Cascade Vacation Rentals Blog | A Guide to all things North Shore

2 01, 2020

North Shore Winery
North Shore Winery

North Shore Winery

Martha Finley2021-09-30T16:45:53+00:00Local Businesses, Lutsen|

The North Shore Winery and the Sawtooth Mountain Cider House are a must-stop on anyone’s journey up the North Shore. It is located just off Highway 61 on Ski Hill Road near Lutsen and offers a unique experience for area visitors and locals alike. The winery was built in 2015 and opened in 2016 by owners, Chuck and Kim Corliss. They have been interested in all things wine (vineyards, winemaking, tasting, etc.) for many, many years. In addition to the couple learning about wine through many of their life experiences, Chuck was also trained as a sommelier. In 2017 fellow [...]

2 01, 2020

Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen
Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen

Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen

Martha Finley2021-09-09T19:59:58+00:00Local Businesses, Scenic Drive|

If you are traveling between Duluth and Two Harbors on your next North Shore Vacation, do yourself a favor and take the “long way” by turning onto Scenic Drive just outside of Duluth. This slower-paced road takes you right along Lake Superior and through some lesser-known lake-side communities. It is also along this road that you will come to the next shop we are featuring in our North Shore Sweet Tooth Series. For Part 4 of our Sweet Tooth Series, we bring you to the Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen. Toward the end of your journey on the Scenic Drive between [...]

2 01, 2020

Illgen Falls
Illgen Falls

Illgen Falls

Martha Finley2022-04-07T14:14:42+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Waterfalls|

Illgen Falls may not be the most well-known waterfall on the North Shore, but this waterfall makes the top of our waterfall list. This is because of the great vantage point for viewing the falls. This waterfall is approached and initially viewed from the top. Most area waterfalls are viewed from below. Also, if desired, Illgen Falls visitors are able to walk right up to the river and falls. From this viewpoint, you can experience the power of Illgen Falls. Even during dry periods, you'll likely find water rushing down the falls. Located in Tettegouche State Park, Illgen Falls is [...]

2 01, 2020

World’s Best Donuts
World’s Best Donuts

World’s Best Donuts

Martha Finley2021-02-25T20:25:27+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

The North Shore Sweet Tooth Series continues with Part 3: World's Best Donuts World's Best Donuts is another Grand Marais staple that has been around for a long time. Owner Dee's grandmother opened the donut shop in 1969 and ownership has been passed down from the women in the family ever since, with Dee being a third-generation owner. The cake donut recipe used is the same as the original 1969 recipe that Dee's grandmother started with. Over the years, the offerings have expanded from the traditional cake donuts to about 30 varieties of donuts. So, if fudge isn't what you [...]

2 01, 2020

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall
The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

Martha Finley2021-02-25T20:26:07+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Waterfalls|

The Devil's Kettle Waterfall. A scary-sounding name for the area's most mysterious waterfall. Located on the Brule River flowing through Judge C.R. Magney State Park near Hovland, MN, 20 miles north of Grand Marais, MN, the Devil's Kettle Waterfall has been baffling visitors for decades. One side of the river rumbles onto a stone embankment and down the rocks. As waterfalls typically do. The other side, however, flows into a geological wonder known as the Devil's Kettle, and… disappears? A Geological Wonder Well, perhaps not. The mystery of the Devil's Kettle Waterfall has been stumping visitors and geologists alike for [...]

2 01, 2020

Voyageur Brewing Company
Voyageur Brewing Company

Voyageur Brewing Company

Martha Finley2021-08-11T18:53:39+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

The craft brew has swept the nation and Cook County is getting in on the craze with its own local brewery: The Voyageur Brewing Company. Located on the corner of Highway 61 and 3rd Ave W near the heart of downtown Grand Marais you will find a modern-warehouse-looking building that houses this amazing local company. Come in for the beer and food, stay for the live music, and make some friends along the way. Voyageur is a family-friendly, upbeat local hangout that brings tourists and locals together. With its rooftop deck, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly atmosphere it is welcoming to [...]

2 01, 2020

The Gunflint Mercantile
The Gunflint Mercantile

The Gunflint Mercantile

Martha Finley2024-04-17T17:20:45+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Since our initial post, the Gunflint Mercantile has closed. Owner Chelsea has started a new venture called The Chocolate Dog, which will operate entirely online. Visit The Chocolate Dog Facebook Page to see updates. This post is for archival purposes only. And because my kids are super cute in the video. The store was purchased by Abby Tofte who already owned the other half of the building for her store, The Big Lake. Abby will be expanding the Lady Superior Bottle Shop into the space starting in the summer 2024. Our North Shore Sweet Tooth series continues this week [...]

2 01, 2020

Beth’s Fudge
Beth’s Fudge

Beth’s Fudge

Martha Finley2021-08-11T15:55:36+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

With National Chocolate Chip Day happening at the end of May and National Fudge day in June, we have decided to bring you a series called “North Shore Sweet Tooth”, introducing you to two of our favorite businesses in Grand Marais for anyone with a sweet tooth looking to celebrate these two candy-inspired holidays. Kicking off our series is Beth’s Fudge & Gifts! Sitting near the corner of Broadway and Wisconsin Street in the heart of downtown Grand Marais is a picturesque blue building. It will take you back to childhood memories of soda fountains and candy stores. Inside, you [...]

2 01, 2020

Cross River Falls
Cross River Falls

Cross River Falls

Martha Finley2026-03-09T18:40:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Schroeder/Tofte, Waterfalls|

Cross River Falls Cross River Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit along Minnesota's North Shore. It is worth the stop, just off Highway 61, and won't take much time out of your day. In fact, the upper falls can easily be seen from a car while driving along the highway. The real beauty, however, will take a bit more effort to see! Cross River Falls Just southwest of the Temperance River State Park in Schroeder, these falls are part of a wayside park that is actually larger than the nearby state park. The falls are literally [...]

2 01, 2020

Caribou Falls
Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

Martha Finley2025-03-25T13:19:31+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Waterfalls|

Caribou Falls Hikes along Lake Superior's North Shore offer an experience unlike any other, but when you add a stunning 35-foot waterfall to the mix, it becomes truly unforgettable. Just 60 miles north of Duluth along the scenic Highway 61, Caribou Falls awaits adventurers looking for a picturesque and peaceful escape. This unique hiking trail and waterfall are part of the Superior Hiking Trail and not found in a State Park. Making this one waterfall you can see even if you do not have a State Park Permit. The Journey to Caribou Falls The journey begins at the Caribou [...]