Duluth Favorites

Favorite thing: The Chalet Motel is at 1801 London Road, a block off I-35 at Exit 258---thats up past Duluth on the lakeshore. The Chalet is an old highway motel, very casual, and popular with sportsmen who are looking for a place to take their boots off after a day in the woods. Very well managed by a friendly staff, and much much cheaper than any of the mainline motels. It's in a tight location, and hard to see from a distance. Probably around $30. Phone 218-728-4238

Favorite thing: If you're coming from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) on I-35, you'll see signs for Skyline Parkway before you reach Duluth. This is the much more scenic way to arrive in Duluth from the West. You'll drive over the city and pass beneth the Engen Tower, which affords great views over the city. There are multiple viewpoints where you can pull over and take photos.

Favorite thing: Well, I was born in the big city of Minneapolis, but my mom was born right here in Duluth and since she still lives in Minnesota, she comes up here often to revisit the places of her youth. It's a great town to get away and relax and to enjoy some fresh air and nice people.

Favorite thing: This shop was an Incredibly romantic experience during our visit in Dec, 2004.

There are tables & chairs in the front section of this Christmas shop.

We ordered individual Belgian truffles (Neuhaus) and champagne-by-the-glass (Veuve Clicquot Brut !). Live piano music made the mood fun.

Next time, we'll try one of the pastries.

Fondest memory: We were in a fun shopping area of Duluth (Art Galleries and antiques) and ready for a break. This shop was a pleasant surprise... highly recommended.

Torke Weihnachten Christmas Store and Cafe
- Address: 37 E. Superior St, Duluth
- Web: www.torkechristmas.com

Favorite thing: Jay Cooke was the Gilded Age financier who was the main financial backer of Duluth in the late 19th century. He understood the geographic destiny of Duluth to become a key transportation center, and for a while he even believed that it might rival Chicago in its ultimate significance in American economic development. His contributions are also recognized at the nearby Jay Cooke State Park (see my VT page) which was named in his honor.

Favorite thing: Leif Erikson never made it quite as far as Duluth, but in 1926 a half-sized replica of his Viking ship left from this point and sailed all the way from here to Norway.

On behalf of Scandinavians everywhere, the statue proudly proclaims that Erikson was "Discoverer of America" in 1000 A.D.

Yes, but. . . .

Favorite thing: If you want to sell your plasma, downtown Duluth is the place to do it. (The white-clad building on the right is home to Plasma Services of Duluth. It's an easy way for a poor college student to supplement income - if you don't mind feeling woozy for a while.)

Favorite thing: Dominated by the ridge that rises behind it, Duluth's skyline is not especially grand. After all, this is a town of about 90,000 people. But it's interesting, which isn't surprising when you remember that Duluth is the place that gave the world Bob.