Oct 18

Oct 18 Quick Trip Guide to the North Shore

We had a fun filled day trip up the North Shore this past weekend. First stop: Palisade Head, Beaver Bay. If you find yourself on Highway 61 along the North Shore, be sure to make a stop here and sneak a peek at the amazing views of Lake Superior from this stunning rock formation. If you're feeling REALLY daring, apparently the rock climbing is good - pretty cool sight to see, but I'll enjoy the views and cheer them on from a few feet back...

Baptism River (Tettegouche State Park)

After taking in the views at Palisade Head, we decided to explore Baptism River, just 10 minutes further North on HWY 61. The river is 8.8 miles long and has the highest waterfall in the state, coming in at 60 ft. We didn't have to hike far up the Superior Trail to see the scenic overlook, and wow, what a spectacular pay off. Not only can you get super close to the falls, but it felt much less like a tourist attraction (ie. Gooseberry). It was a small, quiet and a quick trip to some great views. Highly recommended stop for anyone passing through. Of course, if you have all day, there are miles to be had on the Superior Trail but for us, this was a great scenic pit stop along the way.

Brew Hopping

Bent Paddle Brewery

Of course we had to get our beer fixes... naturally we tested out a few tap rooms. We started at Bent Paddle Brewery. These guys are only a few years old but they're killing it! If you haven't had a chance to get your hands on it, look for it next time you can't decide on a 6 pack. My personal favorite has always been the Bent Hop Golden IPA - crisp and hoppy, but the Cold Press Black Ale was amazing! Big coffee aroma, fresh coffee flavor, deep brown body. Possibly one of the best black ales I've ever had.

Castle Danger Brewery

On our way back from the shore we stopped in Two Harbors to check out Castle Danger Brewery. The seasonal favorite at Castle Danger was Red Hop Rising - I had this beer for the first time a few years ago at All Pints North Beer Fest in Canal Park. Not sure if it was just a reminder of how much I like the beer or if it was the fact that we had it fresh from their taproom, but this is a delicious, hoppy fall beer. They have a great selection that is ever-changing. From the board games to the patio overlooking the train tracks, it's not a bad place to hang either!

Foodie Finds

Duluth Coffee Company

Checked out Duluth Coffee Co. on our way out of town, a small, industrial and understated. They strive to simply make "good" coffee, nothing crazy or something you've NEVER tasted before but straight up good coffee. I have to say that I judge most coffee shops based on their Americano, and it really was just a GOOD coffee. Ok fine, I could not resist the "William Wallace" either... Espresso, steamed milk, apple bitters and single malt scotch caramel sauce! I am not much for sweet coffee drinks but I have to give them props for putting something together other than pumpkin latte. Hopefully someday soon I'll be able to buy their coffee from Minneapolis!

Shrimp n' Grits: chickpeas, asparagus, tomato, serrano, fried egg.

Lake Ave Cafe

Brunch at Lake Ave Cafe in Canal Park was so so great, I can't stop thinking about it. We ordered Shrimp n' Grits and some Huevos Del Lago. Couldn't resist adding a side of toast just so we could taste the local homemade jams: Maple Blueberry and Rhubarb Cinnamon, yum! As a bonus, I had another cup of Duluth Coffee Company's coffee here. This place was an awesome find. It sits amongst other shops in Canal Park, has patio seating in the summer and best of all, a phenomenal menu. I could have ordered one of everything. We were all in on brunch but the lunch items were calling my name too. All around a great choice; simple, high quality dishes, creative menu, laid back atmosphere with great service. We will definitely be back. DO IT!