Bayfield 2018

Old things, new things, Lake Superior things

Another year, another family trip to about as up north as you can go in Wisconsin. This time, Bayfield was filled with some newness — like a new wine tasting experience, a new at-home cocktail, a new coffee shop, and new opinions on the pancakes at The Fat Radish (said opinions would be mine). 

As is the Lawler family way, the weekend started with a stop at Erickson's Orchard. This is where, if they only have nine bags of apple chips, you simply buy all nine bags to stock up. It's survival of the fittest, and in Bayfield, the fittest live off apple chips. This stop takes all of ten minutes. 




Next up, it's Hauser's Superior View Farm, former home of the Bayfield Winery. Here you can sample apples and hard cider and climb the two flights of stairs to the Scenic Overlook and Jim's collection of hats, beer cans, toy tractors, and more. I'd describe for you just how many hats, but you'd probably still accuse me of underselling their sheer number upon viewing them yourself.  

Now the Bayfield Winery, which used to be housed at Hauser's, is located around a bend on a beautiful stretch of orchard land. Step inside, and it's a different experience from others in the small Lake Superior town. Wine flights are served in a waterfall of glassware, and there are bites and nibbles to share. On a nice day, there's even a small patio overlooking the orchard. 

When tummies start rumbling, it's The Fat Radish for dinner. Be sure to make a reservation! Some menu notes from our experience: Don't get the pork skewer. It sounds good, but disappoints. Do get the white fish dinner, the fish tacos, and the Fish Booyah, which is the Radish take on bouillabaisse. 

If going there for breakfast, everyone in our party loved the corned beef hash. But note to self: The pancakes aren't for me (too dense, and not even served with butter), and the Korean barbecue bowl was lacking. Next time, I'm going back to the breakfast sammy. 

Other Rittenhouse Avenue staples include a stop at the Candy Shoppe to order an apple pie, which will invariably be ready for pick-up after 3pm. Then there's Joanne's Scandinavian, my favorite little shop. I've been known to walk away with expensive socks, a red tea kettle, or a gift for expecting friends. Sweet Sailing is where you go to get fudge, fancy mustards, and two-for-one pounds of saltwater taffy.   

Also new this year: Kickapoo Coffee! This really is like having a taste of the city — not surprising, as there is a Kickapoo in Milwaukee, too. It's nice to have a spot where you could hunker down and use the wifi, buy a cool Kickapoo t-shirt or mug, or just come out of the chill for a few over a salted caramel latte. 




When at home — er, our rented condo with a view — we like to get pizza to-go from the Manypenny Bistro. Just think twice next time before asking me to carry it home solo, because I will most likely walk the two-blocks back to the condo with the box tilted just enough to ruin half the pizza. But hey, it still tasted good! This year, we washed it down with a scrumptious peppery ginger cider. 

As for getting outside and stretching our legs, we made time for the Brownstone Trail, affectionately called The Path in our family. But the weather this time did not inspire other long walks. Next time, we must make room for cemetery bingo and a trip to the Iron Bridge trail. So little time, so much nothing-urgent to do!