I love Memorial Day weekend because to me, it signals the start of summer here in the Midwest. If you plan on heading out of town, here are some events, restaurants and bars within a two-hour drive of Madison, Wis., that I suggest checking out (yes, I have personally dined at all the restaurants):
Lake Geneva area
- I’ve enjoyed the all-you-can-eat fish fry at Popeye’s On Lake Geneva and the wood-fired pizza at Oakfire. Champs Sports Bar and Grill and Hogs & Kisses are some fun places to grab a drink or watch the game.
Want to be pampered? I was invited to enjoy a massage at WELL Spa + Salon, located at Grand Geneva Spa Resort (check out my review of the chophouse). You can get everything from a lava shell massage to a more typical Swedish massage. Plus, all spa and salon services allow you all-day access to the facility, which includes a hot tub, steam room, pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, climbing wall and fitness center. WELL is open to the public, meaning you do not need to be a guest of the resort.- The Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan is a step back in time (very 1950s/60s-esque). Its annual Pig Roast will take place on Sunday, plus it’s hosting an Old Fashioned Wisconsin Supper Club Dining Experience on Friday.
- Not too far from Lake Geneva is Burlington, home of the annual ChocolateFest (Thursday-Monday), complete with live music (including Cherry Pie), chef demonstrations and a chocolate eating contest. It’s a fun event, but I really mean this: there needs to be more chocolate! For example, most of the food vendors don’t sell chocolate. On your way there, stop at Fred’s for “the world’s best burgers.”
Galena, Ill.
I accepted an offer to try the straight bourbon whiskey ($49.99) from Blaum Bros. Distilling, and I loved it. The 100-proof bourbon is aged four years, has a hint of caramel and honey and is super smooth without any bite. I look forward to trying Galena Reserve and the Knotter bourbon (the products are distributed in Wisconsin). If you’re visiting Galena, make sure to stop by the distillery for a tour or to enjoy a cocktail in its bar.- I really like the restaurant Fried Green Tomatoes–it has good food, good drinks and of course, really delicious fried green tomatoes. Another place worth trying is Fritz and Frites, a place for both French and German cuisine.
- The Grape Escape is the place for martinis and wine. For other drinks and live entertainment, try Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill inside the quaint Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel.
- You can visit several wineries in a 30-minute driving radius, including Rocky Waters, Massbach Ridge, Galena Cellars and Fergedaboudit. Obtain a stamp at each and then a prize if you make it to the ones on their list.
Kohler/Elkhart Lake
What happened to all the events at the American Club? Sad that the annual Kohler Festival of Beer ended in 2017. Well, at least you can enjoy a glass of wine at the Winery Bar and grab some grub at the Horse & Plow.- Out of all the dining option at the Osthoff Resort, which will be wedding central this weekend, my favorite is the lobby bar, called the Elk Room. It’s got a decent-sized bar, lounge seating and a beautiful view of the lake.
- The Osthoff Resort also will be the site of the annual Big Cheese event running Friday-Sunday.
- Make sure to grab a drink at the Barefoot Bay Tiki Bar and check out the eclectic decor at the Stop-Inn Tavern.
Green Lake
If you haven’t been, Green Lake is somewhat like Lake Geneva but without the constant gridlock. It’s sad that the main resort, the Heidel House, closes on May 20. I’m worried that will have a ripple effect on the local economy. (Guth’s Candy closed on April 20.)- A fun bar–and basically one of the few in Green Lake–is the Goose Blind. Make sure to try the brick oven pizza. Enjoy the views at Norton’s, a supper club that completed a renovation last year.
- Take a quick, 20-minute trip over to Ripon, where you will find delicious fare at J’s BBQ. Also, grab some pizza and beer at Knuth Brewing, right in the heart of downtown.
- Princeton has additional dining options. I like Ford’s Gathering, a bright space with board games and live music.
Have a great weekend!
Tags: Elkhart Lake, Galena, Green Lake, Lake Geneva
