Lucky Moose Bar & Grill
photo by Bill McChesney – flickr
Jason: I’m jealous of all of you heading north on Thursdays or Fridays to a cabin on the lake. What meets you at the end of that drive makes awful traffic worthwhile. If you’re not grilling or hanging out at Chase on the Lake, there are plenty of other great spots to visit, too.
Lucky Moose Bar & Grill: On Walker Bay for more than a decade, Lucky Moose makes a mean walleye cake with a sun-dried tomato rémoulade. The lavosh is a cool twist on a pizza: You pick the toppings, and they pile it atop a huge Armenian cracker crust. 441 Walker Bay Blvd., Walker
Sun N Fun: There’s just something about a classic soda fountain, and this one has been around since 1946. Right across from Birch Lake, they have great malts and shakes, as well as old-school candy and an enormous collection of unique soda bottles. 132 First St. S., Hackensack
Joy: Fridays mean skipping out of work early, hitting the backroads, and cranking up the radio. These roads remind me of growing up, when riding in the back of a pickup truck was acceptable traveling, and a cool lakeshore was never far away.
Kunnari’s: Every trip to my grandma’s summer home on Esquagama Lake in Gilbert meant a trip to nearby Virginia to stop at Kunnari’s. What was once a little roadside stand is now a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant. Don’t miss out on their famous pie. 61305 Eighth St. S., Virginia
The Oasis: Tucked just off the highway, this little bar with a wraparound porch is a step into idyllic country living, with a pool table, live music, and killer bar food at affordable prices. Don’t miss the wings. 7539 Peel Rd., Britt