This summer has been unusual in that we've traveled every month, but mostly in the States--we're saving up our long international trip for the autumn (ah, can't wait!). We have quite a few little trips to share here, but this was definitely one of the highlights of the summer. 

Each summer, we are treated to blissful lake time right at Walker's parents' lake house near the Twin Cities, but since they are having construction there now, they kindly took us on a bit of a road trip!  It turned out amazingly, though, because I got to see a whole new area of Minnesota I'd only seen covered in snow before.

We stayed at the Larsmont Cottages, the sister property of the ski lodges we usually visit in the winter. With rustic decor and lots of amenities, it kindof felt like adult luxury camp and was a blast.

The resort is set up with little fire pits dotting the shore; every few cottages shared one. The shore, by the way, refers to the northern shore of Lake Superior. The lake, I was told, was too cold not only to swim in, but for aquatic life, so felt a bit like the ocean.

The best part of the long weekend was sitting by the water in Adirondack chairs, roasting marshmallows and scenting our clothes with woodsmoke. 

Our first afternoon, we drove up to Gooseberry Falls State Park for what turned out to be an incredibly popular summer spot. The park was jammed! Still, we enjoyed the short and scenic hikes around little outpours of water all over. The rivers were crystal clear water, but appear brown because of the stone underneath.

Can you Find the Mom?!

We returned back to the resort to clean up before a fresh and local dinner at the New Scenic Cafe, about 10 mins drive away. The service was some of the best we have ever had, and we left with joyful hearts in the chilly air. Would highly recommend!

Next morning, I was treated to a massage at the resort, and Walker captured the buttery morning light over the lake.

All of these were taken right on the resort's property a few steps down the trail from our cottage.

Sitting there was calming beyond measure--few animals even, just the water gently touching the shore. More on our hikes up next!