When it comes to the North Shore, I’ve always been a bit of a Two Harbors kind of gal. So when I was passing through, I just had to stop for breakfast. Opened in 1998, Vanilla Bean Restaurant is right off 61 just as you come into Two Harbors, a short walk to Lake Superior and has become a favorite amongst my group of friends. From the Minnesota books you can read while you wait and the oven-baked omelets to the coffee so good it’ll make you forget all about finding a Starbucks.

Oh, if you will be near there for the holidays, you can pick up pies or their famous caramel pecan bread pudding to bring to all your gatherings!