Monthly Archives: November 2009

duluth bed and breakfast firelight inn

Holidays in Duluth MN at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast

Thanksgiving in Duluth at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek in Duluth Minnesota was truly an event. Daughter Jennifer and her family traveled from West Fargo, North Dakota. Son Matt and his girlfriend Beckie traveled from Burnsville and Son Nathan traveled from Richfield, Minnesota. I had lots of help in the kitchen with preparation, table setting and even cleaning up. Granddaughter Addie rose early each morning to help Gramma in the kitchen. We had special time together. The Thanksgiving dinner was delicious and, of course, there was too much food. The sweet potato souffle was the biggest hit and even the gravy turned out this time. Jim put the turkey in a brine of salt and herbs and it was so tender and juicy. We played Scattergories, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Checkers and more. Granddaughter Hannah played her bells for us. Caleb loved the basket of toys Gramma produced from the basement. Ellen was busy on her cell phone chatting with a new boyfriend! I was truly overwhelmed as we went around the table sharing what each of us was thankful for this Thanksgiving Day!

Jim’s daughter Angie and her boyfriend traveled from Grand Forks to Minneapolis and then an overnight at The Firelight Inn. After the four of us went to lunch, Kevin and Angie got engaged. Kevin got down on one knee and asked Angie to marry him as they were on the pier enjoying Lake Superior. Jim is one proud Dad!

Now it is time to begin the Christmas decorating. My theme this year is “less is more” however, once I begin getting all the beautiful things out I’m sure it will be “more is gorgeous!”

On Tuesday morning I have the privilege to host a brunch for 24 Vineyard pastors and staff at The Firelight Inn. The menu is: Savory croissant breakfast pudding, blueberry croissant puffs, fresh fruit, cranberry orange muffins, orange juice, coffee and tea. I’m considering it a true blessing to have the opportunity to prepare this brunch at our home for these special folks.

We have a great “Second Night Half Off” special through December 23rd at The Firelight Inn. Make sure to take advantage of this great deal. Firelight Inn Gift Certificates also make great gifts for the holidays. They can be purchased in any amount and we will mail them in plenty of time for holiday giving. Use our convenience online gift certificate order form!

Have a great holiday season!

Joy Fischer, Innkeeper/Owner
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast

duluth

December 2009 Duluth MN Calendar of Events

We welcome you to The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast and while you’re in town, you can enjoy all the following events going on during December, 2009.

December 1st – January 2, 2010 Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” is open daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Just a short drive from The Firelight Inn to enjoy the holiday light display at Bayfront Festival Park. You can take the train from Fitger’s to Bentlyville. There are 3 rides nightly and the last train leaves to Fitger’s at 9 p.m. $2 per ticket and available at the Bookstore at Fitger’s.

December 3-6th The Duluth Playhouse presents “The Three Musketeers”. Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Playwright Ken Ludwig gives his delightful take on the Dumas classic in an energetic, festive, humorous evening, over brimming with swathers of wash, buckets of buckly, melodic music and dazzling dueling. The Duluth Playhouse (218)733-7555.

December 3-6th UMD Department of Theatre presents “Sausage!” This family friendly Commedia delle’Arte scenario features the miser Pantalone attempting to marry his daughter to the son of the rich Doctor Graziano. As the zany action unfolds, a scoundrel, some wily servants, and a huge crate of sausages get in the way of the marriage. Held at Mainstage Theatre at the Marshall Performing Arts Center at UMD.
218)726-8561.

December 4-5th UMD Men’s Hockey vs. North Dakota Fighting Sioux at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center at 7:07 p.m.

December 4-6th The Polar Express. The train ride departs from Fitger’s and journey’s along the Lakewalk arriving at the Duluth Depot where you’ll be enchanted with a reading of the Polar Express and return to Fitger’s and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies by a campfire. Call (800)423-1273 for all the information and tickets.

Duluth 5th Duluth Fiber Handcrafter’s Guild Annual Fiber Fair and Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Great Hall at The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street in Duluth, MN.

December 8-12th UMD Department of Theatre presents “Sausage”.

December 9-13th The Duluth Playhouse presents “The Three Musketeers”.

December 11 “Festive Fridays” 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open house with coffee, cider and gift wrapping and featuring local artist work. Held at Blue Lake Gallery in Canal Park.

December 11 FOOD AND FUN Local Food and National Comedy at Dubh Linn Comedy Club in downtown Duluth. (218)727-1559.

Duluth 11-12 UMD Men’s Hockey vs. Denver Pioneers at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center at 7:07 p.m.

December 11-13 Minnesota Ballet presents The New “Nutcracker” Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The Minnesota Ballet premiers its sparkling production, set in Manhattan in the early 1900′s, complete with Edwardian costumes, the Party Scene in an opulent townhouse overlooking Central Park, the Snow Scene in a glittery, white topped Central Park, reminiscent of a Currier and Ives Print. (218)529-3742. Innkeepers Jim and Joy are planning to attend!

December 15 Broadway in Duluth presents “The Rat Pack is Back!” at 7:30 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. This spirited tribute recreates one of the famous “Summit at the Sands” hotel shows, when the swingin’, ring-a-ding group known as the “Rat Pack” was creating hipster legend with a free-wheeling, no-holds-barred nightclub act starring Vegas’ four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. (218)722-5573 for tickets.

December 16-20 The Duluth Playhouse presents “The Three Musketeers”.

December 17th Handel’s Messiah Sing-along at 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Auditorium at UMD.

December 17-19th Glensheen Holiday Living Literature presents “The Gift of the Magi” at 7 p.m. at Glensheen Historic Estate. (888)454-GLEN.

December 21st Winter Solstice by the Two Harbors Lighthouse. Activities include lighting of the bonfire at 5 p.m., singers, hot beverages and more. Free!

December 31st Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra-Broadway. Live. 7 p.m. Bravo Broadway is an exciting and wildly popular evening of Broadway’s favorites performed by stars from the Broadway stage. (218)623-3776. Make your reservations at The Firelight Inn and we’ll have complimentary chilled champagne and a cheese platter in your suite upon arrival!

We’re sure you will have a wonderful getaway to Duluth this December.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

duluth bed and breakfast Quilt

Quilt in the Making at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed & Breakfast

Innkeeper Joy is making a quilt to adorn the staircase at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, Minnesota. The fabrics in this “colorwash” heart quilt are used in a way similar to that of an artist using paint on canvas. The fabrics “wash” across the surface of the quilt, blending and bleeding into each other. By varying the lightness and darkness of the fabrics, a beautiful heart centers the quilt. Joy chose to use two-inch squares rather than the strip piece method. It will take more time but a beautiful quilt is a labor of love!



There are great quilt shops in and around the Duluth area to enjoy during your stay. Many offer classes and stock the latest fabrics, patterns, and notions. Check out Kelly J’s Sewing Center & Quilt Shop on 6140 Jean Duluth Road in Duluth. Another one worth the drive to is Hingeley Road Quilt Shop in Floodwood (about an hour from Duluth). They boast 6000+ top quality bolts of fabric. The Quilters Coop on 319 North Central Avenue in Duluth never disappoints!

We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed & Breakfast.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

Duluth attractions duluth bed and breakfast

Outdoor Christmas Decorations in Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park

If you enjoy viewing outdoor Christmas decorations, Duluth has an attraction you won’t want to miss this holiday season!

Beginning November 27, 2009 and continuing through January 2, 2010, “Bentlyville” promises to deliver. The outdoor light display features more than 14 miles of lights that decorate trees and about 500 feet of tunnels, 600 deer, a pavilion and statues of the Aerial Lift Bridge, Enger Tower, an ore boat and an 18-hole golf course that features Santa Claus, Frosty and Rudolph playing on it.
In addition to the lights, each Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. music groups will perform on stage at the Lois M. Paulucci Music Pavilion. The light show is free to the public but donations are welcome. Lots of free parking is available and shuttle buses and the North Shore Scenic Railroad will be available to get to Bentlyville.

Come and stay at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast this holiday season and enjoy all Duluth has to offer in the beautiful winter season. We are offering quiet season rates and last-minute special offers. We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

duluth bed and breakfast specials

The Firelight Inn Gift Certificate Purchase Free Night Giveaway


Do you have a friend, relative or co-worker that would enjoy a stay at The Firelight Inn?

Is your holiday gift list even started?

Do you have a charity that needs support?

Here’s your opportunity to gift a stay at The Firelight Inn and get a free stay for yourself. For every $200 in gift certificates purchased (e.g. 1 $200, 2 $100, 4 $50), your name will be automatically entered into our drawing for a free one-night stay. For anyone that purchases $1000 in gift certificates, we will give you a one-night stay AND enter your names five times in the drawing. We are giving away three one-night stays in this giveaway. This early gift certificate purchase ends on November 20, 2009. All free gift certificates are subject to our regular gift certificate policies. Give us a call (888)724-0273 or purchase your gift certificates online.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

recipes

Holiday Chocolate Cookie Recipe from The Firelight Inn B&B

Chocolate Chai Latte Cookies

Cookie:
1 (18.25 oz) package butter recipe chocolate cake mix
3 tablespoons instant chai tea latte mix*
1/ cup butter, softened
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Drizzle:
1 ½ cups powered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 to 5 teaspoons water

Heat over to 350 degrees Combine all cookie ingredients except chocolate chips in a large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed and smooth. Stir in chocolate chips by hand.

Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until tops are set and cracked. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Combine all drizzle ingredients except water in a small bowl. Add enough water for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Store between sheets of waxed paper in container with tight-fitting lid.

*Substitute 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeeper / Owners
Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast

duluth bed and breakfast

Romantic getaway weekend at The Firelight Inn and Duluth Christmas Parade

The Duluth Christmas City of the North Parade is a Northern Minnesota tradition and signals the beginning of the holiday season. Lighted floats, marching bands and pageantry are all present for you to enjoy.

This year’s parade includes nearly 70 groups including 20 bands, 9 dance groups, various local royalty courts plus Santa. The parade is Friday, November 20th, 2009 and is scheduled to begin at 6:20 p.m.

The parade begins at Lake Avenue South and Railroad Street in Canal Park. The parade travels up Lake Avenue to Superior Street and ends at 5th Avenue West.

Check into The Firelight Inn at 3 p.m. and relax for awhile, a short drive to enjoy the parade and then return to The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek for hot chocolate, cookies and maybe a jacuzzi bubble bath? Make your weekend reservations now online or give us a call. Check out our current specials for last-minute deals! We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

recipes

Coffee Cake Recipe from the kitchen at The Firelight Inn

Firelight Inn Pecan Coffeecake

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbsp. minced lemon zest
1 egg
2 egg whites
½ cup nonfat plain yogurt
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ cup coarsely chopped pecans (for filling)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon (for filling)

For filling: In a small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream sugar, oil and lemon zest. Mix in egg and egg whites. In a food processor, blend yogurt and cottage cheese. Add to egg mixture with vanilla and lemon juice. Slowly stir in the flour and baking powder until completely blended.

Lightly spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour. Pour in 1/3 of the batter. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the batter. Then top with remaining batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool slightly. Invert on serving plate. Serves 18.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeeper / Owners
Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast

recipes

Firelight Inn’s Best Recipe for Granola

Firelight Inn Granola

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup crisp rice cereal
3/4 cup raisins
½ cup wheat germ
½ cup brown sugar
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp. oil
½ cup coconut
1 (7 ounce) package dried mixed fruit bits

Place all dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix well

Mix cinnamon, oil and honey together. Pour over dry mixture and mix until well coated. Spread mixture evenly in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 250 degrees for 40 minutes (stir after 20 minutes). Add dried fruit.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeeper / Owners
Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast

recipes

Quiche Recipe from The Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast

Our guests go wild for our Wild Rice Quiche!

1 10″ round pie shell
1 cup diced ham
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup cooked wild rice
2 Tbsp. butter
3 green onions, minced
1/2 cup diced green pepper
4 eggs
1 cup heavy cream

Prepare the pie shell using your favorite recipe. Sprinkle ham, cheese and wild rice into pie shell. In small frying pan, melt butter; add onion and green pepper and cook over medium high heat until onion is soft (3-4 minutes). Sprinkle mixture over the ham, cheese and wild rice. Beat together eggs and cream. Pour over mixture in pie shell. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until quiche is set. I use a metal pie crust cover to protect the edges of the pie crust from burning. You can also use aluminum foil and remove it for the last 10 minutes or so to brown the crust nicely.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeeper / Owners
Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast

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