Hey there! It's Hiyori, currently studying in Minnesota, USA.

Lately, I've been trying to make going to the gym a regular habit. I've always thought, "I should start exercising," but somehow, going to the gym seemed like a big hurdle, so I kept putting it off. Recently, thanks to a friend's invitation, I've been going alone whenever I have time, usually for about 30 to 40 minutes of walking. My next goal is to start serious weight training using the machines that buff guys and gals usually use. (Since coming to America, I've been amazed by how seriously people take maintaining their physique here.)

Anyway, let's get to the point. Earlier this month (March), I visited Duluth with some friends. In this blog, I want to talk about the natural beauty of Duluth and a fantastic burger joint I discovered on this trip.

1. What's Duluth?

Duluth, located in northeastern Minnesota, is a beautiful city. It sits by Lake Superior, surrounded by stunning nature. From fall to spring, you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake, with colorful sunsets and icy crystals. The city itself has historical buildings, art museums, and various shops to explore. There are also plenty of parks for activities like barbecuing and picnicking. During our visit, my friends and I drove around the city, visited parks, and soaked in the beautiful scenery.

2. Gooseberry Falls State Park

During our drive, we stopped by Gooseberry Falls State Park. Even though it was still winter, we got to see the icy waterfalls. Walking through the quiet snow-covered forest was a truly peaceful experience.

They also had souvenir shops with a wide selection of locally made crafts. I couldn't resist buying a container with a pattern I liked.

3. On the way back...

It's about a two-hour drive from Duluth to my university, and on the way back, my friend, who was driving, took us to a burger joint because we were getting hungry. It was a Culver's, a chain mainly found in the Midwest. It's a bit pricier than your regular fast-food joint, more like a "fast-casual restaurant," similar to Shake Shack or Five Guys.

At Culver's, they never use frozen meat; it's always cooked fresh to order. The buns are buttered and toasted, giving them a crispy texture and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the patties. It was delicious!

I'd highly recommend trying their Concrete Mixer dessert along with your burger. It's like a shake but thicker, made with frozen custard, and you can mix in over 30 toppings, from candies like m&m's and Oreos to fruits and chocolates. I went with marshmallows, and it was an explosion of sweetness!

Finally

How did you like the intro to Duluth? I enjoyed the mysterious frozen lake views this time, but I'd love to see the lush greenery in spring or summer someday.
If you ever visit Minnesota, why not spend some time getting lost in nature in Duluth and filling your heart and stomach with Culver's burgers?