Minnesota advice needed

[RTRandy]

Not sure if this should have been posted under the "Gear" forum, but here's the deal:

I travel to Minneapolis a few times a year and have a free day when I arrive on Oct 3rd. I thought I'd drive north to Duluth and visit the Aerostich store just to check it out.

For a long time I thought I would someday own a Darien or Roadcrafter suit, but I'm actually ok in the clothing department at the moment. It seems like a cool place to check out. I'm not a "Shopping" person, but stick me in an electronics store or motorcycle establishment and I'm in hog's heaven.

Anyone been? Worth the 2.5 hour trip each way? Any other recommendations while I'm in that neighborhood?

I have to drive to Mankato, MN either late that day or first thing in the morning which would be a 4.5 hour drive so really just enough time to check it out and head back south. Appreciate any good advise for those familiar with the area.

[GeoffMiller]

Aerostitch is cool to check out. I dont know if I'd travel that far just for it though. The Depot is a fun museum if you are interested in railroading. The harbor cruise is fun. They also have an ore ship that you can tour. Duluth is a popular tourist area. Good food on Barkers island and also a lift bridge. The big attraction is checking out fall colors. Check out local newspapers as they summarize daily what areas of the state are most colorful. We have had a strange season meteorlogically so it is hard to predict the changes in leaves this year. For a BMW fix, head 10 miles east of Mankato to Judson Cycle . A hole in the wall shop in Lake Crystal like in the good old days. If you are on a bike, pay attention to the weather. Duluth is often 20 degrees cooler than Minneapolis and due to lake effect can change for the worse rather rapidly.

[PAGoldsby]

Red Wing, MN (as in the boots) is just southeast of the Twin Cities.

[RTRandy]

For a BMW fix, head 10 miles east of Mankato to Judson Cycle . A hole in the wall shop in Lake Crystal like in the good old days. If you are on a bike, pay attention to the weather.

Been traveling to Mankato for ten years and never knew of that place. Actually never been west of there. ( I think you meant west) Will check it out for sure.

Thanks for the other tips as well. Ya gotta this forum!

[TJLeMay]

GeoffMiller is right about Duluth except questioning whether the drive is worth while. Heck Yea. You get 10% off if you buy the suit form the store and you get professional measuring. Duluth is a great city to visit. I was born and raised there and like I said, a great place to visit. Three places to see: Aerostitch Rider Warehosue, Canal Park and the Aeiral Lift Bridge, and after you leave there, go up to the top of the hill and follow Skyline drive back to US Hwy 2. Great Vistas! BTW, US 2 is one of the few roads that go from the east coast to the west coast. Like US 80 in the South.
The drive from MPLS to Dulute, an hour at Aerostitch, an hour at Canal Park and drive back to US 2, eating and gas stops and then back to MPLS is going to take about +/-7 hours. DO IT!

[KGT1200]

On the way to Duluth on 35 acroos from the big puddle called Superior, keep your eyes peeled for "Betty's Pies" on the West side of the road...Now there may be better, but I've never gone away unhappy.

Anybody out there think of any better pie place on I35 to Duluth?

Red

[RTRandy]

GeoffMiller is right about Duluth except questioning whether the drive is worth while. Heck Yea. You get 10% off if you buy the suit form the store and you get professional measuring. Duluth is a great city to visit. I was born and raised there and like I said, a great place to visit. Three places to see: Aerostitch Rider Warehosue, Canal Park and the Aeiral Lift Bridge, and after you leave there, go up to the top of the hill and follow Skyline drive back to US Hwy 2. Great Vistas! BTW, US 2 is one of the few roads that go from the east coast to the west coast. Like US 80 in the South.
The drive from MPLS to Dulute, an hour at Aerostitch, an hour at Canal Park and drive back to US 2, eating and gas stops and then back to MPLS is going to take about +/-7 hours. DO IT!

Appreciate you making your first post just to help me out. Welcome!
I just checked a map and I'll be darned, you're right about Route 2. I never knew that.
That's the same road going around the south side of Glacier Nat. Park. and I crossed it in July riding north through Browning Montana. It looks like 200 is also a road that runs to Montana as well.

Anyway, what part of town is Canal Park and the Lift Bridge?. (Hope it's been inspected)
I guess the hill is over the bridge?


On the way to Duluth on 35 acroos from the big puddle called Superior, keep your eyes peeled for "Betty's Pies" on the West side of the road...Now there may be better, but I've never gone away unhappy.

Superior as in the town next to Duluth? Thanks for the suggestion, I'm doing so well on my diet, I'm almost down to two chins. . . . So Red, What do you think? The coconut cream?

[KGT1200]

Appreciate you making your first post just to help me out. Welcome!
I just checked a map and I'll be darned, you're right about Route 2. I never knew that.
That's the same road going around the south side of Glacier Nat. Park. and I crossed it in July riding north through Browning Montana. It looks like 200 is also a road that runs to Montana as well.

Anyway, what part of town is Canal Park and the Lift Bridge?. (Hope it's been inspected)
I guess the hill is over the bridge?




Superior as in the town next to Duluth? Thanks for the suggestion, I'm doing so well on my diet, I'm almost down to two chins. . . . So Red, What do you think? The coconut cream?

Blueberry is my favorite, but I have had many including the coconut cream and never been sad when I left! Alton Brown, you should come here!
Location is just outside (south) of two harbors.

Betty's Pies - - World Famo...
... All pies must be shipped via UPS overnight to insure product freshness and quality. UPS logo. Baked Pies. Cream Pies. Merchandise. Other Food Items. "Betty's Pies Favorite Recipes". Learn more about Betty's Pies Favorite Recipes! ...
bettyspies.com


Yum! All this is making me hungry!

Red


http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=1633+Highway+61+Two+Harbors,+MN+55616&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

[MplsK100RT]

On the way to Duluth on 35 acroos from the big puddle called Superior, keep your eyes peeled for "Betty's Pies" on the West side of the road...Now there may be better, but I've never gone away unhappy.

Anybody out there think of any better pie place on I35 to Duluth?

Red


I've been to Betty's twice over the last 7 years and was really disappointed. The service was horrible because the staff is all teenagers. And the place was filthy. At least it had charm before they got all their big bucks from the state for moving the highway and moved locations. The pie was mediocre at best (imho).

But Duluth has some beautiful places to ride. Make sure to take a short spin out to Park Point. That is the direction over the lift bridge that everyone likes to take pics of. And be prepared for significant wind once you get close to town. Also very chilly--probably 20F difference can be felt in the last 15 miles before you get there from Minneapolis.

The best cup of coffee and corned beef hash can be found at Amazing Grace. They are in the building right behind the Duluth Pack Store.

Have a great trip

[KGT1200]

I've been to Betty's twice over the last 7 years and was really disappointed. The service was horrible because the staff is all teenagers. And the place was filthy. At least it had charm before they got all their big bucks from the state for moving the highway and moved locations. The pie was mediocre at best (imho).

But Duluth has some beautiful places to ride. Make sure to take a short spin out to Park Point. That is the direction over the lift bridge that everyone likes to take pics of. And be prepared for significant wind once you get close to town. Also very chilly--probably 20F difference can be felt in the last 15 miles before you get there from Minneapolis.

The best cup of coffee and corned beef hash can be found at Amazing Grace. They are in the building right behind the Duluth Pack Store. Yea but were talking PIE here..where else is good! Apples to Apples, Man!:bikes
Have a great trip

I had an old park ranger who worked in Estes Park tell me once that the BEST time to enjoy what estes park had to offer in terms of food was AFTER Labor day and BEFORE memorial day reserved for the newlyweds, nearly deads and the locals"...same applies to Bettys I think because everytime
I have been there has been after the teeie boppers have all headed back to school...and that I do believe makes the difference.

Depends on when you go me thinks! I had great pie, sort of the pie is in the eye of the be holder maybe?

Have a GREAT trip!

Red

[Rebgen]

I know time will probably be the limiting factor but the cruise north on Hwy. 61 through Two Harbors to Split Rock Lighthouse is a beautiful ride too. Gooseberry Falls is a pretty area as well. October rides in that area can deliver sun in the 60s' to snow in the 30's. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and enjoy the Norwegian Riviera.

P.S. Haven't stopped by for a fix at Betty's Pies since before their move. Sounds dicey but a field trip to make sure might be in order this month.