The BEST of Rhinelander 2021

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