One of the best things about living - and vacationing - in Cook County is that there are so many options for great ways to enjoy the day. I live in Lutsen, and I can kayak on Lake Superior or hike the Superior Hiking Trail practically right out my door.

However, whenever the mood strikes, there is the charming harbor village of Grand Marais, just 20 minutes up the road and brimming with a lively arts scene and summertime festivals. Coming up next weekend: The North Shore Dragon Boat Festival!

A little further up the shore you will find beautiful Grand Portage, with the tallest waterfall in the state at Grand Portage State Park; the historically rich Grand Portage National Monument; and the community of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Right around the corner: the Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow August 13 - 15.

Finally, there's the Gunflint Trail, a 57 mile long road that winds back into the wilderness, rich with lakes, wildlife, and historic lodges. This is where I was lucky enough to spend the day yesterday. First off: blueberry picking. They are bountiful this year! Up next: the brand new Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. A must-see! And finally, an evening paddle on Lake Saganaga, into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, complete with my favorite thing on earth: swimming in those pristine waters (one of those tiny dots out in the middle of the lake is me). How lucky am I to live here?!