This past weekend included a trip to the North Shore with some friends. One might think it would have been smarter for me to stay home and pack in preparation for my trip (I leave on Friday), but where’s the fun in that!?!
So this is our second trip up to Grand Marais and I have to say that there is nothing to disappoint. It’s an easy four hour drive from the cities (not including the mandatory stop in Duluth at Fitger’s - a brew pub with amazing wild rice burgers). Grand Marais started as an artists’ community and is a bay along the North Shore. It’s absolutely beautiful and there’s so much to do. Some recommendations:
*The Angry Trout - A must! This is an amazing little seafood restaurant right on the bay. Eco-friendly and organic from its small cloth napkins to its ingredients to its only keg beer to its reusable to-go containers. I love it! I highly recommend the fish ‘n chips (have you noticed yet that I like fish ‘n chips) with their dill tartar sauce. Yum! A hint - they do not take reservations, so you should call ahead (at least an hour before you want to eat) and get your name on the list. Do not be disappointed if there is still a small wait when you get there at the appointed time. It’s worth it.
*Gunflint Tavern - Whether this is just for a beer at the small side bar or up on the rooftop or for lunch, the Gunflint Tavern is fantastic. This is right downtown across from the bay. They have superb vegetarian chili and their burger is fantastic.
*Walk along the point - The walk along the north end of the bay and up toward the lighthouse is a must. We did not do this on our first trip, but did this last time. It is beautiful.
*Hiking Eagles Mountain - Eagles Mountain is a 20 minute drive from Grand Marais off the Gunflint Trail. The hike takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours round trip and is great. It’s an easy hike and has a great look out point from above. Unfortunately we were about a week from fall colors peak, but the view is still fantastic.
For more pictures - visit the Grand Marais page under the Travel Tips section.
Posted on September 25th, 2007 by katiejocannon
Filed under: Travel
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