Long known as the halfway stop between Minneapolis and Duluth, what was once a humble little family-owned roadside stand has become a bustling business. Grab one of their famous caramel rolls for the road from the full-service restaurant or the gas station next door.

Follow your nose for some Southern-styled smoked meat arts at OMC Smokehouse. Locals and experienced travelers know that you can also get that mahogony-colored low and slow meat stuff at the restaurant or delivered to the Bent Paddle taproom. If you’re staying in town, it’s just one of the restaurants you can get delivered by the Food Dudes delivery.

Did you know that Duluth is Bob Dylan’s hometown? Sure, he grew up in Hibbing, but Bobby Zimmerman was born in this town. That and the location might have some bearing on the name of this positively adorable bakery. Get their monstrous Thunder cookie, a next level version of the humble chocolate chip.

Vikre is the distillery that won over nearly everyone who thought they weren’t gin lovers. The taproom is a beautiful place to dip into on a summer day for a sip of the spruce, cedar or other refreshing cocktails.

Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the state, the rustic charm and homey elegance creates a place that can only exist up the North Shore. Remember, always save room for pie.

This is a proper old fashioned candy shop with dozens of treats to stuff in your pockets. The rich and creamy chocolate covers all kinds of goodies, individually wrapped and waiting for devouring.

Located in downtown Two Harbors the warm wood taproom inside Castle Danger is like borrowing someone else’s cabin for a spell. There’s outdoor seating when the weather permits (don’t be surprised if it’s sweatshirt weather here and no where else in the state). Catch a little live music here on the weekends.

What looks like a simple little roadside store is actually home to all things divine, wrapped in a pie crust. Sit at one of the few seats to enjoy a pasty for lunch (hearty meat and vegetable pies) or get a couple cold to take to the cabin along with a wild berry pie for dessert. If you’re staying in the area, there’s a full breakfast menu worth exploring.

This is where you’ll find the fisherman, tucked into the singular fish and fries basket after a day out on the water. Grab some smoked fish and wild rice as a souvenir.

The real reason anyone wanders up the north shore is to take in the majestic beauty of the region and the raw power of Lake Superior. It’s impossible to get any closer to the lake than on the deck at Grand Marais’ Angry Trout Cafe. Order an appropriate shore lunch.

It’s not hard to imagine voyageurs stopping in for a pint inside this taproom with the current proliferation of beards and flannel. Anyone venturing up the north shore is welcome inside this comfortable brewery with the fantastic beer. Stop by for raise a pint nights on Wednesdays when a portion of the proceeds are donated to area charities.

Lake Avenue Cafe takes locally sourced seriously, with beautiful pastas, sandwiches and a spectacular brunch all made from ingredients grown regionally. If there’s time to linger, enjoy the beautifully selected wine and beer lists along with some cocktails made mostly from spirits distilled in the area.

The Coho Cafe and Bakery is your espresso stop up the North Shore. Order some pancakes or a little grilled cheese and tomato soup action before heading out into the glorious wilderness up here.