For 12 years in a row I have gathered with friends each autumn in Green Lake, Wisconsin but this year we met rather late in the season. Even so, my 2023 Green Lake trip was a sweet time filled with superb fellowship and delectable food.
Green Lake 2023 Trip
Our meeting was delayed this year due to my tree drama, but thankfully we found some time last week to squeeze in a few days together. Going so late in the season meant that the leaves had already changed colors and fallen off (unlike in Los Angeles, where we are still waiting for the leaves to turn) and the docks had been pulled up from the lake, but the weather was actually quite pleasant during our stay.
We stay at my friend Denny’s house and every trip to Green Lake begins with a pizza from Lou Malnati’s (I only had 1.25 pizzas this year…) and a Moscow Mule.
We skipped breakfast the next day, opting to wait for our lunch…Chicago-style hot dogs, another tradition. I eat hot dogs once per year, but so greatly enjoy them here. The added ingredients make all the difference.
As if five hot dogs were not enough, we had a massive dinner with Denny’s daughter and her husband at The Public House in Ripon, WI.
The onion rings were great:
So were the wings:
I ordered a Southwest Bowl (quinoa vegetable blend with chicken breast, black bean and corn salad, roasted bell pepper, green onion, jalapeños, chipotle crema, cilantro lime crema, queso fresco, pepitas):
Others tried the Irish Poutine (poutine with thick cut fries, fried cheese curds, gravy, and corned beef), Pork Belly Bahn Mi (fried pork belly strips tossed in Korean krack sauce, Asian dressed slaw, fresh jalapeño and cilantro on sub roll), and a pub burger.
But the highlight of the entire meal was the giant soft pretzel with Guinness beer cheese sauce:
While not our usual Friday fish fry or Saturday prime rib (because the trip was mid-week this year), this was a nice meal.
Ripon was already decorated for Christmas:
After a pleasant evening of more discussion and Moscow Mules, we had a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage.
CONCLUSION
A few days of eating and renewing friendship is always a joy. It has been another rough few months and yet I am quite thankful, especially as we approach Thanksgiving, for friendship and for the ability to get away and see these guys every year. What a cherished tradition!
I did miss the water, though. Next year I hope to go earlier! (maybe even in the summer).
Never would have guessed you come by Ripon and Green Lake.
Into which airport do you fly when headed to Green Lake, ATW?
Usually, I meet other friends at ORD and we drive up, though this year I flew into MKE.
Beautiful diverse American town that is 97% white. MAGA county also. I’ll take hard pass
I live in LA and love the diversity here, but don’t understand your comment. Do you have something against white people? It is a charming town with charming people.
What makes you think this area is all MAGA country? It still isn’t, but what would I know as someone’s whose had my share and then some of close calls with deer on the roads in these parts?
I think some people forget that Wisconsin used to be a leader in progressive politics even as there has often also been a reactionary headwind.
Even if not for Biden’s age, I think Biden and the Democrats are possibly going to lose the state when it comes to the presidential election in 2024 because Biden’s been playing too close to his long time buddy Netanyahu this time around. Does that make it MAGA country? Not exactly.
Dear Mr. Klint, Please come to Murphy’s on Green next year when you are in Green Lake. It is a local family owned business with excellent food, genuine small hometown hospitality and an absolutely beautiful view of Big Green Lake. Welcome to Wisconsin and a special welcome to Green Lake!
Thank you!
I live in the area! Not sure if you’ve been to Mr & Mrs Ps in Ripon (breakfast and lunch.) They have great food, too.