LOL! I KNEW I was going to catch grief for not eating at New Scenic. I’ve heard a lot about it. I am sure it is wonderful. However, I really wanted to try something historically Duluth on my night out. Pickwick might not be the best food, but it’s just shot through with Old Duluth ambiance. I couldn’t resist it!!!
I’ll get up there again, I’m sure, and when I do, New Scenic is on the list.
I'm not Midwestern enough to know if Duluth counts as a well-kept secret, but based on your title, I shall assume so.
I've taken my kids there three times, as part of...spring break...go ahead, yuk it up.
While it was unmistakably NOT Spring there each time we visited, their winter is gorgeous in its own right (I'm sure it's easier to say this as a visitor). I recently read a book about the Edmund Fitzgerald, and now I absolutely must get back at a warmer time of year, before the gales of November arrive...
Duluth's Best Bread on Superior downtown served up the best breakfast goodies I've had in I can't remember how long, and Duluth Grill a couple miles SW of downtown was what I considered to be an elite sit-down breakfast experience.
I'd love to see Duluth in another season! I know people who even go up to the North Shore in winter for snowmobiling. Brrrr....
I think Duluth is one of those cities you could enjoy in the off seasons. If you've read about the Edmund Fitzgerald, you definitely need to check out the The SS William A. Irvin, if you haven't already! Placards throughout the ship tell of other shipwrecks on Superior. It's fascinating (and moving). I think the SS Irvin was my favorite stop of all.
Thanks for the restaurant tips! I've got to explore more next time. Cheers!
I grew up in, still live in Northern Iowa. My parents spent about 20 summers in RV on the North Shore. The first couple of years was at Duluth, then they discovered Burlington Bay campground at Two Harbors. I made many many trips to spend a long weekend with them. The first time I went to Grandma's was before they remodeled it -- probably sometime in the 1980s. At that time, it still had the historic look. The upper floors were a brothel "back in the day" and some of the items in those rooms were used as decor in the restaurant. I actually liked the look better then.
We made an overnight trip to Duluth a few years ago because I had read most of the Brian Freeman novels about the Duluth detective. We climbed Enger Tower and strolled the Lake District. One of the Top 10 sights of all our travels over the years was to watch a 1400' freighter glide through the canal and under the Lift Bridge. I still have goosebumps thinking of how impressive it was!
Yes! Watching those freighters come in really is magnificent. And they do glide! Sounds like you got a lot done in one overnight trip! Bravo.
And I don’t know about the Brian Freeman novels. I need to look those up, as I love detective novels/mysteries that have a distinct sense of place. Thanks!
What a coincidence, I literally just wrote a post about my family's visit to the Duluth area in June! We had a great time at the aquarium, and of course at the lake. There is so much for kids to do there.
It’s such a great spot in the world. So completely itself. I think you’d better go to the New Scenic Cafe. I didn’t, but people here told me it’s not to be missed! If you go, let me know what you think. Have a great time!
I recommend the book released last year, “The Gales of November”. It’s largely about the Fitzgerald but tons of interesting information about Great Lakes shipping, the local ports, the men, the boats and ultimately the Fitzgerald, the best boat with the best crew and the best captain who was making his final voyage before retirement. Some of the most iconic lines from the song came from a relatively brief AP report about the shipwreck. It’s a good read.
The ghost of the Edmund Fitzgerald was all over Duluth. You could just feel the weight of it, in a moving way. I’ll check out the Gales of November! Thanks for the the recommendation.
Dave: Thanks for recommendation. I downloaded audio version from Libby to listen to on walks. Duluth and North Shore excursion is a great trip all the way to Grand Marais, starting in Duluth. Thanks Wini for insight on Duluth.
Highly recommend choosing Grand Marais. Lutsen is pretty, and go there to hike and see the falls, for sure! But charming Grand Marais is a proper town with the awesome little Crosby Bakery, many small independent shops, a wonderful bookstore, art shops, and lots of little (good, but not fancy) restaurants. Also, walking out to Artist's Point every morning and/or evening is a sigh-worthy delight.
Thank you! It was pretty easy to capture the essence of Duluth, as it reveals itself to you at every turn. And I enjoyed writing it all down. Glad you enjoyed it!
We love that area. Next time you're there, do yourself a favor and have a meal at the New Scenic Cafe, just about 10 miles north along the lake from the Glensheen Mansion. Amazing food!
I’m smiling at all the readers who are telling me about this place! I wanted to go, but the pull of old Duluth (and Pickwick restaurant) reeled me in! I’m sure the food is better at New Scenic, but I did love the gravitas of Pickwick. Thanks for another vote for New Scenic. It’s on the “must try” list!
Thank you, Wini. I had a dear friend who was born and raised in Duluth. She wanted to go back to Duluth every chance she had, even in the dead of winter!
Thanks! I think Duluth is my favorite of all the nearby travel spots I’ve written about. I could’ve chatted all day with those sailors on the SS William A. Irvin.
You didn’t eat at New Scenic Cafe?? OMG
One of the best restaurants on earth?
LOL! I KNEW I was going to catch grief for not eating at New Scenic. I’ve heard a lot about it. I am sure it is wonderful. However, I really wanted to try something historically Duluth on my night out. Pickwick might not be the best food, but it’s just shot through with Old Duluth ambiance. I couldn’t resist it!!!
I’ll get up there again, I’m sure, and when I do, New Scenic is on the list.
I've been longing to go there for years. We have close relatives there, but your column reminded me of all the other great reasons! Thank you.
Yes! Go! It’s such a fascinating city.
I'm not Midwestern enough to know if Duluth counts as a well-kept secret, but based on your title, I shall assume so.
I've taken my kids there three times, as part of...spring break...go ahead, yuk it up.
While it was unmistakably NOT Spring there each time we visited, their winter is gorgeous in its own right (I'm sure it's easier to say this as a visitor). I recently read a book about the Edmund Fitzgerald, and now I absolutely must get back at a warmer time of year, before the gales of November arrive...
Duluth's Best Bread on Superior downtown served up the best breakfast goodies I've had in I can't remember how long, and Duluth Grill a couple miles SW of downtown was what I considered to be an elite sit-down breakfast experience.
I'd love to see Duluth in another season! I know people who even go up to the North Shore in winter for snowmobiling. Brrrr....
I think Duluth is one of those cities you could enjoy in the off seasons. If you've read about the Edmund Fitzgerald, you definitely need to check out the The SS William A. Irvin, if you haven't already! Placards throughout the ship tell of other shipwrecks on Superior. It's fascinating (and moving). I think the SS Irvin was my favorite stop of all.
Thanks for the restaurant tips! I've got to explore more next time. Cheers!
"Historically Duluth".....would be Grandma's!
I definitely eyed that restaurant as I walked by! Looked interesting. Have you been?
I read that it was one of the places that spearheaded the Duluth waterfront revitalization 50 years ago. It's definitely a classic!
I grew up in, still live in Northern Iowa. My parents spent about 20 summers in RV on the North Shore. The first couple of years was at Duluth, then they discovered Burlington Bay campground at Two Harbors. I made many many trips to spend a long weekend with them. The first time I went to Grandma's was before they remodeled it -- probably sometime in the 1980s. At that time, it still had the historic look. The upper floors were a brothel "back in the day" and some of the items in those rooms were used as decor in the restaurant. I actually liked the look better then.
We made an overnight trip to Duluth a few years ago because I had read most of the Brian Freeman novels about the Duluth detective. We climbed Enger Tower and strolled the Lake District. One of the Top 10 sights of all our travels over the years was to watch a 1400' freighter glide through the canal and under the Lift Bridge. I still have goosebumps thinking of how impressive it was!
Yes! Watching those freighters come in really is magnificent. And they do glide! Sounds like you got a lot done in one overnight trip! Bravo.
And I don’t know about the Brian Freeman novels. I need to look those up, as I love detective novels/mysteries that have a distinct sense of place. Thanks!
What a coincidence, I literally just wrote a post about my family's visit to the Duluth area in June! We had a great time at the aquarium, and of course at the lake. There is so much for kids to do there.
I thought the acquarium looked fun! And yes, so much for kids to do there.
I'm heading there next week! Your article and recs makes me even more excited to go!
It’s such a great spot in the world. So completely itself. I think you’d better go to the New Scenic Cafe. I didn’t, but people here told me it’s not to be missed! If you go, let me know what you think. Have a great time!
Duluth isn't at the end of the world, but you can see it from there. :)
I recommend the book released last year, “The Gales of November”. It’s largely about the Fitzgerald but tons of interesting information about Great Lakes shipping, the local ports, the men, the boats and ultimately the Fitzgerald, the best boat with the best crew and the best captain who was making his final voyage before retirement. Some of the most iconic lines from the song came from a relatively brief AP report about the shipwreck. It’s a good read.
The ghost of the Edmund Fitzgerald was all over Duluth. You could just feel the weight of it, in a moving way. I’ll check out the Gales of November! Thanks for the the recommendation.
Dave: Thanks for recommendation. I downloaded audio version from Libby to listen to on walks. Duluth and North Shore excursion is a great trip all the way to Grand Marais, starting in Duluth. Thanks Wini for insight on Duluth.
Next year, I’m going to Grand Marais to stay a few days. Or Lutsen. Both seem like my kind of spots!
Highly recommend choosing Grand Marais. Lutsen is pretty, and go there to hike and see the falls, for sure! But charming Grand Marais is a proper town with the awesome little Crosby Bakery, many small independent shops, a wonderful bookstore, art shops, and lots of little (good, but not fancy) restaurants. Also, walking out to Artist's Point every morning and/or evening is a sigh-worthy delight.
Good to know! I need to get on Grand Marais. It sounds just like my kind of spot. Thanks.
I'm a Minnesotan living in Iowa. Thanks for capturing the essence of Duluth. It is indeed a special place. Great article.
Thank you! It was pretty easy to capture the essence of Duluth, as it reveals itself to you at every turn. And I enjoyed writing it all down. Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done, Wini. I have never had a bad time in Duluth.
Good to hear that, Rick! This is not a “one and done” visit for me. I’ll be back.
We went to Duluth last summer and it was INCREDIBLE. May make it a repeat summer spot to beat the heat.
It really is a great place to beat the heat … normally! But this week, GAH! Insane weather up there, as everywhere.
We love that area. Next time you're there, do yourself a favor and have a meal at the New Scenic Cafe, just about 10 miles north along the lake from the Glensheen Mansion. Amazing food!
I’ve heard much about the New Scenic, and I longingly drove past it. Must get there next time!
We visited the North Shore a couple of years ago. We really liked The New Scenic Cafe a little north of Duluth.
I’m smiling at all the readers who are telling me about this place! I wanted to go, but the pull of old Duluth (and Pickwick restaurant) reeled me in! I’m sure the food is better at New Scenic, but I did love the gravitas of Pickwick. Thanks for another vote for New Scenic. It’s on the “must try” list!
Thank you, Wini. I had a dear friend who was born and raised in Duluth. She wanted to go back to Duluth every chance she had, even in the dead of winter!
I can see why!
It is an under appreciated place. Thanks
Thanks! I think Duluth is my favorite of all the nearby travel spots I’ve written about. I could’ve chatted all day with those sailors on the SS William A. Irvin.