North Shore Fall Adventures

2023

Oct 17

Google Maps: Duluth - Scenic Drive

Google Maps: Grandma's Saloon & Grill - Duluth Minnesota

Grandma’s is always a solid choice for food. We had the Cranberry Turkey Club, which is fantastic and the Original Bicycle Burger, which was also quite good.

We did arrive around lunch time when it was quite busy, so we decided to walk through the restaurant and look at all the decor, and then realized that we could sit at the bar and get full service. So keep that as an option. The waitress did not give this as an option. Overall, I would recommend and come back if you need a quick bite to eat.

Food | ★★★★★

Service | ★★★★☆

Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆

Parking | ★★★★☆

Price | ★★☆☆☆

Recommend | Yes

Google Maps: The Naniboujou Lodge - Grand Marais

This is a pretty cool location with some history to it. You can read about it HERE. We did not stay at this lodge, but they do offer breakfast and dinner. You do need a reservation, so be sure to call.

Now for the fun part…We decided to go for breakfast. Leza called the day prior and we able to get a reservation. They were very adamant that you needed to arrive by 8am sharp and that if you did not show up, you would be charged for the meal with no refund. This was no joke.

We literally arrived a few minutes before 8am and there were other people also in the parking lot waiting to get in. As we walked around the front side to capture a photo, everyone else had gone into the building and we were the only ones outside.

As we walked to the door at 8am, we noticed it was locked. No employee at the front entrance or anywhere to be found. We could see guests eating through the windows, but every single door to the location was locked. We called, no answer. After about 10 minutes walking from door to door, luckily a guest came to let us in.

Upon entering we could see everyone sitting down in the dining area. Some tables were set, some were not. They had the exact amount of seats for whomever made reservations. What was odd that there was no direction, no guidance. We were like lost puppies wondering what to do. We sat down at a table for two and waited. And waited some more.

There were just a couple older ladies who were coming in and out of the kitchen with plates one at a time. The time was now approaching 8:30am and still now food. Finally one of the ladies comes to our table and tell us we will be served soon. The breakfast was a set meal. Two pancakes, bacon and orange slices. They had once glass of orange juice, some water and self serve coffee. Other than that, that was it. I will say the pancakes were fresh and delicious, but certainly no second helping.

It was neat to see the inside of this lodge, but would I come back? No. Looking at the pricing of the lodge too, it’s pretty expensive. I guess for the experience, our $45 pancakes were worth it?

Food | ★☆☆☆☆

Service | ★☆☆☆☆

Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆

Parking | ★★★★☆

Price | ★★★★★

Recommend | No

Google Maps: Voyageur Brewing Company - Grand Marais

We visited Voyageur Brewing back in 2018 and loved it. They had a bunch of board games to use at any of the tables, it was very casual where you could go to the counter and order and then come back to tables.

This time though it felt like we were pressured to sit down at a table as every table had a server for it. The Games were no where to be found and it just didn’t seem as cozy like it was before. We ordered a flight a beers and were surprised that it was a set menu and you could not pick your flavors for the flight.

They have a lot of great options for beer selections, but the flight seemed to be the non-popular flavors. Even asking if we could substitute was not an option.

They do have food here, which looks decent and they have a nice outside deck area.

Food | ★☆☆☆☆

Service | ★☆☆☆☆

Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆

Parking | ★★★★☆

Price | ★★★☆☆

Recommend | Meh

Google Maps: Caribou Highlands Lodge - Lutsen Minnesota

This was our first time staying at this lodge. We had a great experience. Room was clean, staff were nice and they have many accommodations. Heated pool outside and pool and hot tub inside.

There was live music the whole weekend starting in the evening and they have nice areas outside with giant yard games, bonfires and even a little bar serving drinks. Also because of Halloween coming up, they had a little trail through the forest with decorations and lights. Definitely fun for little kids.

There is a restaurant here called Mouguls Grille & Tap Room. Food was decent and what we would expect. They were certainly understaffed and busy the entire time. The also have a separate menu for takeout that is just Pizza and Wings.

Overall I would stay here again. Great location and beautiful views.

Food | ★★★☆☆

Service | ★★★☆☆

Atmosphere | ★★★★★

Parking | ★★★★☆

Price | ★★★☆☆

Recommend | Yes

Google Maps: North Shore Winery - Lutsen Minnesota

This Winery and Cider house was right down the street from Caribou Highlands Lodge. It has lots of outdoor seating and tables and even some tables in inside. Their selection of ciders is low, but they have many wine options to choose from. As far as food, they have a couple options for cheese, crackers and meats, but that’s about it.

Very cozy and lots of people were here. Service was fast and if you like wine, I would suggest a visit.

Food | ★☆☆☆☆

Service | ★★★☆☆

Atmosphere | ★★★★★

Parking | ★★★★☆

Price | ★★★☆☆

Recommend | Yes

Google Maps: Northern Waters Smokehaus - Duluth Minnesota

This is a fantastic place for sandwiches and other foods. Highly recommend to try this place! We had the Cedar's Secret and the Cajun Finn. The bread was fresh and combinations were perfect. When we were there, they didn’t have much seating inside, but they do have a little deck area right outside where you order. I would highly recommend trying.

Food | ★★★★★

Service | ★★★★☆

Atmosphere | ★★★☆☆

Parking | ★★☆☆☆

Price | ★★☆☆☆

Recommend | Yes!

Google Maps: Cedar Coffee Company - Two Harbors Minnesota

This is a neat coffee location tucked in a little forest right next to a bike store. Lots of seating outside and very cozy. A little pricy in my opinion, but the cappuccino was delicious, even though they only come in 8oz.

I wish there were more coffee shops like this along the North Shore.