Local Arrangements for MLA 2011

Restaurant Survey

2011-10-11T14:40:00.001-05:00

We surveyed local library staff to find out what their favorite restaurants are, and you can read the results here.

Duluth and Construction

2011-10-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Duluth is still in construction season! So please allow some extra time getting to Duluth. Current construction and traffic information can be found at Minnesota Department of Transportation and 511MN.

Did you bring your bike?

2011-10-10T15:28:00.003-05:00

BikeDuluth.com

Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Lester Park Trail

What to wear in Duluth

2011-10-09T09:50:00.001-05:00

Four words to remember when dressing for Duluth: Wind Off The Lake. Layers are good, and if you plan on taking a stroll down the Lakewalk, be sure to come prepared for that chilly wind that can come along with no notice. Also, it looks like we may be in for some rain, so do bring your rain gear. Walking along Lake Superior is always a thrilling experience and we strongly recommend you do, but it is best enjoyed when dressed appropriately. It's probably a good idea to bring a hat and gloves, even if you may not need them.

KUMD

2011-10-08T12:26:00.001-05:00

While you're in town, turn your radio dial to 103.3 FM to hear some great local programming.

Book Sales and Signings at the MLA Conference

2011-10-07T15:38:00.002-05:00

2011 Book Sales and Signings
The Bookstore at Fitger’s will be open during Exhibits hours. The Bookstore accepts cash, check and credit cards. (Checks are AWESOME!!!)

Wednesday October 12
1:00–2:00 Danielle Sosin and Anita Silvery

Thursday October 13
9:00-10:00 Linda Grover and Elisabeth Doucett
11:00-12:00 Jenna Blum and Margi Preus
1:30-2:00 Scott Nicholson
2:30- 3:30 Chris Monroe

Friday October 14 William Kent Krueger will sign books after his Keynote

Music at University of MN Duluth

2011-10-07T13:34:00.001-05:00

Thursday, October 13, 2011 • 7:30 pm

Weber Music Hall

10^th Annual Weber Concert

Join the UMD Faculty Ensembles as they celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of Weber Music Hall.

All seats $15 (reserved seating)

UMD MUSIC PRESENTS
OCTOBER 2011 EVENTS
Tickets: 218-726-8877 / www.tickets.umn.edu

Are we there yet? A timed walking guide for your conference and events.

2011-10-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

DECC to Holiday Inn--17 minutes

DECC to Canal Park Lodge--7 minutes

DECC to Fitger's--21 minutes

Holdiay Inn to Fitger's--15 minutes

Canal Park Lodge to Fitger's--13 minutes

Saturday, October 15 Event

2011-10-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

Chris Monroe - ''Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans'
Clark has an enormous problem. Someone is sabotaging his uncle's seaside resort! What does he do? He calls Chico Bon Bon, the Monkey with a tool belt. Chico and his tools tackle Clark's problems, but as soon as Chico fixes one thing, something new breaks! If Chico can't stop these shenanigans, he'll never get to go surfing!

Come on down to The Bookstore at Fitger's to help celebrate the release of Chris Monroe's 4th children's book. We'll be up to our own shenanigans with activities for the whole family!

Saturday, October 15, 2011
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Book signing
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Author reading
Chris Monroe
Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans

Spirit Mountain Adventure Park

2011-10-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

Mini Golf, Alpine Coaster, Zip Line, and Terror Twister Haunted Coaster Rides. Woo-hoo!

Killer Cocktails

2011-10-05T09:29:00.013-05:00

Killer Cocktails
Wednesday, October 12, 7:30PM–10:00PM

What do you get when you combine Minnesota mystery writers, a haunted hotel, and signature drinks? Killer Cocktails! Don’t miss this joint Reader’s Advisory Round Table/Twin Cities Crime Writers Co-op event at the historic Fitger’s Inn. Costumes are optional, but the Fitger's complex does get dressed for Halloween. Books by attending authors will be available for purchase so you can get them signed. The Bookstore at Fitger's will be open until 10:00pm on Wednesday night!

Authors Attending: Christine Husom; MarilynVictor; Pat Dennis; Barbara DaCosta; Erin Hart; Christopher Valen; Ellen Kuhfeld; Joel Arnold; Sujata Massey; Jenifer LeClair; Pam Leonard; Colin Nelson; Wendy Webb; Jessie Chandler

Stop by and say "hi"

2011-10-04T17:00:00.001-05:00

Duluth Public Library is a short walk from the DECC, and if it's cold you can take the Skywalk. Just follow the signs to the library.

Beer?

2011-10-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

I think we know what the answer is! Try one of these fine drinking establishments for some local brew. There's the Dubh Linn Irish Pub and Carmody Irish Pub, both downtown on Superior Street. Further down the street (East) there is Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake which is right across from Fitger's Brewhouse. And we have already told you about the Thirsty Pagan over in Superior -- but don't forget your designated driver!

The Bookstore at Fitger's

2011-10-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

The best bookstore in Duluth!

The Bookstore at Fitger’s
600 E Superior Street
Duluth MN 55802
phone: 218.727.9077
website: www.fitgersbookstore.com
email: Bookstore@fitgers.com

The Bookstore at Fitger's specializes in Northeastern Minnesota regional books. We also carry new releases, best sellers and nonfiction, as well as children's books and toys. We have a full line of Fitger's clothing and memorabilia.

Food in the Canal Park Area

2011-09-30T12:31:00.001-05:00

Canal Park is full of restaurants and just steps away from the DECC. Walk down Lake Avenue (the street with the Aerial Lift Bridge) and you will find the Thai Krathong, Timber Lodge Steakhouse, The Green Mill, Old Chicago, Grandma's Saloon and Grill, Grandma's Sports Garden , Bellisio's, and Famous Daves. In the DeWitt Seitz building you will find Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe, The Lake Avenue Cafe, and the Taste of Saigon. Next door is Little Angie's.

Food in the Downtown area

2011-09-29T09:00:00.002-05:00

The Holiday Center at 207 West Superior Street (in the Skywalk) has several fast-food options available for lunch. If you like Indian food, there is India Palace at 319 West Superior Street, which has a lunch buffet as well as a full dinner menu with wine and beer. Takk for Maten Cafe is a cute, cozy and casual Scandinavian restaurant that serves fantastic breakfasts and lunch all day, at 21 N Lake Avenue -- right next door to Pizza Luce. Original Coney Island at 107 E. Superior St. is a beloved local institution. A more complete list of downtown eating and drinking establishments can be found here.

Food over the bridge

2011-09-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are adventurous enough to cross the bridge to Superior, Wisconsin, be sure to stop at the Anchor Bar for one of their famous burgers. Thirsty Pagan Brewery is a local microbrewery that serves up great home-made pizzas to go with their brew. They often have live music, too. For more traditional fare, try the Hammond Steakhouse or the Shack.

Dinner with Colleagues

2011-09-28T09:23:00.005-05:00

There is still time to register for Dinner with Colleagues!
Get together with with some of your colleagues and enjoy dinner out in one of Duluth's many restaurants. Groups are based on professional and personal interests, and discussions will be informal. Don't be shy -- make some new friends! Descriptions of the dinner topics and links to the restaurants can be found in the registration form. Everyone is responsible for paying for their own dinner. MLA's Dinner with Colleagues will be held Thursday, October 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Registration is first come, first served.
Please register by Wednesday, October 5, 2011.
See you there!

Corn Maze

2011-09-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

Engwall's corn maze

4749 Hermantown Rd - Duluth - MN - 55811
218-727-8961
1-800-ENGWALL

Karpeles Manuscript Library

2011-09-27T13:20:00.001-05:00

Karpeles Manuscript Library is located at 902 East 1st Street in Duluth.

Enger Tower

2011-09-27T13:19:00.000-05:00

Enger Tower and Peace Garden have terrific views. Free!

Coffee anyone?

2011-09-27T12:16:00.005-05:00

Duluth has many coffee establishments walking distance from the DECC and conference hotels..here are some to get you started!

Caribou Coffee

307 Canal Park Dr # 1

Starbucks

331 West Superior Street

Amazing Grace

394 South Lake Avenue

Jitters Coffee and Tea House
102 West Superior Street

A little further away

Dunn's Brothers
2401 London Road

Beaner's Central
324 North Central Avenue

Peet's Coffee and Tea (Great Harvest Bread)
3 S 13th Ave E

Like to shop?

2011-08-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

If you want to bring back a little something for your colleagues who couldn't make it to the conference, the DECC is walking distance to many unique, locally-owned shops. The DeWitt Seitz Marketplace is just steps away from the DECC and we guarantee that your coworkers will love you if you bring them something from Hepzibah's Sweet Shoppe. The Downtown area is close, too, and accessible through our Skywalk if you want to avoid a wind off the Lake. However, if you relish a brisk walk along the Lakewalk, you can go to the Fitger's complex which is a little less than a mile away. An Ely, Minnesota - made Wintergreen jacket will keep you warm on the way back.

Take the train!

2011-08-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

Take a train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

Tour a Haunted Ship

2011-08-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

The S.S. William A. Irvin is a retired ore boat that is now a floating museum docked next to the DECC. Although its regular tour season is over in September, in October it becomes a haunted ship. Tour schedule here.

Outdoor & FREE fun with the kids

2011-07-27T14:30:00.009-05:00

by ajburcar

Here in Duluth we spend as much time outside as possible. Here are my top three outdoor and free places to take the kids. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Playfront Park: Located near Bayfront Park & the Great Lakes Aquarium. Offers three areas of play, each geared towards a specific age range. In 2010 the old wooden structures were removed and replaced with new and accessible equipment. Click here for the location.

Minnesota Point: All along Minnesota Point (aka Park Point), on the lake side, is a wonderfully soft sanded beach. Entry points to the beach are near the canal, near the Franklin Tot Lot, at the end of Park Point and at various other poorly marked access points. A great place to look for sea glass, drift wood or enjoy the lake life. Bathrooms are available at the beach house at the end of Park Point. The Franklin Tot Lot entrance does have a port-a-potty, a small parking lot and is the most accessible way to the beach. A favorite of our family in the summer.

Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park): A nice little beach park just north of the city on the North Shore. The highlight of this beach are rocks, rocks, rocks. From large boulders to smooth pebbles. Skipping rocks is a must!

Hawk Ridge and 7 Bridges Road

2011-07-25T15:13:00.008-05:00

October is a good time to view migrating raptors at Hawk Ridge. Take the scenic 7 Bridges Road which is part of Skyline Drive to Hawk Ridge.

View from Hawk's Ridge

One of the Seven Bridges

MLA's Dinner with Colleagues

2011-07-22T10:10:00.002-05:00

Step back in time....

2011-07-21T13:58:00.003-05:00

Take a tour of Glensheen: the Historic Congdon Estate

Bringing the kids? Here are some local favorites certain to entertain the kids

2011-07-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Are you turning MLA into a family affair? If so, here are the three places my family visits A LOT during the year. These three places all charge to enter. If you plan on making a return trip to Duluth within the next 12 months of your visit, a season pass might be an affordable option for you. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Great Lakes Aquarium: A little pricey (kids under 3 are free), but a good place to get out of the cold and learn a bit about Lake Superior. Bring an extra set of clothes for your young lake explorers who will have the opportunity to navigate their own boats through the entire Great Lakes system.

The Duluth Depot: The Depot (as we Duluthians call it) houses a wide variety of organizations. Children would be most interested in the Duluth Children's Museum, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the Duluth Art Institute. My two year old boys love the train museum with its variety of retired train cars and a large toy train table. Admission rates include access to all three. Children under 3 are free.

Lake Superior Zoo: Our zoo is on the upswing. A very easy zoo to maneuver. Stroller friendly. The primate/nocturnal building is a highlight for my family. Playground equipment in the middle of the zoo offers a break from walking around. Children under 3 are free.

Take a break and clear your head

2011-07-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

You don't have to leave Duluth to enjoy nature. Take advantage of one of our beautiful public parks and gardens such as Enger Tower Park. Climb the tower for a spectacular view of the harbor. Or for something close to the DECC, the Rose Garden is just a short stroll up the Lakewalk.

Eat, shop, sightsee...

2011-07-08T11:20:00.002-05:00

Duluth's Canal Park is just steps away from the DECC, where the conference takes place. This charming waterfront district is packed with unique shops, restaurants and cafes, galleries, wonderful public art and much more. A favorite of locals and tourists alike.

Go to the theater!

2011-07-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

Renegade Theater Company will be performing Bug.

Take a hike!

2011-07-01T09:45:00.003-05:00

Chester Creek

Take advantage of our many scenic hiking trails around Duluth.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

2011-07-01T09:36:00.002-05:00

Check out this cool free museum located in Canal Park and watch the ships come into port.

Looking for a dinner date?

2011-06-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

This year we will be offering "Dinner with Colleagues," which will be groups of up to eight people who have some common interest, either professional or personal, getting together at local restaurants to have dinner and conversation. Local conference attendees will be the hosts. The dinners will be on Thursday, October 13th between 6:30 and 8:30 and the sign-up will be posted on July 15th.

Get Ready for MLA Duluth!

2011-05-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

Check back regularly to find out what to see and do in Duluth.