Downtown Norway

Norway's Main Street runs perpendicular to U.S. 2, which is called Seventh Avenue in town. Go north on Main to reach Old Norway and Strawberry Lake. Here are some noteworthy specialty shops, arranged from west (where U.S. 2 joins U.S. 8) to east.

Jeri's Quilt Patch & Antiques

• JERI'S QUILT PATCH & ANTIQUES. This large Queen Anne house is full of interesting things: quilt fabrics and patterns, plus quilted items made by area quilters, rag rugs, glassware, stationery, and other gifts, and antique furniture, linens, quilts, and more. Owner Jeri Giannunzio holds a quilt show with samples from pattern companies every year on the week ending on Labor Day. Two blocks west of downtown at703 Brown at U.S. 2 (northwest corner, behind Citgo station). Brown Street is U.S. 8 on the other side of U.S. 2. Park in alley off U.S. 2. 563-9620. Open Mon-Sat 10-5 Central Time. Handicap accessible: ring buzzer at front.

• NORTHERN EXPRESSIONS. Distinctive U.P. items make this place stand out from other general gift shops that also carry lighthouses, Minnetonka moccasins, and popular lines of collectibles. Owner Judy Carlsen opened the shop in 1990 because she was annoyed that so little merchandise then in local shops reflected the natural beauty and historical richness of her native turf. Now regional gift shops are common, but Northern Expressions has had time to develop relationships with many U.P. craftspeople with limited outputs, like the Ojibwa women who make porcupine quill boxes. There's a careful selection of regional books and recorded music; ethnic heritage gifts including rosemaling by a talented local artist and intricate Solje silver jewelry from Norway; U.P. copper; driftwood ducks and fish; syrups and wild berry jams; wildlife art; and more. The dreamcatchers and peace pipes are made by Ojibwa from the eastern U.P. There's lots for collectors of loons and moose - and, suprisingly, for men, including classic Stormy Kromer hats and upper-end jackknives from Marble Arms in Gladstone. Many items are sold online: visit www.northernexpressions.com.

Owner Judy Carlsen has created a don't miss destination for those seeking U.P.-produced crafts.

An added bonus: the staff is a wonderful source of local information on the Norway-Iron Mountain area. 640 Main just south of U.S. 2. (906) 563-7172; 888-EH-MOOSE. Open Mon-Thurs 9-5:30, Fri to 6, Sat 10-4 Central Time. From mid-May through December also open Sun noon-4 Central Time. Handicap accessible.

Dala horses from Sweden sold at Swedish Passport for $20-$40. Generations of craftspeople have carved and painted the small wooden horses, bought both as toys and heirlooms.

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• SWEDISH PASSPORT. Scandinavian imports - kitchen and dinnerware, glassware, and toys, not only from Sweden but from Norway, Denmark, and Finland - are featured, along with books on Scandinavian subjects. Embroidery is done right here. Sweatshirts with the Swedish horse (dala) is the most popular item. The shop occupies a house that served as the residence of doctors for a local mine. 626 Iron/U.S. 2, a couple blocks east of downtown and up the hill. (906) 563-8200. Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat to 5 Central Time, Sundays by chance. Handicap accessible: no.

• CITY BAND SHELL. A romantic painting of a Viking ship adorns the band shell, where band concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesdays from June through August. On Main St. 2 blocks north of U.S. 2. Free.

Norway's Nordic theme is even reflected in the eye-catching painting of a Viking ship in the town's bandshell, where two concerts a month are held in summer.

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