It took a half second for our eyes to adjust. Not because it was especially dark inside, but because it was one of those perfect days where the sky is bluer than blue, and the sun is so bright that sunglasses really aren't doing what sunglasses are supposed to do. And as a bonus, the temp was somewhere around 75 degrees with no humidity. In other words, a perfect day to walk past the bar and head straight for the outdoor deck to claim one of the coveted lakeside tables as our own.

This bar and grill fully embodies “lake life” hook, line, and sinker. Adorned in fishnets, bobbers, and of course lures of all shapes and sizes, The Lure Bar & Grill is exactly what you’d describe if asked to describe the perfect place to eat and drink while sitting on the shores of Wisconsin’s second largest lake. Especially if you’re taking in a magnificent sunset from one of their oversized decks.

Since they opened their doors in 2009, it has become a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. Certainly, the views have something to do with that, but it could also be because it has the perfect “up north” vibe with knotty pine paneling, timber framing, and overall “cabin feel” to the establishment.

Locals know it as Devil’s Elbow, a 90° curve on Highway Z as it wraps around the backwaters of Lake Petenwell in Rome, Wisconsin. There’s obviously a story there, but that’s for another day. For now, the significance of Devil’s Elbow is that as you come out of the turn, the next thing you’ll see is the best thing you’ll see all day - Romano’s Pizza & Pub.

To call it a clubhouse bar is a disservice as it is. Yes, the word bar is in the name, but The Mammoth Bar is way more than a bar. Some would argue it’s one of the finer dining establishments in the area. With its warm, rustic ambiance, high airy ceilings, and large picture windows looking out over the expansive first hole of the original course, you know there has to be a menu that’ll keep pace with such magnificence. 

Inside the Lake Arrowhead clubhouse, Greenside Grille is the perfect place to meet and mingle after a round of golf on one of their two elite 18-hole courses. The Pines and Lakes courses have both garnered high praise from Golf Digest, receiving an impressive 4 1⁄2 stars in their "places to play" rankings. So, it stands to reason that the clubhouse - and the restaurant - would be worthy of high praise too.
Greenside Grille has an open and airy atmosphere which creates a welcoming ambiance that appeals to not just golfers, but visitors who come from miles around to enjoy lunch, dinner, or maybe just a cocktail or two shared with a friend or two. 

When we walked into Cal’s for the first time, everyone at the bar, sitting shoulder to shoulder, turned to see who had just come in. Not because they were nosy, or bored with whatever conversation they were having, but because they were looking to welcome whoever it was. Cal’s, formerly Friar Tucks, is your quintessential Wisconsin gathering place that serves up cold beer, a juicy burger, and a friendly “everybody’s family” environment.

With an authentic Mexican ambiance - from the colorful hand-painted tables to pictures on the wall - you’d swear you were somewhere in Mexico City.

But here’s the best part; as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a smiling anfitriona who delivers a big basket of fresh, warm tortilla chips and homemade salsa with just the right amount of kick. Go ahead, eat ‘em fast. She’ll bring you more.

Couple that with a Top-Shelf Margarita served in a salted mason jar, or a Modelo Negra in a frosted mug, and you’re well on your way to one of the best meals you’ve had in a long time.

There once was a building in Rome, Italy that needed a little sprucing up, so the powers-that-be hired a young artist to do just that. And with a little paint, some scaffolding, and no doubt, an ungodly pain in the neck, the Sistine Chapel became one of the world's greatest treasures.
Here we are some 500 years later, and there’s yet another building in Rome that could use a little love. 
OK, so this time we’re in Rome, Wisconsin, and the building doesn’t hold the same significance as the cathedral in which popes are crowned, but it’s a building, nonetheless, in need of the talents of a young artist.

Shopping in Rome, Wisconsin isn’t shopping at all. Rome is home to quaint and one-of-a-kind shops that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking for culinary delights, indoor decor, outdoor adventures including golfing and fishing, spa services, or fashion, Rome has something unique for everyone on your list.
You’ll be able to see, feel, and even smell everything before you buy. You'll be able to assess the quality and value. The size. The color. There'll be no more guessing and no more stress.
Now, doesn’t that sound a little bit smarter?

Leave behind your Zoom calls and shopping malls and just imagine the rustic natural materials, earthy colors, and cozy furnishings - the overstuffed pillows, stone fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and the warm wooden accents. Imagine yourself reading a good book with nothing but the song of birds and the smell of fresh autumn air wafting in through the open window.

The Wisconsin, long notorious for devastating floods, is now partially controlled by 21 reservoirs (flowages) on the river. One such control point, the Petenwell Flowage, consists of 23,040 acres and is the second largest inland body of water in Wisconsin. It was built in the late 1940s by damming the river near Necedah for hydroelectric generation and flood control. 

The flowage offers some of the river's best fishing. Especially in locally known fishing "hot spots" which include Devil's Elbow, the mouth of Fourteen Mile Creek, Barnum Bay, and Strongs Prairie, to name a few.  

When summer fades to fall, and the temp drops a degree or two every day, something spectacular happens. And it’s been happening since the dawn of time, and yet, year after year we marvel like it’s the first time we’ve ever seen it. The cool, crisp air brings a change to the landscape that is nothing short of magical. As the brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange descend upon our state, those of us lucky enough to call central Wisconsin home, and visitors alike, fall in love with fall all over again. 

Construction is well underway on the Up North Brewing Company, a destination brewery that is a dream coming true for four friends who served us in the military and are now eager to serve us again. Meet the Brew Crew; Heather Dalton, CJ Dalton, Leslie Orr, and Brandon Orr. Four longtime friends who met while serving our country in the Air Force. Now retired, they had the opportunity to travel the world, and when on leave, taste some of the finest beers along the way.

Meet Rome’s own Clark Willard.

Clark is one of those people that has taken to this hobby full swing, if you will. He collects, refurbishes, and builds replica “hickorys,” as he calls them, with such skill and precision, you'd swear he learned his craft from old Andrew Dickson himself 100 years ago.

A self-proclaimed old-soul, Clark has found the perfect opportunity to practice his hobby and stretch it into not only a nice little side business, but an actual lifestyle.

Since April, and its highly anticipated opening, Connie has been splitting her time between the two stores, as the original one in Oshkosh continues to thrive, and her “new baby” in Rome is seeing success so much quicker than she ever imagined. And why wouldn't it be successful? When you walk in the door, you’re immediately impressed with the obvious pride and passion that goes into every decision.

Yeah, that’s right, golf courses. That is, if we’re talking about 12 of the most fun and scenic courses you’ll find anywhere, but luckily for us, happen to be plotted right here along the Wisconsin River - from Rome to Stevens Point. Twelve golf courses that makeup what’s been dubbed, the “Golf Corridor.” (Well, not really. We kinda just made that up, but it’s pretty catchy, isn’t it?)

They range from the player friendly everybody’s-got-a-chance-to-make-a-par courses to the most challenging better-bring-your-A-game tour-level courses.

So, what are they, you ask. What are these 12 amazing courses?

Alright, let’s get into it. Let’s start in Rome and work our way upriver to Stevens Point - because alphabetical is boring, and there’s no such thing as best to worse, or worse to best, when you’re talking about golf in The Corridor.

Since 1982, Shermalot, as the locals call it, has performed weekly summer shows on Lake Arrowhead in Rome, Wisconsin. Every Saturday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, these incredible athletes do things on water that you have to see to believe - especially their signature barefoot pyramid. Five skiers stacked on top of each other being pulled by a single boat. And not a ski in sight! That’s right. They’re skiing without skis. They’re barefoot!

That’s right, soon you’ll be able to walk or bike from one lake to another. You’ll be able to get to the beaches and parks. You’ll be able to visit the Rome Town Center and everything it has to offer. You can shop at the Farmers’ Market, play in the Splash Pad, visit the Lester Library, go to the bars and restaurants, and even go to church, all without having to dodge the cars and trucks flying by on Highway 13.

So, here’s how the whole thing’s gonna go down; each Thursday, June 8th through July 20th, musical acts will compete on Hoozels’ stage, for a spot in the finale which will be held July 27th.  The audience and a panel of esteemed judges will vote for their favorite act each week who will then move on to the finals in what will prove to be one of the greatest displays of musical talent ever assembled.

OK, so maybe that’s a little bit of a stretch, but these musicians are good. Really, really good. As Meagan Benz, says, “this isn’t karaoke night at the bar.”