Some people simply eat when traveling; others travel to eat. When you hit the road in Wisconsin, you can satisfy your appetite for food and entertainment in deliciously diverse ways.

Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse
Appleton, WI
Football fans get a dose of Green Bay Packers history at this pack fan favorite. This restaurant is a shrine to the storied Packers’ coach. Peruse more than 400 items from the legendary football coach’s estate—from game plays and celebrity fan mail to trophies and diplomas. (920) 380-9390

The Fireside Dinner Theatre
Fort Atkinson, WI
“Dinner and a show” means a lot more at The Fireside. They’ve been delighting audiences since 1964 with much-loved musicals or other lighthearted fare, often performed by East Coast pros. The Fireside’s dinner menu is impressive, with cocktails, appetizers and desserts – even a Friday night fish fry.(800) 477-9505 or (920) 563-9505

Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre
Eau Claire, WI
This dinner theatre serves up fine dining with a professionally-staged show. In addition, they also offer bluff-top lodging in one of eleven Victorian rooms overlook the gorgeous Chippewa Valley. (800) 292-8026 or (715) 836-8184

Dream Dance
Milwaukee, WI
If you’re a gambler, then dinner is a sure bet in here. Look for the upscale restaurant at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, which recently finished a $240 million expansion. Dream Dance uses indigenous ingredients in unusual ways; one example is venison cured with locally made root beer. (414) 847-7883

Buck Rub Restaurant
Wautoma, WI
Wild-game entrees are a specialty at Pine Ridge's restaurant. Their dinner menu includes elk and buffalo steaks, wild boar ribs, smoked duck or stuffed pheasant breasts, and wild salmon. Afterward, a stay at Pheasant Ridge Lodge mixes woodsy décor with boutique hotel amenities. (920) 787-5519

Thunder Valley Inn
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Reconnect with the land in a different way, hearty, family-style meals are served at a longtime farmstead here. The summer-only menu (think pot roast and potatoes) is reminiscent of old-time threshing dinners. Yodeling, fiddling, jokes and sing-alongs accompany the family-fun meals. Tour the dairy and acreage, or stay overnight in the farmhouse or Wee Hus (cottage). (877) 254-4145

The Dining Room
Monticello, WI
Bicycling the state’s trails can work up an appetite. A biking and dining perfecta found in South Central Wisconsin. Savor gourmet fare at 209 Main Street, located near the Badger and Sugar River trails. Although only open for dinner, casual attire is fine anytime.(608) 938-2200

The Shops at Woodlake
Kohler, WI
When you hunger to be a better cook, check out Demonstration Kitchen classes at The Shops at Woodlake. Classes are offered at 11am and 2pm on Saturdays from January through April. Occasional, three-day immersion events whisk food lovers to another country’s cuisine; rates include two nights of lodging at The American Club.
The community also is home to the state’s premiere food extravaganza, the Kohler Food & Wine Experience, a four-day event in October that spotlights instruction by award-winning chefs and sommeliers. Admission is free to some sessions. (920) 457-8888

Mary Bergin of Madison is a syndicated travel columnist and author of the new “Hungry for Wisconsin.” Content produced in cooperation with Wisconsin Trails, www.Wisconsintrails.com. For a complimentary copy of Wisconsin Trails magazine, please email info@wistrails.com.

This entry was posted in Dining, Restaurants and tagged Features and Profiles