For the 10th year in a row, I spent a weekend with my pals in Green Lake, Wisconsin. This is a case where familiarity does not breed contempt and a treasured tradition continues to refresh. But I probably did put on some weight…
Green Lake, Wisconsin – My 2021 Trip
After a smooth flight on American Airlines, I had lunch at Tortas Fronteras before my friend picked me up and we made the three-hour drive north. We can essentially do this with our eyes closed now. Even when we reach the country roads, we know the way. It has been a decade, after all.
By now, we know to slow to 25 mph as we enter the town of Rosendale, a speed trap along the way. Although we’ve dodged a ticket for ten years (and frankly not even seen a police car all ten of those years), we are not taking any chances.
The weekend was full of great conversation and great food…pizza from Lou Malnati’s, Chicago-style hot dogs, waffles topped in ice cream, and a Friday-night fish fry at Walker’s. And while AYCA (all you can eat) fried fish was the special, I love baked haddock.
While the drink of the weekend was Moscow Mules, when you are in Wisconsin you have to try a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, which features brandy instead of bourbon. You’ll all be asked “sweet or sour” which means you can choose to top the cocktail with something sweet (like Sprite) or something sour (like olives). It’s a much sweeter drink than a traditional Old Fashioned, even with olives added.
It was a beautiful weekend with temperate weather; clouds in the morning giving way to beautiful afternoons on the terrace overlooking the lake.
The leaves began to change colors literally right before our eyes – one day they were green, the next day they were red.
We went into Ripon for coffee each day (you know me…) and I greatly enjoyed the cortado at Mug’s (though they were still serving drinks in to-go cups only).
And you know what was across the street? A Radio Shack. Are you kidding me? It brought back memories of spending time in Radio Shack as a child…I loved that store.
CONCLUSION
My Green Lake tradition is an important one for me and I am blessed to have friends that make the time to get together each year. Parting word: don’t neglect long distance friendships. While a text or email is nice, in-person meetings are really important, even if only once a year!
I’ve written about my annual Green Lake trips for many years:
Gorgeous pictures of the lake and the pizza looks excellent.
Do you consider yourself extroverted?
Matt,
So glad you could share time with special friends at beautiful Green Lake Wi.The Lake is considered a Wisconsin treasure.I live in the south eastern Wi and am lucky to get up north a couple times a year.Just up at The Lake in mid Sept. found a beautiful apple orchard named Pineapple Hill(facebook) just two miles from town.
Welcome to the beautiful Midwest!!!
The Mid-West and upper Wisconsin, this is real America, Dodges, Chevrolet, and Ford PU’s., farmers and dairymen. I get a chance to experience it several times a year, real America, love rural Wisconsin.
Awesome Matthew! You are absolutely right about meeting in person despite ease of communication nowadays.
I love reading your trips to Wisconsin and hearing from an outsider. I agree with you that the Brandy makes an Old Fashioned a bit sweet for my taste, and my Iowa mother did start me on Bourbon Old Fashioned Sweets. I love living in Wisconsin because there is never a wrong time to sit back and relax. If you ever want to do a brewery tour (I mean several breweries in a day) I would be happy to come along and help arrange it. Thanks for reminding the world to stay in touch. I have a friend to call now who I haven’t talked to in too long.
Glad you got to come to Green Lake during this glorious and unusual fall weather. It is absolutely magical this year! Next time you come to town, I’m sure it will be more chic as a lot of the quaint stores are being pushed out by folks from other states so it will be a whole different time. Can’t say it will be better, just different. But add brandy and beer and you’ll barely notice a thing!
Real nice review. I liked it
Does your wife get similar weekend aways? Its usually a trade off (in a good way) with my wife.
Ie I get one weekend away she gets two!
She’s welcome to, whenever she wants – but Germany or London is a little far for the weekend! 😉 So we usually end up going to Santa Barbara together.
A Great place in ‘real’ America.
…after many trips, like yourself I made it my home. Lucky & happy!
Awesome Matthew love these posts
Also why didn’t you fly United?
I flew United back – American was too good a deal on the way out.
We love GL as well. Adam’s Rib and just heard Little Corporal is selling. Love Sassafras Coffee shop in GL.
Thanks for the tip! Will try Sassafras next year. Have been to Adam’s Rib many times! Love it. I miss Alibi’s!
You’re in my neck of the woods…Oshkosh.
Matthew !! Every cheesehead knows a brandy old fashioned sour is made with squirt. Old fashioned sweet with 7up or sprit. Olives, cherries, mushrooms, brussel sprouts optional for all old fashioneds.
Your weekend sounds fantastic; you picked the best time of year when the leaves are starting to begin their vivid collapse into fall. I live in Ripon and hope you try the Public House next year. It’s on the same street as Mugs closer to the theater. I have never been disappointed.
Please come and check out Chops Restaurant next time would live to have you!
Agree with Todd…Squirt or a similar sour mix as part of what makes a Whiskey Old Fashioned Sour. And cherries on top of mine. 🙂 Green Lake is such a great hangout, with Sassafras, Chop, Little Corporal, Adam’s Rib, Goose Blind, Shark Shack, Norton’s, Christiano’s, Club 300 and O’Reilly’s.
Green Lake area is very special! Next time try CenterHouse for dinner or drinks. Its just a mile down from Walkers. CenterHouse has been another favorite in the area for decades!
Center House is one of the best local places in Green Lake!!
Next time make sure you come see us at The 300 Club!! You won’t be disappointed!!
We also miss Alibis but it been replaced by an excellent Mexican restaurant. Sadly we are leaving our little town of Princeton and moving to Tennessee. I will miss Wisconsin and all the wonderful people here.
So glad the pandemic is completely over in your country and that you can take trips like these without risking anyone’s health. In our country, they still have the Corona cooties.