Northern Minnesota, in it’s consistent below average temperature for a continental climate glory, will always have a special place in my heart. It’s no secret, winters up north are my favourite. Especially when you can stay anywhere near Lake Superior.

Last week – I spent a few days in Grand Marais for a bit of skiing at Lutsen Mountains and local exploration. Whenever I travel up north, I tend to prefer more of an apartment-style accomodation. In part, because I like to see what living in this area of Minnesota would be like – but also, after a long day outside, I also like to have the option of cooking my own dinner or breakfast in the morning.

I’ve stayed at properties under the Odyssey Resorts group before – one of my personal favourites being Grand Superior Lodge – and this time, I wanted to try out their apartment-style suites based directly in Grand Marais.

 

What to do in Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a beautiful little town. Most well-known as a summer stop, it’s full of cute little restaurants and shops that dot the little corners of downtown, and is right on the shoreline of Lake Superior.

It’s home to one of the oldest art colonies in Minnesota, as well as the North House Folk School to learn some of the artisan trades of the local area. You can enjoy beautiful hiking and biking trails from Pincushion Mountain to the nearby state parks, or you can enjoy water activities in the nearby BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) or on Lake Superior.

A couple of my favourite spots to stop for a bite in this harbor town are My Sister’s Place (especially if you love a good burger and the famous Midwestern cheese curds), The Gunflint Tavern (especially for their spicy pot stickers) or Java Moose (your best bet for a really nice coffee and breakfast in town).

 

East Bay Suites on Lake Superior

If you’re like me – than odds are, you’re keen on trying to find suite-style or apartment-style accomodation when you travel. I love the comfort of feeling at home whilst I’m away from home – with all of the amenities included. Let me say this, coming home with a suitcase of clean laundry? It’s a real treat.

East Bay Suites is an apartment and condo-style accomodation within the Odyssey Resort Group in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It’s within driving distance of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and even one of the most gorgeous hiking trails in Minnesota, the Superior Hiking Trail. Better yet, it’s pup-friendly too – so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home!

 

 

When you walk in the door to your apartment, you’re greeted with warm interiors and an open plan kitchen and living room. Looking through the window, you’ll have a stunning view of Lake Superior and a lot of natural light – making the room feel very cozy as the sun goes down.

I love that these units have a full kitchen as well. When you’re on the North Shore, you’re probably in an active routine. From hiking and snowshoeing to skiing and exploring, I typically find myself craving a home-cooked, warm meal to come home to. With apartment style hotels, you’re able to cook your favourites from home and you won’t have to worry about saving or heating up your leftovers.

 

Something to keep in mind: Most of the units within the East Bay Suites complex include sleeper sofas – so many of these apartments can accommodate four or more.

 

 

Where can I find the East Bay Suites?

Once you’ve arrived in Grand Marais, head down Wisconsin Street as it hugs the Lake Superior shoreline. You’ll past a couple of foodie favourites – like the Gunflint Tavern and The Fisherman’s Daughter, and you’ll find East Bay Suites at the end of the road.

 

 

 

Have you ever stayed in Grand Marais before with Odyssey Resorts? What did you think?