The missus and I decided to finally make the run up to Duluth to check out Bentleyville, the holiday lights display that takes over Bayfront Park Thanksgiving through Christmas. It was a particularly warm night for December and as we went on a Wednesday night, the crowds weren’t overwhelming. Yay! Interesting to go through, probably more entertaining for younger kids and people really into Christmas/Holidays, but now I can say I’ve done it – probably won’t again.

We also stopped at the Glensheen Mansion for yet another tour (Becky’s favorite place in Duluth). This is the first time we’ve taken the extended tour that now includes the 3rd floor and attic. This is where the boys had their bedrooms and a few rooms are still in the restoration phase. Lost of cool stuff to look at and envision what it was like to life (albeit the rich life) at the turn of the 20th century. Also, the attic is HUGE!

As far as partaking in suds on Superior, we stopped in at a number of old haunts like Hoops, Old Chicago, and Canal Park Brewing. We also wanted to stop by Bent Paddle’s new digs and also experience the recently opened Ursa Minor Brewing.

We had been to the old location for Bent Paddle a number times and anyone who’s been there knows, it was nice, but small. Being a local favorite, it was usually packed no matter when you went. Not any more. The new space is huge, and I’m not exaggerating. One of the largest taprooms we’ve ever been to. Lots of solid wood beams carrying the outdoorsy theme they’re known for, tastefully decorated with a lot of small touches like the tiled waterfalls running down the front of the bar and a 3 option water tap for those wishing to keep their hydration levels up.

I also like the small batch, taproom only offerings they provide with a little onsite mini-brewery in back. I had the barrel-aged doppelbock (amazing!) and Becky tried the Pilot Series Oatmeal Stout – again, very good. At the suggestion of some friends, we had lunch delivered by the OMC Smokehouse. A little on the expensive side, but the food was absolutely worth it. I did the smoked pulled pork with cheesy jalapeno grits and beef fat fries (yum!), Becky had the smoked salmon with naan bread. Ordering was dead simple, took about 10 minutes to arrive, and tasted great. Thanks Ric and Eileen!

Next stop was Ursa Minor Brewing, about 2 miles down the road from Bent Paddle. Easy to find (big blue building sitting right next to the road) with a small parking lot off to one side. I could see that when it gets busy, street parking will be a must. Interior is decked out in common, wood/metal/industrial/refurbished factory style with a decent sized space and comfortable seating. Christmas lights were strung up giving a nice cozy holiday feel.

We tried the milk stout, brown ale, carrot cake beer, stout, and the IPA. The Mark’s Breakfast stout was good, lots of roast character without being bitter, and the Carrot Cake beer was very interesting. Tasted pretty much like a beer with a lot of carrot cake… Yeah. Good for one, interesting glass, but wouldn’t want much more. The other beers, while ok, weren’t much of a stand out. No flaws, per se, but not memorable either.

The staff were very nice and accommodating. Chatted with Ben Hugus, COO, about him recently becoming a recognized BJCP beer judge and his upcoming visit to St. Cloud to help judge in our St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour Homebrew Competition.   I’m sure we’ll visit there again next time we’re up.

Visit highlights: Hoops No. 400 Russian Imperial Stout and Bent Paddles Barrel Aged Doppelbock, chatting with Ben about judging.

Later!