onlyinyourstate Archives

The First Brick-And-Mortar Coffee Shop On Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail

by doitinnorth | Apr 7, 2024 | eat/drink

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You can now get your caffeine fix on the Gunflint Trail!

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The Gunflint Trail is located in the extreme northeastern part of the North Star State, and it’s renowned for being both beautiful and remote. Now, however, visitors to the trail can worry about one less thing: where to get a decent cup of coffee. In summer 2023, Loons Nest Coffee opened its brick-and-mortar location, making it the first coffee shop on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota.

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Well, technically speaking, you’ve been able to do so for a couple years now, thanks to Loons Nest Coffee.

Caleb Fouss/Google Reviews

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However, until summer 2023, Loons Nest operated out of a trailer while its permanent space was being refurbished.

As Loons Nest, this former rock shop is bright and welcoming inside, with a homey, Up North lodge vibe.

Despite its status as a relative newcomer, Loons Nest has already made a splash with its coffee and cardamom rolls.

It’s also a great place to stop for a quick bite on the trail if you’re feeling peckish in the morning or around lunchtime.

At this point, like many other Gunflint businesses, Loons Nest will be closed during the shoulder seasons – November, December, and April.

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Now you know where to go for your caffeine fix or a quick snack next time you’re exploring the Gunflint Trail. To confirm hours or to place an order for home delivery, visit Loons Nest Coffee on the web. Be sure to check out the coffee shop’s Facebook page for even more updates and information. As I mentioned before, the Gunflint is fairly remote, so be sure you pack all your road trip essentials and get fuel in Grand Marais before you head up. Also, cell service is pretty spotty, so a standalone GPS comes in handy; and when you’re hiking some of the amazing trails up there, an app like AllTrails Plus – which you can use offline (one of my favorite features) – is a great tool to have.

One Of The Best Campgrounds In Minnesota Is Open For Adventure Year-Round

by doitinnorth | Feb 25, 2024 | events/locations

CuriousTraveler5050/TripAdvisor

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Baptism River High Falls is the tallest waterfall that’s entirely within the State’s borders, and when frozen solid, it’s a popular destination for ice climbers.

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Minnesota winters tend to be a little longer than those in most other states. That means outdoor enthusiasts like us must embrace colder weather if they don’t want to be stuck inside for a good chunk of the year. Fortunately, the Land of 10,000 (occasionally frozen) Lakes offers outdoor lovers plenty to do during all 12 months – and most of our state parks are on board for around-the-calendar recreation, as well. One of the state’s premier recreational units, Tettegouche State Park is even open for winter camping in Minnesota, making it the perfect destination for year-round adventures.

Tettegouche is one of the most popular destination parks in Minnesota, attracting folks from across the Midwest.

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Tettegouche’s campgrounds tend to be full throughout the summer and on weekends during the shoulder seasons.

Ice bergs and snow on the shore of Lake Superior, Shovel point in the distance. — In fact, the park is arguably at its most dramatic and beautiful during the winter months.

Tent camping under the northern lights — The Baptism River Campground is even open during the winter, and unlike many parks, Tettegouche offers water, electric, firewood, and even showers during the winter.

Hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe on the park’s many trails, including the Superior Hiking Trail, which traverses Tettegouche.

You can rent equipment, get advice on winter activities – including winter camping seminars – and take a minute to warm up at the park’s lodge-like visitor center.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do at Tettegouche State Park. Just be sure to pack all your winter essentials before you head out – or pick up the gear you’ll need beforehand.

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By Trent Jonas

Only In Your State

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doitinnorth shop/share gallery

National Forest Camping: Directory of 4,108 Designated Camping Areas at 141 Forests in 42 States

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ICYMI

Arctic Highways: Unbounded Indigenous People – Minneapolis, MN

Browse The Unique Architectural Wonders At City Salvage In Minneapolis, MN

by doitinnorth | Feb 4, 2024 | shop/share

City Salvage

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‘Since opening our doors in 1998, City Salvage has been a key resource in the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the historic Northeast neighborhoods of Minneapolis. We actively seek salvage opportunities across the Midwest and recover the most intriguing and unique treasures to resell in our showroom, preserving some of the country’s most beautiful architectural and decorative craftsmanship. In addition to our local showroom, our team also travels the country delivering and installing our vintage bars and other large items, ensuring key artifacts of our American history live on to tell the stories of generations past, as well as hear the new tales to come.’

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If you’re a Minnesota treasure hunter, you’ve probably found many amazing places to score unique items. From thrift stores to flea markets to antique malls, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is full of fun spots with great finds.

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Tom Wilson/Google

Open since 1998, City Salvage sources its items from across the Midwest. They purchase salvage items from historic homes, businesses, and more.

The inventory changes often, so you never know what you will find here. But no matter what, you can be sure that you’ll find items that are rich with American history.
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Google

Pulled from churches, restaurants, and beyond, the store often has a selection of beautiful stained glass pieces.
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Other items include light fixtures, moldings, stair rails, and just about anything else that can be salvaged from a home. Instead of being sent to a landfill, such items end up here, where they can be given a second life.
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Even if you aren’t interested in large architectural finds, City Salvage also sells smaller antiques and curiosities. On any given day, you might find old signs from a train station, doorknobs from a 19th-century home, antique furniture, and more!
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All in all, City Salvage is an incredible resource for those looking for unique architectural items and antiques for their homes or projects. For more information about City Salvage, including hours, new items, and more, visit their website and Facebook page.

ICYMI: Minnesota Christmas City is Celebrating the New Hallmark Movie Release of Rescuing Christmas

by doitinnorth | Dec 17, 2023 | people/passions

Bentleyville USA has become a holiday tradition at Bayfront Festival Park along Duluth’s harborfront.

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For the past several years, Duluth at the holidays has been defined by the state’s biggest display of Christmas lights – and one of the largest in the country.

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There’s just something about Christmas in Duluth, Minnesota that hits different than it does in other places. The city already celebrates big, but ahead of this year’s December release of Rescuing Christmas – the second Hallmark Christmas movie filmed in Duluth in as many years (Merry Kiss Cam was released last Thanksgiving) – the holiday seems like a bigger deal than ever in The Christmas City of the North.

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Bentleyville is a Christmas Celebration open November through December in Duluth, Minnesota's Bayfront Park — The dazzling, walk-thru display of millions of lights (literally!) is absolutely free. (There is a cost for on-site parking, though)

As beloved as Bentleyville is, it’s the annual Christmas City of the North Parade that has been bringing folks together to celebrate the holidays in Duluth for decades.

It’s the biggest public celebration in the Northland, and every year, thousands of folks line Superior Street to see the floats and bands and marchers and, of course, Santa.

Another favorite event during the holiday season is the Duluth Winter Village.

You’ll also find vendors with food and hot drinks, as well as all manner of gifts and crafts, and bonfires for warming up.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad, perhaps Minnesota’s most beloved rail line, gets in on the action, as well. Its beloved Christmas City Express excursions run throughout the holiday season. And it even offers a Bentleyville Shuttle on Saturdays to get you to the light show in style.

The railroad features prominently in *Rescuing Christmas*.

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt – Excelsior, MN

by doitinnorth | Nov 19, 2023 | shop/share

Minnesota Has Its Very Own German Christmas Market And You’ll Want To Visit

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Being home to the world’s first modern shopping mall – Ridgedale Center – plus many other small stores – not to mention the Mall of America – Minnesotans really don’t have to search too hard to find great Christmas gifts for their loved ones. But sometimes, it’s nice to shop in a more festive environment. That’s where Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt comes in. This German Christmas market in Minnesota is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit, and maybe pick up a few gifts, too. In my experience, it’s a fun and unique way to celebrate Christmas in Minnesota.

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