Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2019

SHOPPING & DINING
SHOPPING
Vilas County is a beautiful place to find unique items
for family, friends and anyone else on your gift list.
There’s nothing like travelling down a forest road
in search of a cozy shop filled with items you’ll never
find in a big city. The shopping experience is as special
as the gifts you’ll discover. Here are a few ideas for your
Vilas County shopping list.
OUTDOOR GEAR: Vilas County has lots of great sporting
goods shops selling the latest gear at competitive prices.
One of the best parts about shopping at these stores
is the deep knowledge employees and owners of these
retailers have about what they are selling—when they’re
not in the store you’ll probably find them on the lake or
in the woods. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for,
they are there to help. One shop in downtown Eagle River
will even outfit your dog!
ARTIST WARES: For years, Vilas County’s natural beauty
has inspired some of Wisconsin’s most beloved artists and
craftspeople. You can find their work, and the work of other
regional and national talents, in Vilas County’s shops and
galleries. You’ll never have more fun finding the perfect gift
or home décor item.
SWEET AND SAVORY: Find something sweet for someone
sweet! Vilas County shops sell a delicious variety of jams,
jellies and sweet delights. You’ll also find handcrafted
salsas, hot chocolate mixes, sauces and an abundance of
cranberry and wild rice products that are native to this area.
These items are all delicious, and many are not available
elsewhere. Be sure to pick up something for yourself, too!
NORTHWOODS APPAREL: Our county’s retailers are stocked
with all the apparel you’ll need to get through the frostiest
mornings and warmest summer afternoons. We even have
specialty boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind fashions.
20 SHOPPING & DINING
OLD FASHIONED
Bette R. | Minocqua Area
Perfect state, perfect cocktail!
DINING
You’ll find them tucked into our communities and on back
forest roads—Vilas County restaurants serve up flavors as
big as the Northwoods and there’s a table waiting for you.
These restaurants are timeless treasures, as delicious as
they were generations ago. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.
SUPPER CLUBS: Arrive early if you can—you won’t want
to rush your experience in a Vilas County supper club. These
places are institutions, celebrated by visitors and locals
alike, and are decorated with trophy fish, old photos and
perhaps a few Christmas lights. Place an order for a classic
old fashioned—sweet or sour, fruit or olives—the choice is
yours. Savor a classic Wisconsin fish fry, order up a rack
of ribs or some impossibly tender prime rib. Save room
for the perfect throwback dessert: an ice cream drink!
TAVERNS: For great flavors and a friendly atmosphere,
head to a Vilas County tavern. You’ll find burgers loaded
with deliciousness and fried cheese curds or homemade
chips that can’t be resisted. There’s always something cold
and refreshing on tap. Planning a summer getaway? Many
of our taverns have outside seating during the warmer months.
FAMILY RESTAURANTS: Anyone hungry for pizza? You’ll
find plenty of that in Vilas County, as well as entrees to fit
anyone’s taste and budget. After a day on the lakes or trails,
there’s nothing like settling into a Northwoods restaurant,
where the portions are as generous as the service. The only
question: table or booth?
VILAS.ORG