My guide to the North Shore

Are you heading up to Lake Superior? Man, have I got some suggestions for you!

WHERE TO STAY

NEAR DULUTH AND TWO HARBORS

LARSMONT: This resort is so wonderful and, if I’m frank, SO expensive. We splurged on a trip here when our 15-year anniversary trip to Europe was hijacked by an unexpected newborn, and we wanted to feel fancy. The good news? We felt very fancy. The bad news? It’s the only place I ever want to stay. It’s really that good. Fantastic lodging, fantastic amenities, super kid friendly and just amazing over all. It’s located right between Duluth and Two Harbors, which is wonderful because the drive from Minneapolis is around 3 hours, and yet it feels the same as being up near Lutsen.

BEACON POINTE: This is also owned by Odyssey Resorts (same owners as Larsmont) and is nice in that it’s on the North Side of Duluth, so you’re close to “up north,” but you are still in the city with tons of food/shopping/entertainment options. These are more like condos than cabins, but they are located on the walk/bike path on Lake Superior and you can walk all the way down to Canal Park.

BREEZY POINT: Also owned by Odyssey (I promise they are not paying me) and fancy. But not great for kids — better for a couple’s weekend.

STONEGATE: I have never been able to get a spot here because it’s normally booked solid, but it looks like there are openings now! Because I’ve never stayed there, all I can say is that it looks great and the prices are very reasonable for being that close to the water!

AIR BNB: I’m always a fan of air bnb cabins. I would check out this, this, this or this.

SUPERIOR SHORES: I haven’t stayed here, but I’ve heard it’s decent and DOG FRIENDLY! I’ve also heard it has a nice beach.

Lutsen and GRAND MARAIS

LUTSEN SEA VILLAS: I recently had a fantastic stay at the Sea Villas at Lutsen. They have full kitchens, sleep a ton of people and you have access to an indoor pool / hot tub situation. They also have free bike rentals! They have that 70s kitsch, but are right on the water, and they allow dogs.

EAST BAY SUITES: This is in the town of Grand Marais, so it doesn’t feel as much like the wilderness, but I’ve heard from many people that it’s fantastic and dog friendly.

AIR BNBS: I fantasize about staying here, but sadly dogs are not allowed. Someone else book this and invite me over, mmmkay?

Where to eat

NEW SCENIC CAFE: My family knows this as “Mom’s favorite restaurant in the whole wide world.” We are known to eat here multiple times in a weekend stay. It is located between Duluth and Two Harbors on the scenic highway. If they have the fig, maple syrup, walnut and blue cheese on toast, please get it. For me. It is so good. And their wine list is superb. You should get a reservation if stopping in for dinner. For lunch, just arrive early (or get a reservation as well).

VA BENE: We found this place recently, and we are smitten. It’s fantastic Italian with the most amazing views of Lake Superior from either inside the restaurant or the porch in back. I am still dreaming of the Pasta Alla Zucca Violina that I had there this summer.

NORTHERN WATERS SMOKEHAUS: Lucy introduced me to this Duluth spot about 3 years ago, and I fell in love fast. Their sandwiches are amazing, and you can stock up on smoked fish, dips and meats for the rest of your weekend as well. PRO TIP: If you get the app, you can order ahead on your drive up, then just swing in and pick up your order (the lines can be really long).

SARAH’S TABLE: This is a great spot in Duluth. We have stopped for lunch and breakfast. Super kid friendly and delicious.

FIKA COFFEE: This is my favorite coffee on the north shore… and maybe in all of Minnesota. They have wonderful pastries as well — the only catch is that they are in Lutsen, so it’s a bit of a hike from Two Harbors just for coffee.

Great hikes

TETTEGOUCHE: This is a fantastic state park, and the hike to Shovel Point (pictured above) is great — even for kids.

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE: This is a fun park to explore — loads of spots for picnics, great views of the light house and some decent hikes as well.

GOOSEBERRY FALLS: This park is full of fun hikes for the whole family. It has a wonderful ranger station and gift shop for the kids, and lots of shallow pools for kids to splash in. It also has rocky river banks where my own child has spent hours throwing rocks into the water and laughing like a maniac.

KNIFE RIVER: I just learned about this spot, which is a bit back from the shore. It’s got some stellar views and great hiking, but, uh, last time I was there we found some gruesome remains from a wolf attack, so maybe don’t go alone.