Recommendations
Perfect Duluth Stargazing Spots
Can anyone recommend good spots for stargazing in and around Duluth? I’m sure there are many places out of town along the shore, but which spots do you recommend and why? Thank you.
Perfect Duluth Easter Brunch?
So, being of a mindset that doesn’t lean particularly religious, the wife and I tend to sleep in on Easter Sunday. I had always been under the impression that Easter brunch was sort of a big thing, so a few years back we ventured out seeking a leisurely breakfast/lunch combo with bloodies and mimosas, only to discover all the usual downtown brunch suspects were closed!
We probably gave up a bit too early in our search since we ended up at the bar at Tycoons, but there were surprisingly few open places. To save me from that situation again, what does PDD suggest as the best place in the area to get a proper Easter brunch?
Not your typical cookbook review
Once upon a time we stopped caring about where our food came from, and had no knowledge of the people who grew it. We stopped cooking, ate out of boxes, and tore cellophane wrappers off microwaved “TV dinners.” We even ate fast food meals in our cars without stepping foot outside. Sounds crazy, but it’s actually true! Americans across the socioeconomic spectrum came to rely solely upon international corporations to feed us, even though they’ve proven time and again that their only care is for profits.
Slowly, surely, relentlessly, we are waking up. There is another way. The Duluth Grill Cook Book II is the latest contribution toward our community’s drive to create a sustainable local food system. I lingered over a scratch-made pie and perused the book for a couple hours while taking in the atmosphere. Read my thoughts on Ed’s Big Adventure.
Price Check: Iggy Pop and Gwen Stefani
On Friday, March 18, two solo artists released their newest albums. As usual with Perfect Duluth Day’s Price Check, the cost of purchasing said albums varies — in this case not just from store to store but by format and artist. Odd as it might seem, Iggy Pop tends to be a tad more expensive than Gwen Stefani. (more…)
Price Check: Cuisinart Griddler Grill
When you decide a Cuisinart Griddler is the most valuable appliance in your home, you will find yourself mollycoddling it like a 4-month-old tot. This brushed stainless steel grill functions as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or half grill / half griddle. It has a hinged floating cover that adjusts to the thickness of hamburgers, paninis or steaks.
The cooking plates are removable, reversible, nonstick and dishwasher-safe, with an integrated drip tray to collect grease. The two temperature controls make it easy to cook eggs and steak at the same time. It’s also BPA free for those concerned with the health effects of potential poisonous packaging.
Here lies the third feature for the Price Check series where we compare prices on basic, practical products and services around Duluth and Superior. The prices below reflect the rate the establishment charges with tax included. Minnesota and Duluth sales tax total 7.875%. Wisconsin and Douglas County sales tax total 5.5%. (more…)
Logo Design and WordPress Site Developer in Duluth
I’m a small business owner/consultant looking for someone to help me with branding, and to refresh my current WordPress website. Anyone have a list of local folks that they would recommend?
Behind the Curtain at Duluth.com
Duluth.com got a pretty sweet write-up today by the Duluth News Tribune.
Duluth.com is dedicated to celebrating all things Duluth. Duluth.com highlights sustenance, adventure, fun, and the people of our community because each business, person and activity contributes to Duluth’s unique brand.
Whatever you do: Duluth.com
Price Check: Women’s Columbia Fleece
Stores are shifting from winter to spring gear and this means one of many things: clearance coats everywhere. The most common women’s Columbia Sportswear Company product is the Columbia Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece. This fleece features two zipping pockets so there is a slim chance of your precious iPhone falling to its death. It can also be dressed-up with a scarf and heels or dressed-down with sweatpants and your favorite hoodie.
Here lies the second feature for the Price Check series where we compare prices on basic, practical products and services around Duluth and Superior.
The prices below reflect the rate the establishment charges with tax included. Clothing is exempt from Minnesota’s sales tax. Wisconsin and Douglas County sales tax total 5.5%. (more…)
Price Check: Oil Change
The light on the dashboard catches your eye. Add an oil change to your list of mundane, human deeds to complete in the near future: file taxes, buy milk and diapers, DMV to renew tabs, post office for stamps, gas, and now, an oil change.
Here lies the start to a new series where we compare prices on basic, practical products and services around Duluth and Superior. First off, oil changes.
The prices below reflect the rate the establishment charges with tax included. Wisconsin and Douglas County sales tax total 5.5%. Minnesota and Duluth sales tax total 7.875%. (more…)
One family, many businesses: Max Organics, Ben’s Blooms, Duluth Trading Company, and more
The inventor of the Bucket Boss and founder of Duluth Trading Company, while declining to pay allowances to his children, has infused his kids with entrepreneurial skills that will last a lifetime. This was an interesting visit, and an incredible story I’m excited to tell. Learn more on Ed’s Big Adventure about the creation of these incredibly ambitious kid-owned businesses: Max Organics and Ben’s Blooms.
This story traces a genetic lineage that began with the closure of the U.S. Steel mill, which ultimately prompted the formation of one of Duluth’s most successful homegrown businesses, and continues to thrive in this next generation. This story will inspire you to think outside-of-the-box when it comes to running a business, instilling entrepreneurial skills in kids, and to live and buy locally.
Best/Hottest Wings in Duluth and Superior
My friends and I are having a bit of a competition/pissing match. We’re having two side-by-side debates. Here are the questions: What are the best wings in the Twin Ports (and why)? Also, what are the hottest wings in the Twin Ports? This debate will culminate in a wing-off with the four of us, based on your suggestions, agreeing on the establishment and seeing who can make it through the hottest order of wings in the Twin Ports with the most grace and bravado. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Myers-Wilkins and Lincoln Park Experiences
My family and I are currently considering a home in the Myers-Wilkins / Lincoln Park / Denfeld school boundary and are looking for some first-hand experiences. We definitely do not want to open enroll. We like the idea of our daughter going to school with her neighbors and I don’t want to be driving her to and from school every day.
I have heard mixed things about Myers-Wilkins, but as of right now, we feel OK about potentially sending our daughter there (she is 1, so it’ll be a few years). Same for Denfeld, but I would love to hear some first-hand experiences.
My mom used to work at Lincoln Park Middle School about 15 or so years ago and her experience left much to be desired. I have heard recently of some people pulling their kids out of Lincoln Park (all second hand stories) because of bullying problems. We are of the mentality that if she has good parents at home, she will do fine anywhere; however, we don’t want to send her somewhere we know could cause problems during middle school, and we all know how awesome middle school is…
I am hoping to hear of some positive experiences, since I have pretty much only come across negative opinions (none of them first hand), but any and all opinions are welcome and appreciated!
Cider in Duluth?
Although off the beaten path, I enjoy Endion Station‘s cider selection. Is there anywhere else in town with a comparable cider menu?
Board Games in Duluth
Is there anywhere in Duluth (bar or coffee shop) with a good collection of board games? Classic games, not weird ones that take days to learn. I’d like to get some people together outside of my home. Just need a good place to do it! Thanks!
PDD Gift Guide 2015
’Tis the season for the seventh annual PDD Gift Guide — a list of holiday gift ideas with a local connection. We present 15 ideas to get things started, and invite everyone to add their own suggestions and links in the comments below. (more…)
Guide to Duluth-related Blogs in 2015
The craft of writing personal blogs probably hit its stride in Duluth around 2005 and started dying out around 2010. It’s been a long time since the days PDD carried a feed of local blogs, which became unnecessary once subscription news-aggregator applications became available. There is still a strong set of Duluth-area writers and photographers dedicated to kicking out text on a regular basis, however, and we profile them here so you can check them out and add them to your feeds as you wish. (more…)
Still curious?
What’s the deal with Curious Goods in Superior?
If you’ve driven by 1717-1/2 Winter St. and wondered if the store ever opens, well, it doesn’t … but in a way it’s always open, on the Internet. For the past decade or so Curious Goods has basically been a warehouse for eBay items from the seller Curious-g.
#notsaintpaul
So I’m finishing work tonight and my friend says, “meet me at the Brewhouse.” I tasted a flight of three and ordered the dopplebock. The drink coaster just made it too easy for me.
Great American Beer Festival Awards Winners 2015
Don’t get me wrong, I love St Paul, but it appears as though the judges have spoken.
From the Great American Beer Festival, Duluth takes two awards!
To me, it’s gotta be extra special bitter. (How often can a drink coaster be mightier than the billboard)?
- Silver – Double Porter | Bemidji Brewing Co., Bemidji (Baltic-style porter)
- Bronze – Lonely Blonde | Fulton Beer, Minneapolis (English-style summer ale)
- Silver – 14° ESB | Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Duluth (extra special bitter)
- Silver – Procrastinator Doppelbock | Fitger’s Brewhouse, Duluth (German-style doppelbock or eisbock)
- Silver – Pumpkin Grinder | Mankato Brewery, Mankato (pumpkin)
- Silver – Size 4 | Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park (session India pale ale)
- Bronze – Firebrick | August Schell Brewing Co., New Ulm (Vienna-style lager)
Fall Reading List: A Hillsider and a Buried Man
Two books lead the list of recommended local reads this fall: One is a new book by Duluth’s outgoing mayor, which will no doubt generate tons of attention before anyone fully reads it. The other is an impressive memoir published back in March by a humble Lakesider, which deserves to be held up next to Duluth’s highest ranking literary office. (more…)
Free Train Rides
There are two opportunities to enjoy free train rides on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad on Sept. 23. Departures are at 2 and 6 p.m. The century-old coaches have capacity for 130 riders each trip, so arrive early! More info on the PDD Calendar and Facebook.
Duluth Bombardier Hat
Does anyone know where I can purchase a local bombardier-style winter hat, perhaps leather exterior but not a fur interior? I have not been able to find one myself. Thanks in advance.
Save the LS&M Railroad for the enjoyment of future generations
The struggling Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in West Duluth has persevered against all odds as a scenic, historic railroad since 1980 despite receiving virtually no public subsidies. Running on the very first tracks to enter Duluth, dating back to 1870, 145 unbroken years of history are on the line right now. A dedicated all-volunteer group, none of whom has ever received a paycheck, is keeping this history alive. The railroad costs the city virtually nothing, has proven to be largely self-sufficient, and is an irreplaceable treasure that needs community input in order to survive the massive cleanup now being planned for the U.S. Steel site near Morgan Park. The two newspaper columns linked below will shade things in a bit for you. Take a trip on the LS&M during one of the next six weekends or you just might miss your chance, forever.
Duluth Budgeteer: Save the train for future generations
Duluth News Tribune: Massive cleanup plan emerging for U.S. Steel site in Duluth
Where to have a bonfire in the Duluth area
If a family wanted to have an outdoor memorial service that included a bonfire somewhere in the Cloquet-Duluth-North Shore region, where might they go?
Duluth Windshield Replacement Recommendation
Does anyone have recommendations for a good, honest, reliable windshield replacement place in Duluth/Superior? Recommendations as to who to stay away from would be helpful, and appreciated, too. Thanks!
The Power of Place
Place matters. It is our soil for sinking roots. Each contribution—150 years of them in Duluth—has been like individual leaves falling to the ground, gradually producing a rich, alluvial-like cultural soil.
We are all responsible for conserving culture, while simultaneously adding to its richness.
Economy and culture in the Twin Ports, though the two need not be distinguished, is increasingly based on neighborliness rather than on a cutthroat sense of competition.
Read the full column for some simple suggestions to spur us on: