I remember the first time I attempted our first family vacation. Our 2nd son Levi, has his birthday the day after the 4th of July. So we decided this time of year was a great time to travel since most people are MIA for the summer. He’s always enjoyed the extra special adventures that come our way in the summer and how they seem to coordinate with his birthday. And he never feels like he missed out, bonus for me – less mom guilt.

So, I decide our first trip should be the iconic North Shore. Sort of a paid homage to a trip Joshua and I took with close friends just weeks after we found out we were pregnant with our first son Preston. I wasn’t feeling fabulous at that time. I was sick 99% of my pregnancy. Ugh. All the sickness. Our friends caught on quickly, but she’s my bestie of all besties so it wasn’t gonna be long, she was pregnant too! We enjoyed so many beautiful things that weekend, the trip has a special memory in my heart.

So, this time, now two boys in tow; we did all the things. Well as much as we could fit in with a 2 yr old and 7 yr old. On the way up we stopped in Duluth, toured the bulk freight liner, big hit with our boys! We also stopped and played at Playfront park a state of the art sensory playground. Duluth doesn’t end there though, our trip years back we took a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad with our friends. There is a casino downtown, I’ve never been but we were in the ballroom adjacent for a wedding I was in too. One year we also went over the bridge and explored Superior, WI for the afternoon, it did not disappoint.

For this trip though, we settled 30 minutes north, the same exact Inn 6 years prior. Now called the Bell Sheep Homstead, the inn is in Two Harbors and nestled next to several state parks like Gooseberry, Tettegouche and Split Rock lighthouse. It was always a great value, close to a lot of attractions and some rooms had kitchenettes. We hiked the waterfalls, toured the lighthouse, got blueberry pancakes and picked up chocolate at the Rustic Inn. There was a chalk festival in Castle Danger and we also visited the brewery which was relatively new at the time. We ordered pizza and had our first growler.  I always loved that part of the trip too. Oh! We also ate ice cream….another travel bucket list item….which happened to be next to Beaver Bay Agate shop – a must-see.

The north shore still maintains its beauty, though its picked up in pace on tourism. We visit almost every year, change up a season, head further north, find new treasures. We also stick to the tried and true. Never miss a chance for Gooseberry falls, it’s 5-7 minute hike at the most from the visitor center. Every year we try to get a photo of the boys as we watch them change while the scenery is the same.

Gems like Betty’s pie’s are packed but your always welcomed with a smile. The fall is the most amazing time of year to visit but likely your busiest as well. Cove Point Lodge was a recent stay for a special couples only trip in May. We heard loons from our deck and enjoyed the stars and lake superior 20 feet from our room. Service and the room was 5 star for the North Shore. There are many campsites available too for those who enjoy an even closer view of nature and trade indoor plumbing for a better line of site for the stars or a chance at the northern lights. However, this girl needs a bed after a day of serious hiking. Speaking of, The Superior hiking trail is a favorite of my brother in law Matt who has made many journey’s hiking. I sort of hope he’ll share those stories and pictures with us of his travels through out the U.S.  We often chat on where we are to headed to next.

Our first family trip was only 3 days. But I saw how it really connected our family. How we had to work together to solve problems on the fly and away from home. How we were able to slow down from the hectic life and give us a moment to enjoy it. At the time, brutally honest, we probably should of saved a lot more. Because I’ve learned a little extra is better than just enough. It wasn’t an extremely spendy trip but my husband taking 2 days off unpaid was not exactly something doable when we were young and taking off in our careers. Life was a lot harder back then. But I made us do all the things. I’ve always been a firm believer when you take time for your family, it gets paid back ten-fold. Sometimes it takes a sacrifice first to see the payout.

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These days I’ve gotten savvy on how to manage my vacation funds and financing. Definitely NOT perfected. But, we’ve also got a lot more opportunities now that we are settled into our careers and the boys are 8 and 12. Over the past few years, new things like AirBNB and multiple travel search sites have made it doable to do all the things.

6 years later our adventures have even stretched from the North Shore to the the West Coast in 2018 and again in 2019. This really sparked our true passion for the National Park system. This system is not only affordable but typically packed with things to do and see all over the U.S. Since 2019 we’ve purchased the park pass every year and have picked new locations. 2022’s choices are currently getting mapped out with a few fun things left for this year too.

So sit back, relax and also like my FB page too. Along with my family memory blog, there you’ll see our adventures up front, get my thoughts on what’s worth dropping the dime on and what’s worth skipping. How to make ends meet before, during and AFTER vacation. Day Trips, Couples get aways, extended weekends and Ultimate National Park road trips. I’m not sure exactly where this adventure is headed but as usual, I’m gonna do all the things.

Xoxoxoxo, 💋 Noelle