As a newcomer, vacationer, or tourist to the city of Duluth, I know it’s hard to steer clear of the lure of the city’s most well known attractions. For one, I say, branch out. Don’t do the expected things. Grandma’s Restaurant is not the only place to eat, the Lakewalk is not the only place for a stroll, and Miller Hill Mall’s Old Navy has nothing new. On the contrary, there are many hidden gems scattered throughout Duluth.  Not being originally from the area, I can sympathize with being blissfully unaware of the great things this town has to offer. So, I’ll let you in on some little secrets. And yes, you’re welcome.

Where’s a good place for breakfast in town? There are the usual places like Perkins, Uncle Louis Café and The Duluth Grill, but I know a place that will knock your socks off. The Sunshine Café at 5719 Grand Avenue has the BEST omelets I have ever eaten. They don’t skimp on the goods; this restaurant has to-go boxes. The staff is pleasant, and the owner is a superb lady. While a restaurant with great food and great staff is a must-have, I believe a great restaurant cannot be great without a great atmosphere. A place’s feel and vibe can make or break the dining experience. When it comes to the Sunshine Café, it’s a completely different experience from any other café in Duluth. That’s why I like it. You feel as though you’re a part of this wonderful secret when you’re eating there. Off the beaten path is my favorite word to describe it. It’s unheard of no longer, so please, go and grab some pancakes and coffee that comes in a little rainbow mug at the Sunshine Café.

Something that had just come to my attention is that Spirit Mountain has really great trails for mountain biking. I thought Spirit Mountain was just for skiing. Shows how in-the-loop I am. MTBparks.com presented them as a rider’s choice winner as one of the best mountain bike parks in North America – second best in the Midwest region. Why were they a top pick? They have put in a lot of effort to make new trails for your adventure pleasure. As apart of their Master Plan for the park, Spirit Mountain has added two brand new 500-foot vertical IMBA-designed downhill flow trails. With the five biking trails they have – what outdoorsman wouldn’t be happy? Except, they plan on adding more. Jackpot. At least three more trails are on the agenda for Spirit Mountain. Bikers with any level of experience can go trail crazy. So weather you’re looking for an easy jaunt or a difficult ride, they have you covered. With Duluth being a top spot to find outdoor adventure, you’d think these trails would be the talk of the town. So when you come to Duluth, bring your bike, and even if you don’t have one, you’re not out of luck. Buy one here at Continental Ski and Bike or rent one from Spirit Mountain.

Everybody loves a good deal and unique finds when it comes to destination shopping. While I love to go to Father Time Antiques in Canal Park, there’s another place in town that’s got all the right stuff. Port City Antiques on Superior Street is the new guy on the block, but what they lack in years, they make up for with really cool stuff. When a place has a genuine antique crocodile purse – you know they’re credible and likely to have other rare trinkets and items. This antique store gives you a treasure hunt, and I know how antiquers love the thrill of the hunt. Kudos to the owner for having such wonderful finds.

Personally, I’m not a coffee drinker – tea is my poison of choice. Still, I do love a good place to grab some coffee because cafes and coffee houses have the best atmosphere. All the hype about Duluth Coffee Company is true – they do have great beverages. Though, Duluth Coffee Co. is not my favorite place to grab a cup of tea. Since moving here, I have loved going to Jitters Coffee and Teahouse right across from Maurices Headquarters on Superior Street. The teahouse has a hometown feel with organic options to boot. A full beverage menu and food menu is why I like them so much. The fact that I can get a tasty quesadilla and snack bar with my coffee or tea is wonderful. It’s the best of both worlds, and their chai tea drinks are some of the best I have had. It’s not just the coffee that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Jitters is laid-back with the nicest staff. They welcome you and give the feeling of being at home, or at a close relatives house. You feel cozy. Also, they deliver. While that nicety is reserved for downtown only, no other coffee house in Duluth delivers to you. Nothing says number one like bringing coffee to your customers. After all, who doesn’t like not having to wait in line for coffee? We’re all about efficiency.

I live in Duluth because I love the great outdoors mixed in with the big city. Isn’t that why most people come here? To get your hike and bike on, there are a variety of places to go in this town. Like I said before, the Lakewalk is not the only place to stretch your legs. Over on the East end of town, Hartley Nature Center has 10 miles of trails fit for a day hike. It’s great during the winter and even better during the summer. Pack a picnic and take your dog on a walk through these woods, or string up your pole and go fishing for sunfish, perch, and bass in Hartley pond. You can even go canoeing. It really is a place where you can spend all day, and I can say that I’ve put in many hours at the park.  

Nightlife can be hard to find in Duluth. Besides the usual bar show, what else is there? I’m more of a subtle night out kind of person. For that, Beaner’s Central in West Duluth is the perfect place. Almost every night there’s something going on, whether it’s open mic night or music. They have open mic every Wednesday, and these are the most entertaining because you never know what you’re going to hear. I like a little mystery with my tea and Panini. The original, local music they have is a big part of their entourage. There’s a great variety that you just can’t find at other places.

These are just a few of the hidden gems in Duluth, and I’m not even mentioning the greatest hidden places in the areas surrounding Duluth. Have an adventure and go somewhere that’s not in the normal tourist agenda. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. I would never steer you wrong. I love this city, especially during the warm summer months.