The inn is all aglow with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating decorated trees, old-fashioned snow villages, fireplaces, fresh poinsettias, wreaths and the entrance to the house itself. Our spirits are lifted as this extra light cheers up the ever-darkening days of midwinter. The smells of almond shortbread baking and melting chocolate tantalize our tastebuds in anticipation of sampling our treat offerings for the Holiday Tour this Sunday, December 2.
The family is gearing up for an afternoon of string quartets featuring some of our favorite Christmas carols, Baroque selections and Pachelbel's Canon. Our son, Jonathan will be playing both violin and viola (when Grandpa Bill's fingers tire). Grandma Marlis will also play both instruments (not at the same time!) and I'll stick with the violin. The elder son, Peter, is our much needed cellist and we're delighted that he is able to join us this year. As a special treat, Tom Wegren, piano professor from UMD will delight guests with his exceedingly entertaining piano renditions of holiday tunes and whatever else he chooses. One year he really had a group from the Red Hat Society going.
This all sounds like so much fun! I can't wait. Don't miss out on a great afternoon at Duluth's Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns. Give us a call or e-mail for info and tickets.
218-724-7639/800-355-3794/218-428-1310 or info@elleryhouse.com

That's all from the good life in Duluth!

Joan and Jim

Bed & Breakfast Holdiay Tour

The annual Duluth Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour (featuring all 8 Inns) is almost here and we are busy preparing. The kitchen is full of the wonderful baking aromas of Scandinavian Almond Shortbread and Belgian Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Balls--2 delightful treats the Ellery House will be serving to all who come through our doors on December 2. The sounds of our family string quartet will follow you as you wander through the festively decorated rooms. Don't linger too long as there are 7 other great inns to see. Tickets (only $20) for this wonderful event may be purchased by calling us at 1-800-355-3794 or 218-724-7639.

Speaking of family quartets, my mother is a professional violinist and teacher and has just moved to Duluth, along with my Dad the sometimes violist. They will join our two sons and myself in our family musicale the day of the Tour. The time and effort involved in moving them here (from Iowa) was tremendous, but they love their beautiful apartment at the newly built Lakeshore Living right on Lake Superior. They moved here for the lake view, not to mention spending more time with the grandchildren. Thanksgiving Dinner never looked so good with a backdrop of the sun shining off blue Lake Superior waters.

That's all from the good life in Duluth.