The community has spoken!

Forward Rhinelander announced the winners of its annual “Best of Rhinelander” awards, 2021, at a recent Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event. Community members voted in 32 categories; below are the winners and honorable mentions.

Best Thing To Do in Spring – Hike local trails
Honorable Mentions – Gardening with the help of Hanson’s Garden Village and fishing area lakes
Best Thing To Do in Summer – Boating on local lakes
Honorable mentions – Paddlesports and swimming
Best Thing to Do in Fall – Hiking in the fall color
Honorable mentions – Driving to see the leaves and riding the ATV/UTV trails
Best Thing to Do in Winter – Snowshoeing
Honorable mentions – Snowmobiling and ice fishing
Best Fish Fry – Beachcomber Lounge
Honorable mentions – Backwaters Bar and Grill and Henkel’s Town Pump
Best Happy Hour – Bucketheads Sports Bar and Grill
Honorable mentions – Big Daddy’s and Rhinelander Brewing Company
Best Breakfast Spot – R&T’s Dinky Diner
Honorable mentions – Papillon’s and Friendship House Traditional Family Restaurant
Best Burger – Bucketheads
Honorable mentions – CT’s Deli and Cross Country Bar and Grill
Best Bloody Mary – CT’s Deli
Honorable mentions – Northwestern and Cross Country Bar and Grill
Best Patio/Outdoor Dining – CT’s Deli
Honorable mentions – Pat’s Tavern and Grill and Backwaters Bar & Grill
Best Restaurant Ambiance – Rhinelander Cafe & Pub
Honorable mentions – Holiday Acres Resort and Swearingen’s Al-Gen Dinner Club
Best Recreation Trail – Almon County Park Trail
Honorable mentions – Bearskin State Trail and the Washburn Trail System
Best “Hidden Gem” – Holmboe Nature Preserve
Honorable mentions – Hanson Lake and Trail and Reincarnation Resale & Decor – Online
Best Lake for Party Boating Fun – Boom Lake/Wisconsin River
Honorable mentions – Lake George and the Moen Chain
Best Paddle Spot – Boom Lake/Wisconsin River
Honorable mentions – Pelican River and Lake Mildred
Best Activity for the Whole Family – Pioneer Park Historical Complex
Honorable mentions – Picnic at Hodag Park and Oneida County Fair
Best Instagrammable Photo Spot – The Hodag at the Chamber
Honorable mentions – Hodag Park sunsets and our area lakes
Best Local Attraction – Pioneer Park Historical Complex
Honorable mentions – The Chamber Hodag and area lakes
Best Annual Event – Hodag Country Festival
Honorable mentions – Art Fair/Car Show/Bikes Event in June and Oneida County Fair
Best Place for Date Night – Catalyst Wine
Honorable mentions – Fireside Supper Club and Holiday Acres Resort
Best Local Band/Musician – Scott Kirby
Honorable mentions – David Walters/The Old Pine Road Band and Tuck Pence
Best Place for Visitors to Stay – Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson
Honorable mentions – AmericInn of Rhinelander and hosting our guests in our own homes
Best Local Boutique or Store – Lattitudes
Honorable mentions – Tricia’s Treasures & Bistro and Briar House
Best Local Souvenir Shop – The Hodag Store
Honorable mentions – Rhinelander Brewing Company and Mel’s Trading Post
Best Day Trip Destination – Bond Falls
Honorable mentions – Lake Superior and Minocqua
Best Media Personality – Mike Michalak
Honorable mentions – Geoff Weller and Devin Biggs
Best Local Realtor – Ashlei Smith, Realtor
Honorable mentions – The Cecily Dawson Team, Realtors at Lakeland Realty and Jen Vozka REMAX Invest
Best Woman Owned Business – Briar House
Honorable mentions – Brown Street Boutique and Tricia’s Treasures
Best Sustainably Focused Business/Org/Project – Project North Festival
Honorable mentions – The Northwoods Community Garden and Tilly’s
Best Place to Take Out of Towners – Pioneer Park Historical Complex
Honorable mentions – CT’s Deli and Hodag Dome
Best Thing About Rhinelander – The amazing people in our community
Honorable mentions – The nature surrounding us and the small town charm with amenities
Best Idea/Wish for Rhinelander – More diverse and ethnic dining
Honorable mentions – Splashpad and an outdoor concert/theatre venue