Christmas on the Shore

Winter or summer, spring or fall, Gooseberry State Park is a "must do" stop for our family. When Todd said he'd come north to Duluth for Christmas, we were excited to be able to share Gooseberry in winter with him. We were hoping he'd find the frozen falls as well as other North Shore winter scenes as fascinating as we do. I think he did!

Lower falls on the Gooseberry River

Check out Todd's photo album at:
https://plus.google.com/photos/109166346689447369585/albums/5691321959059947393

Split Rock
Another favorite stop on the Shore is Split Rock State Park. We like to go to the small protected cove that presents fine views of the lighthouse. Here's a money shot:

Split Rock lighthouse from the cove

The cove is protected by the "island" on the right. In summer, it is forbidden to walk on the island in order to protect a bird sanctuary there. Fall and winter, however, it's OK to go there. The lake side of the island offers additional good views of the lighthouse.

Todd on the "island" at Split Rock

Heading back to Duluth after taking in the winter sights on the shore, we stopped for an early dinner at The New Scenic Cafe (http://www.sceniccafe.com/). Check out the menu on their website! Todd ordered the rack of lamb, Fred tucked into the ribeye calotte, and Nancy had the French onion soup. If you are ever on the Shore, do not pass up an opportunity to dine at the The New Scenic Cafe - and it IS dining, not simply eating.

While in Duluth, we had a couple meals at the Duluth Grill (http://www.duluthgrill.com/). The Duluth Grill is another North Shore eatery that we highly recommend. Todd had to try the Big Bold Bison Burger that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Fred had the Corned Beef Hash Lover's Skillet. Nancy helped us and we still took left-overs home! This is really good food!

Christmas Day Eve we took in the sights at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Duluth's Bayfront Park.
Here's a slideshow of the tour. (For those who can not view a Flash-based entity, a here's a link to the pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/105110449577043030329/Bentleyville2011)