Recommendations
Summer Ski Suggestions
I’ve got some business travel set up for Northern Colorado and Utah in late June. Any suggestions for a resort which may still be running lifts? Ideally, I’d like to find something open during the week of 20 June. Arapahoe Basin is open until the 19th – that’s the latest I’ve been able to find. Also – suggestions on renting gear verses checking or shipping? Seems that for a two day junket – one is better off just renting from the shop.
13 – Last Weekend
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhFvFmqGtlc
You may have already read the glowing review of this musical, or heard people raving about it in the DNT or on Facebook, but let me add my own two cents.
Don’t go see this show because you want to show your support for aspiring young talent. Don’t go because you think it’s important to support programs like this that enrich our youth and enliven our community. Don’t go out of a sense of duty.
Go because this show kicks ass. Go to be thoroughly entertained. Go to enjoy yourself. I promise you will be humming the songs for at least a week afterwards.
These young performers in our community are not the “up and coming” talent. They’re already there. Take notes.
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South Shore Camping
I did not plan ahead very well for this summer to get my camping reservations established at the 6 month or 1 year window reservations open up. Probably for the best as this encourages some exploration. I’m looking for advice on campgrounds along the south shore of the Lake. I haven’t done much camping in Wisconsin — a few nights on Madeline — that’s it [not including sleeping in the car in Superior]. Anybody willing to share their favorite camping spots in northern Wisconsin? I don’t need hook-ups or showers or KOA amenities. A developed swimming area and beach would be nice, as the kids will be in tow.
Converting from Oil to Natural Gas
My wife and I recently purchased a home in the Chester Park area. It is currently heated with oil, but the previous owner installed a wood burning stove in the living room to cut down on the oil costs. I’m not gonna lie, the fireplace was kind of a deal-maker, but the oil was almost a deal breaker.
We found out there a gas line under our street and heard the city will come and pipe the line to the exterior wall for free. This seems to be fairly common knowledge. A friend of mine also told me that the city and/or Comfort Systems has a program where you can get the gas furnace installed with a loan through the city. Has anyone heard of this program? Has anyone you know done it?
We lived with my dad for a short while, but I still remember the sting of even just splitting the oil bill and this program sounds pretty enticing.
Thanks!
The Half Hearts release sophomore album Tuesday at the Electric Fetus
Duluth indie group the Half Hearts will release their sophomore album, Uptown Sound, on Tuesday at the Electric Fetus.
Duluth Farmer’s Market Opens April 30
Duluth Farmer’s Market
14th Ave. E. and Third St.
Open 7am to noon
The first edition of Lois Hoffbauer’s Farmer’s Market Update arrived via email today. I thought I’d share.
Get on the email list and she’ll keep you posted as to what’s happening each week at the market: what’s in season, when to plant, and all the good stuff you want/need to know.
Cheers!
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Stream Beastie Boys’ Hot Sauce Committee Two
Here is the new Beasties album “The Hot Sauce Committee Part Two” (dropping May 3 on Capitol) for your afternoon listening enjoyment!! Stream away! I am digging it. Click continue reading to stream. (more…)
Slumber party report needed
Action at Yarn Harbor -- Not Slumber Party
Did anyone attend the “Slumber Party” at Yarn Harbor?
The next one will be May 13th. More info about Yarn Harbor is here.
UMD Heritage Orchard a Contestant in Edy’s Fruit Bar Contest
I had a chance to take a pack of kids out to a working orchard near Wrenshall, MN (pictured above) and it was just a fantastic experience, I’d never seen anything like it before, except in books. There used to be groves like this, and “wild” groves used by people and critters for sustenance all around our region, but there aren’t many left anymore according to the experts at UMD.
Imagine an apple production and consumption culture within a thriving orchardist community, small orchards dotting the landscape, filled with heritage varieties locally adapted to our region. This was the reality of the area around Duluth, Minn., during the first half of the 20th century. But the advent of the industrial food system divested this community of its heritage, although those abandoned orchards beckon our call back to a more sustainable way of life.
Last fall, I read about a new orchard coming in near 6th Ave E in Duluth’s Hillside. Today I found out about this chance to win an orchard for the Duluth Area from Edy’s Fruit Bars. Here’s a link to sign in and vote, vote early and often.
As of today Duluth was placed 3rd in the nation: Not too shabby. Hopefully if people can stay on this we can come out on top. Almost forgot: Duluth community members and organizations will get the fruit. If this is successful expect a surge in NICE homegrown Duluth pies & cobblers in the next 5-10-15 years.
Motorcycle recommendations
I’m looking into buying a motorcycle after several years of not riding. I think that a bike between 650 and 1000cc would be big enough. I have been looking at cruisers such as Yamaha V Stars, Kawasaki Vulcan and Honda Shadows and other similar bikes. I have a budget of about 3000. Any recommendations on a reliable comfortable use bike? There are so many more styles and makes since I rode last, it’s overwhelming. Thanks
Lutsen Mountain Meltdown
Where are all the avid Lutsen shredders at? Upon moving to the Duluth area a few years ago I had my first Lutsen Mountain experience in 2009. I was so disappointed that I had NEVER been there. We are so fortunate to have snowboarding/skiing of that quality only a short drive away, especially because you get to look at the beautiful Lake Superior while doing so, which is also possible in Duluth, but up there you don’t have the industrial eye-sore.
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Impressed with Lake Ave Café
In light of the awesome weather we had last night my better half and I decided to go for an evening bike ride. We ended up down on that first beach on Park Point and sat there for awhile. When it got pretty dark we headed back and decided to stop at Lake Ave Café.
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Get Low’s New Album, C’mon, on the Cheap
A heads-up for frugal Duluthians, Low’s new album, C’mon, is Amazon’s MP3 Daily Deal today. You can download the whole album for only $3.99, or you can download track one, “Try to Sleep,” for absolutely free.
Surprisingly impressed by Kia of Duluth
About a month ago I was on a return trip from the cities in my 1999 Corolla. A quarter mile from Pine City, I break down only to find out that I threw a rod. That meant I had to go car shopping.
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Psst! Corporations Are Not People!
This Friday, my dad (and uncle, I think) will accompany 2004 presidential candidate, David Cobb, on the Twin Ports leg of his national speaking tour for Move to Amend. Mr. Cobb will speak about the perils (i.e. 2010 WI governor’s race) of corporate personhood and what is happening, nationally, to abolish it. For those who don’t remember or weren’t aware, “The Monahan brothers” walked across the U.S. last May-October to raise awareness about this issue. So, come have a pint and/or some noms and get informed about an issue that is sure to foul up our lives for generations to come!
To motorcycle or not to motorcycle
I am thinking seriously about picking up an older, used motorcycle in the interest of saving myself some money on these higher fuel prices. I am wondering if it is worth having a motorcycle for commuting in Duluth with our limited days of warmth. I am not averse to riding in cold weather if it is above freezing but would like to avoid snow, ice or any heavy rain. With that being said, are there any current riders out there have any knowledge on how many days a year you can actually ride your motorcycle in Duluth and if you feel like it is worth owning one in this climate?
Where can we watch ultimate fighting in the Twin Ports?
We’ve tried Buffalo Wild Wings, which is a fun place, but it’s always good to have some options. Where else can one partake in the UFC ritual in this area?
For those about to beer
Read about the region’s first commercial non-Duluth beer being brewed for taps at your local bar and growlers for sale.
Downtown Duluth Office Space
Help!
I am looking to relocate my small office to another spot downtown. Somewhere in the area of Lake Avenue a few blocks east or west would be great. Any good ideas? I’m not super picky, but want some good light and clean, etc. Currently spending about $200 a month so I am also hoping to stay in that range.
Duluth Hash House Harriers
I’m looking to see if we have an established HHH group in Duluth? If not we should it started up!
Return of the Cheerleader
After nearly a year’s hiatus The Cheerleader is back and crankier than ever.
Interested in solar system?
I am planning to order a solar heater system from Lakota Solar Enterprises. The total with installation is $2,000; system without installation is $1,400. There is a discount for multiple orders. Anyone interested?
Help create a Community Energy Classroom in Lincoln Park
The Duluth Energy Efficiency Program has entered the Green Awards, a program that recognizes individuals making a giant difference in communities across the country with $25,000 to further the work of their organizations. 25 percent of the award selection is based upon public online voting occurring from March 12-27. If awarded to DEEP, the proceeds would be utilized for development of a community energy classroom in Lincoln Park.
In the meantime… DEEP is offering rebates of up to $3,150 for Duluth households for energy home improvements. More info is available at duluthenergy.org.
Explore Duluth’s own ice mountains
After a few good northeasters this winter, the ice is stacked up deep on Park Point. You can read all about and find tips and directions in my blog.
