I enjoy Wabasha and Red Wing on the Minnesota side and then like to go to Stillwater, Mn which is on the St. Croix River which empties into the Mississippi. Can't tell you about the loding as we have stayed at some B & B's and both are now out of business (DARN - as they were wonderful) and usually we just stay in Mpls. area when in Stillwater. I have been to Bayfield a number of times and enjoyed staying at the Old Rittenhouse Inn and loved eating there but really am not overly fond of Bayfield. We just got bored. Maybe we don't like to hike enough or something. It is a pretty area tho. We prefer going to Duluth and up the North Shore. You can tour the Ship Museum and the Ore Carrier "The Irvin" in Canal Park. Also enjoyed touring Glensheen Mansion and walking on the Lakewalk. There are several restaurants in Duluth that we enjoy - Pickwick, Angie's Cantina, Grandma's, etc. Hotels in Duluth are best if you stay in Canal Park Area but should have reservations long in advance. We like the Inn on the Lake, Hawthorne Suites and Hampton, but have stayed at the Radisson and Holiday Inn Downtown and they are fine too. I am anxious to try the new South Pier Inn but have not stayed there yet. It is on the other side of the bridge from Canal Park. If you go up the shore, take the Scenic Route between Duluth and Two Harbors. Also fun to visit Split Rock Lighthouse which is North of Two Harbors. We also love to walk by Goosberry Falls. If you are looking for a good place to eat, try either Betty's Pies (outside Two Harbors) or Rustic Inn by Castle Danger. Both are long-time places. We have also tried the lodge across the highway from Rustic Inn (a newer resort on the lake and I forget the name right now) and we had a wonderful dinner there. A bit more upscale than Betty's Pies or Rustic Inn, but still pretty casual as this is tourist area in MN. Have a fun trip!!