🐻Beans, Bistros & Bears

We must stand and fight. If there’s one thing that defines our State Fair foods, it’s the stick. Cheesecake on a stick. Beer on a stick. Mac & cheese on a stick. Walleye on a stick. Tater Tot hotdish on a stick. It’s our whole thing!

But apparently, not this year. Of the 41 new foods at the Minnesota State Fair, only three appear to involve sticks (four if you count the strawberries served with a toothpick 🙄). This is a travesty of epic proportions, and somebody must do something.

Your fellow dissenters,

-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

Tall Ships Festival

7/10 - 7/13

Massive masts, canvas sails, and some serious seafaring nostalgia take over Duluth’s waterfront during this rare gathering of historic tall ships. You can wander the harbor, step aboard, and take in the views from the newly revamped Harbor Plaza. It’s part maritime museum, part family day out—with food, drinks, music, and the kind of breezy lakefront atmosphere that makes you lose track of time. A good excuse to linger by the water a little longer.

more →

If you’re heading Up North and want to skip the usual Duluth or North Shore stops, point your compass toward Ely. This small town near the edge of the Boundary Waters has charm, adventure, and a few quirky surprises waiting—plus some great spots to explore along the way.

Here’s your ultimate road trip to Ely, Minnesota.

Your first essential stop: Tobies in Hinckley. Yep, the same place I recommend every time we road trip up north! While you can always grab coffee from Caribou, consider supporting the little guy with a visit to Chickadee Coffeehouse in Barnum. Cozy, local, and full of good sandwiches and baked goods—it’s a perfect midday recharge spot.

As you make your way through the old mining town of Virginia, keep an eye out the left window for ginormous earth movers at work. For an even better look at their handiwork, make a quick stop at the Leonidas Overlook. The Mesabi Trail also runs through this area, with hundreds of miles of paved trails beloved by mountain bikers and wheelchair users alike. Once you make it to downtown Virginia, find Canelake’s Candies—Minnesota’s oldest family-run chocolate shop. The locals may try to convince you to get “the” quintessential Hot Air Candy (basically styrofoam covered in chocolate), but I’d opt for just about everything else, personally. Grab a greasy slice from Dave’s Pizza and hit the road—we’ve got places to be.

Once you reach Ely [“EE-lee”], it’s time to take it easy. If you’re able, plan your trip around the annual Blueberry Festival (July 25–27), for a fun mix of art vendors, pie stands, food trucks, and live music under the pines. Or, if crowds aren’t your thing, visit any other weekend for a more relaxed experience.

Outdoor adventure is what Ely does best. Rent a canoe and dip your paddle into the still waters of the Boundary Waters—or, if you’re not ready to portage into the wilderness, head to Bear Head Lake State Park for peaceful trails, a sandy beach, and wildlife sightings without needing a permit.

Back in town, Boathouse Brewpub is my go-to for relaxed, post-adventure meals (get the blueberry blonde ale). Then stroll down Sheridan Street where outfitters, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, and gear stores line the sidewalks.

Before you leave, swing by the North American Bear Center for an up-close look at Minnesota’s black bears—or check out the Dorothy Molter Museum, a tribute to the legendary “Root Beer Lady” who lived deep in the wilderness, slinging homemade root beer to paddlers for decades.

This isn’t just a road trip—it’s a slow roll into one of Minnesota’s most iconic corners.

 As always, happy trails! 

-Joe

• Lumberjack Days, Stillwater

• Bat Festival, Rochester

• Watermark Art Festival, Bemidji

• Bayfront Reggae & World Fest, Duluth

PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites…

🙋‍♂️😃