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The Northern Nerd
- Apr 13, 2019
- 3 min
No Passport Required: Ahlgren's Old World Accents
Traveling the world is at the top of many people’s bucket lists as they grow older. College graduates are now taking a year off to travel to far away places as they seek new adventures while filling up their passports with stamps. They want to capture photos, try different foods and meet people from different walks of life. Traveling can be great, but many people don’t have the luxury to travel that often and find themselves living vicariously through friend’s Instagram stori

The Northern Nerd
- Aug 16, 2018
- 5 min
Why An Afternoon With Your Grandpa Is Always Worth It
Sitting across from me at the Hayward Family Restaurant was an empty chair with a menu in front of it. I kept looking over my shoulder to see if he had snuck in through the back. The people around me were starting to grow suspicious of my constant scanning of the diner. “Would you like me to take your order, dear?” the waitress asked. “He should be here any minute. Check back in another five minutes, please.” I gave her a halfhearted smile. We had talked on the phone last nig

The Northern Nerd
- Jul 26, 2018
- 3 min
Rusty Hook Saloon & Smokehouse
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

The Northern Nerd
- Jul 26, 2018
- 3 min
The Busiest Man On Blueberry Lake
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
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