GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA-COOLEST TOWN!

      Just this morning on CBC News, some travel expert was listing  cool areas in United States that get over-looked. One was Grand Marais, Minnesota. It's about two-thirds up the "North Shore Drive" of Lake Superior on highway 61 north of Duluth.

      I was up there on the tail end of the North Shore trip and fell in love with the town and area. First of all.it is not like Galena, Illinois. You don't feel like yo have to leave your wallet and credit cards in the car. Just simple quaint little stores and primarily a big old fashion general store where you can purchase all kinds of local stuff including a "Elmer Fudd" hat! A few small coffee shacks dot the downtown and near the lake where you can just walk up and purchase your favorite brew!

      The bay area there would remind one more of a scene from somewhere in Maine and not necessarily the mid-west. And, of course, the water is deep blue and crystal clear. The drive to there is on Reader's Digest- Most Scenic Drives in America.  For most of us, it's so close to home too!