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Writer's pictureSamantha Buschman

Good Eats and Cozy Retreats in the Lake Winnebago Region

There are so many great places to sleep and eat within the Lake Winnebago Region. High Cliff State Park has beautiful campsites, there are a handful of resorts on the water and unique Airbnbs. I had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Retlaw while I was there, and it is one of my favorite hotels to date.


Hotel Retlaw has been open since 1923 and is located in downtown Fond du Lac. It is on the list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation deemed by the National Park Service. And let me tell you, it is beautiful and perfectly located in the middle of everything Fond du Lac.

Amenities include two dining options: Table One and One Main Cafe. There is also a lobby bar if you are simply looking for a yummy craft cocktail. There is a fitness center, covered parking structure, in-room refrigerator, locking safe and a HIDDEN TV!


 

Another one of my favorite spots on this trip was Urban Fuel Coffee Station in Fond du Lac. I LOVE coffee shops and the interior of this one was amazing. The outside is pretty unassuming, but the inside consists of several tables, couches, and areas for working or pure relaxation.

They also have a food list serving both breakfast and lunch options. I ordered a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a croissant and it was delectable. If you are looking to host a larger event, you can rent out Urban Fuel Coffee Station. They also serve wine! It truly is a perfect spot.


On the topic of breakfasts, let's talk about Sweet and Salty Pig in Fond du Lac. I have been to Sweet and Salty Pig a handful of times and there is a reason for that: it's SO good. I have never had something I didn't like. My mom joined me for brunch here on a Sunday and there was a line outside prior to opening. They serve breakfast and lunch all day and a lot of the meals they serve have bacon.

We ordered the breakfast egg rolls, breakfast totchos, and a special flat bread that they were serving just for that weekend. It was a very hearty meal and everything was so flavorful. The service is always quick and friendly. Sweet and Salty Pig should definitely be on your brunch bucket list. There's a reason I keep coming back!


 

There are two popular supper clubs in the Lake Winnebago Region. The first is Wendt's on the Lake which is located in Van Dyne, right on the edge of Lake Winnebago. You get lake views while enjoying your meal! We visited here for their Friday fish fry - something they are well known for.

They offer a handful of fish options for the occasion; I stuck with the standard deep fried cod. It was served with choice of potato, cole slaw, and bread. The perfect fish fry combination. This is a pretty popular spot that does not take reservations on Fridays, so expect to wait for a table (it's worth it). They have a full bar and make a mean old fashioned which helps to keep you occupied while waiting.


Schwarz’s Supper Club is the second supper club in the Lake Winnebago Region we must talk about. They are located in New Holstein which is a longer drive from Lake Winnebago, but definitely worth it if you want the true supper club experience. I got there about 30 minutes after they opened on a Saturday and the parking lot was already packed.

When you walk in, there is a large bar area and a few tables for seating. You order a drink at the bar and ask for a menu. After deciding what you want, you sit the menu upwards and a waiter will come to take your order. Then your name is put on a list and called when your table is ready. I have not been at a supper club like this before but it was a great experience. The food was absolutely phenomenal and so was the service. If you are a supper club guru, you need to visit.


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