Every year since the Midwestern Gentleman and I met, we have taken a late-summer vacation on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. We’ve been particularly excited about this year’s trip, because we secured a phenomenally beautiful, hike-in campsite on a bluff overlooking the lake at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. All year, my “happy place” in my mind has been that secluded and serene spot. However, my summer has been so riddled with flare-ups and secondary infections that I was secretly worried I would be too sick to travel and would ruin our annual tradition. It never occurred to me that the Gent might be the one to derail our plans! His accidental injury was a good reminder never to take anything for granted. Fortunately, he seems to be healing rapidly, so we are still going to attempt the trip north for some camping and hiking, albeit a bit more slowly and cautiously than otherwise.
Lake Superior inlet at Tettegouche State Park, MN.
Since our campsite is a hike-in spot, plus the Gent’s ability to haul a heavy pack has been compromised, we have stripped down our usual camping gear to the bare minimum. This means we won’t be bringing the elaborate camp kitchen I packed last year. We’ll enjoy simple breakfasts of coffee, gluten-free granola, and fruit, and rely on local restaurants for our dinners. In preparation, I’ve researched gluten-free friendly establishments along Highway 61. I’ll post detailed reviews of the places we try, but in the meantime, here is the list I’ve assembled:
Duluth, MN
Two Harbors, MN
Northshore Pizza Cafe & Coffee House*
Beaver Bay, MN
Lemon Wolf Cafe
Tofte, MN
Grand Marais, MN
Remember, menus are rarely static, and some restaurants may not list gluten-free items on the menu even if they are willing to work with you to create a safe meal. If you’re traveling and dining out gluten-free, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to figure out what your options are.
*Northshore Pizza Cafe & Coffee House is the one place we know well, from before and after I went gluten-free. It’s my favorite pizza parlor in the Midwest, and well worth a visit. See my review here. Although the review is from a time when I still ate gluten, I have since enjoyed the gluten-free pizza there, as well.
