TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Author: Tracy Blowers

  • North Shore & Grand Marais Minnesota

    North Shore & Grand Marais Minnesota

    North Shore Minnesota Road Trip

    It has been far too long since we visited the North Shore in our home state of Minnesota. As with most of the country, it’s been sweltering in Minneapolis, so we couldn’t wait to feel the cool air by beautiful Lady Lake Superior. And, the best part, I got to visit my long-time friend, Sara, with Urban Wild Media. We hit the popular spots on our way to Grand Marais and found some hidden gems too.

    We’ve never been to the New Scenic Cafe or the world-famous Betty’s Pies, so those were both high on our list! We enjoyed the burrata with roasted tomatoes as an appetizer from the New Scenic Cafe. The cafe is so cozy and they also have tons of outdoor seating, which is really nice when traveling with our dog, Allen. He loved all the space to walk around and stretch his legs.

    Then it was off to Betty’s for some burgers. We didn’t get any pie. I know, I know, we’re crazy, but we will try it next time. The burgers were fantastic and they offer gluten-free buns. Thank you, Betty! We laughed so hard when we saw the staff wearing t-shirts that said “I’m not Betty” – I’m sure they get asked that question ALL THE TIME.

    Things to Do and See on the North Shore Minnesota

    We tried stopping at Gooseberry Falls along the North Shore, but it felt too busy and chaotic with the dog. So, we headed to Iona’s Beach to see the pink/red rocks (watch for Iona’s Beach at mile marker 42). Then, Sara recommended that we drive up to see the Palisade Head overlook. We are so glad that she did! It is technically in Tettegouche State Park but has its own turn-off and signage, so keep a lookout for that – it can sneak up on you. This is a definite must-do. The steep hill going up to the overlook is fun and exciting; you can either walk or drive -it’s only about 1/2 mile. The views are spectacular.

    We also made a quick stop at the adorable Schroeder’s Baking Company for a root beer float.

    Lodging and Restaurants in Grand Marais

    We were so excited to arrive in Grand Marais, our final destination for a few days. This was the first time visiting for both of us. In fact, before this trip, the furthest we had driven up the North Shore was Lutsen. We fell in love with Grand Marais. Again, I know, I know – who doesn’t, right? We stayed at the Best Western Plus – Superior Inn. This location is excellent, everything we needed was within walking distance, and the lake views are unbeatable. Allen loved our little patio.

    Hotel on the North Shore in Grand Marais, Minnesota
    Artist's Point Grand Marais Minnesota
    View of Artist’s Point

    The first night we had trouble finding food-to-go. Across the country, the restaurants are short-staffed, so if they are slammed, don’t expect to-go food. A reminder to think ahead and be respectful, hospitality teams are working so hard and doing their best.

    These are always the fun moments that I remember because we end up doing something different. The Cook County Co-op is right next to the Best Western. We went there for some snacks (local insider tip from Sara – they have the best cookies!), and then we remembered that the hotel offers a nightly happy hour with pizza, salads, and more. They even have gluten-free crusts. This pizza was delicious!!

    Grand Marais Things To Do

    The next day, we explored the town, and Sara took me to some of her favorite spots. Did you know that this lighthouse was constructed and first lit in 1922? There is so much history here and a lot to learn about Minnesota’s roots. I loved the views of the Sawtooth Mountains from the lighthouse. Well, I should say ALL the views. The town, Lake Superior, each direction offers a beautiful view. The town is filled with charming local shops and art galleries. Plus, so many unique historic buildings and fun murals.

    Lighthouse in Grand Marais Minnesota

    Of course, I had to stop at World’s Best Donuts. They have yummy gluten-free muffins and one of the best gluten-free trail cookies I’ve ever tasted. Plus, they make cute tail waggin’ dog treats! I was over the top excited when I saw that Java Moose had huckleberry lemonade. If you read my Glacier National Park blog post, you know how I feel about huckleberries. 😉

    Grand Marais North Shore Minnesota

    A few other favorite restaurants – Gunflint Tavern (awesome ribs and mouthwatering mashed potatoes) and Sydney’s for frozen custard (Thank you, Sara!). Next time, I want to try the wood-fired pizza at Sydney’s – it looked amazing.

    Before we left the next morning, I had to get one more cup of Alakef Coffee (locally roasted in Duluth) from Java Moose and take in this beautiful sunrise over Lake Superior. I miss her and Sara already!

    Next, we headed up the Gunflint Trail and stayed at Poplar Haus. We can’t wait to visit again! Read more about our Poplar Haus stay: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2021/08/09/gunflint-trail-minnesota/.

    Visit the Cook County website for more information – https://www.visitcookcounty.com/.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    Published August 2021

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Patio Season! Top 5 Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Patio Season! Top 5 Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Spring is springing! In Minnesota, the moment the temp is over 30°F, we are ready for patio season. 😉 Chisago Lakes in East Central Minnesota includes five small towns; Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Schafer, and Taylors Falls. It is 35 miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis, so it’s a great day road trip from the Twin Cities.

    Top 5 Patios in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Winehaven Winery

    A Winehaven Winery slushy is a must! The flavor profiles are always creative and refreshing. Plus, there’s just something about that big straw that makes you feel like a kid. ha! There is a ton of wide open space to enjoy and take a stroll through the vines. We love stopping in for pizza and charcuterie and appreciate the dog-friendly patio. 🐾

    Nordic Harbor Rooftop

    The rooftop is the perfect spot to relax and take in lake views. It is so cozy with couches and shaded areas to truly unwind. They always offer fun specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non. You can also stop in the market for snacks to build your own charcuterie or make a Burnett Dairy pizza. Keep an eye on their calendar because they offer live music and other fun events throughout the year.

    Plus, if you want to spend the night or weekend, Nordic Harbor is the place! This new, adorable lakeside boutique motel offers 6 rooms plus a luxurious vacation house. Located in Center City, it is conveniently in the heart of Chisago Lakes.

    Uncommon Loon Brewing

    Excellent craft beer and a super-friendly, fun atmosphere. The brewery always has entertaining events happening, including live music. Dogs are very welcome inside and out! 🐾 We love to hang out, play cards or board games, and grab food from either the food truck or local restaurant.

    The Northern Lake Tavern

    Awesome pub comfort food. The Reuben is my favorite sandwich at the Northern Lake Tavern. The patio is on the smaller side, but there is a picnic table and plenty of grass and space by the lake. Watch out for Bigfoot!

    Jakes on the Lake

    Jake’s is a great spot in the middle of it all in Center City. Perfect to hit for breakfast before a day on the lake!

    If you’re looking for more fun, here is a 1-Day Itinerary for Chisago Lakes: https://tracyseesstuff.com/explore-local-together-episode-1-chisago-lakes-itinerary/

    Cheers to warmer weather! ☀️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • One Night in Livingston, Montana

    One Night in Livingston, Montana

    Do you only have one night to spend in Livingston, Montana, on your way to or from Yellowstone National Park or further west? I got you!

    One Night in Livingston, Montana

    After a long day of driving, Chico Hot Springs is the perfect spot to unwind and relax.

    Chico’s 100% natural geothermal pool is fantastic. Get a Day Pass for $14 and enjoy an afternoon of soaking in mineral-rich waters! Plus, you can purchase pool-side appetizers and drinks. You can also visit the Chico Saloon for Happy Hour.

    Lodging in Livingston, Montana

    Stay at the historic Murray Hotel.  Anthony Bourdain rated the Murray Hotel as one of his TOP TEN Worldwide favorite hotels. Built in 1904 in the heart of downtown Livingston, you have easy access to everything you need. There is even an outdoor shop on the block for your fishing, hiking, biking, and skiing needs. If you watch the Yellowstone spinoff 1923, keep an eye out for the Murray! We loved taking the 1905 Otis cranked elevator that is still in service to our floor!

    The suites are spacious and comfortable with a sitting area, excellent WIFI, and kitchenette amenities.

    Restaurants in Livingston, Montana

    Enjoy dinner downtown at the Fainting Goat or The Mint. Both restaurants are walkable from the Murray Hotel. We love the Fainting Goat Pub‘s atmosphere, food, and service. The outdoor patio is cozy and comfortable, with great music playing. My favorite menu item is the Apple Walnut Salad with a Hot Bacon Vinaigrette! We recommend the burgers, too. We haven’t been, but we heard fantastic things about The Mint. It’s part of the downtown historic district and was once the Montana Hotel.

    Treat yourself to dessert at Yellowstone Valley Grill. They offer farm-to-table delicious food with the BEST views of the Yellowstone River.

    End the night with live music at Pine Creek Lodge. If you love live music, you have to experience Pine Creek Lodge. It feels like a family backyard party up close with the musicians. And the quality of the bands that play is top-notch.

    The next day, rise and shine and hit the park!

    Yellowstone National Park is approximately 60 miles from Livingston, making it a great base camp. It’s a beautiful drive along the Yellowstone River. That’s how it started for us, but now we make it THE destination!!

    If you prefer camping or rustic lodging, see our blog post about the Livingston Paradise Valley KOA.

    Life is crazy and everything can change in an instant. Find what stirs your soul! ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Explore Local Together Ep. 9 – Chisago Lakes

    Explore Local Together Ep. 9 – Chisago Lakes

    It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 9! In this episode, we chat with Jill Behnke, Mayor of Center City, Minnesota! Hear about things to do and what makes visiting and living in beautiful Chisago Lakes special from lifelong resident Jill Behnke. If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. 

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

    Things To Do in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota

    Chisago Lakes, Minnesota, is made up of five communites; Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Schafer, and Taylors Falls. We chose to move to this area because there is always something fun happening, beautiful scenery, and outdoor recreation. As you will hear in our interview with Jill, there is a ton of fun events in the summer! From strawberry picking and farmers’ markets to festivals, live music, and theater. Plus, lake recreation including fishing, pontooning, and paddle boarding, or shopping and antiquing, hiking at a state park, and stopping at one of the many wineries in the area or our favorite brewery, Uncommon Loon. Cheers!

    Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

    Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue

    We partnered with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol. 

    Meet Hoover!

    Hoover is so cute! He is also very affectionate-once you are his person he will crawl into your lap and rest his head.  He is very cautious of strangers and will bark, but when introduced with treats he quickly becomes your best friend. Hoover loves his walks and slips right into his harness so his walk can begin. He would love to find an active family for hikes and walks! Meal time for Hoover is his absolute favorite! He’ll rush to his crate so he can dive into his kibble.  

    Hoover’s ideal home would be a quiet home in a rural setting. We’re looking at you, Chisago Lakes!

    If you want to adopt Hoover, click HERE.

    Let’s Explore Local Together!

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Best Friends Animal Society Advocating for Animals

    Best Friends Animal Society Advocating for Animals

    Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. ―Mary Oliver

    Let’s take a moment and think about our favorite companions, the ones who bring joy to our lives. For me, our dogs are on the top of that list. They have changed our lives for the better through unconditional love, laughter, play, adventure, routine, and companionship. We’ve adopted three dogs throughout the years from Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS). Our girl, Utah, crossed the rainbow bridge in 2020. You can read her story HERE and more about BFAS. I am a proud ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society and am so thankful for the hard work that they do to advocate and help all animals.

    Today (and every day) is an opportunity to give homeless pets the means to find their forever homes.

    Best Friends Animal Society

    Donations to Best Friends Animal Society move the country closer to their no-kill 2025 goal. If you want to donate, please visit bestfriends.org. Best Friends Animal Society’s efforts reach far beyond the sanctuary teaming up with shelters all over the country.

    No-kill can be possible across the nation, and homeless pets can find their forever homes with your help. Best Friends will show you how to create a sustainable, locally-driven change – all from home. Learn more HERE.

    Best Friends Animal Society is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the Nation. Their mission is to Save Them All and live in a world with no homeless pets. The sanctuary is home to over 1600 homeless pets including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, birds, and more. The Best Friends’ team works hard towards their goal of no-kill and saving them all through creative programs such as the spay and neuter program.

    Our pups, Allen and Carol, have been together for two years now and have such a tight bond. It was scary at first to adopt a second dog after Utah passed but we are so thankful that we did. I mean, look at these two!

    The journey of life is sweeter when traveled with a dog. — Unknown

    Don’t forget, every little bit makes a difference – even $5.00. And, there are many ways to help, including sharing information about rescue shelters, buying unique gifts from the Best Friends Animal Society store, donating, volunteering, fostering, or adopting.

    We like to say that we save them, but I believe that they save us. 🧡

    Happy Best Friends Day! Life is short, do something that stirs your soul.

    #Ambassador

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • National Scenic Trails in Minnesota and Wisconsin

    National Scenic Trails in Minnesota and Wisconsin

    It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 8! Did you know that we have easy access to TWO Regional National Scenic Trails in Minnesota and Wisconsin? This week we are talking about National Trails Day® including interviews with the Ice Age Trail Alliance and North Country Trail Association. If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. 

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

    National Hiking Trails in Minnesota and Wisconsin

    National Trails Day® is about more than hiking, it’s about getting outside and experiencing the benefits of nature in a way that works for you. Whether that is alone or with your favorite people, taking on challenging hikes or leisurely walks.

    The beautiful Superior Hiking Trail is part of the North Country Trail. The North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in America. It offers diverse landscapes stretching 4,800 miles across eight states (North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont). This trail features every landscape, from the rugged shorelines of the three largest Great Lakes and glacial valleys with waterfalls to farmlands and prairies.

    The Ice Age Trail is a 1,000-mile footpath in Wisconsin. It follows the path that the glaciers carved through rocky terrain, prairies, and forests. Both of these trails offer something for everyone including hiking, picnicking, birding, and camping. The trails bring you to parks, towns, rivers, and lakes. The possibilities are endless of things to do and ways to get outside.

    Hear our combined interview with  Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Kate Lemon, Marketing + Communications Coordinator, with North Country Trail Association talking about both Regional National Scenic Trails. Both trails recently became part of the National Park system.

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

    Happy National Hiking Day! Make sure to get outside and escape into the beauty of nature. ❤️

    Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue

    We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol. 

    Meet Phyllis!

    Phyllis is a sassy senior! She is looking for that special someone who understands aging isn’t always easy, she may not feel the cutest and therefore needs plenty of alone time, lots of naps, and tons of good food and treats. I feel ya, Phyllis! 😉

    Phyllis would rather take short walks and have easy access to her food and potty. She prefers to sleep near you so she knows you’re sticking around and likes to be tucked in. Phyllis does snore (as any self respecting bulldog does) so earplugs may be necessary if she sleeps right next to you. She likes to talk and will tell you when she wants attention, when she is hungry, when she has to potty and most importantly when she needs to be tucked in. Squeaky toys are her favorite!

    She is part of their “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.

    If you think you are that special someone for Phyllis – visit her profile HERE and fill out an application.

    Things to Do in Minnesota

    Upcoming Local and Beyond Events:

    Here is our new Facebook group link! https://www.facebook.com/groups/804383574380433

    Let’s Explore Local Together!

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