Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel and a Meal at This Classic Diner in Minnesota

There's something that's just plain fun about enjoying a little bit of the past, especially if it comes with a dose of unintentional kitsch. Take, for instance, The Shoreline Inn, an unassuming retro motel in Minnesota that's "retro" because that's just how it's always looked. There's nothing intentional or pretentious about its old-school vibe. It just is - and that's why I love it so much!

You'll find The Shoreline Inn in all its retro glory in downtown Grand Marais, directly on the water. It's an easy walk to just about anywhere you'd want to go in town, from Artist's Point, Angry Trout Cafe, or Java Moose, to the Gunflint Tavern and Shook Smoothies.

The motel shows its age a bit in the homey lobby decor and no-nonsense rooms. (Don't mistake "no-nonsense" for "no views" -- many of those rooms offer spectacular vistas of Lake Superior, Artists Point, and the rugged North Shore shoreline.)

There's even an adjacent deck where you can sit and enjoy the sun and the water; or, if you prefer, step down for a stroll on the pebble beach, gazing out and the lake and occasionally looking down in the hope that an agate may catch your eye. When I plan a visit Grand Marais, I almost always check to see if The Shoreline Inn has availability. I've never paid more than $200 per night and, in fact, have scored deals at less than $100 per night! The combination of location, views, and affordability make it a super attractive option in this popular tourist town.

When morning rolls around, Blue Water Cafe is my longtime go-to for breakfast. In fact, it's one of my favorite places to eat breakfast in Minnesota. The coffee is above average for a diner, and the food is always delicious. I like the Portage Omelet, which is the veggie option on the omelet menu, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. The Bluewater Cafe is open six days a week (closed on Wednesdays) for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Check out Bluewater's menus or order online at the cafe's website.

For a visit to a classic diner and retro motel in Minnesota, I don't think you can do much better than this Grand Marais combo. To learn more about or to book a room at The Shoreline Inn, head on over to its listing on Hotels.com. What's another combo retro motel and classic diner in Minnesota? Be sure to let us know!