October on the North Shore means crisp mornings, blazing fall colors, and the first hints of holiday cheer drifting in with the Lake Superior breeze. While pumpkin spice may get all the glory, Duluth’s local coffee shops are already crafting holiday-spice lattes that bridge the season—warming your hands and your spirit as autumn turns toward winter.
Skip the chains and discover these four local gems serving up cozy, creative drinks that taste like fall-to-winter magic in a cup.
1. Amity Coffee: The Snowfall Latte (about 7 minutes from the Inn)
Start your day close to home at Amity Coffee in the Lakeside neighborhood. Their Snowfall Latte blends vanilla, nutmeg, and clove into a cup that feels like a hug—smooth, aromatic, and perfect for slow October mornings.
Perfect moment: Sipping while the sun rises over Lake Superior before heading into town.
2. Yellow Bike Coffee (Fitgers): The Eggnog Chai (about 14 minutes from the Inn)
Next, head toward downtown Duluth and stop at Yellow Bike Coffee in Fitgers. Their Eggnog Chai—a creamy mix of spiced black tea and eggnog—tastes like the holidays arriving early. Rich, festive, and instantly cozy.
Best enjoyed: After a crisp morning stroll along the Lakewalk or Canal Park.
3. Duluth Coffee Company: The Cardamom Latte (about 15 minutes from the Inn)
A short drive deeper into downtown brings you to Duluth Coffee Company, known for roasting single-origin beans with care. Their Cardamom Latte is subtle, spiced, and soul-warming—a true fall-to-winter crossover drink.
Pair it with: A buttery croissant and some people-watching on Superior Street.
4. 190° Coffee & Tea: The Gingerbread Mocha (about 17 minutes from the Inn)
End your coffee crawl in the Lincoln Park craft district at 190° Coffee & Tea. Their Gingerbread Mocha combines espresso, chocolate, and gingerbread spice, topped with oat milk foam for a cozy, dairy-free treat.
Insider tip: Pair it with a ginger cookie while browsing nearby artisan shops for early holiday gifts.
The Perfect Coffee Crawl Route
- Start your morning at Amity Coffee (7 minutes).
- Head downtown to Yellow Bike Coffee in Fitgers (14 minutes).
- Continue to Duluth Coffee Company (15 minutes).
- Finish at 190° Coffee & Tea in Lincoln Park (17 minutes).
Together, these stops make the ultimate October coffee crawl, pairing lattes with autumn views, holiday hints, and Duluth charm.
Why Gitche Gumee Is the Perfect Base for Your Coffee Adventures
After a day of latte tasting and leaf chasing, there’s no better feeling than returning to your cozy Gitche cabin. Curl up with your drink of choice on the porch, watch the lake shift from gold to deep blue, and let Superior’s waves match your slow October rhythm.
Sip, stroll, stay—book your cozy cabin weekend at The Inn on Gitche Gumee.
