Okay, the first question H and I got a lot when we said that we were going to “camp” at my family’s cottage in northern Wisconsin…

I came up with the dumb second part, but really, this trip was Loon city.

If you’re unfamiliar with Loons, they’re an aquatic bird found in North America and Europe. They’re black and white, with red, beady eyes, and make either the most peaceful calls, or the most alarming…. Ultimately, I don’t recommend listening to the Loon meditation video on Youtube, because at one point it just becomes anxiety inducing.

So how did we get to the bear scares in the first place?

Well, at this family cottage, we got a call that some furry creature made its way or was trapped in, and destroyed the place before dying a sad death.

We didn’t know what to expect, however we booked the place for like 1.5 weeks, and honestly, we needed the solitude, clean pine-filled air, and all of the cheese curds after being in perpetual heat for the past 9 months. So we decided to go up, check the place out, camp outside and use the electricity and water until it became inhabitable.

Needless to say all of the family members were concerned about bears (since the Black Bear is common in those parts, amongst other animals that I wouldn’t want to meet).

The first night, it was 36 degrees Fahrenheit. But the view of the sunset at almost 10pm made up for it.

I sleep with headphones for noise, and it being my first time “camping”, it was comfortable enough. H on the other hand, mistook Loon calls for Wolf howls, and so he didn’t sleep well. I also had to use the restroom at 4:00am, and without digressing too much (we didn’t end up having water due to another issue), we got up because it was my first time camping and I wasn’t ready to meet whatever was waiting for me by using the woods…, went to the Kwik-Trip, and by 4:30 the sun started coming up, so that started our resolve to clean the damn cottage so we didn’t have to spend another night outside.

We did a lot of work on the inside, with set back after set back, but I think it was still nice to get away.

But we didn’t just clean and restore the inside to “livable”. We also went around town and to other small towns in Northern Wisconsin, to see their quirks, eat a lot of Americana, and relax in-between.

Rhinelander, Wisconsin:

Of the places I’ll write about, I consider this city to be the most commercial. It has a lot of big stores that are helpful in spaces like these, like Walmart, Menards, etc. But don’t let any of that fool you, there’s a lot of lore in the old lumber town. And it goes by the name of the Hodag…..

I’ll leave the description here. It was even a monster on Scooby Doo.

We got to visit the Hodag Heritage Festival, and it was a hoot. Green beer, games, beasts of the North Woods story telling, souvenirs galore…Long story short, Hodag’s are life, and yes, we bought the monopoly Rhinelander version.

There’s also a really cool logging museum!

Places I’d recommend:

Tilly’s: Serves organic food and artisan coffees, a true break from fast food chains, or food that’s deep fried. 10/10 would recommend.

Rhinelander Brewery: While I only drank their non-alcoholic root beer, they have a hard version, and plenty of beers! The staff is very friendly, they had a great presence at the Hodag festival, and their tap room is really spacious and cool.

Minocqua:

This town is very touristy. And the downtown situated on the island, and vast amounts of lakes make it easy for it to be that way. Each store sells a variety of t-shirts, mugs, sweatshirts, koozies, blankets, you name it, branded for the town. Small eateries are a dime a dozen, and I’m sure you’ll find some good breakfast, lunch, and dinner there!

While I didn’t get to this time, I grew up going to Holiday Acres, that has horses and ponies for riding and a go-cart track. Some of my best memories being in the Northwoods.

Lac du Flambeau:

A small town that sits on Flambeau lake, named after the French, but home to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Superior Chippewa encompasses much of the area and is a federally recognized Ojibwe reservation. The Lake of Torches boasts vacation rentals, lake activities, and a large casino in town. If you’re interested in the cultural center, it’s a sight to see, although maybe be sure to call ahead and not go during lunch hours due to it being closed…our mistake. We stopped in the local market to see the goods, and I wanted to see if there was a price gouge going on the reservation, however prices seemed to be normal, all inflation things considered. I got a laugh from the politically spirited beers, that proceeds go to progressive causes. I really appreciate the Minocqua Brewing Company, so if you’re able to get your hands on it, do so!

And last but definitely not least, Tomahawk, WI.

I really don’t know how to describe this place. Small town, sure. But I don’t think that does it any justice. The people, growing diversity, clean air, water activities galore, just everything about it takes me back to my childhood.

Places and things I’d recommend:

Kwahomat Water Ski Show: Summer staple. Hands down. Happens Thursdays and weekends, and free to attend.

Rise Coffee Stand: Nicest women you’ll meet, and a coffee price you cannot beat. If you’re looking for a more artisan experience, in the downtown area, there’s What’s Brewin? Their hot chocolate is pretty darn good.

Dog & Suds: A classic. While it’s a chain in some pretty strange places, the kids that work there during the summer are the nicest. Good burgers, curds, and best root beer you’ll find in town.

Windmill Ice Cream: Has been around forever. It boasts at least 15 different flavors daily, and don’t worry about scoop sizes, one is just enough.

El Jovenaso #2: You couldn’t miss this building if you tried, it’s the yellow one downtown, that boasts Mexican food that gets you when you need and want it. While a relatively new pandemic edition, its got a loyal cliental, hosts specials, and their sopes are AMAZING.

Bambinos pizza: Our staple when we are there. A classic salad bar, great pizza, calzones, and all the like.

Places I haven’t tried but see and hear amazing things about:

Yummy Thai Kitchen: Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays all day. A food truck!!!

Boulangerie: A French pastry cafe serving breakfast and lunch. The owner unfortunately had an emergency while we were there, but they are open again!

And if you need a pie:

Sweet Pies of Mine: Amazing and generous 10″ pies homemade!! Call to order, and you won’t be disappointed!

And I would be remiss to not post my favorite spots that you’d likely find me at:

Some say it’s a Northwoods vacation, others; a lifestyle.

Any way you decide to see it, northern Wisconsin has the nicest people you will ever meet, and if the outdoors is your vibe, then make a point in your lifetime to visit.

Just bring bug spray and check for ticks 🙂

All my best,

Carrie