When it’s time for a break from the daily grind, put Grand Marais on your list of places to spend a few days–or a week–enjoying a slower pace. When presented with this opportunity to visit Grand Marais in early June, my friend Kari and I were excited as we began to learn more about this quaint northern Minnesota town. It had the accommodations and variety of restaurants, stores and outdoor activities we were looking for.

This is a Guest Post written by Heather Condon who was hosted with two free nights by East Bay Suites in Grand Marais on behalf of  Pickles Travel blog. All opinions expressed are her own.

A Girls Weekend in Grand Marais

Being able to escape to a place where we didn’t have to think about our jobs, cook meals for our family or deal with laundry for a couple of days was key.

Accommodations

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It was important to Kari and I that our accommodations would allow for a little rest and relaxation and possibly a little pampering. We found all that and more on the shore of Lake Superior during our stay at the East Bay Suites.

We knew we had found the perfect place to stay as we were greeted by friendly staff, and once in our room, welcomed with two free drink tokens to Voyager Brewing. Accompanying the freebies was a hand-written note signed by the EBS Staff.  It simply stated, “Leave the rat race behind and enjoy the slower pace of life in the North woods as our guests!” And so we did!

Our suite was clean, cozy, spacious, and provided a picture perfect view of Lake Superior from the balcony and master bedroom.

Fully furnished, it was nice to have everything needed to brew coffee in the morning, shower in the evening and put our feet up when we weren’t out exploring. The shelves were full of books and we utilized the double sided fireplace to keep the main area and master bedroom warm.

Family and pet friendly, the East Bay Suites provided a place for all in the spacious lobby equipped with a fire place, board games, books, movies and free popcorn. The view could be enjoyed from the inside if the weather was less than favorable. When the weather cooperated, fire pits, wood and s’more fixings were provided.

Hiking activities

 

Kari and I decided to spend our limited time away from home exploring outside Grand Marais by day, and staying closer to town by night. This led us to explore several different falls–all within driving distance.

Temperance River State Park

Temperance River State Park located south of Grand Marais allowed us to view the river as it raced through and around the rocks with such force, up to the point where it eventually calmed as it entered Lake Superior.  I can still hear the water slap against the sides of the rock gullies as it folded over on top of itself before making its way down the large crevices. I would not recommend taking young children on this hike. There were many areas along the trail that had steep drop offs over the edge of the cliff.

Grand Portage National Monument

Next we traveled north where we visited the Grand Portage National Monument. We went on a vigorous hike that enabled us to enjoy the High and Middle Falls on the Minnesota side.

Pigeon River Provincial Park – Canada

Just across the border, we hiked once again, this time in the Pigeon River Provincial Park, allowing us to view the falls from Canada. It was well worth crossing the border to experience a much different hiking experience. These are not hikes intended for young children as the trails pose possible dangers.

Judge C R Magney State Park

Lastly we hiked an unpaved and extremely rugged trail in Judge C R Magney State Park that took us to the iconic Devil’s Kettle Falls, a waterfall that disappears into a pothole of unknown depth.

We climbed more than 175 steps along the way—but the view was worth the sweat! Good shoes are a must on this trail!

When we weren’t out hiking and viewing the gorgeous falls, we were back in Grand Marais taking in the local beauty surrounding the East Bay Suites. Take a walk or sit on the beach front and get hypnotized by the sound the small stones make as the water passes over them on its way to the beach, and back into Lake Superior.

A short walk up the beach leads to the Grand Marais Harbor where we sat and watched boats dock, listened to the waves crash on the large rocks and enjoyed the sunset each evening.

We watched as friends, families, couples and even single people alike enjoyed the beauty and sounds that were present along the shore. The sights and sounds could be enjoyed from the rocks or benches that lined the boat launch area in the harbor.

Food and drinks

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Finding great food and beverages was a breeze in Grand Marais.

World’s Best Doughnut

starting with doughnuts from the World’s Best Doughnut shop across the road from the East Bay Suites. This neat shop had a wide variety of doughnuts to choose from for eat in or take out.

Angry Trout Café

Hands down our favorite meal came from the Angry Trout Café.

This little café sat right on the water’s edge and provided much more than a beautiful view. We both ordered meals made from fresh fish caught right in Lake Superior. The meals were so fresh and beautiful, it almost seemed wrong to eat them. Fresh, fabulous and reasonably priced for the quality of food they served.

When I think of our trip to Grand Marais, this meal is one of the first things that pops into my mind.

Sydney’s, Gunflint Tavern, Voyageur Brewing roof top tour

With so many lunch choices in Grand Marais, we ended up eating wood fired pizza on the roof top of Sydney’s. The pizza was fresh and fantastic just like the view of Lake Superior. Adults, kids and dogs alike enjoyed this roof top!

We stopped by for some fine food and ales at the Gunflint Tavern and used our free drink tokens to sip beer on the roof top of the Voyageur Brewing Company while enjoying the beautiful view.

North Shore Winery

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The North Shore Winery made us feel right at home as we did a little wine tasting, even finding a couple favorites to take along home. I mean, it was buy 2, get 1 free so why wouldn’t we right?

Plan a Grand Marais Trip Today!

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So if you are looking for a weekend away from the day to day stresses, put a trip to Grand Marais on your bucket list. It’s a small town with so much to offer. Let the East Bay Suites pamper you during your stay while your surroundings help you relax.