best coffee on the north shore

In case you haven't noticed, I go to the North Shore a lot.It is my happy place, and I want to share it with the world. Well... not literally. I like that it's quiet and not very crowded and still relatively cheap, so maybe I don't want to share it with anyone. Nevermind. Move a long.Just kidding.But anyway, I get a lot of questions from people about what to see and where to eat and where to stay when they visit. I've been extremely pushy when it comes to telling people about Scenic Cafe, as you know. (Sidenote, when I was there last week I ate brioche toast with soft bleu cheese spread on it and then figs and toasted walnuts on top and then drizzled in brown butter maple sauce. NOW do you see why you need to visit?)And I'm thrilled to report that I've found another must visit spot, and it's called fika. It is a divine coffee shop  just north of Lutsen. I found this spot on a trip last fall, and kept telling Jamie about it. Then this time I brought him there and he, too, is preaching the gospel.The beans are delicious, the mochas are unrivaled and the staff is super friendly and chill. And the pastries.... there is not a huge variety, but I promise you will love whatever you decide on.And for those of you with small children? They have a fantastic basket with wonderful toys that will occupy the kid for about an hour. When your child wakes up in the morning and is asking you to please go to the coffee shop, you know you are winning at life.They are open year round, so if you're heading up to Lutsen this winter, drive just 1 mile further north past the mountain and enjoy this amazing spot. And if you're not going to the north shore soon (what is wrong with you?), then you can order their coffee and such online.I need to promise you that I'm not being paid in any way or form for this post, I just wanted to share the info with you because if this spot doesn't thrive and stay in business for all of my visits I will be VERY upset. Now go forth and enjoy good coffee. For your internet shares of the day:+ I might need a pair of pink velvet converse high tops...+ Women are sexually harassed ALL THE TIME. I can think of 3 horrifying instances off the very top of my head that affected me, the first at age 7 or 8. The only thing that surprises me about this Weinstein mess is that anyone is even surprised.+ These ariel photographs are lovely.