March 2015

What’s going on in our neck of the woods? Lots – but we have limited space so we’ll let you in on the news that we found interesting.

Western Duluth Ignored No More

Look for the area around Casket Quarry to get a major facelift over the next couple of years. Duluth City leaders are planning on revitalizing the area to include outdoor recreation projects.

"It's a big vision," Duluth Mayor Don Ness told Minnesota Public Radio’s Dan Kraker. "It's a very optimistic vision in a part of town that hasn't necessarily embraced this sort of thing in the past."

The aim is to make Duluth more appealing to new residents and, thus, the city’s tax base. "The outdoor recreation tied to the natural beauty of our area is the selling point,” Ness told

Whether you are looking to have a wedding, corporate or private party, you know location is key. Finding the perfect venue is very important. The Glensheen Estate offers many accommodations for these types of events. The Glensheen Estate is located on 7 acres that feature gardens, bridges, and a 39 room mansion.

The History of the Estate

Chester and Clara Congdon built this famous mansion between 1905 and 1908. In 1979 the mansion was donated to the University of Minnesota, and over 100 years later, the mansion still features items left by the family.

If you are looking for a beautiful place to have your wedding, corporate or private party, Glensheen Estates offers many different options to choose from. With six different areas that

Taking a helicopter tour is a fun and exciting way to explore the area you are visiting providing beautiful photos and a memorable tour. Lake Superior Helicopters is dedicated to showing you all the most popular sights the area around Lake Superior provides.

Aerial Tour

The Aerial Tour takes you on a thrilling fifteen mile journey through the sky showing you all of the popular views just around Duluth and Superior. Your aerial tour will take you over the Duluth/Superior Harbor giving you a stunning view of the Enger Tower and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

North Shore Tour

The North Shore Tour is an exhilarating thirty mile flight starting over the Duluth and Superior coal and ore docks and then flying over the Fraser dry docks. Next stop will be

When it comes to real estate, what is considered a “deal” isn’t necessarily a low-priced home. Even luxury homes can be considered bargains, if they’re priced attractively for their amenities.

Pick up this Duluth home and put it on a lakeshore in Minneapolis and you could easily ask for $1 million or more. It’s a beauty and the views alone are worth the price.

First, the basics. This home features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, 1 half bathroom and two ¾ bathrooms in 1,920 square feet of living space. The floor plan is extremely open – very loft-like.

Beyond the basics you’ll find teak and slate floors underfoot, high-end countertops, custom built-ins, a soaking tub, steam shower and sauna. Save on your power bills with triple-glazed windows and

Lake Superior Art Glass offers a torch-work glass studio that locals have come to enjoy. This studio offers just what the art enthusiast needs whether you’re an expert or just intrigued in art.

There are over 60 artists that showcase their art in the studio and some of the exhibits you can enjoy include fused, stained and torch-worked. This has become a go-to gallery for locals for years to take enjoyment in glass pieces.

Classes

In addition, this studio offers classes that allow you to learn how to do glass art. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced options available and you can even rent studio time to practice. In addition, you can purchase some of the art and tools or other supplies.

Glass Art Made on the Spot

Locals come

For the train enthusiast, NorthShore Scenic Railroad can be a great experience. Come see how history comes to life as several trains depart on a daily basis taking you on a trip from the Duluth Union Depot through Canal Park and along Lake Superior’s shore. Travel deep into the north woods and with fully narrated tours you can learn about the history of Duluth as well as the many stories of the railroad.

If you are looking for something the entire family can enjoy, this is a great choice as there is a Day Out with Thomas which is great for the little ones. Take a ride in their favorite train engine and even meet Sir Tophamm Hatt. Children love trains and this can be a great way to take the family for a fun afternoon day.

Daily Excursions

Some

The Minnesota Ballet was started back in 1965 in Duluth. At the time it was started ballet had become a very popular thing within the area with a few dance recitals and other performances throughout the area. It was originally started with a budget of only $1,000 and has grown many times over since.

By the early 1980s, the ballet had hired a full-time artistic director and had seven professional dancers with a budget of $175,000 per year. However, from 1982 to 1983, the ballet struggled, but was revived in 1983 with the hiring of Gernot Petzold and six professional dancers. The community has continued to sustain the ballet and it will celebrate the 50th anniversary during the 2015 - 2016 season.

The School

Along with plenty of regular

Homes in our seaport city of Duluth offer a broad range of architectural styles and, like the city itself, stunning locations. From peaceful and secluded wooded sites to those on or with a view of the splendor of Lake Superior, our city offers a plethora of choices.

This week we take a look at what we consider three of the most spectacular luxury homes on the Duluth real estate market right now. We’ll sure you’ll agree – there’s a lot to love about each one.

Bristol Wood Estates

The first word that will come to mind when you drive up the heated driveway to this Kenwood neighborhood home is “stately.” That driveway, by the way, has a dedicated heating system.

Step inside, onto the heated, gleaming wood floors though to find the real gems of

Living in Duluth, Minnesota with children provides a variety of places to go together. Whether they are old enough to go to school or still under the school ages, you can find plenty of fun things to do with your kids. Here are a few of the top Duluth attractions for children.

The Duluth Children's Museum

Get a little bit of education, while having plenty of fun with the interactive exhibits at The Duluth Children's Museum. This museum has been inspiring kids for more than 80 years and provides plenty of fun. Your little ones can enjoy the dinosaur dig, the balls and ramps and many other creative exhibits.

Lake Superior Zoo

Of course, the kids will love going to the zoo and the Lake Superior Zoo is a great choice for younger children. You

If you’re looking for an awesome way to spend the weekend in Duluth that involves appreciating nature, there are several great options. The Great Lakes Aquarium is North America’s only all freshwater aquariums that you can check out 70 different species of fish, birds and otters.

You can tour the Lake Superior Zoo to see over 400 animals, visit the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium or even check out the Canal Park for waterfront activity. Here is a look at the perfect nature-lover’s itinerary in Duluth.

Canal Park – Duluth

Canal Park is the perfect place to watch seagulls soaring while you stroll around the park. The waterfront is beautiful and there is a nearby sculpture garden. If you stand on the pier you can see huge boats that come and go