Glass is a marvel, considered a luxury at many points throughout history, with it’s invention giving us one of the greatest and most beautiful gifts in the art world today. Art glass is defined as any object, made of glass of course, used for decorative and aesthetic purposes rather than for function. Duluth creatives can master the craft right in their own backyard thanks to Lake Superior Art Glass, a one-of-a-kind working glass studio and art gallery located right here in the Zenith City. The unique spot offers custom and commissioned works of art, featured glass work crafted by over sixty local artists and hands-on classes nearly every day of the week. With Dan Neff at the helm, it’s no surprise the spot was named the Best Art Gallery in the city in 2025, and is known statewide for being Minnesota’s premiere art gallery and studio. Get to know the man and the mission behind one of Canal Park’s coolest businesses in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.
A whopping 93% of us feast on pizza at least once a month. In fact, 350 pieces of pizza are consumed every single second in the United States, with all of us collectively consuming about 300 billion pizzas a year. If you want a special slice, you don’t have to go too far: head to Canal Park or Central Entrance, where a delectable Neapolitan, wood-fired pizza awaits. Vitta Pizza first opened in 2011, and their slice truly stands out against the rest, wood-fired in-house for 90 seconds, resulting in a truly warm, delicious pie that makes you feel more like you’re dining in Naples than along the shores of the great lake. In 2022, a second location followed, both serving up exquisite pizzas, sensational salads and one-of-a-kind desserts. What started as an idea on a trip to Arizona has led Brad and Christie Erickson to where they are today: owners of one of the most popular places to grab a piece of pizza in all of the Zenith City. Hear how they got there in this mouthwatering episode.
At the moment, about 46.5 million households in the United States have a cat in the family and after you listen to this podcast episode, that number is sure to grow, at least in the Northland. This surefire spike can all be attributed to Duluth’s most unique coffee shop, a one-of-a-kind cat café located along Superior Street. Wired Whisker opened in 2024 to the delight of cat and coffee lovers everywhere, becoming northern Minnesota’s first and only café of its kind. Wired Whisker is two-fold, a coffee shop when you walk through the doors, offering handcrafted coffee classics, a wide variety of food options with a fun feline twist and even beer, wine and cider options. The other piece of the puzzle is the cat lounge, where for a nominal fee, you can cuddle with cats all seeking their forever home, and maybe find your dream feline in the meantime. Whether you’re looking for a new furry friend or just need a little TLC, Wired Whisker is unlike any other spot in the Zenith City. Come for the coffee, stay for the company in the form of cute cats. No matter what gets you through the door, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your first time at Wired Whisker. Misha Smith, the FURRRce behind the operation, joins us to share how this cool café came to be.
The market for colored pencils is surprisingly hot, with hundreds of millions sold every single year and then some. When it comes to some of the most well-known artists famous for their use of them, we don’t have to search too far: one of the most prominent is a born and raised Duluthian named Tim Cortes. His niche? Creating limited-edition lithographs and commissioned works of art for some of the most elite athletes in American sports, including Wayne Gretzky, Dale Earnhardt and Shaquille O’Neal, names even the average non-sports fan knows and appreciates. You can also see his art in the flesh at some of the most incredible sports venues in the country, including the U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame, the Franklin Mint and Target Field. It is Tim’s insane ability to capture a moment in time and his impeccable eye for detail that truly make his art a slam dunk, sports pun intended. Today, we are blessed to have Tim creating these beautiful art pieces in our own backyard, sketching unforgettable works as one of the nation’s premiere commemorative artists right here in the Zenith City. Whether a major sports fan or an art lover, there's something for everyone in this special episode featuring artist Tim Cortes.
We all know Duluth is the greatest city on earth. Whether you're here for the long haul or just passing through, the Zenith City has something for everyone - and then some. After all, our small town boasts world class attractions, stunning beauty and unmatched outdoor recreation. In fact, there’s so much to do, eat and explore that planning out your Duluth day can be simply overwhelming. While that may be a good problem to have, you may want to turn to a professional for help picking the biggest and boldest things to do in Duluth. That's where Jay Gabler comes in, an arts & entertainment reporter for the Duluth News Tribune. The journalist is also an author, penning '100 Things To Do In Duluth Before You Die' for those wanting a challenge - and some help with their Northland bucket list. The book was published earlier this year and in this case, you can judge a book by the cover, as the Minnesota native truly lays out all the things you can - and should! - do in Duluth before you die. We can’t think of a more fitting guest for the season seven premiere of For The Love Of Duluth.
When it comes to famous restaurants in Duluth, the most instantly recognizable and iconic is without a doubt Grandma's Saloon & Grill in Canal Park. (And yes, it IS the namesake of that that very famous marathon.) Love it? You're in luck, as it is one of several restaurants under the Grandma's Restaurant Company, which is made up of a handful of other incredibly popular places to eat in the Zenith City. Throw in a shiny new event venue and the Northland’s largest family attraction, and you have an unbelievable, unbeatable roster of businesses for both locals and tourists to enjoy no matter the season. Tony Bronson, the Director of Business Development for the company, joins us in this fun season six finale to talk all about these ventures that make Duluth one of the most well fed and most entertaining cities in the midwest.
There are so many amazing places to eat in Duluth and the bustling Canal Park is no exception. One of the most exceptional can be found on the first floor of the DeWitt-Seitz building, known for its eclectic menu filled with global influences and dishes made with fresh and often foraged ingredients. The lovely Lake Avenue also caters to the locavore, opting for ingredients, goods and services from our own neck of the woods whenever possible. With a menu unlike one you can find anywhere else in the Zenith City and one of the best wine lists north of the Twin Cities, you have a home run of a restaurant beloved by locals and tourists, no easy feat. One bite in and it’s easy to see why Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar is one of the top-rated places to dine in Duluth. Co-owner Mark Swenson joins us to talk about his long career in the restaurant industry, taking chances and of course, his favorite thing on the menu.
Today, about half of all marshmallows sold are eventually toasted over a fire and promptly consumed, with Americans buying more than ninety million pounds of the sweet treat each year. Believe it or not, we have one big marshmallow connection right here in the Zenith City, thanks to a small, woman and veteran-owned business called The Minnesota Marshmallow. What started as a fun venture during the pandemic quickly turned into a full-fledged business, offering a lengthy list of seventy rotating marshmallow flavors and treats, each made with the highest-quality ingredients and innovative, one-of-a-kind recipes. Throw in a wholesale location in Piedmont, a spot on store shelves all across Minnesota and Wisconsin and a shiny new endeavor in the form of a food truck and you have a business that’s simply S’MORE delicious than the rest. Owner & founder Amy Sirois joins us to talk all about her delectable business.
It’s no secret that the art of watercolor has quite a colorful history, existing in some way, shape or form since the Paleolithic period. One of the most identifiable mediums today, our love of watercolors is alive and well worldwide, even here in the Zenith City, a fact that can be attributed to an incredible local artist with a big passion for watercolor paintings, making Duluth even more vibrant with each and every day. LeeAnn Huot has channeled her love of watercolors into a successful art and design business, HuArt Art & Design, offering watercolor paintings and digital design work in an official capacity since June of 2023. She’s also become the art teacher she’s always dreamed of, teaching beginner watercolor courses at local businesses all across the Duluth area. On top of it all, the artist also owns her own wedding coordinating business called Juneberry Wedding Planner. In this episode, we shine a light on the vivid life of one of Duluth’s most creative residents: LeeAnn Huot.
Simply put, music is a huge deal in the Northland, where we are charmed with several music centers to help us scratch our creative itch. There’s no doubt that one of the most special - and historic - is the Sacred Heart Music Center, a prominent music venue in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood that is as stunning as it is significant. A community cornerstone for more than a century, this building dates back to 1896, constructed as the Sacred Heart Cathedral during times of urban renewal in the area. It’s undergone many changes over the years, and today stands tall, as a 400-seat live music venue with renowned acoustics showcasing music of regional, national and international artists around the clock. This remarkable space is fit with an incredible recording studio, a famous Felgemaker organ and the distinction of being one of just three neo-Gothic churches with three towers unique to Northern Minnesota - and that’s just the beginning. Today, Mark Nicklawske, a member on the Board of Directors for the Sacred Heart Music Center, is here to get us AMPED about this life-changing space.
Since 2001, the number of craft breweries in Minnesota has been steadily increasing, from less than 50 all those decades ago to about 234 as of late 2024. Duluth has also become a craft beer haven, with one of the most popular and bustling being Canal Park Brewing Company. Located in its namesake, this hot spot has been around for more than a decade and for good reason. Famous for their award-winning beers and mouthwatering food, the brewery also just so happens to have the very best view in Duluth, located right along the shores of Lake Superior. Toss in a prime location, a dog-friendly patio and drinks crafted using water from the great lake and you have one brewpub that's simply hard to beat. Sandi Daytner, General Manager of Canal Park Brewing Company, joins us to shine a light on how this epic brewery came to be.
Duluth is known for its exciting restaurants, breweries and attractions and one of the very best is still considered a hidden gem: the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, one in a family of seven that collectively hosts more than a million historical documents, making it one of the largest private collections of historic manuscripts in the entire world. Located in the former First Church Of Christ Scientist building, the museum hosts more than 26 important documents at any given moment, along with art, photography and other items related to literature, science, religion and political history. You can even take a walk down memory lane with yearbooks from local high schools and maps dating back to the 1800s. You’ll never get bored: exhibits rotate between museums four times a year. With free entry and a location as historic as the documents inside of it, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum really is Duluth’s best kept secret - until now. Matthew Sjelin, Director of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, is spilling all on one of Duluth’s most undiscovered treasures.
Duluth has become quite famous for its brewery scene as of late, bringing in locals daily and drawing in tourists from all over the midwest, each eager to try the beers they’ve heard so much about, brewed with water straight from the great lake they’ve also heard so much about. When it comes to breweries in the Zenith City, Hoops Brewing is simply LAGER than life. With its convivial food hall-esque atmosphere and prime location right in the heart of Canal Park, it’s nearly impossible not to BEER happy while sipping on one of their one-of-a-kind creations. The man behind the incredible spot is a legend in his own right, playing a major role in the brewery boom in our neck of the woods AND marking 25 years of brewing in Duluth this year, quenching our thirst for a quarter of a century and counting. Find out how Dave Hoops became a renowned member of the brewery business in this new episode.
When it comes to fishing on Lake Superior, many Northlanders are HOOKED from the very first bite, and with a body of water as grand as the great lake, you might need to call in a little help. For that, look no further than Happy Hooker Charters, the oldest and largest charter fishing company on this side of the lake, operating out of the exact same slip as the William A. Irvin in Canal Park for the most Duluth experience possible. Complete with seven charters, it’s the team that is the real catch here, serving the community since 1976 with over eighty years of combined fishing experience on Lake Superior, and extensive knowledge and rare techniques rarely found with any charter business. Needless to say, Happy Hooker Charters is the REEL deal. Today, members Riley Leslie and Jamie Cotner are here to explain what makes Happy Hooker Charters the best in the business.
Chances are, if you live in or have traveled to Duluth, you’ve feasted on a sandwich from one of the best. Northern Waters Smokehaus is famous in our neck of the woods, and beyond, for good reason: their smoked fish and meats, along with their sandwich creations, are simply unmatched. What started as a passion project turned into one of the most delicious places to eat in Minnesota, opening more than two decades ago with a handful of employees and two sandwich prototypes. Much has happened since, with an appearance on the Food Network’s famous Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, more than 60 additional employees and rave reviews from anyone who has ever walked through the door. Eric Goerdt is the man responsible for it all, turning his lifelong passion for the great outdoors into one of the Northland’s most thriving businesses.
It’s no secret that Duluth is an active city, thanks in part to the abundance of outdoor recreation we have right in our own backyard. To take it all on, we need the right footwear. For that, we turn to Tortoise & Hare Footwear in West Duluth, a thriving local business that started as a franchise more than two decades ago and counting. Known for their incredible customer service and comprehensive fitting process, Tortoise & Hare Footwear is truly a STEP above the rest. Today, it is owned and operated by Jim and Mary Stukel, along with their three sons, making this business a family affair where finding the perfect sneakers is always a SHOE-in. This episode shines a spotlight on the Stukel family, as Jim and Mary share how Tortoise & Hare Footwear went from franchise to Northland favorite.
When it comes to cooperatives, one of the most legen-DAIRY can be found in our neck of the woods. The Burnett Dairy Cooperative is as historic as it is amazing, in business and farmer-owned since June of 1896. Got milk? The Burnett Dairy Cooperative does, bringing in over a million pounds of it each day, in turn crafting 150,000 pounds of cheese daily, creating nothing short of the highest quality, most delicious product around. The best part? The cooperative now calls Duluth home, opening their first standalone retail location to date in the summer of 2024, complete with an ice cream shop, lunch and dinner options like pizza and appetizers, and beer and spirits to wash it all down. It might sound cheesy but we think Alison Hoefs, the Chief Human Resources Officer and Marketing Lead for Burnett Dairy Cooperative, is the perfect guest to talk about this udderly amazing operation.
Traveling is good for the mind, body and soul, with studies finding that frequent fliers have better mental health, a great ability to adapt to new situations and even a lower risk of heart disease. With stats like that, it’s no wonder that the Duluth International Airport welcomes about 300,000 passengers every single year. It might be small but it’s mighty, especially with Tom Werner in the role as Executive Director. He signed on in 2012, and it’s been taking off in the decade-plus since, proving that when it comes to the Duluth International Airport, the sky really is the limit. We thought he’d be the perfect guest to help season six take flight, as the man behind one of the most bustling - and crucial - places in the Zenith City.
While you patiently wait for season six to kickoff, we thought we'd treat you to a special bonus episode, featuring one of the biggest fans of For The Love Of Duluth! Northland native Jeannie Schwengler has listened to every single episode of the podcast, helping her fall in love with the Zenith City all over again. In this episode, we get to know the lifelong Duluthian and reflect on some of the most memorable episodes of the podcast so far. Enjoy this special bonus episode of For The Love Of Duluth, from us to you.
The topic of government has perhaps never been more relevant or important, making us all the more thankful for Sharon McMahon, the former high school teacher, podcaster and New York Times best-selling author known to her million-plus Instagram followers as Sharon Says So. Lovingly called America’s Government Teacher, she became a social media star during the pandemic after posting a simple explanation of the Electoral College online, and thus, a movement was born. Today, the Duluthian is a household name thanks to her smart and savvy way of explaining the happenings of the world using non-partisan, fact-based information, a rare and refreshing feat in the age of clickbait and doomscrolling. With a massively successful podcast and docuseries, a brand new book and an empire all her own, there’s no doubt Sharon McMahon is going down in the history books she loves so much. Sharon joined us for a conversation via Zoom to talk about her whirlwind journey to fame and her soulful connection to Duluth in this season five finale.