Summer is in full swing in Ely

These few weeks on either side of summer solstice seem to mark the real beginning of summer in Ely.  Warm days, cool nights, rain every few days to keep it green, sort of perfect!  Oh, there are some bugs but that is what bug spray is for.  The lakes are pretty cold for swimming but perfect for an after sauna dip.  The streets are full of cars and trucks with canoes and kayaks on top and the shops and restaurants are busy.  Birds are singing early in the morning and in the Raven's Wing gardens the tulips have given way to the iris.

The Tuesday night Farmers Market is opening at 4:00 this summer to give people more time to shop, visit the food trucks and listen to some live music.  There are tons of crafts and baked goods available, home make jams and jellys and garden produce.  Stars from the summer Northern Lakes Arts programs are providing some great music too.   And live music is happening downtown at several locations as well.  The Ely state Theater is showing first run movies to finish out the evenings.  All in all Tuesday is a fun night in Ely.

The Northern Lakes Arts Association is beginning its summer show season with Oklahoma June 18th through 28th and then Jeasus Christ Super Star July 17th through 26th.  Shows run Thursdays through Sundays with some matinees. The talent on display in these shows is amazing wth both local and summer stock performers.  Visit the NLAA web site to see all their summer programing and reserve your tickets.

Our Wolf Center and Bear Center continue to be major attractions for guests and locals.These two first class interpretive centers are among our guests favorite experiances.  The centers are also participating in The Minnesota Wildlife Passport to Adventure which involves five wildlife centers around the state.  The Dorthy Molter Museum is a very special place to visit and learn about the life of this amazing woman.  So on any rainy day there is plenty to see indoors when the outdoors isn't as inviting.

Visitors to Ely can rent canoes and kayaks at our local outfitters, schedule a guided trip into the BWCA or go out for the day on their own.  Pack a lunch from Boundary Waters Kitchen, Northern Grounds, Sheridan Street Deli or put your own together from Zup's Grocery.  A day on the water always makes for a very good day.

When evening comes, go out for a nice dinner at one of our restaurants and then setttle in at Raven's Wing for a restful nights sleep.  Wake up to bird songs, have your coffee on the porch or patio and enjoy the gardens.

Ely is the perfect place for a summer get away!