Joy Fischer
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Since: 1998 — I was born in Minnesota and as a child visited Duluth to watch the big ships enter the harbor under the Aerial Lift Bridge. We would drive up the North Shore and stop and skip stones into the big lake. Returning 15 years ago to restore this historic mansion seemed like the perfect opportunity and has truly been a blessing. Morning is my favorite time of the day and I rise early as an innkeeper. Living in Duluth Minnesota about eight blocks up from Lake Superior, I always enjoy watching the sun rise over the big lake. As our Inn is located next to Oregon Creek, the sound of the water is soothing. My “window office” in the historic kitchen affords me awesome views. The city is historic and charming and is a destination town greeting millions of visitors each year.
Age Group: 46-59 (and holding!)
Favorite Restaurant: My favorite restaurant in Duluth is Blackwoods which is located just minutes from the Inn. This award winning restaurant offers a huge menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers and more. They also offer an extensive vegetarian and gluten free menu. They are known for their chicken and ribs and a delicious, warm popover that they serve with each salad. My favorite meal is bourbon beef tips with a baked sweet potato smothered in cinnamon butter. The portions are big and so they make dessert very special by serving it in a tall shot glass. Just enough—banana cream pie, chocolate decadence, or tiramisu are just some of the choices.
Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman
Pets: No pets right now but we have owned Springer Spaniels in the past.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? I love crafts of all kinds including stamping, sewing, scrapbooking and holiday crafts. I make each guest a handmade card with a handwritten welcome note. I love arranging fresh and silk flowers, gardening and tending to my African Violets.
Favorite Season: I love the fall season with cool evenings and spectacular colors in the leaves. We make an annual drive up through Northern Minnesota in the fall to experience the most beautiful season.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? If I won the lottery, I would go on a really long vacation to include Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Alaska.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would really love to learn sign language.
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? My wedding day to Jim Fischer May 7, 1994
Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? The Little Red Hen
Where do you work? I work at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast in Duluth Minnesota.
What is your title? Owner/Innkeeper
How long have you worked there? 15 years
What do you love most about your Job? I love meeting people from all over the world–all ages and stages and all walks of life. I feel honored to provide a lodging facility for guests as they vacation, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, honeymoons or romantic getaways.
What is your Experience and Background in the Travel Industry? Before I owned the Inn I worked at a law firm supporting two partners in Labor and Employment Law. Before that I was a Family Day Care Provider and a stay-at-home mom for my own children. I was blessed to be brought up in a home with a mother and aunt and uncle who taught me about cooking, cleaning, finances, hospitality and more that has really come in handy in the bed and breakfast business.