at Britton Peak or up to Carlton Peak. If you brought your bike you can take a ride on the Gitchi Gami Bike Trail (a great spot for stroller rides with kids too).
If the kids need something to do you can take them to the playground at Birch Grove School. They also have an ice skating rink in the winter with ice skates for rent for free (mostly kid sizes).
Next time I hope you take some time in Tofte – it is a great spot for all ages. –Kris
Some of our Tofte rental homes:
Bluefin Bay 14, 56 and 57
Aspenwood Condos (6508, 6526, 6536, 6538, 6540, 6542, 6544, 6546, 6548, 6550)
Cathy’s Cove
Eagle’s Nest
LeVeaux Mtn Lodge
Nordkapp
Parkview
Pointavu
The Phoenix
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Lake Superior, Minnesota, Tofte
Posted in Travel, Uncategorized |
A Ski Through George Washington Pines
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
The weather last weekend was perfect – no wind and mild winter temperatures. What better to do on a day like that than go cross country skiing at George Washington Pines. This quiet ski spot is a little less than 7 miles up the Gunflint Trail. You still have cell phone reception in case you are alone (or want to post a great skiing picture to your friends back home on facebook). It is a 3.5k loop that runs through some of the larger pines in our area. When I got to the parking spot, there was only one other car. The trail itself didn’t have a lot of snow, but was well groomed. It is mostly a flat ski with 1 medium size downhill and one large downhill. It is a great spot for people who are new to skiing or just want an easier ski. -Kris
Tags: Cross Country Skiing, George Washington Pines, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
Family Vacation on the North Shore (Part 2)
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
As mentioned in my last blog, we had our family up after Christmas and enjoyed some time together and some time doing outdoor (and indoor) activities.
As some of our family left to go back home, the rest of the crew ventured north to Sawbill Lake for some cross country skiing. A fresh blanket of snow had just fallen making everything around us covered white. It was such a pretty drive. We enjoyed some freshly groomed trails done by Bill Hansen who lives up at Sawbill. He has made about a 2K loop around the campground area. I saw a pine martin and a cute little bunny. I had never been up to Sawbill and will definitely be returning again soon.
The new snowfall also made it possible to do a dog sled ride. The rides are given by Rita and Bill of Stoney Creek Kennels and are done about 10-15 miles up the Sawbill Trail in Tofte. Each family group got a 20 minute ride through the quiet woods. Bill mentioned the day before they saw 5 moose! Even though we did not see any moose, it was still a fun thing to do.
To finish up our trip the boys tried some sledding on the 310 Road which is also on the Sawbill Trail. The road turns into a snowmobile path in the winter, but there was not enough snow at that time for snowmobiling, so we had the hill to ourselves.
I think we made good use of our family vacation on the North Shore. It was fun to go to places I had not been before as well show our family the great places we go all the time. -Kris
Posted in Stories and Pictures, Uncategorized, Wildlife |
Family Vacation on the North Shore (Part 1)
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Over the years my husband’s family has enjoyed a week together during the summer to get together and catch up with everyone. Before we all had kids we enjoyed some warmer weather climates. Now that we all have kids, we have stayed a little closer to home. This year we all got together in my neck of the woods. We had the whole family here in Tofte and stayed at two Aspenwood townhomes. It was fun to play tour guide for the week!
We started out the week’s event with a trip up to Nanaboujou Lodge. We went to their annual Caroled Dinner. It was wonderful event with mulled apple cider, four course dinner, and a group of carolers singing Christmas music. The atmosphere was perfect with Christmas lights and a huge Christmas tree. I found myself staring at the walls and ceiling throughout dinner because there is so much going on with the beautiful painting.
The next day our group split in two – one set went downhill skiing and snowboarding and the others went skating at the Grand Marais ice rink (with warming house). For those who didn’t bring skates they rented some for $1.00 each! That is some cheap entertainment! The colder weather kept us moving on the ice. When we were finished, some of us went home for lunch and a few others ventured to My Sister’s Place to try the infamous Goober Burger (a burger with peanut butter and mayo)! The week definitely started off well! Warm temps and fresh snow added to the fun.
Look for Part 2 of this story which will include some Cross Country Skiing and a Dog Sled Ride! -Kris
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized |
Snowman
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
On Christmas Eve Day, my daughter Emma had a friend stop by. They decided to build a snowman in the front yard. There was enough snow to build this sculpture but really not the sticky, build the traditional 3-tier snow man kind. So, instead of giving up, they gathered their supplies of a snowman eyes, nose, mouth kit, hat, wreath, scarves, sticks, food coloring, crocs and mittens. Adapt and over come. They were creative and made this a snow art. They created this close to the sidewalk so the early morning, Silver Bay walkers could enjoy. Not bad. -Cindy
Posted in Uncategorized |
2011 Christmas Tree Excursion
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is pick out our Christmas tree. They are never the most pretty or full tree, but that doesn’t matter to us! We dress in warm clothes, boots, snowpants, –the whole nine yards and go as a family (including the dog) and pick out our tree. The last two years Carson has brought along his plastic saw to help. I do think our trees have increased in overall appeal over the years. I know one year we did have the one sided tree that you could put right up next to the wall. Another year we picked one that touched our vaulted ceiling! After the holiday season we put it out in our yard to look at until spring. It is something I hope Carson remembers as it is a great family memory. If he doesn’t, we have some great pictures for him to see! -Kris
Posted in Uncategorized |
Grand Marais
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Grand Marais, referred to as the “great marsh” by French traders, originally establishing trading posts and fishing camps. The community permanently planted its roots in 1871 after Henry Mayhew explored the area for iron, copper and silver. Although, Henry did not find mineral wealth, he founded the town and it prospered in logging and fishing. Grand Marais is known for its own natural harbor on Lake Superior. Today in Grand Marais there is a community of artists, numerous galleries, gift shops and restaurants. The Gunflint Trail begins in Grand Marais and there are endless opportunities with hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling in its bordering wilderness. Grand Marais has been said to have more cultural offerings than much larger cities.
-Cindy
You can look for these Cascade Vacation Rentals in Grand Marais: Artists Point Vacation Rentals 1 and 2; Robin’s Nest; A Superior Retreat; and Governor’s Cabin;
You could try one of these restaurants:
Angry Trout Café, Chez Jude Restaurant & Wine Café, Harbor Light Co. Supper Club & Bar, Gunflint Tavern
Browse in one of these gift shops or galleries:
Lake Superior Trading Post, The Attic Gift Shop, The Blue Moose, White Pine North*note: not all restaurants, gift shops or galleries are listed.
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Posted in Uncategorized |
Lightening Fast Internet – Coming Soon to the North Shore
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
We have asked Joe Buttweiler to speak about an exciting time on the North Shore – the installation of High-Speed Internet. It is something we all depend on – renters, owners and residents.
Thanks to Cascade for allowing me to write a bit about a great project taking place along the North Shore. A project that I hope improves the experience of visitors to the region and helps our local economy grow.
If you’ve ever visited the North Shore it wouldn’t be surprising if you noticed something missing that is generally common place in every other tourism destination in the U.S. today….high-speed internet!
And while many of us who own a home or come for vacation are here to appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the region, we cannot ignore that the internet is today what electricity was to rural America decades ago – a necessity. The lack of high-speed internet isn’t just a hindrance to local businesses or residents. It is for many people becoming increasingly important when choosing a location for a family ski vacation at Lutsen Mountains or even a trip with old friends to re-unite on the shores of Lake Superior.
High-speed internet service is lacking today. Thankfully, by this time next year our project at Arrowhead Electric Cooperative will have constructed well over 500 miles of fiber optic cables over the rivers and through the woods. Arrowhead’s fiber optic cables are being strung and trenched right to the door step of every single home, cabin and business in Cook County and will provide not only internet services but telephone and TV service too.
If you are familiar with how most service providers market and sell internet services you’ll be happy to know that the Arrowhead fiber optic service won’t have any data caps and will transfer data at speeds of up to 1GB for businesses and the minimum rate for a home or cabin will 10Mbps. Thus, even if the weather is cold, or the rain washes away your summertime plans, you can curl up by the fire, or in the three season porch while streaming HD Netflix videos on your iPad. At least until it’s nice enough to get back outside and enjoy the real reason you’re on the North Shore.
To learn more about our project at Arrowhead Electric Cooperative check out our website at http://www.aecimn.com. – Joe Buttweiler
Posted in Uncategorized |
Bentlyville – Lights Galore in Duluth
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
On a recent trip to Duluth, we had the chance to experience Bentlyville “Tour of Lights” – a huge Christmas lights display by Canal Park and Lake Superior. Does huge really begin to explain the 3 million lights, the largest light show in the Midwest, the 128 foot steel Christmas tree? Probably not!
For a $5.00 parking fee, you can tour Bentlyville and see Christmas lights in the shape of dinosaurs, the lift bridge, a shipping boat, ice skaters, santa and his reindeer and so much more. Along the way you can help yourself to free hot chocolate and cookies, popcorn, you can roast marshmallows, and if you are really lucky, a visit with the big guy himself – Santa!
We went on a night that wasn’t too cold, but unfortunately there was no snow. It was a little funny to see so many Christmas lights without the white stuff! Despite the lack of snow, we had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it.
You can donate to the cause if you like. There are donation bins along the walking route. They also will take a donation of an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item. If you are passing through on your way up to our wonderful rental homes on the North Shore, it is 100% worth the stop in Duluth to see Bentlyville! – Kris
Posted in Uncategorized |
Knife River – Between Two Harbors & Duluth
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
In the mid-1800′s, copper prospectors arrived to the Knife River, found between Two Harbors and Duluth, on Scenic Hwy 61. Following the construction of the logging railroad, Knife River was later platted in 1899. The forest was then harvested and like other North Shore communities, Knife River switched to fishing. The river is full of trout in the spring and it is still one of the only spots on the shore to retain a commercial fishing industry.
Many travelers visit this historic community, feeling it’s roots, still deeply planted. You can go back in time a bit by following Scenic Hwy 61, past Duluth, parallel to the 4-lane Hwy 61.
Here you will find a beautiful drive, hugging the shoreline of Hwy 61, with many photo ops and a true Lake Superior demonstration. There is shopping to be done at Russ Kendall’s Smoked Fish House, Mocha Moose, and more. There is sure to be a Lake Superior experience at the full service, Knife River Marina www.knife-river-marina.com/. And you could grab a bite to eat at The New Scenic Cafe: www.sceniccafe.com , or Nokomis on the Lake: www.nokomisonthelake.com . Some shops may have seasonal hours, so if you have your heart set to stop for a visit, give a call ahead.
Need to plant your feet for a few days to enjoy this area? We have 3 homes nearby.
Knife Island Superior (in the Knife River community) http://www.lakesuperiorrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=39776
Beach House (13 miles north of Knife River) http://www.lakesuperiorrentals.com /vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=30626
Cliff Point (14 miles north of Knife River) http://www.lakesuperiorrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=30626 . For a nice, quiet getaway, call our office at 1-800-950-4361. We look forward to your visit. -Cindy
Posted in Uncategorized |
