Queries
Abandoned places to see
Does anyone happen to know where these abandoned, yet beautiful, spots are? If you have some of your own, feel free to share pictures and locations so everyone can enjoy. There is a lot of little secrets along the North Shore like these.


(Photos are by Christian Dalbec)
Wheat/gluten-free Duluth brews?
As someone recently diagnosed with a wheat allergy, the world of local beer has become a mysterious place. Information on ingredients is sketchy at best on the interwebs. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge if any of our local breweries offer any wheat-free or gluten-free beers? Suggestions would be most appreciated!
Tricycle or Shambhala Sun?
Feedback wanted! Which Buddhist-focused magazine would you recommend for the Duluth Public Library: Tricycle or Shambhala Sun? If you’re not familiar with them (but interested in having one available for checking out), visit the sites:
Mystery Cable?
While stopped at the stoplight at Superior Street and Second Avenue East this morning, I noticed a cable strung diagonally across the intersection. The cable is strung between Old City Hall and the Temple Opera building. It is a plain steel cable, not holding up any sort of utility cable. The cable looks fairly old, based upon the brackets fastened to the buildings. Anyone have any idea as to it’s purpose? Lightning? Keeping one of the buildings from falling over? Old traffic signals?
Biking in Duluth Near the Airport
I’m trying to figure out a good biking route for commuting from about Lester Park to Cirrus in Hermantown. I have pieces – Glenwood has a nice shoulder, as do Snively and Arrowhead up until Kenwood – but after Kenwood things get a little trickier. Does anyone else do this or parts of it? Any tips?
And if I wanted to talk to people about maybe improving the scene up on the hill for road biking, who would I start with? I’m not looking for anything fancy, but shoulders wider than bike tires would be a real improvement. I’m glad to see the lake front part of town getting bike-love, and obviously campus, but there’s a lot of town not getting covered.
Seeking makeup artist for wedding in Duluth
I am on the hunt for an experienced makeup artist who has an opening for July 12 in the Duluth area. This person might have to travel to Two Harbors to do my makeup depending on how the day runs. I currently own my own business and am a Motives makeup consultant, however, I would like to be pampered and not have to worry about doing my own makeup that day. I need someone who is flexible and is willing to work with my own line of Motives products. If you know of anyone please send them my way!
Instrument Repair
Where can I get a flute repaired?
Preferably not Schmitt. Please let there be another option.
Help in identifying a Duluth location
I believe this is Garfield Avenue and Superior Street. A relative once had a grocery store directly to the left of Garfield in the photo. I’m pretty sure it is the store with the canopy or the one to the right (west) of that one. Charles Atol was the “original?” owner then later Jimmy Atol. Any information would be appreciated.
Abominable Snowman Costume
Does anyone know where I could get ahold of an abominable snowman costume? Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
How many pay phones are left in Duluth?
Ah, the once-ubiquitous pay telephone. I remember when they could be found on every major street corner, but if I needed one today, I would have no idea where to find one.
Are there any pay phones left in Duluth? If so, where? Confirm their existence by commenting below, but please post only current confirmations. If you have a vague memory of one existing a few years ago, that doesn’t count.
(more…)I don’t have a property license posted in my apartment …
Where I’ve been living for the past three years is a dump. $815/month + utilities. Now I’ve had inspectors come in and view the apartment while the landlord is there. Every time I’d try to point something out to the inspector, my landlord would cut me off. Recently a drainage pipe from the roof of my apartment burst and flooded my dining room, as well as the basement. I’m curious about what I can do to get this place fixed up, as my landlord never keeps his promises. Also, there is no property license posted in my home. What’s legal and what’s not?
Seeking volunteer opportunities in Duluth that benefit the environment
I’m looking for some good organizations that provide volunteer opportunities that benefit the environment and people in any shape or form, thanks.
Best Play or Musical of 2013 Nominations
Returning to our periodic infatuation with polls, the next item up on the PDD Awards list is determining Duluth’s Best Play or Musical from 2013.
Before we do that, we rely on you to supply the nominees in the comments. Ready. Set. Go.
Easter Wedding
We are looking to do a very small family only wedding on Easter Sunday and are wondering if anyone knows a non-religious officiant who might be able to do it. We are also wondering about a free or very cheap venue — outside would be wonderful but probably not smart at the end of April. Any suggestions would be welcome, thanks! We are not having a reception, just going out to dinner as a family at the Golden Inn where we got engaged!
Duluth cross-country ski instructor recommendations?
Following up on cork1’s comment regarding taking a couple of lessons on the post about cross-country ski trails for absolute beginners … I just moved here from a flatter, warmer state and I would love to have some ski lessons. I want to learn from someone who will be patient with my ignorance and help me build my confidence with hills. Where do I find a good teacher?
Is Duluth unfriendly to posters?
I’m old school and used posters to promote an event. I’ve noticed a numerous amount of posters for my upcoming Minerva Zine Party have gone missing or were stolen from sites like Pizza Luce, Carmody, Sir Ben’s. I used multiple tacts and tape to secure them. More Duluth locations require you have the managers approval and are not posted timely. It’s extremely frustrating and expensive for a DIY zine publisher. Any tips, ideas to take out poster thefts, or solutions are appreciated!
Trail for Absolute Beginner XC Skiers
I’m wondering what the best (least scary) trails are for newbies to the sport of XC skiing. I’ve been on XC skis once (and downhill skis once). People say Lester is beginner friendly, but I found it a bit frightening. I’d like to learn on a trail with some nice gentle slopes and curves. Suggestions??? Thanks!
Duluth Photography Classes
I’m what you’d call an amateur photographer (along with everyone else) and I’m looking to improve my skills. Does anyone know of any photography workshops or classes around town that are free/cheap? Or are there any seasoned photography vets out there who wouldn’t mind showing me the ropes? Any help would be appreciated!
No trespassing!
What’s the deal with the fences and no trespassing signs that were put up and eventually taken down midway up the Glenwood Road hill in Lakeside on county land. Is this the over zealous property owner who’s trying to sell the chunk of land below it? Perhaps they need to learn the property boundaries.
Winter Wasp Woes
I have wasp problems. At least, I think they’re wasps … could be hornets, I hope not. Anyway I know I have nests in the porch ceiling pretty bad, but it’s possible they are also in the walls too. How bad? I’m afraid to know, but the real problem started last year on New Year’s Day, a couple hours into 2013.
(more…)
Guy Lombardo in Duluth
Did Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians ever perform in Duluth … and if so when?
Minnesota Wine Exchange closing?
Did Minnesota Wine Exchange go out of business? Or is it just changing locations? I bought a half-price gift certificate and went to use it, but it looked like they were packing up.
I really need to stop buying these gift certificates. I think it’s a curse to the business. I bought three for Thai Krathong and never got to use them. Sad to see these unique businesses go.
Paul Robeson in Duluth
What is Paul Robeson’s connection to Duluth? For some reason I’ve never wondered about this before. Today someone asked me.
Paul Robeson was a singer, actor and football player who was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. You can read about him on Wikipedia and numerous other places on the Internet.
The Paul Robeson Ballroom is part of the Kozy Apartments complex, which has been shuttered since 2010 due to three arson fires. (Photo above by Daniel Kerkhoff.)
There is a one-man show, The Tallest Tree in the Forest, running at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. through Feb. 16, that mentions Robeson was in Duluth in 1947. (The show is probably based, at least in part, on the 1977 documentary film The Tallest Tree in Our Forest.)
That’s all we’ve got. Help fill in the blanks.
Set lists for Low @ Brewhouse
While I’d be very happy to get to the Brewhouse every Thursday for Low’s play-it-all sessions, I just can’t do it … but it would be great to know what they played so far. Any fans out there who happened to record the set list from 1.16.14? If you’d care to share it (maybe even each week?), I’d guess that there is more than one fan in PDD-Land who would appreciate your effort. Thanks!





