The Northern Nerd

Everywhere you go to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee touts themselves as being world famous or the best in the state, but rarely do those eye-catchers deliver. Most businesses use these words as a marketing means. (Hey, it worked on Buddy the Elf with the “world’s best cup of coffee.”) But when Betty’s Pies claims that they are world famous, they mean it. With around 700 pies being made daily and shipped nationwide, Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors, MN is a must stop for any

Louie's Bar and Bites has become a hometown favorite in the Hayward area.

What if I told you there was a better way to experience pizza?

I don’t know if it’s allowed or not as a “foodie”, but I have a favorite restaurant. I’ve put off talking about it because I don’t feel like I will be able to do the restaurant justice, or that my words will be able to accurately describe why I love it so much. I don’t even know if there are words to explain the feeling. I have to give it a shot though, so that if you haven’t gone yet, you will just hop in your car and go there and experience for yourself why I love this plac

Wisconsin is often associated with Friday night fish fries, beer and cheese. “America’s Dairyland” is so much more than what these common stereotypes portray. There are plenty of restaurants scattered throughout Wisconsin where people gather to pound Spotted Cows and munch down on some crunchy fries. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all have our spots, but there’s a gem located in Hayward, WI called The Ranch Supper Club that sticks to it’s northern Wisconsin roots while t

Within the past year, Jon and I have moved out near Spider Lake. We love our new home, and the wonderful nature that surrounds us! However, where there is abundance in wildlife, there is often a lack in quality restaurants. However, we have discovered Tiny’s Diner just down the road, and we may have found our new breakfast hub. Tiny’s Diner is a quaint little diner right off of Hwy 77 about fifteen minutes out from Hayward. It’s got a simple, classic style with checkerboard a

About a week or so ago (or has it been two already?!), some friends and I met up for dinner at The River Deck Restaurant right in Hayward at the Lumberjack Village on Hwy B. We had such a blast! Friends tend to have fun wherever they are, but this restaurant made going out such a treat! For starters, the restaurant is right next to Lake Hayward so you can dine on the lakeside deck and feel miles away from town even though you are right in it. The deck is filled with trees and

If you are looking for a destination restaurant, Pine Brook Farms might be the ticket! Located 8 miles from downtown Spooner, it’s nestled in the middle of nowhere in some of the farmland of the north woods. About two years ago, husband and wife team Jason and Michele Martell converted a 65-year-old farmhouse into a charming restaurant located on 85 acres of picturesque farmland. Jon and I turned onto the dirt road that leads to the restaurant and it was as if we were turning

Being a local, it’s easy to get into a rhythm of favorite places to frequent, especially when it comes to dining out. You hardly need to look at a menu, as you can order, and the waitress or waiter already has your “usual” penned in. Rarely are your taste buds taken on an adventure of new and exciting flavors.Therefore, my husband and I were thrilled when we heard that the Rusty Hook Saloon and Smokehouse opened on County Rd B, just past Robin’s Nest. Smoked meat!? Sign us up

Through winding back country roads that John Denver would blush at, you’ll find the sweet serenade that will lead you to Johnny B’s Lakeshore Grill & Pizza. If the smells radiating from Johnny B’s kitchen don’t bring you back for more, the laughter and conversation with the owner sure will. While he is a fairly busy man, Johnny loves his customers. “I love people. I love people coming in my door and telling me my food is great,” Johnny said. “When people come in here they fee