Exploring the North Shore

2023 really was a big year for Sisu + Loyly! Just when we thought Sisu + Loyly couldn't possibly make the sauna experience in Cook County any better, they went above and beyond with their floating sauna! Launched in September 2023, the floating sauna may very well be the first commercial floating sauna in the USA! It is currently home-based at Skyport Lodge on Devil Track Lake, and reservations are open! As the floating sauna was launched late in the season, only a lucky few will be able to experience it until winter comes and the floating sauna has to go away until next summer. If you're planning a Fall Colors adventure on the North Shore in 2023, consider adding a lovely floating sauna into your plans. Learn More... Book your floating sauna experience: https://www.sisuandloyly.com/floating-sauna Book your mobile sauna experience: https://www.sisuandloyly.com/mobile-sauna Book your Grand Marais East Bay sauna experience: https://www.sisuandloyly.com/sauna Follow Sisu + Loyly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisuandloylysauna/ Follow Sisu + Loyly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sisuandloylynordicsauna/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

It's Pride Month, so we've been taking in all the North Shore activities. One of those activities included an exclusive screening of Matthew Baxley's new film, Rainbows in the Wilderness. This film is about 9 strangers who share a common bond going into the BWCA, some for the first time. If Matthew's voice sounds familiar, he's been on the podcast before. Remember the Haunted House episode? It's definitely a classic! Welcome Matthew back to the podcast for this interview about his new film. Learn More... Follow Bear Witness Media on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bear_witness_media Bear Witness Media Website: https://www.bearwitnessmedia.com/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

In Part 3 of the North Shore Brewery Guide, we wrap up our time in Duluth. In this episode, we visit Hoops Brewing Company and get absolutely destroyed by Trivia. Then, we discuss other local breweries that we were unable to visit during the recording of the guide. We head over to 7West TapHouse in downtown Duluth to test out some beers from Ursa Minor Brewing and Earth Rider Brewery. * Learn More... Hoops Brewing Company: https://hoopsbrewing.com/ Ursa Minor Brewing: https://ursaminorbrewing.com/ Earth Rider Brewery: https://earthrider.beer/ Duluth Tap Exchange: https://duluthtapexchange.com/ 7West TapHouse: https://www.7westtaphouse.com/ North Shore Breweries Guide: https://exploringnorthshore.com/breweries/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Welcome to Part 2 of our North Shore Breweries series. In this multi-part series, we will introduce you to some of our favorite local breweries, starting in Duluth. This episode features two great Duluth Breweries: Bent Paddle Brewing and Lake Superior Brewing. * Located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, Bent Paddle Brewing Company helped to revitalize Duluth's west end. Their beautiful spacious taproom gives you plenty of room to enjoy their great brews. We tried a flight of beers and interviewed one of the founders, Laura. Then, we hopped over to Lake Superior Brewing Company, all the way over in Duluth's East Lakeside neighborhood. They are still working out their first round of brews since reopening late last year, so we sampled some of the amazing menu items. * Learn More... Bent Paddle Brewing Company: https://bentpaddlebrewing.com/ Lake Superior Brewing Company: https://www.lakesuperiorbrewingduluth.com/ North Shore Breweries Guide: https://exploringnorthshore.com/breweries/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Around 11:30 AM on April 10, 2023, a fire broke out at Sydney's Frozen Custard & Wood-Fired Pizza. On what was otherwise a beautiful spring day in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Responding fire departments fought the fire for over two hours, extinguishing it around 1:30 PM. Unfortunately, the intense fire destroyed the interior of this beloved downtown eatery. In this week's blog post, we reflect back on the history of this seasonal favorite. And, look to see what may happen to it in the future. * Learn More: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/67864/sydneys-frozen-c…wood-fired-pizza/ Cook County Historical Society Post with Photos: https://www.facebook.com/CookCountyHistoricalSociety/posts/pfbid02j9agrGrvuEtkuz8UAGmWWrDFvH9xziQ2YQY7FnqoiGi7aGa6WjsvPqoqYkcewKwil Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Welcome to Part 1 of our North Shore Breweries series. In this multi-part series we will introduce you to some of our favorite local breweries, starting in Duluth. This episode features two great Duluth Breweries: Canal Park Brewing Company and Blacklist Brewing Company. * Located in Canal Park (hence the name), Canal Park Brewing Company is a full restaurant experience with dozens of great beers on tap. We tried a flight of beers and ciders and then ate the best brussels sprouts either of us have ever tasted. Then, we hopped over to downtown Duluth to Blacklist Brewing Company. No food on the menu, but we sampled a beer and a seltzer flight and enjoyed a little axe throwing. * Learn More... Canal Park Brewing Company: https://canalparkbrewery.com/ Blacklist Brewing Company: https://www.blacklistbeer.com/ North Shore Breweries Guide: https://exploringnorthshore.com/breweries/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

March 23, 2023, brought an incredible Northern Lights experience to everyone on the North Shore who happened to look or be outside. The lights were clearly visible to the naked eye all over Minnesota that day, but especially on the northernmost part of the state. In this episode, Jaye and Martha take a drive out to Saganaga Lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail to see the incredible show in the sky that night. We discuss what the Northern Lights are, how and when to see them, and where to go. While the show on the 23rd was possibly once-in-a-lifetime as far as the intensity goes, the Northern Lights can be seen periodically at all times of the year. * Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2023 resulted in a thrilling finish at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. Jaye and Martha were there to take it all in and report back on what an exciting evening it ended up being. Listen in to hear all about it. Congratulations to this year's winner, Keith Aili! * Learn More About John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/6254/beargrease-sled-dog-marathon/ See Highlights on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Sorry about the audio on this one! Who knew that electronics and cold weather don't always mesh? It was -10 F (-20 F with windchill and it was windy!), but we braved the cold in order to watch some of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2023. Once again we went up to Trail Center on a cold but sunny afternoon to see how the race is going. Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for photos and videos. We will be recording again tomorrow and bringing you a full episode on the race as we cover the finish line for the 2023 marathon. If you can't join us for the marathon, follow along with the sled dog teams using the John Beargrease GPS Tracker: https://beargrease.com/gps-tracking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr

Earlier this summer, we went up to Points Unknown for a Mindful Paddle experience. During that visit, owner Linda Newman introduced us to her line of Hedlund Husky dogs, including a pregnant pup named Siri. On July 30, Siri gave birth to five Hedlund Husky puppies. In this episode, we return to Points Unknown to meet the puppies and watch the first puppy go off with his new family. *** Learn More about Points Unknown: http://www.points-unknown.com/ Learn More about the Hedlund Husky Preservation Project: https://www.hedlundhusky.com/ See Linda's Puppy Updates on the Points Unknown Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pointsunknowndogsledding/ Read Our Article on the Hedlund Husky Puppies: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/67719/hedlund-husky-puppies/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Did you know that Cook County has its own airport? This small municipal airport is located about 8 miles from Grand Marais on Devil Track Lake. While you won't find commercial flights flying in and out of this one-runway airport, you will see small privately owned planes zipping in and out. The airport also offers private scenic flights that you can do during your next trip to Lake Superior's North Shore. Just imagine chasing waterfalls or enjoying the fall colors from above. In this episode of Exploring the North Shore, Jaye and Martha are joined by Martha's longtime best friend, Cecilia, to get to know the airport better. Martha and Cecilia take a flight to capture some amazing aerial footage and to experience a sightseeing flight themselves. *** The Cook County Airport will have a website soon, but it's currently under construction. In the meantime, you can call the airport at 218-387-3024 to book a scenic flight. Learn More on Our Website: https://exploringnorthshore.com/cook-county-airport-and-seaplane-base/ Sawtooth Aviation (website coming soon): http://www.sawtoothaviaiton.com/ Arrowhead Eagles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arrowhead-Eagles-1938952659747358 Exploring the North Shore Article: https://exploringnorthshore.com/great-lakes-aquarium/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

The Great Lakes Aquarium is a family-friendly aquarium located along the Duluth Harbor in Canal Park. Get up close and personal with marine life and other animals. The mission of the Aquarium is to “connect all people to the water and wildlife of Lake Superior and Beyond”. In this episode, Jaye and Martha sit down with the Aquarium's executive director, Jay, to learn more about the history and purpose behind the Aquarium. They then take a tour of the Aquarium with the social media director, Amy. *** Great Lakes Aquarium Website: https://glaquarium.org/ Great Lakes Aquarium Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatlakesaquarium Great Lakes Aquarium Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatlakesaquarium/ Great Lakes Aquarium TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@glaquarium Exploring the North Shore Article: https://exploringnorthshore.com/great-lakes-aquarium/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/

Oftentimes, when someone recounts their adventures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) they talk about the distance they traveled and all of the lakes they visited. They might say they went 9 miles and four portages deep on day one. While this is a common way to travel through the BWCA, it’s not necessarily the best way. Oftentimes, you miss the things that make the BWCA such a unique and wonderful place. The sights, the sounds, and the untouched wilderness. Going on a Mindful Paddle with Points Unknown is the perfect way to slow down, relax a little, and really experience the BWCA. And, it is also, a fantastic way to learn about the history and the beauty of this vast wilderness area from a guide who knows the area well. *** Learn More From Points Unknown: https://www.points-unknown.com/mindful_paddle_hike/ Learn More on Exploring the North Shore: https://exploringnorthshore.com/mindful-paddle-with-points-unknown/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore ETNS/Cascade Vacation Rentals TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals.

All about summer camps! Learn how you can incorporate a day (or a week) of summer camp for your kids into your North Shore vacation. We travel up the shore and list off the available Day Camp and Residential Overnight camps available to North Shore visitors. * Learn More: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/north-shore-summer-camp-guide/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore ETNS/Cascade Vacation Rentals TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally).

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, near downtown Grand Marais, you will find Sisu + Loyly Nordic Sauna. Opened in 2021, the sauna provides a unique experience complete with breathtaking views of Lake Superior's East Bay. In this episode of Exploring the North Shore, Jaye and Martha sit down with Sisu + Loyly owner Katie Usem to discuss how the sauna came to be, and how visitors and locals to the North Shore can enjoy a relaxing sauna experience with an incredible view. * Learn More: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/67481/sisu-loyly-nordic-sauna/ Visit Sisu + Loyly's Website: https://www.sisuandloyly.com/ Sisu + Loyly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisuandloylysauna/ Sisu + Loyly Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sisuandloylynordicsauna/ Exploring the North Shore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Exploring the North Shore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore ETNS/Cascade Vacation Rentals TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally).

Exploring the North Shore is back with a new episode! Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the premiere sled dog race series in North America. In this episode, Martha and Jaye tracked the 2022 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and watched teams race into the Trail Center checkpoint as well as the Grand Portage finish line. Learn about the history surround the sled dog marathon and how you can get in on the action for next year's race.Check out the videos on our TikTok to see highlights from this year's marathon: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr * Learn More: https://beargrease.com/ Watch the Replay of the 2022 Marathon: https://beargrease.com/race-info/ See Photos and Updates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Cascadevacationrentals/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Happy Spooky Month! It's our favorite time of the year and it was made even better this year with the return of the Duluth Haunted Ship! For three long years, we have been awaiting the return of the ghosts and ghouls that appear on the William A Irvin every October. The haunting was canceled in 2018 when the ship was moved to dry dock for repairs. She didn't return until mid-October 2019 which was not enough time to hold the haunting. Then, 2020... well, you know. But here, in October of 2021, the Haunted Ship is back! * In this episode, Jaye and Martha interview Dave, the man in charge of the Duluth Haunted Ship actors. Then, they interview Joe, one of the Haunted Ship's lead actors. They learn about the inner workings of the Duluth Haunted Ship before coming aboard ourselves. While in line, Jaye and Martha befriend a group of pre-teen and teenage girls who you will get to hear a lot of during the tour of the ship. So. Many. Screams. Clips of Jaye and Martha's individual recordings of themselves going through the ship reveal the highlights and terrors found within. * The Duluth Haunted ship will terrify visitors through Halloween night. You can buy tickets online or at the ship itself. * The Duluth Haunted Ship: https://duluthhauntedship.com/ Captain's Canal Park: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/vrp/unit/Captains_Canal_Park_Suite-73-15 Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr? *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Gem House is one of the newest vacation rentals offered by Cascade Vacation Rentals. This beautiful home boasts a gorgeous amethyst fireplace that enthralled our TikTok followers (39K views and counting). So, we decided to spend the night at Gem House and feature all of the amazing things you can do right within walking distance (or a short drive) of the home. Plus, we sat in front of the amethyst fireplace. A lot. *** In this episode, we visited Naniboujou Lodge for breakfast, hiked to the Devil's Kettle to see the waterfall during the low-water period caused by the recent drought, and then went geocaching out to a Lake Superior island. Plus, we enjoyed a few hours in the ENO Triple Hammock stand enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon on Lake Superior's North Shore. *** This episode also includes our first Guest Feature! We met with and interviewed Molly and Andy on their 10th Anniversary. Married ten years ago at Lutsen Resort, the couple now has three children and makes frequent day trips to the North Shore. However, this is the first time they've stayed at the Aspenwood Townhomes since their wedding ten years ago. Listen to what brings them to the North Shore and the special meaning the area holds for them in this Guest Feature Interview. *** Want to be featured on an episode of Exploring the North Shore? We are looking for all kinds of stories! From first trippers to long-time visitors. If you have a story to tell, we'd love to hear it! This is going to be an ongoing feature, so reach out no matter when your trip is planned. All features include a short photo session and we will send you the digital copies! Email us at exploringnorthshore@boreal.org to get signed up. *** Naniboujou Lodge: https://www.naniboujou.com/ Official Geocaching App: https://www.geocaching.com/play Aspenwood Townhomes: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/resorts/aspenwood/ Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr? *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Geocaching is like going on a giant worldwide scavenger hunt. With the help of the official Geocaching app, you can explore the world around you, and find some treasures along the way. In this episode, we explore 8 Geocaching sites along Lake Superior's North Shore- including exploring some areas even we have never been to before! Geocaching is a great way to get a bit off the beaten path and see an area you may otherwise not have visited. Or, make the places you are planning to visit just a little more interesting. *** Official Geocaching App: https://www.geocaching.com/play Geocaching Lingo: https://www.geocaching.com/about/glossary.aspx Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow Us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr? *** This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Burlington Station- Burlington Boutique and Callie's Sweets is a new business located on the east end of Two Harbors. Located in a former grocery store, the dual shops share a very unique and beautifully designed space. On one side, hand-painted murals depict a bustling Main Street city scene and train station, complete with an overhead train track with actual model trains running past once every couple of minutes. This side is the Burlington Boutique. On the other side, you'll find a...