2 States
3 Days
1,326 miles
24 hours and 40 minutes of driving
6 restaurants
4 bakeries
4 ice cream shops
A holiday weekend to revisit some places and fill in the map.
Saturday, September 1st, 2018
We've both been to Minneapolis several times.
Hell's Kitchen is one of my favorite breakfast places. Had to repeat their Toasted Sausage Bread and try their famous Lemon-Ricotta Hotcakes.
Aimee declared the Salted Caramel Donut from Angel Food Bakery the best food of the trip.
We went through the Warehouse District and took the Stone Arch Bridge (not pictured) to the other side of the Mississippi.
Have tried to get into Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown 3 times now. With no success. It was roasting hot and that line was at least an hour.
Matt's Bar is one of two places claiming to have invent the Jucy Lucy.
The interior is unchanged from the 1950s.
We declared it was above average, but would not make it on a favorite burger list.
Hadn't been to Mall of America in 20 years. And felt old realizing that...doesn't seem that long ago. We did contribute to the local economy with new threads. Despite her thwarting I almost got more shoes too. "STOP BUYING SHOES."
In St. Paul visited local chain Wuollet Bakery.
Then had dinner at Cafe Latte on Grand, a great street for shops and food.
Nearer downtown St. Paul we explored Cosetta's while I had gelato. This multi-level emporium has a cafeteria, bakery, gelato and market.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018
A downpour didn't stop us from revering Mickey's Diner.
The patina of dozens and dozens of diners I've visited across the country never fail to recharge my soul.
These made it on my best pancakes list in 2006.
After driving north for a few hours in remote areas we settled for lunch at an Indian casino. And I gambled a whole dollar.
Continuing north along Mille Lacs Lake.
Though I've been there, I wanted her to see Judy Garland's birthplace in Grand Rapids. "Who's Judy Garland?" It gave me a chance to pontificate on the early studio system.
Look who is Dorothy!
The small museum documents MGM's star of the 30s and 40s. I love the Andy Hardy/Mickey Rooney films done with Judy. "Hey kids! Let's put on a show!"
From The Wizard of Oz.
Mining country in NE Minnesota.
There is a great bakery in Virginia, but it was closed this late Sunday afternoon. If you go there get the potica.
Drove the winding roads always mesmerized by the beauty of America.
Stopped in remote Ely for some ice cream.
Drove the winding roads always mesmerized by the beauty of America.
Third time in Duluth.
It's a rustic city from the bluffs to where Minnesota and Wisconsin meet at Lake Superior.
And I hoped Aimee would like Canal Park.
It was very busy with the nice weather on this last weekend of summer.
Monday, September 3rd, 2018
Our Ashland, Wisconsin lodging's public areas tried to evoke the past.
Taking in the view of Lake Superior from the hotel veranda.
It was great to see Ashland's downtown with no vacant storefronts.
We headed north to Bayfield for a 2 hour and 15 minute Grand Tour of the Apostle Islands.
It was a beautiful day, throwing on a light fleece just to anticipate a chill on the open water.
My Main Squeeze in front of our boat.
The tour winded through the 21 Apostle Islands.
Heading back south we stopped in Washburn for bakery.
Everything was so green.
Chequamegon National Forest
Delta Diner has been on my to-go-list for a decade.
It's a 1940s Silk Diner with questionable origins.
It was burger Monday. They make their own buns that day and on Sundays grind the beef sourced from a butcher in Bayfield, season and allow the flavors to bloom overnight.
My Dad, brother and I spent summers in the Hayward area through the early to mid 80s. That's Pumpkin Ice Cream. Because always get the pumpkin flavor.
Been here, but wanted to get more Norse Nook pie in small Osseo. That is Raspberry Sour Cream.
