In the not so distant past, our car windows were smashed in an effort to steal our luggage… and as fun as that was, the first thing we will do upon arrival in Duluth is try to check in at our hotel. The very least we can do is check our luggage.
Aerial Lift Bridge
During my search I was pleasantly surprised by all the great hotel options in Duluth! I am very tempted by the awesome location of the South Pier Inn on the Canal. It is located right at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge. If you book a Harbor-view room you can sit on your balcony and watch the boats sail by. Can you call it sailing if the boats are not wind-powered? Regardless, it sounds very relaxing, but I think for my first trip to Duluth I would like to be closer to the town – plus I am an absolute sucker for historic hotels.
…and that is why we still stay at Fitger’s Inn – Duluth’s Historic Lakefront Hotel. Fitger’s Inn is a 62-room, boutique hotel located in the 1885 historic Fitger Brewery. The Fitger’s Complex also includes several restaurants, shops, and alarmingly enough a few nightclubs… but surely a Duluth nightclub can’t be too crazy.
Fitger’s Inn
From what I can tell the Lake Walk is a paved trail along the shores of Lake Superior. I am counting on perfect weather, so we will walk about a mile from the hotel through Canal Park enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and taking pictures of the gorgeous lake views! For lunch we are depending on a great meal at a Minnesota tradition since 1976 – Grandma’s Saloon and Grill. From a quick glance at the menu, it looks like Grandma’s serves American cuisine with a few Italian (penne, tetrazzini) and Minnesota (walleye, wild rice) flavors thrown in for good measure. It will be a hearty and delicious lunch!
Glensheen Estate
We are planning on athletics and lakeshore enjoyment all day Saturday – so for the rest of Friday afternoon we will plan on learning some history indoors at the Glensheen Estate. Plus, I ADORE historical mansions. This one was built for Chester and Clara Congdon between 1905 and 1908. Chester Congdon was a minister, attorney, and iron investor that helped settle Northern Minnesota. Learning about the family and their path to success will also tell the story of the iron and transportation development of Duluth. For most of October tours run from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. They offer a one-hour tour of the basement, first and second floors. They offer a one-hour and expanded one-and-a-half-hour tour of the house and you are free to tour the Carriage House and gardens at your own leisure.
View from Enger Park Tower
If we have time, we will make our way to Enger Park and Tower. It is an 80-foot tower dedicated to the City of Duluth in 1939 by the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway. It offers panoramic views of the city and might be a gorgeous place to take in the sunset!
For dinner we will need to carbo-load for the big bike ride Saturday (also pasta is delicious). We will quickly change at our hotel and then walk to Va Bene Berarducci’s Caffé. It looks fabulous and features Italian imports almost exclusively. We served gnocchi at our recent wedding and I love ordering it every chance I get. I am hungry just thinking about those delicious sauces and based on the location I think it will have a beautiful view of Lake Superior! YUM!
Then early to bed for a big scenic train and bike ride Saturday morning – What a day!
Future Vacations 