News & Articles

Best Used Record Store: Collector's Connection (Photo by Roger LePage)

Best Architectural Treasure
Aerial Lift Bridge

Constructed in 1905, three years before the Model T. Between 1905 and 1925, when a lifting road was added, people rode a gondola across the canal. It has stood with this city through its many changes and has drawn countless visitors to our port city.

Runner Up: Old Central High School

Best Antique Store
Father Time

Here’s a typical question messaged by Facebook to Father Time Antiques in Canal Park: “Have any Star Wars stuff?” The answer, of course, was, you bet. C’mon down! You can explore more than 10,000 square feet of antiques from more than 50 vendors in one location as you look for the perfect sign, piece of clothing, furniture or whatever you have been hunting for.

Best Art Gallery
Tweed Museum

With a permanent collection of more than 10,000 objects representing a wide range of cultures and periods of art history, the Tweed Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth, is a major cultural and education resource for the Upper Midwest.

Best Bookstore
Zenith Bookstore

Both new and “gently used” books can be found at this West End gem, which has declared throughout the pandemic that books are essential. It’s no surprise that Zenith also won the Best Used category below. “I would like to say how grateful we are,” said owner Bob Dobrow. “We have a tremendously supportive community and great customers. We and our customers love reading and books and we try to foster a very inviting space community-based space.”

Best Used Bookstore
Zenith Bookstore

Where else are you going to find a beautiful paperback on the troubled life of Expressionist Norwegian artist Edvard Munch? I found my copy at Zenith. “We have high quality books that are affordable, interesting and we have many hidden gems,” said owner Bob Dobrow.

Best Car Dealer
Kari Toyota

When Edwin Kari and his sons started a bicycle repair shop from their home in the 1920s, they probably did not have the slightest notion that it would transform into one of the leading businesses in the Twin Ports a century later. The Kari family has transformed much over the years and have used the wealth of experience to bring the Northland a great car dealership that is truly appreciated by their many loyal customers.

Best Fashion (Men)
Mainstream Fashions for Men

They call it the “Mainstream experience” – delivering the image you want to present in clothing. This downtown Duluth store has been serving the men of the Twin Ports since the early 1990s Customer service is their point of pride, as their goal is help men find the perfect look in suits, sport coats, shirts, sweaters, jeans, outerwear and accessories.

Best Fashion (Women)
maurices

At maurices, we strive to inspire the women in Duluth, MN to look and feel your best. That’s why we offer a wide selection of women’s jeans, tops, dresses, and shoes in sizes 2-24. Come find your community and new favorite outfit at 1600 Miller Trunk Highway in Miller Hill Mall.

Best Shoe Store
Tortoise and Hare

The shoe-buying experience is not what it used to be. At Tortoise and Hare, you get a computer gait and arch analysis to help put you in the best pair of shoes for your particular needs. “We focus on a lot of attention to detail,” said owner Jim Stukel. “We aren’t very particular about what your pace is. We are going to take care of your footwear needs wherever you are whether you have sore feet, are a fast runner, or a slow walker.”

Best Tattoo Parlor
Anchor’s End

The staff at Anchors End Duluth not only have artistic chops to knock your socks off but have also been vigorously trained to maintain the highest standard of customer care. Owner/founder Joseph John came to Duluth in 2003 to start a tattoo shop supported by fellow tattooers while maintaining his vision of technically sound, artistic and clean tattoos. He also has opened shops in Hudson and River Falls, Wis., as well as Stillwater, Minn.

Best Fine Jewelry
Security Jewelers

Security. Just hearing this word conjures up feelings of sureness, seriousness, carefulness and dependability. It makes you picture the type of person you want to help you pick out these little items that are sometimes several thousands of dollars. You picture this friendly but serious person who won’t make any costly mistakes or give you bad advice.
When the original Seiler founded the company almost a hundred years ago, he did more than choose a great name for the store that would be in his family until it was sold in 2018. He started a diamond dynasty in Duluth that would be loved by generations of customers for their quality products and reliable and friendly service. They have also won in this category for many years.

Best Record Store, New
No Winner

Best Record Store, Used
Collector’s Connection

Collector’s Connection sells sports cards, comics, graphic novels, card supplies, role-playing games, Magic: The Gathering products, Pokémon cards, Beckett price guides, CDs, vinyl records and more. Bring in your collectables for cash or store credit!

Best Music Instrument Store
Music-Go-Round

It’s the world’s largest musical instrument resale franchise in the world, so that it wins in this category again is no surprise. A lot of their instruments and equipment are used and in excellent condition. The store is filled with great-playing instruments and gear that can be “taken for a test drive,” making it a better bet than picking up something on Craigslist or from a catalog.

Best Movie Theater
The West Theatre

The West Theatre first opened on Christmas Day in 1937 as a streamlined modern variation of Art Deco, with seating for 595 people. The building closed as a theater in the mid-1950s. It housed several other businesses as well as spending some time vacant, until Bob Boone, owner of The Reader, purchased the building in late 2016 with the dream of restoring it to its Art Deco glory as a theater. The grand opening was held June 21, 2019, and since it has gained a reputation as an excellent concert and convention venue, as well as movie theater.

Best Second Hand Store
Goodwill

When you donate and shop with Goodwill you help fulfill the nonprofit’s mission – to provide employment services, training and jobs to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through the power of work, the men and women who are employed by Goodwill have a unique opportunity to break down barriers, learn new skills and build lifelong connections – and we get to buy reusable items others have donated.

Best Public Restroom
Kwik Trip

You’ll have to take our readers’ word on this one since we gave up bowel elimination some time ago.

Best Bowling Alley
Incline Station

There is something for everyone at Incline Bowling. There are bowling leagues for all ages and levels, as well as a “Barely Bowler League” for those who just want to have fun. It’s also a good place to celebrate birthday parties and other special events.

Best Hotel
Pier B Resort Hotel

Know of any other classy hotels that can claim a Harbor Cam? Pier B can (pierbresort.com/gallery/live-harbor-cam). It has become one of the most impressive hotels in town with its unique location overlooking Bayfront and Canal Park. Although the hotel is new, the silos built on the property by Huron Portland Cement Company are more than 100 years old. This is the kind of high-end modern hotel that even the locals want to stay at next time they attend a Bayfront Park event.

Best Lodging - Romantic Getaway
Bluefin Bay

Bluefin Bay, the premier Lake Superior resort, offers access to the year-round playground that is the Lutsen-Tofte region, set against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. The indoors are more enjoyable with upscale accommodations that include in-suite wood fireplaces, whirlpool baths, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Bluefin Bay also has select rooms, studios, condos and town homes to accommodate the four-legged friends who travel with you.