Duluth Travel Blog

Need a little comfort food? Eat Downtown Duluth


Eat Downtown Duluth

Here’s an annual event in Duluth, MN for all the foodies out there! Visit your favorites (Bellisios’s and Grandma’s, just to name a few) and check out the brand new (Canal Park Brewing Co.). Or if you’re really ambitious, try them all.  Here’s their full list of participating restaurants: http://www.downtownduluth.com/eatdowntown/restaurants.htm

“Eight days, from April 14th through April 21st, 2013 of multi-coursed, pre fixed price menus at unique and distinctive local establishments. Lunches are available for $10 and Dinner will be offered at $20.”

And, while you’re in town, you should check out, probably one of the most unique parades in Duluth.  The annual Run, Smelt, Run Parade & Party on April 21st, 2013.

Run Smelt Run Parade 2013

Cabin Fever, Snow Bunnies, and the best winter month of the year!


A large part of Minnesota, including Duluth, just got another dusting of snow… (some may say we got dumped on, shhhhh haters)! In some parts of the country March is the beginning of spring, but lets face it, for Minnesota it’s more like, “here have some snow, and maybe a little bit more, and maybe even more… You like snow on top of your snow, right?”

Fortunately, March is warmer, often sunnier, and it’s the best time for snow bunnies to vacation here! So, dash away that cabin fever and enjoy what I’m coining “Snow Bunny Month” (ok don’t google that…)

Unless you want to see cute rabbits in the snow!!)bunny in the snow

Seriously though, this is a great time to book a winter vacation. Spirit Mountain offers more than just great skiing/snowboarding, their adventure park is amazing (for all ages). Canal Park’s Adventure Zone is in walking distance from Canal Park Lodge (wall climbing, mini putt, batting cages and much, much more). Think you’ve seen it all? How about the brand new Canal Park Brewery, just next door.

Embrace these last few weeks of winter (it’ll go faster)!

Why visit Duluth in Winter?


Maybe your New Years resolution is to travel more, be more adventurous, or spontaneous? Not lose 5 pounds, right? That’s what everyone says… (ok maybe closer to 10)

If I learned anything from watching The Hobbit recently, it’s that we all could use a little adventure! So why not make your way to Duluth. Sure you could fly off to some sandy beach and watch dolphins jumping through waves, but where is the adventure in that? Sounds a little too cushy to me. Instead, dig out your boots, snowshoes, skis, snowboard, sled, ice skates, full-body snowsuit, ski mask, and everything fleece, and make your way to Canal Park Lodge. Sure it’s pretty luxurious here at the lodge with all the amenities, comfy beds, swimming pool, etc. but you will probably encounter a snow beast along the way (those blinking trucks with big shovels on the front).  Maybe you’ll see epic waves on Lake Superior from your balcony. Witness miniature icebergs battle, crashing onto the frozen beach. You could expand your journey and visit Duluth’s great mountain – Spirit Mountain! Tame the slopes, fly down the zip line, hit the rails on the coaster, or grab a tube to ensure you get a healthy dose of snow in your face. (we have discounted lift tickets) And finally, as with any great adventure, end your evening with a warm drink.  Little Angie’s Opulent bar and the new Canal Park Brewery are both highly recommended!

Getaways make great holiday gifts!


Canal Park Lodge Gift CertificateIf you got up in the wee hours of the morning to stand in lines on Black Friday for an epic day of bargain shopping, you’re amazing.

If you spend months getting crafty making homemade gifts for your loved ones, you’re also amazing.

If you missed Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday… and the idea of all of this makes you feel overwhelmed and frazzled, hello my friend, I understand you. Every year I somehow pull it off. Often last minute. I try to start earlier, plan better, but there are always those few people on my list that I dread shopping for. They seem to have everything.  (Or, I have no clue as to what they want, need, or already have.) No matter the reason, I drag my feet and end up buying something they probably don’t want.

However! This year I had a grand idea! Not only is it something they’ll love, but it’s sort of a two for one gift! Note, this works best if your hard to shop for people are paired off. Give them the gift of a vacation! A gift certificate for the Canal Park Lodge is the perfect choice, hint, hint. A getaway for two on Lake Superior, in one of our beautiful suites really is the perfect gift. They don’t have it already, and even if by some chance they did, who wouldn’t want to extend their stay! So relax, we’ve got you covered, just give us a call and we’ll get your holiday shopping done in no time.

Gift Certificates can be made out for whatever dollar amount you want! Build a perfect get away with friends, for family, etc.  Gift Certificates don’t have to be limited to their stay. They could include the cost of any add-on package. Call or email info@canalparklodge.com with your contact info and we’ll be in touch.

I know this may not fit everyone on your list.  Your six year old cousin, for example, so lets help each other out.  Fill out the comment section below with your best gift idea for those hard to shop for people on your list!

Bentleyville Tour of Lights


Bentleyville

The largest holiday light display in the Midwest! Not to miss, the 128′ tree with 50,000 LED lights that “dance” to the music.

Visit with Santa, ride the jingle bus, and enjoy a stroll through beautiful Canal Park all lit up with thousands of lights on whimsical displays.

Saturday November 17 – Wednesday December 26, 2012
Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday 5pm – 10pm

Visit with Santa info: http://www.bentleyvilleusa.org/Home/Visit_with_Santa.aspx
Children are encouraged to visit with Santa Claus from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 every night from November 17 through December 23, 2012.

DIRECTIONS: Canal Park Lodge to Bentleyville.

Dress warm! 
-Your friendly staff at Canal Park Lodge!