Spring break began with a long weekend up north in Grand Marais, just a hop skip and jump away from the Canadian border, and along Lake Superior. The weekend was spent snuggled by the fire, doing a 1,000 piece puzzle, and eating a lot of food (not to mention, drinking wine! ;)).

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

It was technically the “off-season” in Grand Marais, and a lot of what I’m sure would be my favorite restaurants (like the Angry Trout) were closed until early summer.  Major bummer.  But nonetheless, it was such a wonderful and relaxing weekend, and despite the wind, cold, and rain (that was most of the time) it was beautiful!  The sun did come up for a brief moment on the drive from Duluth to Grand Marais!

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Before the drive up, a stop at the farm-to-table, organic and sustainable At Sara’s Table – Chester Creek Cafe was in order.  Highly recommend if you’re in Duluth. You definitely need to try their house made Oatmeal Stout Cinnamon Syrup! Oh, and they’ve been on Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives (so, it’s bucket list worthy, too).

At Sara's Table// Duluth, MN // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the KitchenGrand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

??a few stops along the ride: Temperance River Falls

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

^ some exploring around Grand Marais Harbor before cheese plates, Bruschetta, and Corn and Prosciutto Risotto >>>

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

Grand Marais, Minnesota // Fork in the Kitchen

The way back to the city was even better with another amazing restaurant hidden along the North Shore.  New Scenic Cafe is a cozy little restaurant lined with local artwork, nestled in gardens across the street from Lake Superior with amazing food!

New Scenic Cafe // Duluth, MN

Two Harbors, MN // Fork in the Kitchen

Until next time, Grand Marais!

P.S. If you have any recommendations for next time (in the actual “season” to travel there) please share – can’t wait to go back and try everything that was missed!