Paul Bunyan's Northwoods Cook Shanty
The three Gibson boys just love going to Paul Bunyan's for
the freshly made, sugary cake doughnuts and the sausage, pancakes and orange juice.
Grant's telltale sugar mustache is always an instant giveaway that the family has just been to the shanty.
Thank goodness this only happens when the family restaurant is open in the summer, and the boys can easily work off their sugar buzz outside.
Troy and Jenny love Paul Bunyan's because there is never a wait with three kids and no one goes away hungry. They also think the fish fry is excellent (again,
no waiting).
The quaint pink house at the Hazelhurst crossroads is where Craig and Lynette go for a relaxing fine dining experience. They begin with a cup of Al and Cierra's homemade soups, followed by a large Filet Mignon with fried onions and Shrimp Linguine with Basil Cream Sauce. They always top the evening off with delicious cheesecake. Heaven.
The Watering Hole Cantina and GrilleFor great food in a relaxed pub atmosphere, the Watering Hole was the
number one choice of the Black's Cliff cleaning crew for weekly Margarita Mondays. After a winter
morning of grueling cabin cleaning and wood chopping, Jenny, Troy, Steve, Jen and Tiff headed south on 51 for jalapeņo poppers, cheese curds, big burritos, fajitas,
mushroom Swiss burgers and, of course, the customary pitcher of strawberry margaritas. Never more than one pitcher, or afternoon cleaning becomes a fiesta.
The Watering Hole's fabulous Friday fish fry is also a favored by both Jenny and Troy, and Craig and Lynette.
The Gibson family just loves the hand-tossed pizza at their friend Billy's new pizza parlor. And, they say, the Billy Bread is to die for.
However, Jenny warns,this is not the place to go for a romantic dinner. The garlic is killer.
LifeSpring, Minocqua Coffee Shop
Every morning, you'll find the Black's Cliff coffee clutch at LifeSpring, where they gather for the best coffee in Minocqua before heading off for
resort chores. Jenny even has a latte named for her at LifeSpring — espresso topped with chocolate, hazelnut and steamed milk.
And, LifeSpring's free high-speed wireless internet access allows Jenny to quickly update her Birch Bark Blog each morning.
When they can get away, Jenny and Troy also visit LifeSpring owner/Jenny's brother Steven for lunch. Jenny likes the pesto panini and Troy likes the Westi waffles.
Organic oats, figs and CC Jersey Creme yogurt are also high on the Gibson family's shopping list.
Northwoods Children's Museum
>With plenty of fun and interesting exhibits, the Northwoods Children's Museum is guaranteed to keep the boys entertained on rainy days.
The Waters of Minocqua
When Grant, Ben and Jake have been extra, super good, they get to spend an afternoon on the waterslides and in the outdoor hot tubs.
This museum is for little kids and big kids alike. A tribute to the carvings and collections of Bavarian immigrant Carl Schels, the museum features everything from life-sized carved wood spirits to a massive chainsaw ensemble.
Annie's Woolens
Jenny found wonderful Nordic patterns at this Eagle River store. The colorful, traditional Scandinavian designs appeal to her Norwegian heritage and the fond memories of her trip to Norway.