Despite the cancellation of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth, dog sled racing will still take place at the end of January – in Grand Marais, one of the state’s only snow-covered spots.

Before the first running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in 1978, there was the Gunflint Mail Run. On Monday, January 30 and Tuesday, January 31, 2012, locals plan to revive the race in Grand Marais – one of the only snow-covered spots in the state.

“When the Beargrease race was cancelled due to lack of snow, the mushers here were really disappointed,” said Jack Stone, owner of Grand Marais-based Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. “So the Cook County Dog Mushers and I started thinking: Why not invite the mushers north? We have snow and the conditions are great. So, we put the word out – and they can’t wait.”

The last time this happened was in 2007, when the Beargrease race was also canceled due to lack of snow. For this year’s version, Stone Harbor teamed up with The Landing at Devil Track, the Trail Center, the Cook County Dog Mushers, and the Cook County Ridge Riders snowmobile club to create the race route. It will include the opportunity to experience winter camping at Devil Track, similar to the Sawbill Winter Camping Village that would have taken place during the Beargrease event.

All of the Gunflint Mail Run events are timed to ensure that spectators and participants are still able to take part in the Beargrease-related events that have not been canceled. “It was important for us to make sure we aren’t taking anything away from that outstanding event, which we look forward to sponsoring every year,” said Stone. “We just want to give the mushers a chance to compete, since that is what they love – and what they have been training for.” According to Stone, almost all 16 of the available race spots were filled by mushers from Cook County within days of announcing the race.

The race will begin at approximately 4 pm on Monday, January 30, with an expected finish before noon on Tuesday, January 31. Mushers will travel from Devil Track up the Gunflint Trail, and then to the Trail Center, where they will have a five-hour layover. After that, they will make their way back down to Devil Track, for a total route of approximately 100 miles.

“Most people think there’s been nearly no snow in Minnesota this year, but there has been plenty of it up here on the Gunflint Trail,” said Sarah Hamilton, owner of the Trail Center. “We really enjoy being the turnaround point for the Beargrease each year, and are excited to hear that our musher friends will still be stopping by mid-race.”

Spectators are welcome to join in the festivities at the Trail Center, or at Devil Track. Winter camping at Devil Track will begin on Sunday evening and continue Monday night, with heated tents and other gear supplied by Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. There will purse and other prizes for racers to win, plus a whole lot of fun for racers and spectators alike. If the weather allows, snow kiting demos, Marquette ski demos, and other winter activities will also be available on site, courtesy of Stone Harbor.

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply is Northern Minnesota’s premier outdoor retailer, offering gear, tours, and rentals for all seasons. More information can be found at stoneharborws.com. The Landing offers fine dining at Devil Track Resort, a family-owned and operated resort located at Devil Track Lake in Grand Marais. More information can be found at deviltrackresort.com. The Trail Center has been a landmark on the Gunflint Trail since 1938. Originally built as a logging camp, it is now a full service restaurant, gas station, specialty foods, gift store, grocery shop, information center with cabins and a small motel. More information can be found at trailcenterlodge.com.

Note- on the way to Poplar Lake and upon the return from Trail Center musher will run along the road leading to Poplar Guesthouse B&B.

Contact: Jack Stone, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, 218-387-3136

]]> http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2012/01/mushers-move-north-and-bring-back-the-gunflint-mail-run/feed/ 0 http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2011/11/historic-bed-and-breakfast-inns-of-duluth-holiday-tour/ http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/2011/11/historic-bed-and-breakfast-inns-of-duluth-holiday-tour/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:31:56 +0000 agthomsonhouse http://www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org/blog/?p=1876 The Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns of Duluth are pleased to announce that all seven inns will be opening their doors this holiday season for a spectacular Holiday tour!

On Sunday, December 11th, 2011 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the Duluth Historic Bed & Breakfast Inns will be opening their doors to share their history and beauty, while adorned for the holiday season.  Each inn will offer visitors a unique and festive décor, along with holiday music and refreshments.

This year net proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.  Duluth’s B&Bs provide a unique dining experience to thousands of guests each year. This event will help provide meals to many of those less fortunate during the holiday season.

Duluth has some of the finest inns in the state of Minnesota, so seize this opportunity to experience the grandeur of the season! Indulge yourself in the historic and timeless beauty of Duluth’s elegant inns dressed in their season’s finest. Taste some wonderful treats while you take in the splendor of some of our city’s grandest homes.  Take pleasure and joy in this holiday season by gathering your friends, family, and co-workers for this unique event.

Tickets to view all seven inns are $25 in advance ($30 at the door).  Tickets are available by calling the A.G. Thomson House at 218-341-0140.

The popular Lanesboro Holiday Inn Tour is coming soon, and this year it comes with a special twist.  The Tour welcomes people to visit the Bed & Breakfasts and inns that have made Lanesboro the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.

Bed & Breakfast Decorated for the Holidays

This year the Tour will happen over two days: November 19th and 20th.  Six inns will be open on Saturday November 19ths and six more on Sunday the 20th.  Each inn will be decorated for the holidays and will offer a warm welcome to their special homes.   The Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub will also be serving Amuse Bouche (bite-sized appetizers) to all ticket holders as part of the tour.  Visit the inn tour web site to purchase tickests and see the inns participating in the tour.  The times of the tour each day are 2-6 p.m.

Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for a one-day visit, $35 for two days.

Guests who are staying at any of the sponsoring inns that weekend will receive half-price inn tour tickets.

Enjoy the charm of Lanesboro and the beauty of the decorated B&Bs as a way to begin your holiday festivities.   For more  information, call 800-944-2670 or 507-467-2696.  Tickets—which are limited—can be purchased online at or in-person at the Lanesboro Visitor Center in downtown Lanesboro.  Advanced ticket purchase is recommended.  Tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $30 for one day and $45 for two days.

Make your visit to Lanesboro complete by dining downtown and attending the holiday play “Parfumerie” at the Commonweal Theatre.  See you at the 3^rd Lanesboro Holiday Inn Tour!

Oct 7th & 8th  

STILLWATER HARVEST FEST AND GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF

Giant pumpkins, chili cook-off, pumpkin carvers, kid games, bake-offs, bluegrass music, a pumpkin drop and a pumpkin regatta on the river and more! In 2010, the 1,810 pumpkin won a Guinness Book World Record. FAMILY FUN! Lowell Park.

OCTOBER 7 -
· Street Dance, Food Vendors
· Minute to Win It Tournament 4:00 to 6:00 

 Parking lot next to the Water Street Inn

Scrapegoat Skin & Bones Trio
un-traditional acoustic

guitar, banjo, mandolin, vocals, bass & percussion
5:30PM-6:30PM 

Les Izmoore
funky – fun – rock ‘n roll

7:00PM-10:00PM

OCTOBER 8th – North Lowell Park

Food Vendors and Market Vendor start at 11:00

1. Harvest Market & Kids Activities: 11am-4pm
Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting, Art Activities, Cake Walk

2. Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off – 11AM-3PM

3. Cake & Pie Walk – 11:00AM – 12:00PM

4. Proclamation by Mayor Ken Harycki – 12:00PM

5. Kid’s Costume Parade – 12:00PM

6. Chili Cook-off Tasting – 12:00PM – 3:00PM

7. Micro Brew & Wine Tasting – 12:00PM-4:00PM

8. Live Music – 12:30PM – 4:00PM
Performed by the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra

9. Kid’s Tractor Pull – 12:00PM – 2:00PM

10. Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest – 2:00PM

11. Pumpkin Regatta – 2:00PM – We will be doing four heats this year

12. Giant Pumpkin Drop – 4:15PM

Sunday, October 9th, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Fall Colors Cruise and Dinner to Support the Lion’s Club
· Silent Auction/Raffle items
· Barbary Coast Dixieland Band Will Entertain During the Cruise
· Cost: $56 per person 

· Tickets for the tastings and Lions event http://www.stillwaterharvestfest.evenbrite.com

Learn more at:

http://harvestfeststillwater.com

 For information on these and other events visit

 www.discoverstillwater.com 

Melting the iron in the "furnace"

Pouring the iron into the molds

Then, throughout the afternoon, the hot molten iron will be poured into the molds and allowed to cool overnight.  The next morning at 10 a.m. will be the unveiling of molds, clean-up, and patina/surface work.  As soon as the crew turns the furnace blower off, at the last tap, the live music will start (around 6 or 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 9).  Molly Maher and Paul Bergen and their band will perform.

There are two free opportunities during the week of July 4 where folks can find out more about the iron sculpture process.  First, the public is welcome to come and watch “Open Studio” as lead artist Karl Unnasch works on the community medallions.  People can stop by the shelter at Sylvan Park anytime Monday, July 4 – Friday, July 8 between 12 – 4 p.m.  Also, in another free public event, theCommonweal Theatre Company will host Karl Unnasch in an Artist Talk on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. in their events hall.  This precedes the Commonweal’s performance of the “Little Shop of Horrors” performance at 7:30 p.m.; for tickets to the play, call 800-657-7025.

The public will have a chance to make their own 6” round Iron Plaque

Workshop participants making their own mold

in a workshop.  Workshop participants can choose from one of two sessions:  Thursday, July 7 from 5-7 p.m., or Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The workshop will be held at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro and is open to all ages.  Participants will carve a reverse relief design into a pre-made sand mold to prepare it for the iron pour (any imagery or text is possible, and tools & professional assistance will be available).  Finished works can be taken home on Sunday, July 10 at 10 a.m. — that will be the unveiling of molds, clean-up, and surface prep/patina finishing on the plaques (otherwise, participants may pick up their plaque at a later date at the Lanesboro Arts Center).  The workshop is $25 per mold, with registration in advance or day of each workshop.  Scholarships are available; call 507-467-2446 for more information or to register for the workshop.

The Lanesboro Arts Center serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development in providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages.  For more information: 507-467-2446 / info@lanesboroarts.org/www.lanesboroarts.org.

While visiting Lanesboro, stay in one of the MBBA member inns.  A stay at the Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast includes a just-baked loaf of bread delivered to your room followed by a hearty breakfast.  Our gardens are in full bloom with day lilies, honeysuckle, calla lilies, mullein, and many more.

Lanesboro offers plenty to do for a multi-day visit.  During the week is a great time to ride the Root River State Trail where you can enjoy the serenade of many birds that surround us.  Eagles cruise overhead riding the updraft of the currents that rise from the bluffs along the trail.  Kayaking and canoeing is available on the Root River every day.

2011 May Tree Planting Weekends
Gunflint Trail Green-Up

Join us for one of two Tree Planting weekends during the- Gunflint Green-Up

Gunflint Green Up – May 6-8. Over this weekend trees will be planted on the upper end of the Gunflint Trail and near the east end of the Banadad Ski Trail. Other events include dinners on Friday and a dinner/dance Saturday night in the Big Tent at Gunflint Lodge. Sign-up for lodging at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B- 800-322-8327.  To register for the dinners and other events go to registration fee.

The Banadad Trail Green Up- May 13-15. The Banadad Trail Association is sponsoring this weekends tree planting.  For the past four years the carbon produced by the equipment used to maintain and groom the Banadad Ski Trail has been sequestered in tree planting.  According to the Association- tree planting is our way to insure that the maintenance and grooming of the trail remains carbon neutral.

If you would like help in the tree planting, give us a call at 218-388-4487. The Banadad Tree Planting is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 14. Meet at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse, 11 Poplar Creek Drive. Tools and supervision provided.

During both Green-Up weekends lodging is available at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Cabins. Included are Barbara’s famous breakfasts, tree-planting instruction, and planting equipment and tree seedlings. One day planting trees with a trail lunch. Also included during your stay, Ted will make a presentation on the area’s “Fire history, and Reforestation.” Rate for two nights is $89/person/plus taxes, double occupancy.  If you need overnight accommodations, go lodging or call 800-388-4487

March 6: Tim Spitzak, editor & publisher of the “St. Paul Voice” has written a book called The Messenger. Spitzak, who holds a B.A. in journalism from UW – River Falls, and has been in the journalism business for over 20 years, says of his book, “It tells the story of a young journalist, John Jenkins, as a dull obituary assignment opens his eyes to just how remarkable a small town life can be… It’s about a guy whose life is transformed by the life of another… I wanted to write something about a real human experience… Community journalism has always been a passion for me… Everyone has a story to tell.”

Bill Wittenbreer, Public Service Librarian at Augsburg College and scholar of 19th Century Art in Minnesota has written a chapter in The State We’re in: Reflections on Minnesota History. Wittenbreer’s chapter is about how people in early Minnesota made predictions about the future. The predictions are interesting and sometimes humorous. Bill Wittenbreer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in history and holds a M.A. in history from St. Cloud State University and a M.A. in library science from Dominican University. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Minnesota Museum of American Art and is the author of several articles on Minnesota painting and painters.

April 10: Gunda Davis, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, tells her story in Pumpkin Soup and Shrapnel – Growing up Under the Third Reich. She studied at the Universities of Berlin and Heidelberg and West Virginia Institute of Technology. She is an avid gardener and volunteers in community service, especially for the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Quad City Times says of Gunda’s book, “In clear, concise prose rich with detail, Gunda Davis writes of the conditions that spawned the rise of Hitler, the hold that he had on people and the pain and suffering that his dictatorship ultimately brought. The riveting narrative takes readers into Davis’ comfortable, cultured world as it turns into hell marked by gas mask drills, bombings, starvation and frequent moves to escape the chaos.”

Eric Dregni, Assistant Professor of English at Concordia University, St. Paul, and a Fulbright Scholar to Norway has told of his adventures in his book, In Cod We Trust. In this cross- cultural memoir, Dregni tells the hair-raising, hilarious, and sometimes poignant stories of his family’s yearlong Norwegian experiment. Among the exploits he details are staying warm in a remote grass-roofed hytte (hut), surviving a dinner of fermented fish thanks to 80 – proof aquavit, and identifying his great grandfather’s house in the Lusterfjord only to find out it had been crushed by a boulder and then swept away by a river.

May 15: Cindy Thury Smith and Shirley Dalaska have spent countless hours doing research on their just-published book, Civil War Veterans: Hastings, MN: A Documented List with Selected Biographies. Hastings at the Mississippi River was the point of embarkation for thousands of Minnesota men who enlisted in the Union Army. These men were sometimes mere children who insisted on becoming drummer boys while others were professional people who left wives and children back home so that they could fight for a cause that was a passion for them. There are fascinating, warm, and sometimes heart-wrenching biographies composed by other historians from Hastings. All these stories put the Civil War into perspective and add such human interest to one of the nastiest wars of all time.

David P. Page is Chair of the Journalism Department at Inver Hills Community College and possesses an impressive and extensive knowledge on the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. He will speak and do a power point presentation on Fitzgerald and the Civil War. He has co-authored The St. Paul Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald and F. Scott Fitzgerald in Minnesota. Mr. Page comes to us with a rich background in teaching at all grade levels and with Masters’ Degrees of Arts in the Professional Writing Program from the University of Minnesota and in public Affairs from the University of Iowa. His presentation at the LeDuc Historic Estate is co-sponsored by the Hastings/Prescott Area Arts Council.

The LeDuc Historic Estate is owned by the City of Hastings and managed by Dakota County Historical Society along with help from a local group called Friends of LeDuc.
Classic Rosewood Inn in Hastings is a member of the Friends and would like to encourage attendance at these events by offering a 20% discount for guests staying at the inn either the Saturday night before the event or the Sunday eve of the event. Just mention Authors’ Sunday at the LeDuc when making your reservation.

When you travel on snowshoes, you travel the way humans have for thousands of years. Historians believe people developed snowshoes in Asia, perhaps imitating the broad, thickly furred paws of animals such as lynx and snowshoe hares. One recent guest at Classic Rosewood Inn described their snowshoe adventure at Afton State Park like walking on clouds in fluffy slippers. Snow shoe rental is available at the park for $6 but it is a good idea to call ahead and reserve. Another adventure that is avaialable even in winter at the park is a four stage geocache adventure with GPS units provided. It is a good idea to call ahead for the use of the GPS units as well especially if planning on coming out on a weekday.  Winter Wonderland packages are available with R & R after S & S (snowshoeing or skiing) at nearby Classic Rosewood Inn and Spa with an insuite massage and soup supper for only $120 in addition to the room price.  

R & R at Classic Rosewood

A helpful guide to Minnesota State Park Trails is available by calling 651-296-6157 or emailing  info.dnr@state.mn.us. Combining trail adventures with a B & B in Minnesota is a natural way to enjoy the state. Minnesota innkeepers are quick to share the best trails for hiking, x-country skiing &snowshoeing.Visit this MBBA website under Find Lodging and scan down to trail information.