Recharging in Lutsen.
Sometimes you just need to get away. Even when there are a million things that you should be doing and your to-do list is a mile long.
This was us a few weeks ago. We just closed on Forest Lane, we were in the middle of moving, painting, cleaning, and yard work up to our ears; An escape was essential to our survival (well, one of us wasn’t going to survive anyway). We were supposed to be in Iceland (canceled thanks to COVID), and the stress of work and the new house was piling up. So, we planned an impromptu trip to one of our favorite places - the north shore. (Traveling with three large dogs isn’t easy, but they love to vacation too! So I was grateful when I came across this cozy cabin via my BringFido app).
We found this perfect little cabin up in Lutsen owned by a sweet family, just four hours north. Even the long drive felt nice to have no plans or agenda. When we arrived, it immediately felt like home. This place was perfect. Soft light filled the room, a wood burning stone fireplace was center stage, and there were reading nooks in every corner. And… NO TV. Is that even a thing these days?! I didn’t read that in the description and was surprised at first, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. While the cabin wasn’t located on the shore (it was just across the road from the lake), it was situated on a peaceful tree-filled lot, and just a 15 minute drive to the town of Grand Marais.
We enjoyed walking the dogs along the quiet dirt road, playing Scrabble that we found on the shelf (because locating ours in the endless boxes wasn’t about to happen >> YOU GUYS I WON!!), eating Sven and Ole’s pizza for dinner, and of course drinking #allthewine. Even though it was summer, the evening temperatures dropped to about 50 degrees, so building a fire was such a treat! (I LOVE wood burning fireplaces - I grew up with one and have so many fond memories). Note to self: OPEN THE DAMN FLOO!… (they even had a cute illustrated instruction sheet that I failed to read…)
This trip was the just-right-mama-bear-sized getaway and SO inspiring. Thanks to the no TV situation, I was forced to unwind and disconnect. I spent hours dreaming and creating, reading, walking, and soaking in the fresh air. I loved exploring the small cabin, the North Shore, and the cute town of Grand Marais. I even challenged myself to capture everything I saw on my iPhone without touching a “fancy” camera. I felt so inspired that I woke up at 3AM one day to draft a floor plan idea for the house (future post with more details on this, I am still dying over the impact it’s going to make on our life here at Forest Lane!).
I wish I could do this more often; Everyone needs a little bit of Lutsen when the world starts to feel crazy. Maybe we’ll have our own little cozy cabin on the North Shore someday. #GirlCanDream.
Favorite Must-Eats:
Sven and Ole’s: We had the BBQ chicken pizza and there was enough left over for breakfast!
Cascade Lodge Restaurant and Pub: TRIPLE PORK CUBAN is a must! I am still dreaming about when I can have my next one again.
One of our favorite short trails on the way home and part of the Superior Trail. About an hour hike making a good stretch break or hike with older pups. Take the trailhead from the parking lot for some great views and a waterfall, or go across the road for a more secluded walk among Aspen trees and a gradual ascent.
