| There are a number of lodging establishments Sally and Mark Ludlow recommend. They have stayed at each of these destinations and find their hospitality to be outstanding. Visit their web sites or call us for more information.
Minnesota Vacations
 Bearskin Lodge, Grand Marais. Bearskin Lodge (www.bearskin.com) is located on East Bearskin Lake, 26 miles up the Gunflint Trail north of Grand Marais. It is the only resort on the lake and features good fishing, and quiet waters for canoeing or kayaking. They are open all winter specializing in cross country skiing Take your children on a winter vacation where they can experience seeing a Timber Wolf, moose, fox or bald eagle.
Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais. Gunflint Lodge (www.gunflint.com) is located another 10 miles up the Gunflint Trail and has been in the same family since it's founding over 75 years ago. Fourth generation Robert and Melinda Kerfoot are now your hosts. There are many popular packages at Gunflint Lodge. Some of the list toppers include a Honeymoon Package, Adventures in Cuisine, Horseback Riding, Literary Adventures, Just for Seniors, Bird Watching, Family Fun and Anniversary Packages. They are a fun spot yeararound, with winter activities of crosscountry skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing.
Kavanaughs Resort, Brainerd. (www.kavanaughs.com) Located on beautiful Sylvan lake. If you're looking for a great place to enjoy a golf vacation, Kavanaugh's is within minutes of some of the best golfing in the state. They cooperate with Madden's, Craguns and Grand View giving you an opportunity to secure golf reservations at all locations. Around the resort there are tennis and basketball courts, children's playground, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, recreation room and fitness center. They have a renowned dining room with family member, Tom Kavanaugh as the executive chef.
Lost Lake Resort, Brainerd Lost Lake Resort (www.lostlake.com) is a great place for a short get-a-way with your family. They only offer lodging with a meal plan (usually breakfast and dinner). Recently they added 5 star dining to their resort. Lost Lake Lodge has a small private lake for kids to canoe, kayak, and swim. They are on Gull narrows so you have access to the entire Gull Lake chain.
Lutsen Resort, Tofte. Lutsen Resort (www.lutsenresort.com) is a great Lake Superior year around vacation choice. They are immediately below the slopes of Lutsen Mountain, the best Alpine skiing in Minnesota. There are also miles of cross country skiing for your enjoyment. Lutsen Resort has town houses, log cabin condominiums, and lodge rooms. Dining in their historic lodge is must.
Duluth MN Lodging
South Pier Inn. (www.southpierinn.com) South Pier Inn is located next to the aerial bridge in Duluth. It is a delightful small Inn and the rooms have great views of Lake Superior. The large boats go right by your room as they move in and out of the harbor. Quite awesome viewing! The location on Park Point is among an interesting group of homes and businesses rapidly becoming the most sought after addresses in Duluth.
Fitgers Inn (www.fitgers.com) We like Fitgers Inn as it is in the old Fitger Brewery, right on Lake Superior. No two rooms in the entire hotel are the same. They are located on the lake front walk where you can stroll down to Canal Park (to the aerial bridge) along the lakeshore. They have beautiful water view suites as well as a collection of unique rooms. The Fitger Inn complex has 3 restaurants, a wine store, and specialty retail stores.
Ely, Minnesota
Wintergreen Dogsledding Lodge (http://www.dogsledding.com). Join renowned explorer Paul Shurke for a winter dog sledding experience. Your trips can vary from a few days in the Boundary Waters to an extensive trek to the Arctic. Paul and Sue Shurke operate the finest dogsledding operation in North America.
Montana
Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky. (www.lonemountainranch.com) This is a wonderful cross country ski resort in the winter and a dude ranch in the summer. If you want to take your family on an unforgettable vacation riding horses daily and staying in historic log cabins, Lone Mountain is our choice. They also have an Orvis endorsed fly fishing school. They have great on-site dining but you may also stay without eating during the winter months.
California
Little River Inn. Mendicino, California. (www.littleriverinn.com) This is classic coastal resort with spectacular ocean views, great dining, a comfortable bar, golf and tennis.
They have a relaxing day spa and salon, a friendly staff, and a four-generation tradition of family hospitality. If you are in the wine country you should take another day and go over to the coast and spend a night or two at the Little River Inn.
Healdsburg Hotel, Healdsburg, California (hotelhealdsburg.com). . A contemporary hotel in downtown historic Healdsburg. Visiting Healdsburg is a must if you go to the wine country. It is located in the Russian River area, out of the mainstream of traffic. However, there are 60 wineries within 10 minutes of Healdburg.
Lakeplace is an internet site with many fine resort members
River View Bed and Breakfast - a beautiful South Dakota property
Freemason Inn Bed and Breakfast, Virginia (www.freemasoninn.com) -- When Sally and Mark were traveling up the east coast in March they came across this delightful Inn in Norfolk, VA. It is operated by Pam Dawson and Jonathan Epstein, they are great hosts. The Inn is well located for touring around Norfolk. If you are traveling in this area they would be a great choice for your lodging. |
