The One (Arguably) Bad Thing About Duluth

One problem many Duluthians cope with is the unpleasant weather during the 10 months of winter.  In addition to spending extra money on thicker bedding and warmer sweaters, students and faculty alike are faced with the “winter blues.”  The common winter blues, and the more serious seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are caused by a combination of decreased vitamin D production and disrupted circadian rhythms.  Circadian rhythms are patterns in the body’s production of melatonin, the neurotransmitter that induces sleep.  Often solutions to these issues come in the form of medicine, whether mainstream or alternative.  Light therapy lamps simulate sunlight, stimulating the body’s production of vitamin D, boosting one’s mood.  This can also be achieved simply by taking vitamin D supplements.  Melatonin pills and other sleep aids help reestablish the body’s circadian cycle, providing more energy during the day, and the ability to sleep at night.  Duluth can create some emotional obstacles, but they’re nothing drugs can’t fix.

The Scene

Duluth is a great college town with a jammin' music scene. There is always something for everyone, but only if you know where to look. Some of my favorite venues in town include Pizza Luce, Beaner's Central coffeehouse, and Teatro Zuccone. Pizza Luce offers some of the best grub in town with a great atmosphere; perfect on a Friday night. This venue houses all kinds of upbeat genres from jam bands to well-known hip-hop artists. Beaner's Central has a variety of local and regional artists that grace the stage weekly. This warm, intimate setting is the perfect place to enjoy indie jams, socialize, and sip a freshly brewed coffee creation. I recomment the Chaider, a delightful mix between a sweet apple cider and spiced chai. Teatro Zuccone offers some of Duluth's finest local artists with a little edge. One can also find indie flicks, poetry readings, and much, much more at this venue. A collaboration of the best of Duluth's local artists happens during the annual Homegrown Music Festival. Check it out!

The Great Outdoors

Duluth is a great location for many recreational activities.  There are all sorts of outdoor events that take place throughout the area and during all seasons.  Because it is such a mountainous region, sports such as skiing, snowboarding, biking and hiking create much excitement for the public, and attracts visitors from all over.  During winter, Spirit Mountain provides a fun experience for snow-loving people, and in summer it is a great place to explore the natural wildlife and beautiful scenes.  When it comes to water activities, white-water rafting is great to do in Duluth, along with swimming, canoeing, cliff jumping, or simply going to the beach.  Biking is also a widespread enjoyment in Duluth.  You can bike along the sidewalks and view the excitement of the city around you, or you can journey through the variety of trails as another way to explore the natural environment.  There are so many fun and thrilling activities the city of Duluth has to offer, which is a great advantage to attending a school here.