Stories

Destination Duluth
Photographer Profile Series

Adam Bjornberg - Bjornberg Photography
Creating Plenty of Buzz with his Captivating Local Images

Photographer Adam Bjornberg was auspiciously gifted a last name that perfectly encapsulates his interests. In Swedish, Bjorn translates to bear, and berg means mountain.

As an outdoor and maritime photographer, bears and mountains – among other muses – provide great inspiration for Bjornberg. He has capitalized on this good fortune by incorporating both a bear and a mountain into the logo for his business – Bjornberg Photography.

Adam Bjornberg Photography

Despite being relatively new to photography, Bjornberg’s captivating images – including maritime and shipping activity, along with outdoor landscapes - are creating a lot of buzz. He has already won awards, enjoyed a month-long exhibition at a Minnesota state park, and had several photos selected for publication.

“It’s been a wild couple of years,” he noted. “And, it all fell into place once I moved to Duluth. That really sparked my passion for photography.”

Childhood

Bjornberg grew up in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, and graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 2011. The eldest of four siblings, he enjoyed ice hockey, baseball, and golf in his youth. The family spent plenty of time together in Duluth during Bjornberg’s ice hockey tournaments.

He first became interested in photography in his youth. “I took a couple of photography classes in high school, and got to work with film in the dark room,” he explained. “But at that time, I didn’t have a lot of money to invest in photography.”

Thankfully, Bjornberg later learned that taking successful photos is more about having talent and a good eye than owning expensive equipment.

Photo by Adam Bjornberg.

Bjornberg attended the University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental geography with an emphasis in geographic information systems (GIS). Bjornberg also met his fiancée, Kennedy Fenster, while the two were students at UND.

Moving to Duluth

In February 2019, Bjornberg was hired at SkySkopes, a Geospatial service provider. As a remote sensing project lead, he plans flights and receives and processes data captured by drone and helicopter pilots.

Both Bjornberg and Fenster have always loved Duluth and had long considered moving here. She is originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, but, like Bjornberg, also made childhood trips here. And, during college, the couple enjoyed several short getaways to Duluth.

Fortunately, Bjornberg works remotely and was able to make the leap. And, Fenster soon landed a job at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, as an Office Administrator. The couple moved here in December 2019.

“We’re both really outdoorsy people,” he noted. “We’ve taken five-day backcountry trips in Montana, and Duluth was like a stepping point – it feels like a small-scale mountain town. I’ve always had an interest in being by the water, and love the nautical, lake feel.”

Photo by Adam Bjnornberg

Photography

Getting back into photography was initially a way for Bjornberg to make new friends. “It was hard to meet people here,” he said. “We moved here during COVID, and I work remotely.”

He began by taking some basic images, using basic equipment. “It all started with my iPhone, taking pictures and videos and posting them on my personal Facebook page. I was fascinated with the shipping industry and joined the Lake Superior Ports and Shipping Facebook group.

“I continued sharing my work and people commented, saying they liked my eye for photography,” he added. “That led me to buy my first camera and lens – a Canon 6D camera, and a 70-200mm lens.

“Eventually, I found people who tagged Duluth on social media,” he noted. “I asked them to join in for photo shoots and now I have friends who are photographers of all age groups.”

Photo by Adam Bjornberg.

Accolades

Interestingly, despite only having a couple of years of experience, Bjornberg has already found much success. His photos have over 2 million views on Destination Duluth’s Facebook page. He sells his photos on SmugMug. His 2023 Ships on Lake Superior can be purchased here. A local business – Harbor Rail Pub, Loft & Events, in Two Harbors – has several of his images on display.

Bjornberg was invited to display his images for a month-long exhibition at Split Rock Lighthouse in August 2022, and his photos were also available for purchase at the gift shop. Four of his photos were selected for publication in the 2023 calendar for the Interlake Steamship Company. And he took 1^st and 3^rd place in a photo contest for the 2021 Great Lakes Seaway Partnership.

He's also had the opportunity to be a part of some really fun gigs, thanks to the connections he’s made from photography. “Last year I was asked to join ice-breaking operations around the harbor on board the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Hollyhock,” he explained. “I also got to be a part of welcoming Resko, the first saltie (ocean-going) vessel of the year. This entailed going onboard, meeting some of the crew, and seeing the loading operations of grain. I was privileged in documenting the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul commissioning ceremony.

Bjornberg aboard the USS Minneapolis St Paul. Photo by David Schauer

“With this, I was involved in media day, and got to tour the brand-new Navy warship as well as attend the ceremony as a photographer,” he added. “Lastly, I was asked if I wanted to capture the first cruise ship arrival in 13 years this summer, from the aerial lift bridge [with the bridge operator]. All of these experiences have been from my photography, and ones that I will surely not forget!”

Viking Octantis entering the Duluth port. Photo by Adam Bjornberg

Not too shabby for less than two years of experience, and is mainly self-taught.

Bjornberg insists it’s more about having a good eye than having the fanciest tools. “I want other photographers to know that you don’t have to go out and buy the latest and greatest equipment,” he shared. “I bought two refurbished pieces of equipment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be a good photographer.”

Favorite Spots

Bjornberg has already established several of his favorite local hotspots for taking photos. “My niche is the maritime industry and ships, and I really like the arrivals, departures, and what’s happening behind the scenes,” he said. “There are a couple of public locations throughout the harbor that have public access, but I will also cross the harbor for a shot, or take a photo from up above on the hillside.”

When it comes to his outdoor images, Bjornberg prefers the Gunflint Trail for wildlife, and Palisade Head and Boulder Lake for capturing the aurora borealis. Most of his favorite spots, however, are in Duluth, Superior, and Two Harbors.

Crashing waves of November 10, 2022 storm. Photo by Adam Bjnornberg

Personal

Bjornberg and Fenster live in the Lincoln Park neighborhood with their two Golden Retrievers, Ollie and Calvin. The couple are eagerly making plans for their wedding, and dream of purchasing a home of their own someday. They are also excited to share that they are expecting a baby, due in February 2023.

Bjornberg also enjoys hockey (a life-long interest), skiing, and mountain biking. Together, the couple enjoys doing beach and spring cleanups. “I will often just pick up trash by the beach and water. I try my best to make it a better place,” he noted.

Adam Bjornberg and his fiance Kennedy Fenster are expecting a baby in February. Submitted photo.

Reflections on Duluth

Looking ahead, Bjornberg loves his job and wants to continue growing within his current company. He also wants to focus on his photography. The couple plan to make Duluth their permanent home.

Reflecting on life as a “transplant,” he said, “Duluth does an extremely good job of hosting events, at any time throughout the year. There wasn’t a whole lot to do outside of the college-hosted events in Grand Forks. We enjoy Bentleyville, the ice festival in Superior, the DECC’s winter village, and of course, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking. There is almost too much to choose from.”

To check out more of Adam Bjornberg’s photography, please visit Bjornberg Photography Smugmug Page and the Bjornberg Photography Facebook Page.

The Boat Club Restaurant
Fantastic Food, Service, Ambiance and Entertainment
On the Sparkling Shores of Lake Superior

The Boat Club Restaurant, located in the lower level of Duluth’s historic Fitger’s Brewery Complex, is a nautically simplistic space inspired by the amazing view of Lake Superior right out the dining room windows, and the rich Duluth boating and shipping history.

Submitted photo.

Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson began their restaurant journey in July 2014 when they purchased the Vanilla Bean Restaurant in Two Harbors. Over the years, the two made significant improvements to the restaurant, establishing it as a North Shore destination for locals and tourists.

In February 2018, they opened their second location of Vanilla Bean Restaurant in the Mount Royal Shopping Center in Duluth.  “We often say Vanilla Bean is an upscale diner - we prepare great, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch entrees in a clean, comfortable environment,” Vincent noted.

In January 2017, Vincent and Anderson also acquired the former Midi Restaurant space inside Fitger’s and created their latest brand – The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar.

Jeff Anderson and Jason Vincent,  Co-owners of The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar. Submitted photo.

“Jeff and I had heard the previous restaurant, Midi, would be closing in Fitger’s, and the owner was looking for someone to take over her lease and buy her out of her inventory. We had always loved dining at that restaurant, and thought we could really bring a great, unique restaurant concept to Fitger's that tied in perfectly with the space,” Vincent said.

He added, “We are one of the only restaurants in Duluth focusing our menu offerings on fresh fish and seafood, along with high-end, hand-cut steaks and unique pasta dishes. We love being the restaurant you choose to celebrate life's special occasions or take family, friends, or colleagues to showcase the best of what Duluth has to offer.”

Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner daily, they have an extensive menu with something for everyone. Their breakfast menu includes eggs, breakfast meats, salmon, hash browns, home-fried potatoes, fruit, pancakes, omelets, skillets, crepes, a few varieties of Eggs Benedict, and more.

For lunch, diners can select from an equally wide menu, including Boat Club’s signature clam chowder, salads, crab cakes, wraps, tacos, lobster BLTs, walleye, chicken and burgers.

Crabby Benny at The Boat Club. Photo from their Facebook page.

The dinner menu starts with a great selection of appetizers, soup, and salads, and entrees focusing on surf and turf with seafood linguine, lobster primavera, and other seafood options including walleye, salmon, halibut, sea scallops, king crab, sautéed shrimp, coconut shrimp and grilled lobster tail. Their juicy and delectable steak offerings include  New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Ribeye and Steak Tip Alfredo.

The Boat Club’s drink menu includes an impressive list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hand-crafted cocktails and craft beers. They have Happy Hour daily from 4pm-6pm.

When the weather allows, they also have outdoor seating with an even more closeup view of Lake Superior. The Boat Club was an Open Table Diners’ Choice for 2022 and a Traveler’s Choice on Tripadvisor. They also host special events and banquets for parties, conferences, wedding receptions and more.

In addition to the restaurant, as part of their lease agreement, Anderson and Vincent manage the Spirit of the North Theatre on the third floor and determine what programming takes place there and in the next-door August Fitger Room.

“We thought it would be great for our community to have another local, professional theatre company, so we began Boat Club Productions,” said Vincent. “The charm of the Spirit of the North Theatre is its size, as it's only 144 seats, and you feel fully immersed in the theatrical experience.”

He noted, “We had a wonderful first full season of productions in the Spirit of the North Theatre. We opened the season with “Tuesdays with Morrie,” a touching, intimate production that really took audiences on an emotional journey. We followed that up with “Nunsense, A Musical Comedy,” our first musical production since Boat Club Productions began. We had a tremendous show, with great audience reviews.”

Nunsense, A Musical Comedy at the Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger's

Vincent explained, “We will wrap up the 2022 season with “A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol,” (December 9-18), a hilarious spoof on the Charles Dickens’ classic set in a rural Minnesota bar haunted by the ghost of Christmas past. All of our productions have exceeded our expectations for attendance, and we hope to continue growing upon them as the word spreads.”

Boat Club offers a family holiday experience with “Breakfast with Santa” on December 10, 11, 17 and 18. Tickets are available online at Breakfast With Santa

Boat Club Productions also features monthly Stand-Up Comedy in the Fitger's Comedy Lounge in the August Fitger Room, with appearances from professional comedians from across the nation.

Stand-up comedy is offered at the Fitger's Comedy Lounge.

“We are planning our first-ever Boat Club Productions Gala in the August Fitger Room and Spirit of the North Theatre on Saturday, January 21,” said Vincent.  “All proceeds will benefit our theatrical performances, including production team and actor salaries, theatre upgrades and production expenses.”

Vincent concluded, “Fitger’s has old-world charm and sophistication, which fits perfectly with our restaurant. We are so proud to help elevate the experience for guests when they visit Fitger's and The Boat Club Restaurant. Our productions are an extension of that experience. We are giving our guests not only a fantastic dining experience at The Boat Club, but an opportunity to sit back and take their mind off the stress of daily life with a top-notch theatrical production.”

For more info and reservations, visit their Facebook page, their website at boatclubrestaurant.com or call (218) 727-4880.

Bentleyville is open nightly (including holidays) from November 19 - December 26. 

More than 50% of the displays are new for 2022, including the gigantic "Grand Castle" entrance

The Bentleyville tour of lights has been an amazing triumph for Duluth.

The annual, walk-through holiday light display - featuring over five million lights, live characters, refreshments, and a large variety of themed displays - typically welcomes an astonishing 300,000+ visitors per year. While many are local residents, others come from far and wide to visit Bentleyville. In fact, Visit Duluth estimates that the event provides between $21-22 million in annual economic impact.

But, beyond the astounding influx of tourism and cash for the local economy, Bentleyville is also doing great things for the community. Each year, the event collects and distributes thousands of pounds of food, and thousands of children’s toys, for the less fortunate. Nineteen years after its inception, Bentleyville remains free to the public, as it has since day one. Bentleyville has free admission for all guests, as well as free hot cocoa & coffee, free cookies, free freshly popped popcorn, free marshmallows to roast, and free visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus!

“As long as I’m at the helm, it will always be free,” said founder/creator/namesake, Nathan Bentley. “That’s part of the uniqueness of it all. A lot of people don’t have extra disposable income – especially at that time of year.”

Please Note: Parking is $10 per vehicle near the attraction, but if you're willing to hike a little, free street parking is available downtown after 5:30 pm.

Nathan Bentley

Nathan Bentley, the founder, mastermind and "Mayor of Bentleyville." Photo submitted.

Nathan Bentley is first and foremost a businessman. He has owned Advantage Emblem, a screen printing and embroidery business, since the age of 18.

But he also has a heart of gold and enjoys doing acts of service to help others. In addition to creating and maintaining Bentleyville, he spends four months of every year in Laos. Here, he helps renovate schools and installs infrastructure like roads and lighting.

Bentley and his wife, Tricia, have been married for 32 years, and have four adult kids: Aryanah (28), Austin (26), Abbey (24), and Alex (22). The family has also grown to include a grandson, Zion (2). The Bentley family also includes three “Doodle” dogs: a Sheepadoodle, a Goldendoodle, and a Mini Bernedoodle.

A 1000' ship navigates under the Aerial Lift Bridge passing by Bentleyville. - Photo by Dennis O'Hara.

History

Bentley explained a little about how Bentleyville began. “It was a complete accident,” he noted with a chuckle. “It wasn’t built on purpose. I was just trying to put up more lights than my neighbor had.”

The holiday display celebrated its first year at the Bentley family home in Esko, in 2001. When the family moved to Cloquet, Bentleyville did, too. It remained there for the next four years.

As the number of lights and displays grew, people took notice. “One of my employees facetiously called it ‘Bentleyville,’ as a jab. Kind of like Whoville,” Bentley explained.

Bentley leaned into the joke, and ultimately embraced it. He put up a Bentleyville banner, and added apple cider and cookies - and the people just kept coming.

“Eventually, people started putting $1s and $5s under the Christmas tree I had by my shed to help contribute,” Bentley said. “I like to say it was organically grown.”

The Giant Castle entrance seen in this photo is being replaced this year with a new 74' wide x 24' tall entrance. Photo by Dennis O'Hara.

A Big Move

In 2008, former Duluth mayor Don Ness approached Bentley about relocating the display to Bayfront Festival Park. Bentley’s response? “Sure, we’ll try it.”

The event took a year off in 2009, while Bentleyville and City leadership focused on planning for the future. Power, infrastructure, and parking, among other topics, had to be figured out.

The event roared back, bigger than ever, in 2010 and now is America's largest free walk-through holiday display.

Budget

Bentleyville has come a long way from its modest beginnings in Esko. The event now has an annual budget of $800,000, which includes:

• $200,000 for new lights and displays
• $60,000 for stocking caps, which are free for children
• $45,000 for cookies, hot cocoa, and popcorn, which are free for guests, at the Cookie House
• $15,000 for restroom facilities
• $8,000 for cookies given out by Santa
• $9,000 for power bills

Other significant expenses include snow removal, equipment rentals, zip ties, trucking costs, insurance, costumes, and infrastructure.

Bentley noted that as part of the agreement for the move, the City of Duluth pays for Bentleyville’s power bills. Bentley unfortunately gets some flak from the community about this expense. His response? “That money comes from tourism, and it’s a very small portion of our budget. We spend more in zip ties than we do on the power bill.”

Funding

Bentleyville is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity; as such, funding comes from a variety of sources.

Bell Bank, along with a variety of other corporate sponsors, helps pay the bills. There are also annual fundraising events, like the Chip in Fore Bentleyville golf scramble and a candy bar sale. Funding is rounded out by donations, parking lot revenue (parking in a nearby lot costs $10), and retail revenue from the Bentleyville gift shop.

For those who want to contribute, financial donations are always welcomed and accepted. People are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for kids and teens. These items are donated to, and distributed by, the Salvation Army, and shared with seven regional locations.

There are free cookies, cocoa, popcorn and marshmallows for roasting over the fire pits. In addition, children 10 and under who visit Santa will receive a free stocking cap. Photo by Dennis O'Hara

Volunteers NEEDED!

It takes a giant team to host Bentleyville every year. Volunteers are needed nightly for the Marshmallow Hut, Popcorn Box, Fire Pits, Cookie House and Greeters. Learn more about volunteering and sign up by clicking here

At the top of the volunteer list is Nathan Bentley who is is accompanied by his long-time assistant, Tim Rogentine.

Volunteers also include an 11-person Executive Board of Directors, who meet monthly to discuss budgets, contracts, and other high-level items. The Operations Committee (also called “Red Coat Staff”) consists of 30 people who coordinate all details, and work as hands-on decision makers for the event.

There is a 7-person sewing group, who make costumes for the live characters at Bentleyville, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, penguins, snowmen, and more.

A group of four welding volunteers provide the welding and repairs for all the steel and aluminum displays. The Ironworkers Local #512 also volunteer to handle the set-up and take-down of displays and the enormous metal Christmas tree every year.

And, a local artist, Barry Pirkola, creates drawings and renderings of new displays every year. Bentley sends these drawings to his contacts in Southeast Asia, where the new displays are manufactured.

The Aerial Lift Bridge is the backdrop of many displays at Bentleyville. Photo by Dennis O'Hara

What’s New?

This year will bring some exciting new changes to Bentleyville. “This will be the first year that between 50-60% of our displays are new,” Bentley said. “We really wanted to do an overhaul.”

A huge, new gift shop will be added this year, too, with plenty of Bentleyville merch available for purchase. Previously, the gift shop was 800 square feet; this year, it will be 4,000 square feet.

And, the grand entrance castle display is being replaced this year. It is a custom-made, 72’ long, 24’ high behemoth, welcoming guests to Bentleyville.

With next year being a milestone anniversary, big changes are coming to 2023, too. “We try to make things fresh for photo opportunities every year,” Bentley said. “But with next year being our 20^th anniversary, we have big plans.”

Special Memories

Over the years, Bentley has witnessed some amazing memories being made. “People have had their first date there and gotten engaged there,” he shared.

“Couples have even gotten married there,” he added. “In fact, we host between 3-4 weddings a year.

“People also name their kids and dogs after Bentleyville! It’s really fun that the next generation is also bringing their kids. I enjoy seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, and just watching them have a good time.”

Schedule

Bentleyville Tour of Lights opens Saturday, November 19^th, and runs through Monday, December 26^th. The event is open from 5-9 PM Sundays - Thursdays, and 5-10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

There will be fireworks on opening night, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are planning to continue their annual tradition of skydiving in to kick things off.

For more information, go to BentleyvilleUSA.org

Brothers Michael and Rober Lillegard of Duluth’s Best Bread
The Unlikeliest of Bakers

According to famed chef James Beard, “Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.”

Duluth’s Best Bread decidedly makes daily “feasts” for their legions of enthusiastic customers at both their locations: Lincoln Park at 2632 W 3rd St. and their new Downtown Duluth HART Location at 120 E Superior St.

Robert and Michael Lillegard, owners of Duluth’s Best Bread, never anticipated that their choice of unlikely careers would lead them down a path filled with loaves of crusty bread, crispy baguettes, buttery croissants, and a multitude of delectably sweet treats.

Robert and Michael Lillegard, owners of Duluth's Best Bread. –Submitted photo.

Older brother Robert said jokingly, “We pride ourselves on being overeducated for jobs.” He was a humanities major who went on to be a successful food writer for the New York Times and other publications.

Micheal has a masters degree in mathematics. And while he has ended up using math frequently in the bakery biz, he never planned to spend his days kneading bread, twisting giant pretzels into shape, and running a couple of very successful bakeries with his brother.

Serendipity struck when Robert and Micheal took a trip to New York City with their parents. Falling in love with the city’s wood-fired pizza, they decided they must try to duplicate it at home by building their own backyard pizza oven.

They discovered that after their oven cooled from the 800 degrees required to make the pizza, they had enough heat left to bake bread as well.

Michael used his math skills, cookbooks, and ingenuity, and after test trials of 2,000 loaves, he found the best recipe for his bread, and what eventually turned into the foundational product for Duluth’s Best Bread.

“Michael started making bread and got really good at it. I write about food, and decided this would be a great business for us to do together,” Robert explained.

Duluth Best Bread’s method is to make each loaf by hand, the traditional way with a lengthy recipe and a process that takes five hours. Made with just flour, water, salt and wild yeast, it is then cold fermented three days to develop flavor. Baking it at high heat and high moisture in an imported French bread oven develops their legendary crust and a dense, chewy interior.

A loaf of Duluth's Best Bread. –Facebook page photo.

Their humble retail beginnings involved a card table and hawking their wares at farmer’s markets. Along the way, they did popups, a stint at the Endion Station in Canal Park and selling one day a week in Lincoln Park. “We kept expanding our hours and numbers of days of the week and would sell out. We kept hearing, ‘Are you the bakery brothers who are never open?’” So, they started on their way to becoming a Lincoln Park favorite. And this August, adding their downtown location has brought an even wider group of fans into their circle of devotees.

Another way they have gotten the word out about their products is through their monthly subscription boxes. According to their website, the subscription boxes are a way to “become a taste tester and get new treats and breads before anyone else . . . allowing patrons to try our very best new products every month and offer their opinions.”

The Lillegards' sister, Kathryn Nichols, with one of the popular Taste Tester Boxes. –Submitted photo.

Each month features a different fun theme with subscribers able to order the breads  box, the treats box or a combination of both. Some popular themes have included holiday, romance, childhood, Minnesota, Wisconsin, French and German boxes.

Their incredibly popular cheese curd bread, now on their regular menu, came from their subscription box “State Fair” theme. It is described on the Facebook page as “Crusty on the outside with chewy curds on the inside; this evokes the mouthfeel of a fried curd without all the heaviness. It’s already halfway to grilled cheese, so toast it up and try it with butter . . . or slap on some ham and ranch dressing for the ultimate Minnesota sandwich.”

Their sweet treats are becoming legendary as well. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune referred to their pecan caramel rolls as the “best breakfast ever.” Their list of fun new flavors of the breads and treats they keep adding seem endless including Cool Ranch Doritos Sourdough, Cocoa Pebbles Brownies, Kraft Mac and Cheese Sourdough, Funfetti Oreos, and Pizza Roll Danishes.

Duluth's Best Bread Pecan Caramel Roll. –Facebook page photo.

Recently, their beloved “Uber Big Fat German Pretzels” went from one pound to when Michael, on a lark, made a one-time 17-pound pretzel for Octoberfest. The pretzels and many of their other products are available at wholesale locations, bars, restaurants and grocery stores.

The 17-pound pretzel. –Facebook photo.

Splitting the duties with both wearing many hats, the brothers have managed to keep a sense of humor and to keep their family lives important too.

Duluth’s Best Bread has become a real family affair with the brothers’ wives and even their kids often pitching in to help. Robert and his wife Alicia have three daughters, a seven-month old baby, a pre-schooler, and a second-grader; Michael and his wife have a one-year-old daughter.

Michael and Christine Lillegard

Robert and Alicia Lillegard family. Submitted photo.

Their children have come been regulars at the shops, starting when they were babies. “The kids love the bakeries,” said Robert. “They love the bread; we have even used small pieces of baguette for teething.”

With their success and a second location, they have grown from eight employees to eighteen, including four full-time night bakers. Michael noted, “I am most proud of the people we have hired. We work hard to be good bosses to our employees, to pay them well and treat them well. It is a happy and positive work environment.”

Angel greets customers at the new location at 120 E Superior St. –Facebook photo.

The brothers say that their mission is “to bake incredible products,” and their reason is because “they delight people.” They also often donate the extra food they have left over to food shelves and homeless shelters.

The Duluth’s Best Bread Facebook page demonstrates Robert’s gift for sarcastic and comic writing and is worth a visit not only for what new products they are featuring, but also for the humor. A few of his one-liners: “There are many good bakeries in Duluth, but we are the loudest and most obnoxious” and “Duluth’s Best Bread: We Keep The Butter Industry In Business.”

Both locations are open Tuesday-Saturday  6 am to 1 pm. For more information, visit their website at duluthsbestbread.com

Dan Hanger – Local News Anchor Shares his Duluth Story

For well-known local news anchor Dan Hanger, Duluth hasn’t always been home. He moved to the Twin Ports from Chicago in 2006, after landing a job at local NBC affiliate KBJR-6. He’s been captivated with the area ever since.

“I drove up for my interview at KBJR, and at that time, all I knew was the big city and the suburbs of Chicago,” he said. “I saw Duluth’s huge hills and the lake, and I said, ‘Oh my God; what did I get myself into?’ I had pictured some cornfield, and thought it would be a dinky little place.”

Ultimately, the Twin Ports grew on him, and Hanger decided to make his home here. “I thought I’d only be here for 6 months,” he said. “And now I’m at the point where I might stay forever. Quality of life is huge here. There’s no traffic, and Duluth has everything, for the most part, a big city has to offer.”

Growing up in Chicago

Hanger grew up in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb 20 minutes outside of Chicago. His father, Jim Hanger, worked as a firefighter and police officer. His mother, Charissee Caputo, worked for the local parks and recreation department. Hanger has one sibling; a younger sister, Krystle (36).

Hanger’s self-professed obsession with the TV news industry started early in life. “It started out with weather,” he explained. “I’ve always been fascinated with storms. I begged my dad for tornado-chasing videos.”

But as he continued watching local news, he became interested in everything the industry had to offer, including lighting, set design, logos, music, and on-air talent. At age 12, he boldly e-mailed local NBC news affiliate WMAQ-TV, with critiques on their newscast, and advice on how to improve.

The woman who replied to that e-mail, Diana Borri, was impressed with Hanger’s chutzpah. Years later, Borri helped hire him, and she remains his professional mentor to this day.

Hanger eventually got the opportunity to tour the news station, and saw all the people he had admired for years, up close and personal. “It was like Disneyland to me – no joke,” he said.

Ultimately, Hanger decided to pursue broadcast journalism and earned a degree from Columbia College Chicago in 2005.

Younger years in journalism

Over the years, Hanger has held several roles in the industry. He was first hired as an unpaid web intern at CBS-2/WBBM TV in Chicago. Later, Borri helped hire him as a “web hub editor” at WMAQ, where he stayed through his junior and senior years of college. And, he loved every minute of it. “I was obsessed,” he said. “I just loved being in the newsroom.”

After college graduation, Hanger posted his résumé on the website tvjobs.com, and was pleased to land job interviews in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Duluth, Minnesota.  After his interview at KBJR, he “got an offer on the spot,” and moved to Superior in 2006.

While at KBJR, Hanger was first a “one-man band,” where he handled the reporting, photography, writing, and editing of his news stories. He was promoted to news anchor in 2007.

In 2007 Hanger was promoted to news anchor at KBJR. Submitted photo.

But the days were long, Hanger was young, and he was having perhaps a bit too much fun going out with his new friends. One day he overslept; a cardinal sin for a morning news anchor.

After two years, he was let go from KBJR. Hanger, flooded with shame and embarrassment, wondered what to do next.

He worked on some freelance projects for a time, followed by a sales and marketing job at Townsquare Media. He even sold cars at Miller Hill Subaru. “I sold a used car to my friend, and definitely sold less than five total,” he said with a chuckle. “After a while, though, I asked myself, ‘What am I doing with my life?’”

FOX-21

Hanger dreamed of getting back into the news business. Ultimately, he got his chance; a reporter position opened up at FOX-21/KQDS-TV. He was hired in 2010 and became an anchor in 2011.

With hard work, dedication, and deep gratitude for second chances, Hanger has continued moving up the ladder at the station. Today, he holds the prestigious three-prong title of anchor/reporter/producer and loves his work. Hanger also speaks highly of his boss, news director Steve Goodspeed, as well as his longtime news director before that, Dan Clouse.

“I’m so interested in stuff,” he said. “I want to get the truth for people. I feel I’m fair and upfront, and having built connections and trust, I can get stories done fast. I want to make an impact.”

Hanger also firmly believes that his honesty and authenticity help him connect with his audience. “People are so genuine here,” he noted. “They aren’t about showing off.”

Viewers can catch Hanger anchoring the FOX-21 evening newscasts on weekdays, at 5:30 and 9:00 pm.

Submitted photo.

Awards and Volunteering

Throughout his career, Hanger has received three Eric Sevareid awards for excellence in journalism; in 2011, 2017, and 2019. Giving back to the community is also important to him.

Hanger regularly volunteers his time as an emcee for a variety of charitable events, including the Animal Allies Fur Ball, the Duluth Art Institute’s Masquerade Gala, and the Northern Lights Foundation’s Children’s Charity Gala.

He has also done plenty of volunteer fundraising for Duluth’s Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics athletes. His efforts have produced a fruitful $14,664 for the cause since 2012.

Hanger has participated numerous times in the  "Duluth Polar Plunge"

Hanger also served as Grand Marshall for the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival in 2015, along with his FOX-21 colleague and then co-anchor, Diane Alexander. Hanger, who is gay, said, “I don’t really like labels, but I feel it’s important for me to use my voice whenever I can to help the LGBTQ community.”

Personal Life

Hanger currently lives in Superior with his beloved dog, Brewster, a 12-year-old terrier/boxer mix he adopted from the Hibbing Humane Society. The two first became acquainted while Hanger was on assignment.

Brewster riding with Hanger in a side-by-side. Submitted photo.

Hanger is also a big fan of the local art/music/theater scene and enjoys cooking and brewery culture. He holds surprisingly high regard for Duluth’s pizza options; an impressive compliment from a Chicago native.

“I’m shocked at how many places here have authentic pizza,” he said. “I love Sammy’s, Vitta Pizza, Pizza Luce, and Thirsty Pagan. Every time my Chicago friends come up, I take them out for pizza.”

Hanger, who is currently single, has always felt that his lifestyle has been accepted in the Twin Ports. “In Duluth, I felt like you really needed to … keep your tie straight … back in 2006,” he said. “But if you look at Duluth today, you can be open anywhere and everywhere. I thought I’d be the only gay person when I came here in 2006. But Duluth is a really progressive city for its size.”

Dan Hanger with friends at an event at Bayfront Festival Park. Submitted Photo.

Hanger’s future goals include paying off debt, purchasing a home of his own (with a yard), and traveling. He also wants to spend more time with his niece, Maci, and nephew, Cole.

Home

Despite growing up in Chicago, with everything the big city life has to offer, Hanger has planted roots in the Twin Ports.

“Duluth is home to me,” he said. “Going back to Chicago doesn’t feel like home anymore. After all, I’ve grown up here. I’ve made my mistakes here. And, I’ve found myself here.”

The magnificently restored NorShor Theatre re-opened on February 1, 2018. Photo by Dennis O'Hara.

Another Opening, Another Show

It was 1914 when a small group of women gathered around the dining room table at the home of Mrs. Frank Parker to discuss the possibility of starting a drama group in Duluth. They became a chapter of the National Drama League and called their organization “The Little Theater.”

Meeting at first in homes, they later acquired the former Christian Science church building at Ninth Avenue East and First Street. Dressing rooms were in the basement on a cold, damp earth floor; the auditorium was heated by a wood and coal stove that had to be well stoked before performances.

The Little Theatre of Duluth began its historic journey with the American première of Bernard Shaw’s “Dark Lady of the Sonnets.” In the 1930's, the organization was renamed the Duluth Playhouse and is now one of the oldest continuing community theaters in the country.

For over a century, through fires, World Wars, decline and growth in the city of Duluth and different stages in a variety of buildings, the Duluth Playhouse has entered a new era. After 45 years of being housed at the St. Louis County Depot, the Duluth Playhouse had its last show at the venue in August. They are now in their permanent home in the exquisite theatrical gem, the beautifully renovated NorShor in downtown Duluth's Historic Arts and Theatre District (HART).

Like the Playhouse, the NorShor has also had a storied history that traces its beginnings back to the Grand Opera House, built at the location in 1883. The 1,000-seat Opera House also housed a library and was home to the local Kitchi Gammi Club. Sadly, the Opera House was destroyed by a fire in 1889.

Over the years, the rebuilt Norshor became home to vaudeville performers, silent films, and the “talkies.” While it had several renovations over the years, it deteriorated gradually, and in the mid-2000s was in serious disrepair.

With some unsuccessful changes of ownership and a variety of attempts to bring in entertainment, some serious discussions happened about even tearing the building down.

Then, through the Duluth Economic Development Authority, state bonding bills, private funding and donations, the Duluth Playhouse took ownership. After 19 months of renovation, the beautifully restored theatre was reopened on February 1, 2018.

The New Norshor, with the glory of its Art Deco past restored, is now the hub of the HART district. The Duluth Playhouse Main Stage shows moved from the Depot to the expansive stage and the six-hundred-seat venue at the Norshor. They began presenting new seasons of sparkling theatrical entertainment in their new home to the delight of area audiences.

This year, the Playhouse successfully kicked off its 2022-23 season with the Broadway Musical “Once.” Wes Drummond, the Playhouse Executive Director, said,  “I am excited about everything that comes with our new season. The lineup of shows is incredible. Already, the reaction to our first production of ‘Once’ has been huge.”

The Duluth Playhouse Executive Director Wes Drummond.

Drummond stated, “The NorShor speaks for itself. What an incredible venue to call home. We can all agree that the building is stunning. For me, however, it is less about the building and more about the people, the community and the art that is being created on the NorShor stage.”

“Duluth has such incredible talent. I am continually blown away by the artists that show up to audition to be in our shows. But it's not only about the actors on stage. The local musicians, designers, technicians, stage crew all bring their best to every production,” Drummond noted. “Our community is full of professional artists who are ready to put in the work to bring high-quality live theatrical experiences to the Twin Ports.”

Changes this year at the Playhouse have included moving all their shows and programs at the Depot to the Norshor and to Zeitgeist across the street. According to Drummond, leaving the Depot allows the Playhouse freedom and the ability to continue to build momentum. “Operating solely from the HART District already feels right and allows us to further support the other businesses in the area,” he explained.

The NorShor Theatre is now the Duluth Playhouse Mainstage. Submitted photo.

The Youth Theatre and The Duluth Playhouse School of Performing Arts have also all moved to the Norshor Theatre facility. In addition, The Underground series will now be produced at Zeitgeist in the Teatro Performing Arts Theater at 222 East Superior Street.

“This season, we have repriced the NorShor Theatre so that tickets are available at a broader price range. Our front row is now available for $30. We also have student rush, senior discounts and group rates,” Drummond explained. “We are continually taking steps to remove barriers so that everyone can attend a Playhouse production.”

He said that making the Playhouse affordable is also echoed in their classes and education programming where need-based scholarships are available. His message to the community is that if anyone wants to get involved with the Playhouse, they should reach out. “We would not be able to do what we do without our fantastic team of volunteers,” he added.

Drummond is excited about directing “Little Women, the Musical”  this season. He stated, “I have always loved this show and think it is the perfect musical to have at the NorShor for the holidays. I've always been obsessed with these characters and this story. The music of this production is stunning. It soars.”

“It's been a tough 2 1/2 years for arts organizations but it's clear that Duluth will do what it takes to have accessible and affordable high-quality live theatre available to our community. The support that the Duluth Playhouse receives from our community is unmatched,” Drummond concluded.

The 2022-23 Duluth Playhouse Main Stage Season (Performances at the NorShor)

“Little Women”  December 2-18, 2022

“Glass Menagerie”  February 3-12. 2023

“Into the Woods”  March 17-April 2, 2023

“Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-Time”  May 26-June 4

“Kinky Boots”  July 14-30, 2023

2022-23 Underground Season (Performances at Zeitgeist)

“Rocky Horror Picture Show”  October 27-30, 2022

“A Doll’s House Part 2”  February 23-March 5, 2023

“Mr. Burns:, A Post-Electric Play”  April 13-23

“What She Said: New Play Festival”  May 11-13

2022-23 Youth Theatre Season (Performances at the NorShor)

“The Sponge Bob Musical” October 21-23, 2022

“Tuck Everlasting” April 28-30, 2023

“Disney’s Newsies Jr.” June 23-25, 2023

“The Addams Family” August 11-13, 2023

For tickets, (individual shows and season) call 218-733-7555 or visit boxoffice@duluthplayhouse.org

To sign up for email updates, audition information, classes for youth, teens, and adults, and gift certificates, visit duluthplayhouse.org

Mike and Jen’s Cocoa
Turning Sips Into Smiles
One cup at a time

Once upon a time in the beautiful northern city of Duluth, Minnesota, there lived a little girl named Jen who loved to play outside, even in the snowiest and coldest of weather. Every day, when she came inside, she wanted a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Her dad Dean would go to the cupboard and bring out a can of a well-known big-brand cocoa mix to make hot chocolate for Jen and her brother Mike.

One wintry day, he happened to look at the label of ingredients on the back of the cocoa can. “Dipotassium Phosphate? Acesulfame? Polysorbate? What are all these chemicals that I am serving to my children?” he said.

He exclaimed to Mike and Jen, “What if we make our own cocoa mix, and make it the best cocoa in the entire world?”

“Yay!” the Packingham siblings replied.

And the rest is history . . .

Born and raised in Duluth, Dean Packingham was a long-time meteorologist at the Duluth National Weather Service. In 2012, the scientist in him kicked in as he set off on his quest to make cocoa for his kids, and he started ordering 65 varieties of cocoa powders from all over the world.

Amanda Cunningham and Dean Packingham, co-owners of Mike and Jen's Cocoa

“I spent a year of my life, becoming the ‘mad scientist’ of cocoa mix. We discovered that all cocoa powders are not created equal. We did, however, find one from Italy that we loved that had been made for over 170 years,” Dean explained.

After much experimentation, taste testing and refining of the recipe, they landed on their special blend of Mike and Jen’s Cocoa, combining whole milk powder, pure cane sugar, confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder and sea salt.

They started sharing it with friends and Dean’s colleagues at the National Weather Service, and everyone loved it and wanted more.

Starting with six bags, and working out of several area kitchens, with sales to local shops, restaurants and stores, the business took off. From experimenting in their own kitchen, to now ten years later, Mike and Jen’s Cocoa’s popularity has exploded.

Dean brought his best friend Amanda Cunningham on board in 2016 after she retired from the Weather Service. Dean also retired from the Weather Service in 2017 so that he and Amanda could both concentrate entirely on the business.

Amanda is now co-owner of Mike and Jen’s as well. Amanda and Dean share responsibilities equally for Mike and Jen’s Cocoa, splitting the duties between them, with Amanda more of the numbers person, and running more of the business side. “Dean is the face of the company, and I do anything I can to help make it all work,” she said. “We have great fun working together as we continue to branch out more.”

Dean, Jen and Mike Packingham and Amanda Cunningham. Photo submitted.

Dean added, “I am so proud of what we have accomplished as a family in my hometown. And Amanda has made all the difference in us being able to grow. Although we made this cocoa with my kids in mind, drinking it makes us all kids again.”

“We are very proud to be a Duluth-based business,” said Amanda. “The community has been so loyal to us, and we love how the city works together to encourage people to shop locally.”

Crafted in Duluth, Mike and Jen's have made Duluth the "Hot cocoa capital of the world."

“We are a strong regional brand in the Dakotas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota currently,” said Dean.

It is easy “to get your mittens on” Mike and Jen’s Cocoa at over 800 locations and growing, including Costco, Target, Cash Wise, Lund’s, Byerlys, Hy-Vee, Meijer, and at hotels, restaurants and gifts shops throughout the region. Find a list at mikeandjens.com/cocoa-finder. It’s also sold on Amazon where Prime members get free shipping. Customers can also buy online at the Mike and Jen’s website (mikeandjens.com). The cocoa comes in a variety of sizes including bulk packaging and single serve.

Mike and Jen’s was in the top 10 of all food items sold at the Duluth Costco last year. Their mix is now sold in 13 Minnesota Costcos.

Locally, Mike and Jen’s is served at the DECC and Amsoil Arena for all events, and on the menu at the New London Cafe, Vanilla Bean (both locations) and at 190 Coffee. Over 40 local retail outlets, hotels and gift shops also sell their packaged cocoa.

Their website features recipes to make with the mix, including peppermint hot chocolate, frozen cocoa pops, and Mexican cocoa. It is also great in place of creamer in coffee for a delicious mocha.

Mike and Jen’s has even gone international. They are selling their “muy deliciosa” (very delicious) mix in Mexico, the third largest consumer of cocoa in the world.

Selling Mike and Jen's cocoa in Mexico. Submitted photo.

Jen is now in college at UMD majoring in business and Mike is in graduate school at Hamline working on a teaching degree.

Jen and Mike Packingham today. Submitted photo.

Dean has done his best to keep his promise to his kids to make the best cocoa in the world. He is also proud to say that because of Mike and Jen’s, Duluth is indeed “the cocoa capital of the world.”

Duluth Cider patio. Submitted photo.

Duluth Cider - “Superior to the Core”

The people have spoken. And they have unequivocally shared a strong preference for consuming locally-sourced products and ingredients.

As such, craft beverages have been all the rage in recent years. Breweries and distilleries have joined the popular ranks of wineries and continue to pop up all across the U.S.

Another rapidly-growing option? Cideries!

Today, we share the compelling story of Duluth Cider, a locally owned and operated cidery/taproom that opened right here in Duluth in 2018. Its catchy tagline, “Superior to the Core,” demonstrates both a dedication to quality and deep roots near Lake Superior.

Cider

While apple cider is a beverage to be enjoyed by all ages, hard cider - containing alcohol – provides next-level apple-y refreshment. It is true that the beverage has gained popularity in recent years; however, cider is actually a drink that originated in ancient times.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, “Until relatively recent history, apples weren’t for eating. In fact, they were often too bitter to just munch on. Instead, for thousands of years, people would press them for the juice and leave it to ferment, letting it bubble away until it turned into boozy hard cider.” [1]

Duluth Cider

Duluth Cider, located at 2307 West Superior Street, is owned by Jake and Valerie Scott. The business celebrated its grand opening in November 2018 and has been going gangbusters ever since.

Jake and Valerie Scott, founders and owners of Duluth Cider. Photo submitted.

“We’re in a country where breweries are king, but there is a rich tradition of cideries, too,” Jake Scott shared. “We offer ciders ranging from sweet to dry, along with traditional ciders, experimental, fruited ciders, and even hopped cider.”

The business strongly favors using local ingredients. “Minnesota is known for its apple varieties, and the University of Minnesota is such a trailblazer in the apple world,” Jake said. “We source our juice from the Great Lakes area, mostly from Minnesota and Bayfield, Wisconsin.”

Jake shared a bit about Duluth Cider’s output thus far. “Last year, we sold 60,000 gallons, and we are on track to finish this year well above that number,” he said. “But our goal isn’t volume, but a Superior product. We want to continue making really good cider and bringing the community together in our taproom.”

Why Cider?

Valerie Scott is originally from Chaska, Minnesota, while Jake hails from the Brainerd area. The couple met while attending college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and got married in 2013.

Jake explained their mutual interest in cider. “Before we got together, we both had an interest in beer and brewing beer, and Valerie was also interested in wine and wine-making. We made beer together for our wedding. We both enjoy it and enjoy doing it together.”

During a temporary move to Massachusetts, Valerie got a job with Far from the Tree Cider, based in Salem. “After that, our hobby of making beer became a passion for cider,” Jake said.

The couple later spent some time backpacking across Europe to learn the craft. “Some of the best cider makers in the world are in France, Switzerland, Italy, and the UK,” Jake shared. “We wanted to learn how they do things and learn about the culture and global traditions of cider.”

The Scotts worked on the logistics of their cidery – including a business plan, location, and financing – for about two years before making the leap.

Venue

When 2307 West Superior Street became available, the couple knew it was the right venue for their cidery. “It was built in 1919, and originally used as stables for the U.S. Postal Service’s horses,” Jake said.

“It has barn-like ceilings, and original brick walls,” he added. “But the brick was covered with several layers of thick paint. We scraped and stripped it down ourselves. It took hundreds of hours.”

Ultimately, all that hard work paid off. “Duluth Cider offers warm tones, low lighting, and a place where people can just sit down and feel cozy. Knowing Duluth, sometimes you just need a cozy, warm place,” Jake noted.

Duluth Cider’s logo is a creatively rendered blend of hops and an apple. “Our logo brings together tradition and innovation,” Jake shared. “Among other choices, we have hopped ciders on tap. We love expanding people’s perceptions of what ciders can be.”

Cider

As of this writing, Duluth Cider currently has 16 varietals on tap. This includes Gitch – a semi-sweet cider; Trailside – a strawberry-basil flavored, semi-sweet cider; and Las Lajas – a coffee-infused sweet cider, which is infused with coffee from Duluth Coffee Company. The rotation is always changing, so customers are encouraged to watch Duluth Cider’s website and social media pages for updates.

Glensheen Gold, a cider created in partnership with Glensheen Mansion, where apples are harvested from the grounds, will also be available at the end of October.

Ingredients

Duluth Cider orders fresh-pressed apple juice - in quantities of 6,000 gallons per order - to make their cider. Erickson Orchard, based in Bayfield, Wisconsin, has been one of the cidery's closest orchard partners since opening in 2018.

“We contact the orchard and order a blend of juice,” Jake shared. “It is unpasteurized, unprocessed, and unfiltered. Then, the fermentation is done here at Duluth Cider.”

The apple juice varietals are typically a blend/mixture of either crab apples or dessert apples, including SweeTango (introduced in 2009 when horticulturalists from the University of Minnesota bred a Honeycrisp with a Zestar), McIntosh, and Pazazz.

Customers can purchase cider by the pint, flight, pitcher, crowler, growler, and can. A “cider finder” on Duluth Cider’s website can point patrons to liquor stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota that carry their products.

Photo from the Duluth Cider Facebook page.

Staff

Duluth Cider employs about 20 people. This includes bartenders, packaging assistants, administrative roles (including HR and marketing), and assistant cider makers. Christian Junes is the head cider maker, and Tara Norstegard serves as the taproom manager.

Jake Scott handles sales and marketing, events, and outreach. Valerie Scott handles production, HR-related tasks, and financials for the business.

“We’re a pretty small, hardworking team, and we take pride in what we do,” Jake shared.

Events and Merch

Duluth Cider offers a variety of fun, on-site events. There are two stages (one indoor; one on the patio) for live music. Every Monday there is trivia. Tuesdays offer Bingo Taco Tuesdays, where free bingo is available and the Oasis Del Norte food truck is parked outside.

The Big, Bad Apple Bash, an annual anniversary celebration, will be held on October 15^th. A special cider featuring community-donated apples will be available.

Duluth Cider also has an on-site gift shop. Patrons can pick up items like hoodies, flannels, hats, t-shirts, and dog toys.

Awards

In just four years in business, Duluth Cider has picked up many awards, including the Star Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Minnesota Cidery in both 2021 and 2022.

The Las Lajas Coffee Cider earned the 2019 U.S. Open Cider Championship Gold Medal, and the Greenstone Hopped Cider won the same award in 2020.

And, in 2022, Duluth Cider earned the Glint Cap Award’s gold medal for the Trailside Strawberry Basil.

Personal

The Scotts have many other interests beyond cider. The couple, who live in Duluth’s Hunter’s Park neighborhood, have an Australian Shepherd pup named Archie, and two cats – Nixon and Luna. Nixon falls under the umbrella of an “adventure cat,” and has joined the Scotts on many outdoor expeditions.

Additionally, Jake is a musician, and Valerie is a rock climber. They both enjoy hiking – particularly on the Superior Hiking Trail - and traveling.

Rewarding

For the Scotts, owning a cidery is a satisfying endeavor. And being in Duluth is the icing on the cake.

“The most rewarding thing to me is introducing people to the world of cider,” Jake shared. “I remember the first time I tried a really good craft cider – which was in Salem, Massachusetts. I said to myself, ‘There’s a whole world here that I knew nothing about.’”

Despite this synchronistic occurrence on the East Coast, however, Duluth will always be home for Jake and Valerie.

“When we were in Massachusetts, we’d sit by the ocean and say, ‘Man, I miss Lake Superior; I miss Duluth. We felt we needed to get home. Duluth is a huge part of our hearts, and it always will be.”

[1] The Ancient Origins of Apple Cider | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine

For more on Duluth Cider go to their website, follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @duluthcider. Click below to learn more from their YouTube page

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh’s Journey to Duluth and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh. Submitted photo.

Starting a new business is no easy feat. And, if the entrepreneur is an immigrant, the challenges can quickly multiply. In addition to hard work and dedication, success can require things like learning a new language, picking up new customs and traditions, and, if you’re in Duluth, adjusting to some pretty extreme temperatures.

Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh (her last name is pronounced like “anymore” without the R) emigrated to the United States from Nigeria as a young adult. Today, she is the owner and president of a successful business - Lifestone Health Care Assisted Living.

While she has earned plenty of personal and professional success, there have also been some obstacles to overcome. For instance, Dr. Enemuoh shared one of the humorous ways she practiced her English as a new immigrant.

“I already spoke English when I came to the U.S., but I had trouble understanding anyone else because people spoke really fast,” she said.

“So, I watched a lot of Judge Judy to practice hearing and understanding English. A couple of weeks later, I could understand everything!”

Education

Upon moving to the U.S., Enemuoh and her family of origin settled in Madison, Wisconsin. She later moved to the Twin Ports after meeting her husband, Dr. Emmanuel Enemuoh, who is a full professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Interestingly, Emmanuel is also a Nigerian immigrant.

Enemuoh has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UW-Platteville, a bachelor’s of nursing degree from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS), and a doctor of nursing practice degree, also from CSS. Additionally, she remains board-certified as an advanced practice registered nurse - in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Lifestone

Enemuoh founded Lifestone Health Care Assisted Living in 2014. It was originally located in Duluth’s Piedmont neighborhood but moved to Proctor in 2016 when a convenient, one-level facility became available.

Lifestone Health Care Assisted Living. Submitted photo.

Lifestone’s motto is “Genuine care for all people,” and its values include being reliable, respectful, and rock-solid. Lifestone is unique in that it is home to only 10 clients – all requiring a high degree of specialized support.

“The most rewarding thing to me is transforming the lives of people who come in during periods of instability,” Enemuoh shared. “They’re looking for a good place to help them stabilize to improve their health. People tell me they’ll wait in line to come here.”

The library at Lifestone Health Care Assisted Living. Submitted photo.

Staff

Among others, Lifestone’s staff roster includes Chiamaka Enemuoh as president and Emmanuel Enemuoh as vice-president – both of whom are also certified as licensed assisted living directors. “Everyone is short-staffed right now, but on our best days, we have between 12 and 15 employees,” Enemuoh shared. “We have a program manager, an administrative assistant, an activities coordinator, and several caregivers, who are either CNAs or PCAs.

“You can’t run a business by yourself, and I want to thank both my present and past employees,” she added. “I also want to acknowledge my husband’s love and support.”

Civic Duties and Volunteer Work

In addition to owning and operating her business, Enemuoh maintains a variety of personal and professional affiliations. She is a member of the Duluth Chamber Board of Directors and its Executive Board. She is the Vice-Chair of both Fuse Duluth and Leadership Duluth – two additional Chamber organizations.

Enemuoh is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Alliance through the Entrepreneur Fund. Most recently, she became a member of the Entrepreneur Fund’s Stride Committee, where she provides mentorship for other minority business owners. She is also a member of the Duluth Workforce Development Board of Directors.

She noted that, while there aren’t many other Nigerians in the Twin Ports that she is aware of, Duluth is home to a significant African population. Enemuoh belongs to a group called African Sisters Duluth, an African women’s organization.

Enemuoh and her family are also deeply involved with their church – St. Benedict Catholic Church. “Our church community is very important to us,” she noted.

Family and Hobbies

Chiamaka and Emmanuel have two teenage children, a daughter, Adaeze, and a son, Ezechukwu (“Eze”). The family also includes a tank of freshwater fish called Cichlids. The Enemuoh family makes their home in the Duluth Heights neighborhood.

In her spare time, Enemuoh enjoys music, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her eclectic musical tastes span everything from Nigerian music to Beyoncé. “Good music is good music,” she said simply.

She and her family return to Nigeria as often as possible. They also enjoy traveling to other international and domestic locales.

Drs. Chiamaka and Emmanuel, daughter Adaeze and son Eze - wearing Nigerian outfits. Submitted photo.

From Nigeria to Duluth

As one could imagine, moving from Nigeria to Duluth, Minnesota, was a bit of a culture shock. Enemuoh explained some of the significant differences between the two places.

“The relationships are somewhat surprising here,” she explained. “You could be neighbors with someone and not even know it. In Nigeria, you would know the whole neighborhood.

“Also, I had never heard the word depression, and loneliness isn’t really an issue there. In Nigeria, you don’t have time to be alone, and people just have different worries.”

Despite the differences, Enemuoh has found a happy home in Duluth. “Duluth offers a very small community feeling,” she said. “I’m not a big city type of person, and I really like the peace and quiet. It’s a good place to live. You can get to work, and anywhere else, quickly, and there are some really good people here. It’s also a good place to raise kids”

Enemuoh family - Drs. Chiamaka and Emmanuel, daughter Adaeze and son Eze. Submitted photo.

Goals and Dreams

Dr. Enemuoh has some notable goals and dreams she is working toward, both personally and professionally. “I want to have a sustainable business that runs efficiently, is profitable, provides quality service, and where I am able to take care of my employees,” she said.

“And personally, I am working on my work-life balance. It’s a struggle sometimes for entrepreneurs. Mostly, I just want to enjoy life with my family and friends.”

“Tuning Up” at the DSSO For the 2022-23 Season

The excitement of attending a live Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) concert begins when the orchestra starts tuning up for the performance to follow and when Music Director Dirk Meyer raises his baton and the musical magic begins. Since 1931, when the DSSO was organized, they have been getting “in tune” and envisioning what they see as “a stronger community through the power of music and musician artistry.”

For their 2022-23 season and their 92nd year, the theme of the concerts is Lake Superior, “Gitche Gumee: Our Superior Home.” According to DSSO Executive Director Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, “We are honoring the lake this season through our visual  designs, and you can see the lakeshore and waves with every concert.”

The theme of the 2022-23 DSSO season is “Gitche Gumee: Our Superior Home.” –Submitted photo.

This 2022-23 season will perform seven Masterworks concerts and two Pops concerts. During this season, they will direct their focus to music by black composers. Five of their seven Masterworks concerts include compositions by black composers featuring an amazing variety of music.

From the contemporary voices of Adolphus Hailstork and Jessie Montgomery to the “classics” Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence Price and William Grant Still, these compositions promise to be full of life, energy and beauty.

“This year, the DSSO kicks off a three-year artistic initiative to celebrate the music that is heard all too seldom, music by composers of color, female composers and contemporary American voices,” explained VanWaeyenberghe “These are composers that might be less familiar, but they certainly have important things to say.”

DSSO Executive Director Brandon VanWaeyenberghe. -Submitted photo

To that end, 50 percent of the works across the seven Masterworks concerts will be first performed by the DSSO this season. They look forward to expanding the repertoire for both their musicians and their audiences.

DSSO Concertmaster Erin Aldridge is excited to perform a piece by Austrian composer Erich Korngold, one of the most influential film composers in the golden age of Hollywood cinema.  Aldridge’s teacher, who she studied with up until college and has worked with in many summer camps since, recommended the Korngold piece to her.

Erin Aldridge will perform a piece by Erich Korngo on September 24. -Submitted photo.

“I am a huge film score fan, and I was encouraged by my teacher who said it would be a great piece for me to perform, and to consider for a DSSO concert. I listened, loved it and studied it, and recommended it to Dirk Meyer. I am happy that the piece is in our opening concert this season.”

For their first pop concert on December 3, the DSSO is planning another festival holiday program that combines both traditional works and new tunes, with the DSSO chorus joining the orchestra for several songs and even leading the audience in a sing-a-long.  The DSSO will be partnering with the DECC and the Winter Village Marketing on December 3rd to encourage attendance to their 2 pm Casual Concerts.

The DSSO will have two Casual Concerts this Season - December 3 and February 25 at 2 pm followed by their full main performances at 7 pm

These hour-long concerts allow for a multigenerational audience to enjoy the concert experience in a family-friendly environment. Adult tickets are only $10 and children 17 and younger are free.

In February, audiences will enjoy the music of the most prolific film composer of our time: John Williams, including many of his classics, from “Superman” to “Star Wars”, but also rarities like his whirlwind “Cowboys Overture” and the jazzy Escapades based on music from “Catch Me If You Can.”

The Masterworks IV concert is on February 11, 2023. -Submitted photo.

VanWaeyenberghe noted, “The DSSO acknowledges the past three years have been difficult for so many people due to the regulations and protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The DSSO still exercises caution for its musicians and will encourage the same for audiences. We will not require masking at the start of the season but will continue to evaluate it with the help of medical officials.”

“One of the most visible adjustments we are making in the 2022-23 season is changing our ticket prices and map. We understand that price can be a barrier to participation, and we want to encourage our community to fill the hall to celebrate their neighbors onstage. This change adds 280 $20 seats into the hall, with most of them on the main floor. We have also simplified and reduced single ticket pricing for our Price Levels Two through Four,  he said.

He added, “We also advertised a promotion for first-time subscribers this summer.  This "9 for $90" program is an amazing deal - all nine concerts for $90.  To date, we have added 335 new subscribers with this package, bringing us to over 1,000 subscribers before our first concert. We have been able to completely erase the subscriber loss from the pandemic, and then some!

“For those who do feel they do not know anything about classical music, I would encourage them to attend a concert and just experience live music being performed by their neighbors, who are such talented musicians,” said VanWaeyenberghe.

According to their website, “The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra evokes a mix between the beautiful consistency of classically trained musicians with an accessible experience for new and returning guests. Throughout your experience, you will notice the dedication of the musicians as they complement one another, weaving through a mix of delicate and powerful tempos. The power of music connects us all, and we are excited to welcome you to the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra!”

For more information or to purchase season tickets or tickets to an individual concert, call 218-623-DSSO (3776) or visit their website at dsso.com for a complete list of all 9 concerts.

Ursa Minor Brewing patio. Photo by Holly Mattison.  

Ursa Minor Brewing - Craft Beer On Tap and Much More!

A local brewery that is all about people, Ursa Minor is a happening place for food, fun, friends and family. Small-batch craft beer is served up in their taproom with wood-fired pizza. Some amenities include a year-round pet-friendly patio, live music every weekend and regular taproom events and games.

The inspiration behind the name was the North Star, found in the Ursa Minor constellation. CEO and Founder Ben Hugus says that craft beer is their “guiding light,” leading them into the ever-growing craft beer community. They even take their logo from the constellation’s “small bear” with a long tail.

Ursa Minor CEO and Founder Ben Hugus. Photo by Holly Mattison

Their website notes, “Our mission at Ursa Minor Brewing is to unite people through incredible craft beer and give people genuine experiences, meaningful connections, and a chance to give back to the community around them.”

On Tap

Hugus said he had dreamed of opening a brewery for a long time. “I started brewing when I was in college when I began experimenting with my own home brews.”

After graduating, he became a math, science and chemistry teacher. “I was still fascinated with the fermentation process and how yeast turns into something amazing. I have always seen that beer brings people together, better than any other beverage, and how a place to gather and enjoy good beer could be a community magnet.”

After moving to Duluth from Marquette, Michigan, Ben searched for a space and the financing needed to open his own brewery. Finding a “home” in the Lincoln Park Craft District, he opened Ursa Minor in September of 2018. He and his family, wife Sarah, and three young children call the Northland home now as well.

Ursa Minor Brewing taproom. –Photo by Holly Mattison

“There is a real entrepreneurial spirit in Lincoln Park. We feel very welcome and supported by our neighbors here,” Hugus noted.

Obstacles of the pandemic hitting and then a fire closed them down briefly, but they forged ahead and now are one of the most popular places in Lincoln Park.

Ursa Minor offers 18-22 varieties of their beer on tap at any given time, with a style and flavor to suit every taste in the categories of hoppy, sour, dark and light. “We promise to find a beer that you will like. Our diversity is our strength,” Hugus said.

When asked to choose his favorite beer, he said, “That is like picking my favorite child! I think every beer has a time and place to be enjoyed.”

Photo by Holly Mattison.

For non-alcoholic beverages, they have a rotating tap of Duluth Kombucha, Uffda Kombucha, Northern Soda Co. Root Beer, and non-alcoholic cream ale, as well as 12- ounce cans of Superior Switchel.

Ursa Minor also sells their beers all over Wisconsin and Minnesota in liquor stores, hometown bars and restaurants. They describe themselves as “a proudly independent, self-distributing craft brewery.”

Eats, Treats and More

For a food complement to their beer, Ursa Minor fires up their wood-fired oven for their made-from-scratch pizza with fresh basil (grown in their own garden), house-made sauce, Yker Acres meats, and a potpourri of veggies and other toppings. Sandwich lovers will enjoy fresh paninis with meats, cheeses, and other fresh ingredients.

Ursa Minor's wood-fired pizza oven. -Photo from Facebook page.

Other yummy treats on the menu include Bear Bread with fresh mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and oregano on their home-made pizza crust; traditional large German pretzels from Duluth’s Best Bread, served with beer cheese and mustard; Helstrom Farm Beef Sticks; Firestick Pretzels with a mild cayenne kick; and Three Mad Poppers small batch popcorn.

For a cool treat for dessert, patrons can enjoy assorted flavors from the popular Love Creamery.

“We try wherever possible to use locally sourced products,” said Hugus. “We think that is being a responsible member of the community and that it is always better to support neighbors by keeping dollars local.”

Hugus noted that they believe they get better raw goods locally and that since local ingredients do not need to travel as far, they are often fresher.

 Patrons can fill growlers as long as they are stainless steel with the Federal Government warning. Ursa Minor also sells their branded glass growlers and 16-ounce standard cans to-go.

Their vast assortment of branded merchandise includes hats, shirts, hoodies, onesies,  glassware (steins and long-stemmed tegu glasses), socks, pitchers, tumblers, dog toys, stickers, candles and more, for sale at the Brewery or online.

Ursa Minor merchandise is available at the brewery or online. –Photo from Ursa Minor Brewery Facebook page.

Hugus is proud to support the community wherever it can. They have monthly “round-up” partners each month. Customers can round up their tab to the nearest dollar and donate that extra change to designated organizations, such as the Superior Hiking Trail and the Great Lakes Aquarium. Ursa Minor also puts together a team for the annual Dragon Boat Festival in Superior.

Let the Good Times Roll

For lovers of live music, Ursa Minor offers a variety of styles from local artists, ready to entertain on weekends while patrons enjoy brews and food. Oktoberfest, running September 22-25, is an exciting event on their annual calendar.

They offer a wide variety of fun activities, including trivia nights, bingo nights, yoga classes, a variety of clinics such as Ladies Bike Fit, painting, tie-dying and more.

People can also rent the covered patio area for their party or group. Contact events@ursaminorbrewing.com for more details.

Keeping all the good times rolling are the Brewery’s 44 employees. Hugus is most proud of his hard-working team and works to give all employees at Ursa Minor Brewing livable and dependable wages and a great work environment.

An invitation from their Facebook page reads, “The patio is calling. And so is delicious beer. And wood-fired pizzas. And paninis. And . . . what we're saying is, you should probably drop by for a visit.”

For more information, visit their website at ursaminorbrewing.com

Tap Room hours are Sunday-Thursday 11-10 and Friday-Saturday 11-11.

Photographer Profile Series - Sandi Larson
Get Your Daily Dose of Adventure With Hike Duluth

Sandi Larson and her hiking partner Koda, in Hartley Park. –Submitted photo.

It takes a lot of dedication to go hiking Every. Single. Day. But that’s what Sandi Larson of Hike Duluth does. And she wants to include you in her adventures.

In addition to working full-time, volunteering prolifically, and caring for her home and family, Larson operates Hike Duluth. In this small, social media-focused business, she posts photos and videos of her daily hikes.

Some of her specialties include views of Lake Superior, photos of flowers, wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, bridges, and “iconic Duluth images,” including Enger Tower and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Photo was taken from Enger Tower Park. –Submitted photo.

The Aerial Lift Bridge lit teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. –Submitted Photo.

“I started Hike Duluth in 2012,” Larson explained. “It was my introduction to photography. It started out as something I did for fun, and then I got encouragement from other people. I was taking photos because I saw pretty things, and I thought I’d create a Facebook page. I thought, ‘Not many people realize that there are so many great hiking spots in Duluth; maybe I can inspire others to be more active and explore our great city.”

Larson hopes that her work will appeal to you whether you are a local, a tourist, or someone who has moved away and misses the area. Folks can choose to simply view and appreciate her photos or step it up a notch and join her on one of her daily hikes. She also sells an annual photo calendar, where she assembles some of her best images from the prior year.

A Full Life

Larson works full-time as the Director for the Women’s Business Alliance, a program of the Entrepreneur Fund. She also volunteers her time for the Giant’s Ridge Ski Patrol, Grandma’s Marathon, Rock Hill Community Church, and she serves on the Board of the Empowered Women’s Network of the Northland.

Despite her packed schedule, Larson never misses the opportunity for a hike. “I’m an early riser,” she explained. “I’ll get up at 4:30 am to catch a sunrise. I’m usually on the trail by 6 am, if not earlier, and I usually go back out in the evenings, too. And I hike year-round, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter if it’s -20 and snowy. I’ll use my snowshoes.”

Larson, who is originally from Babbitt, Minnesota, moved here to attend college at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and decided to stay and make Duluth her home. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in organizational leadership and community engagement.

Larson’s husband, Ron Larson, works for Amsoil. The couple has an adult son, Ben, currently attending UMD. The Larsons have a mixed-breed rescue dog (and enthusiastic hiking partner!) named Koda and two cats, Tig and Nico.

Photography

Hike Duluth began as fun yet modest hobby. Larson never really expected many people to see her work. But once she built it, the people came – in droves.

“I never told anybody about my page,” she noted. “I just waited to see who would find me. Eventually, Jerry Thoreson – Managing Editor of Destination Duluth, found Hike Duluth and asked if they could share a picture I had posted. I went from 350 followers to 700 followers overnight after Destination Duluth shared the picture.”

The Duluth Canal North Pier Lighthouse was featured on the Destination Duluth Facebook page. –Submitted Photo

Women Hike Duluth

In 2018, the City of Duluth’s Parks and Rec Department asked Larson if she would help coordinate women’s hikes. She said yes, and this has led to an ongoing partnership. It also prompted her to start a private Facebook page called Women Hike Duluth, which is open only to women to coordinate hikes with each other and share their hiking adventures.

Larson usually hits the trail solo or with her dog, Koda, during her hikes. But, when a Women Hike Duluth event is coordinated, there can be up to 40 participants.

“Women Hike Duluth currently has over 2,600 members,” Larson said. “This includes people from around Duluth, the region, and the whole country. And, members include those residents, people moving to the area, visitors, and people who used to live here.”

Cool Spots

Ask Sandi Larson about her favorite places to hike; she simply can’t contain her passion for the activity, along with all of Duluth’s amazing venues.

“It’s so hard to pick a favorite!” she exclaimed. “I love the Ely’s Peak area, Spirit Mountain, and Kingsbury Woods. I also enjoy the Piedmont trails, the quarry, and Tischer Creek. The antenna farm trail has great views, and you can see Bentleyville at night in the winter.”

“I also love Chester Park, Bagley at UMD, Hawk’s Ridge, Lester Park, and Lincoln Park,” she added. “Sometimes I go to Superior, up the shore, and I also hike wherever I go on vacation, too. The main thing is that I post a picture each day. I rarely allow myself to post photos of hikes that didn’t happen today.”

Winter wonderland on the Lincoln Park/Miller Creek Hiking Trail. –Submitted photo.

Advice

For Larson, photography is not about waiting until you have sophisticated camera equipment. It’s about starting where you are and utilizing what you have.

“I started taking pictures with an iPhone and have since switched to an Android Galaxy phone,” she noted. “People have told me I have a good eye and should get a big camera, but that would take the fun out of it. I say, use what you have.”

And, when it comes to hiking, her advice is similar. “Just go out and explore. There are many fun trails with so much to offer – everything from flat to challenging terrain. You can even hike with me, and I’ll show you some great spots.”

#befromDuluth

Enticing people to consider moving to the area is a huge motivation for Larson and a rewarding part of operating Hike Duluth and Women Hike Duluth.

“One of the things I find most fulfilling is that there are people who follow my page because they are thinking of moving here, and it helped motivate them,” she said. “That’s a thrill for me.”

To stay informed of Larson’s daily hikes, please connect with the Hike Duluth Facebook page, or request membership for the Women Hike Duluth group. Additionally, every November, Larson sells a photo calendar.

Now open! Vitta Pizza on Central Entrance
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Ooey, gooey, crispy, cheesy, spicy . . .  everyone has their favorite style of pizza, crusts and toppings. Vitta Pizza brings diners back in history to Naples, Italy, and the storied origins of Italy’s contribution to this worldwide, popular food.

Owned by Duluth natives Brad and Christie Erickson and located in Duluth’s Canal Park, they now have another Vitta Pizza location at 23 W Central Entrance, also featuring their classic Neapolitan fare.

The menu for the Central Entrance has exactly the same items as the Canal Park location. “We wanted to keep things simple and not change what customers are already loving and craving,” Christie said. The Ericksons anticipate that the customer base for the new Central Entrance restaurant may be more locals than tourists. ​"We are most excited to offer the first & only drive-up window for pizza in the Northland.  Simply order online & receive a notification when your order is ready for pick up."

Vitta Pizza is family-owned by Brad and Christie Erickson who were born, raised and live in Duluth with their children Luisa and Jaeger.  Submitted photo.

Neapolitan is a style of pizza with a chewy crust, made with crushed tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. "Our oven is completely fired by wood & can cook a pizza in 97 seconds due to the intense heat" says Christie. "Our new oven also came directly from Italy for the Central Entrance restaurant and delivers that same unique wood-fired flavor,” said Brad.

The 1000º woodfire oven at Vitta Pizza cooks the pizza in 97 seconds. Painted by local artist Brian Olson. Submitted photo

The Neapolitan pizza was “invented” in the late 19th century, featuring its classic wood-fired crust. In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. They were served a pizza named in honor of the queen whose colors mirrored those of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil leaves). This is now known as the classic wood-fired baked Neapolitan pizza today.

“We also import many of our ingredients from Italy, including Double Zero Caputo flour, tomatoes, and olive oil. helping us to maintain the true Neapolitan flavor,” she added.

For eleven years, locals and tourists have made the Canal Park restaurant a favorite family dining experience, enjoying its creative menu of ten different 9” specialty pizza options.

The Canal Park Vitta Pizza is located at 307 Canal Park Drive. Submitted photo.

Patrons can also create their own pizza with a choice of 27 different toppings, including arugula, artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, black, kalamata and green olives, and a variety of meats, including Italian sausage, ham, pepperoni, prosciutto and salami (soppressata).

“A diners’ favorite and one of my personal favorites is the ‘Tomasso,’” said Christie. It features prosciutto, goat cheese, garlic, crushed red pepper and arugula.

The Tamasso pizza from Vitta Pizza. Submitted photo.

Kiddos can choose their own 5” pizza, selecting from the Sophia, cheese pizza; the Jago, pepperoni; and the Luisa, sausage. Luisa and Jago are the names of Brad and Christie’s children.

According to Brad, diners can add to their pizza selection with garlic breadsticks, an antipasto platter and four different salads. “People love the Caesar salad with the house-made Caesar dressing we also sell by the bottle.”

Dessert lovers will be excited about the refreshing ice cream and ice cream sandwich options made fresh locally by Love Creamery. Christie said, “We especially love working with them locally for our delicious dessert choices.”

In addition, Vitta has a wide selection of local craft beers and traditional Italian wine, such as chianti.

Patrons can choose from curbside pickup, take-out, dine-in, and online ordering and delivery from Food Dudes. “We are​most excited ​to offer the convenience of the drive-up window on Central Entrance and introduce more of the Northland to Neapolitan Style Pizza," Christie said.

Vitta Pizza's new location on Central Entrance features a drive-thru pick-up window. Submitted photo.

The decor at both locations has a kicky sixties European vibe, with neon signage and a brightly colored mural of Sophia Loren painted by local artist Brian Olson, with another huge mural on the inside. Each place also has an authentic Vespa and other decorator items that look straight out of an Italian movie.

Visit their website for menu, and hours and to order at vittapizza.com

Duluth and the surrounding region are chock-full of natural beauty. And each of our four distinct seasons offers different options when it comes to excursions. Whether by foot, kayak, canoe, bike, snowshoe, or ski, there are adventures to be had - and amazing sights to be seen - around every corner.

But sometimes there are adventures we haven’t tried, for one reason or another. Perhaps we don’t own a kayak or canoe. Or maybe we don’t know how to mountain bike safely. This is where Day Tripper of Duluth comes in. “Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with the safest and best outdoor experience possible,” co-owner Jake Boyce shared.

History

Day Tripper, which was founded in 2013, describes itself as an “outdoor guiding service,” offering safe, guided adventures of all kinds. All necessary equipment is provided with each package.

The business is owned and operated by two skilled guides, Jake Boyce and Matti Erpestad, who each possess a veritable alphabet of certifications and skills. Interestingly, the two are also brothers-in-law. Together with their team of five additional guides, the Day Tripper team can lead your next expedition or even teach you a specific new skill.

Head guide and co-owner, Matti Erpestad. –Photo submitted.

Day Tripper’s primary demographic is tourists who want to get out on Lake Superior. However, local residents who want to “show our area off” to visitors are another important part of their customer base.

Adventures are open to all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced. “Our youngest kayaker was two years old, and our oldest was 91,” Boyce noted.

Offerings

Day Tripper does the majority of its business in the summer. However, they offer cold-weather adventures, too. “We operate by weather, not by the calendar,” Boyce said.

Guided options available through Day Tripper include hiking, private mountain bike lessons and clinics, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, fat-tire biking, and snowshoeing. Boyce explained some of the most popular choices.

“Our most popular, by far, is a kayaking trip on the North Shore by Split Rock. People can choose a 2 or 4-hour excursion, and we see the cliffs, the lighthouse, and a shipwreck as long as the conditions allow. We partner with Split Rock and the Minnesota Historical Society to obtain general admission passes for the museum and grounds.”

Kayaking near Split Rock Lighthouse is the most popular tour Day Tripper of Duluth Offers - Submitted Photo

Another popular choice is the Glensheen mansion paddle, taking place on Lake Superior, on the shores of Glensheen. At 90 minutes long, it’s a great option for beginners.

Private mountain biking lessons are another offering. Each lesson is tailored to the specific rider and the skills that the individual or group wants to learn. Whether you’re just starting out, or have been riding for many years, a lesson may be a great option to make you a happier rider.

Private Mountain Biking excursions for all skill levels are offered with Day Tripper of Duluth. –Submitted .

A voyageur canoe trip is another well-utilized offering. “The boat is a replica of canoes used by voyageurs in the region during the fur trade,” Boyce noted. “It can hold up to ten adults.”

Voyageur canoes can hold up to ten people. –Submitted photo

Day Tripper adventures take place at a variety of locations, but Boyce advised they are always subject to change. “We don’t have any truly set locations for any of our tours,” he noted. “It really depends on the day, since Lake Superior does what it wants.” Exact departure points are emailed at the time of a tour booking but may change based on weather.

Overnight excursions are also available upon request.

Safety

Guest safety is of primary concern. “We give our guides complete control of the final say on all tours,” Boyce explained. “They are very skilled and good judges of conditions, approaching weather, and group skill level. It is important to note that we try to see certain highlights on each tour, but sometimes, due to conditions, it may not be possible,” he added.
Customers are provided with PFDs (personal flotation devices) for each water-based excursion. Wetsuits are also provided, and on most kayak tours, required – at the guide’s discretion.

Personal Life

Jake Boyce is himself a native Duluthian. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he earned an undergraduate degree in German with a minor in business. He has always loved the outdoors. “I like to mountain bike, ski - uphill and downhill – and, when conditions allow, surf,” he noted. “I enjoy playing outside in general.”
Boyce and his wife, Laura Francis, have two children: Geoffrey (6), and Charlie (4). The family also has a Vizsla named Klaus.

Founder and co-owner, Jake Boyce. –Submitted Photo

Boyce juggles working more than full-time with Day Tripper, along with his other careers as a paramedic and working in sales and service at Ski Hut. “I decided I never wanted to sit behind a desk,” he noted with a chuckle, explaining his career choices.

Rewarding

Getting people into the outdoors is a fulfilling endeavor for Boyce and his team. Among other perks, Boyce enjoys watching mountain bikers’ skills progress throughout a lesson, providing employment in the area, and just being outside.
“The most fun thing for me is to be able to provide employment for our guides so they too can share their passion of playing outside,” he said. I’m also super proud of our customer reviews on social media, Trip Advisor, and Google.”

Day Tripper of Duluth's April 1 whale-watching post produces smiles as some are fooled into thinking Lake Superior has whales. –Submitted photo

Boyce enjoys keeping a keen sense of humor about his profession. Every year on April 1, they get inquiries about whale-watching on Lake Superior after posting the photo below.

Day Tripper is a home-based business with no public storefront. Therefore, all excursions are booked online. Please visit daytripperofduluth.com to learn more and book an adventure.

Destination Duluth
Photographer Profile Series

Landscape Photographer John Keefover 

Dazzling Northern Lights, crashing Lake Superior waves, tranquil waterfalls, dramatic lighting over a lonely lighthouse, ethereal winter sea smoke, and a veritable panorama of the best of the North Shore in all its splendor . . . Landscape photographer, ultralight backpacker, guide, teacher, and wilderness advocate, John Keefover (Keef) has taken awe-inspiring photos of all these vistas and more.

A fierce Lake Superior storm with hurricane-force gales generated waves that crashed more than 100 feet high. Photo by John Keefover

“I feel that Duluth and the surrounding area are the perfect locations for landscape photography, where I can combine my passion for photography and backpacking,” John said.

Growing up in a military family, they lived in North Carolina and Spain before moving to Hibbing. Keefover has loved taking pictures from the time he was in middle school, through his education at Hibbing High School, and with classes at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After moving to Duluth in 2015, Keef started his small photography business in May of 2019.

A self-portrait of John Keefover

He most loves doing landscape photography, explaining, “No matter how many times you go to a location, it is always different. With all kinds of lighting to see—sunrise, sunset, cloud cover, rainbows, lightning, each photographer will view landscapes and take photos different from any other.”

Besides taking gorgeous photos, he loves writing trip reports and journal entries and even filming vlogs. He says that his blog writing really helps to capture those moments in time out on the trail to enhance people’s understanding of his experiences.

Through his social media, people can view his itineraries and follow along with him on extended trips or shorter adventures, including trips to the Porcupine Mountains, Isle Royale, and the BWCA

Keef is most known for his Night Sky Milky Way photographs and his waterfall photography, “I love shooting long exposures, especially at night. When I am out camping, my camera gear is more than a third of the weight of my bag, which is usually around 20 pounds,” he explained.

His biggest expedition was in June when he hiked all 310 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) from the Wisconsin border, through Duluth, and up the North Shore to the Canadian border.

This trip also helped to raise funds for the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and their “Superior View Hike,” bringing 2,400 kids out on the SHT every year, teaching them stewardship, ecology, and outdoor education.

A once-in-6800-year photo

Describing one of his all-time favorite photos, he said one evening, he was at a friend’s cabin sitting around the campfire. “The photo is of the Comet NEOWISE inside of the Northern Lights and reflected in the waters of Lake Vermillion,” he said.

Comet NEOWISE inside of the Northern Lights. Photo by John Keefover

He blogged, “It didn’t last very long, but it was such a cool experience and a once-in-a-lifetime shot with the comet that comes around every 6,800 years! It’s also a shot that I didn’t plan at all; it was pure luck.”

Keef also does brand photography content for a variety of businesses, including Bent Paddle, Ursa Minor, Wild State Cider, Duluth Cider, and a variety of other products. He notes how important it is to have content and branding photographs that stand out in the rapidly growing online marketplaces,

Doing concert photos of musicians, bands, and venues is another genre of photography that captures John’s imagination. He also works for the Great Lakes Gear Exchange, selling used outdoor gear at a consignment shop. He joked that he gets a chance to scope out the equipment he might want to buy before it goes on sale at the shop.

He has had his work published in the Lake Superior Magazine, The Lake and Company, Northern Wilds and on the Destination Duluth Facebook and Instagram social media. He noted, “Destination Duluth is a great resource for photographers and artists, and gives me another way to interact with the community. I have also enjoyed the Destination Duluth photographers’ get-togethers.” Jerry Thoreson, Managing Director for Destination Duluth said, "John has quickly become one of our top five contributing photographers. Since 2020, his photos have been viewed a verified 2.8 million times on our Facebook page," Thoreson added,  "plus probably a million more impressions on our Instagram channel."

Lightning was captured on the north pier of the Duluth shipping canal. Photo by John Keefover

Another big venture for John is Arrowhead Expeditions, which he founded with his friend Justin Ridlon. They offer photography expeditions in the Arrowhead Region of Northern Minnesota. The trips are for all levels of photographers, including beginners looking for a fun experience and hoping to learn more about their cameras to experienced photographers looking to shoot new locations along the North Shore. Some of the locations will require a several-mile hike, and others are more easily accessible near a parking lot. The Arrowhead Expeditions website includes opportunities to subscribe to a newsletter for information about future expeditions.

Learn more about John Keefover at his website. To view his most popular photos and purchase prints, click here.

He is also on Instagram: instagram.com/keefography on Facebook: facebook.com/keefography, and on YouTube here.