Duluth Trip - Bluegrass Style

Last weekend, we finally made it up to Duluth to visit Mike's friend Ryan, and his wife Brittany.  We usually do concerts with them at least once a year and it had been a long time.  We all got tickets for the Atmosphere & Trampled by Turtles show at Bayfront Festival Park.  If you have a chance to take in a show at this outdoor venue, definitely do it!  Although it was a bit mucky from rain, it was a huge, beautiful venue.

We started our day with lunch at Fitger's, at the recommendation of my friends.  I had the pub style wild rice burger, and Mike had the elk burger.  I chose to have the root beer since it was before noon.  SO GOOD.  I love root beer...it's really weird, I know. (I had two beer kegs and a root beer keg at my graduation party.)  I would highly recommend the wild rice burgers.  Also, GET THE FRIES!  They are so freaking good.

After lunch, we surprised my friends by meeting them at Bent Paddle Brewing Company.  This is a super new brewery and they just opened their tap room.  Delish beer, good vibe, and friends!

We headed to Ryan's place to drop off our stuff, and the music began.  We saw Charlie Parr at the Rhubarb festival, Atmosphere and Trampled at the Bayfront show, and two bands, including Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank at The REX.  Dinner was awesome grilled burgers, and hand cut french fries on Ryan's deck.  Deeeeeelish!  This was an awesome day filled with banjos, harmonicas, beer, and other good stuff.  I linked the bands, and I suggest you check them out!  It was a great Duluth experience, as the music scene there is insane.  Thanks to Ryan and Brittany for giving us the full 

she-bang!

                                           

Sunday we ate at Northern Waters (I do NOT recommend the lamb), walked out on the pier, indulged in mini donuts, and the sun was shining!  On the way back to our car, we made the best discovery ever.  An Olive Oil Bar, The Rustic Olive.  Yep.  We are olive oil fans, and have been looking for some new, good, balsamic vinegar.  This is like a winery, but for olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  There are taps, you sample, and it's freaking amazing.  YOU MUST GO HERE.  You will never think of olive oil the same.  And fun fact: the olive oil you're probably using is old and bad for you.  

We stopped at Third Street Bakery on our way out of town.  GO TO THIS BAKERY.  It is freaking amazing and super cheap.  Their cookies were out of control, and we got a six-pack for only 6$!  And they are made with local, good for you ingredients.  

Duluth was a fun time, and I'm glad we finally made the trip.  We just hit a few of the big things, and hopefully next time we can do some more things off the beaten path.  Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions!  Duluth has a lot to offer, and it's not too far away from the twin cities.  Make a fun weekend out of it!