Happy Holidays

This holiday season has always been a special one here in Wisconsin. As a child, I remember cutting down our own Christmas tree at Paul's Tree Farm outside of Brodhead, Wisconsin. I used to love sneaking the chocolate covered Cherry De Lites from Country Ovens in Door County (so much better than those gushy gifts my grandpa would get every year)! We always had a gingerbread house from Swiss Colony to decorate and no Christmas was complete without a drive around town to see all of the decorations. Attending UW-La Crosse meant I had access to the amazing Rotary Lights every year. Last year I was able to take a Christmas Eve sleigh ride through Menonminee Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin through the merry Celebration of Lights.

Christmas has always been a special time, a time we've been blessed enough to share with family and friends alike. We hope you have an equally special holiday season this year, and don't g forget to spend some time with the ones you love. A Wisconsin Christmas just wouldn't be the same without special people to share it with.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Oshkosh Restaurants - Dublin's Irish Pub

Dublin's Irish Pub
2070 W. 9th Avenue
Oshkosh, WI
(920) 385-0277

We've been to Dublin's Pub twice since it opened here in Oshkosh. Both times have been a treat. The atmosphere is wonderful, it feels small and warm and Irish. Though there are TVs for sports games, each time we have been there, there has been traditional Irish music played in the background. In the back room, there is a large fireplace, there is also a game room with darts, and a pool table. There is limited seating, but they have done a great job making the most of the space.

As far as the food goes, I was so impressed. I spent 2 months in Scotland and another 2 weeks in Ireland in college, and have always been hopeful about any new Irish restaurants that I can try. Unfortunately, I'm often disappointed. Not the case at Dublin's in Oshkosh!

Everything on the menu is under $7. The portions are the right size, not too big as often served, but plenty for a meal (I've taken a doggy bag home after both visits). With some of the traditional Irish fair offered, like Bangers and Mash and Shepards Pie, there is also a salad selection, a build your own burger option, and a variety of paninis and wraps. Dublin's offers a nice change in the Oshkosh restaurant scene.

As far as appetizers go, I've had the Irish Cheese Curds and the Banger Boats.  The Irish Cheese Curds surprised me, as they were spicy! At $4.25, they were very good, the breading had a nice kick and flavor. The cheese was melted and fresh. Overall, these were a great choice. Even better than the Irish Cheese Curds though, were the Banger Boats! These were like an Irish/Reuben version of Potato Skins for just $3.95. The order includes 3 potato halves, with cheese, sauerkraut, and Irish sausages on top. There is a sauce that reminded me of a Thousand Island dressing and mayo hybrid, with a kick. These were my favorite thing we ordered, and they are what I craved to bring us back the second time. They are different and delicious, and just writing about them now makes me crave them all over again!

Both times I've gone, I've ordered (and loved) the Fish and Chips. For $6.95, you get 3 pieces of breaded fish and a whole mess of french fries. The breading on the fish is light, but full of flavor. It has some spice to it. The fish wasn't greasy either time, though once I got to the bottom of the basket, I saw some grease down there. The fries are cut thin and taste great. I of course add plenty of malt vinegar to mine, like salt and vinegar potato chips, but better!

My partner in crime has ordered the Grilled Turkey Panini for $5,95 both visits as well. You get to choose the cheese, and it is served with lettuce and tomato. You also have the choice between the fries or a cup of soup. On the first trip, they forgot the lettuce and tomato, and on the second trip, he got a cup of Chicken Pot Pie soup instead of the fries. The soup was awesome, creamy and delicious without being too rich.

Overall, Dublin's is one of my favorite Oshkosh restaurants. The Irish atmosphere and the delicious food will keep us coming back again and again. The staff is friendly and helpful. The bar is well-stocked with a large assortment of both Irish and domestic beers. If you're a whiskey fan, you may want to try the 1780, it's a Jameson and Apple Juice cocktail that we both loved.

If you haven't checked out Dublin's Irish Pub in Oshkosh yet, you should! It's well priced and delicious. If you have to wait for a table, you should! And try the Banger Boats, I'm pretty sure you'll be glad you did!!!

Wisconsin Weekend Activities December 4 - 6, 2009

We've decided to reformat our weekly listing of Wisconsin events, by location instead of by date. What do you think?

Bayfield, Wisconsin Events -

• Wassail Luncheon Concert. "Wassail Dinner Concerts combine great food and holiday music performed by the Rittenhouse Chamber Singers. Wassail has broad appeal to those seeking an alternative to the commercialized Christmas. Wassail Season runs from November 28 until December 26. 12 Noon Luncheon & 6:30pm Dinner Concerts are open to the public by reservation. Lodging packages include dinner concert tickets, full breakfast, and sweets in your room."


• Christmas Tea at the Bayfield Inn from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Saturday December 5, 2009.

Burlington, Wisconsin Events -

2009 Holiday Season Christmas Parade on Friday December 4, 2009. The parade begins at 6:30 pm and kicks off the Grand Opening of Santa at the Chalet.

Cassville, Wisconsin Events -

Christmas in Cassville on Saturday, December 5, 2009. " Parade of Homes, Decorating Contests, Horse & Wagon Rides, Musical Programs, Vendors, Refreshments, & Holiday Open Houses at Cassville Businesses."

St. Charles Advent Breakfast. Breakfast served from 8:00 am to Noon, Santa's Workshop, Raffle, and Visit from Santa.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin Events -
Make Your Own Snowshoes from 9:30 - 3:30 on December 5 and 6, 2009. "Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity. Make your own snowshoes in this two-day workshop and be able to say with pride "I made these myself!" Choose from three styles of snowshoes: Green mountain bear paw (10" x 36"), Alaskan trail shoe (10" x 56") or the great all-purpose Ojibwa style (11" x 54"). Class fee includes snowshoe kit, bindings and instruction." Call Beaver Creek Reserve for more information at 715/877-2212.

Hudson, Wisconsin Events -

• Candlelight Stroll on Friday, December 4, 2009. "The streets of downtown Hudson will be aglow with luminary candles to set the mood for this holiday event. Festively decorated shops and bistros will greet you with the sights and sounds of the season. Many participating businesses will have special events and offerings throughout the evening. (Pick up a map & schedule of events at your first stop) Carriage rides will be available during the evening. The main pick up point will be by the Hudson Arch. Watch for other stops marked with the wooden soldiers."


• Octagon House Light Up Night on Friday, December 4, 2009. "Light Up Night (6-8 p.m.) Lamp-lit tours, music & refreshments. Cost: Adults $7.00; Students (13 to 18) $3.00; Children (6 to 12) $2.00; and 5 and younger free."


• Reindeer in the Park on Saturday, December 5, 2009. "Santa and his reindeer will make their annual visit to Lakefront Park in downtown Hudson. Youngsters can spend time with the jolly old elf, sharing Christmas wish lists. Live reindeer will be waiting for the perfect holiday photo—be sure to bring your camera! A children’s activity tent offers make and take crafts, including magic reindeer food and evergreen decorations. Kids can learn about nature programs and take home free toys and treats. Horse drawn wagon rides give visitors a trip along the sparkling St. Croix River and a chance to enjoy Hudson’s festive holiday streetscape. Rides will start at Lakefront Park and travel throughout the downtown."


• Holiday Boutique on Saturday, December 5, 2009. "Youth Action Hudson and the St. Croix Valley Youth Court are partnering to present the 2009 Hudson Holiday Boutique at Hudson High School. The event will be open 9am – 4 pm and will feature a wide selection of crafts, holiday gift and decorating items from over 70 crafters. Admission is free to the public. Refreshments and gift wrapping will be available.

Monroe, Wisconsin Events -

• Candle Tree Lighting and Gingerbread House Contest at Turner Hall on Friday, December 4, 2009. "A very special traditional Alpine event of singing carols of German origin and lighting a live Christmas tree with real candles.
  Free will donations welcome."


• Festival of Trees from 6:00 - 8:30 on the night of December 5, 2009. "The annual Festival of Trees event is scheduled for Saturday,
  December 5th and will be held at Peppercorn Banquets & Catering facility. Cocktails will begin at 6:00 p.m. and dinner and charity live and silent auctions will begin at 7:00 p.m. Our charity organizations this year include Green County Habitat for Humanity, Green County Humane Society, Green Haven Family
  Advocates, and the Monroe Theatre Guild Stage Right Youth Theatre. All of these charity organizations depend on you to bring a brighter future to others throughout our community."

Neenah, Wisconsin Events -

• 8th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Friday, December 4, 2009. From 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, you can tour 4 festively decorated Neenah homes.

• Community Christmas Event on Friday, December 4, 2009. From 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - "Living Window Displays in Downtown Neenah. Carolers & Horse Drawn Carriage Rides too! Rudolph Run. Watch Santa hang the wreath on the Clock Tower from atop the N-M Fire Dept. ladder truck."


• Build a Gingerbread House on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Join us at the City Hall Lobby at 10:00 am to create your very own Ginger Bread house!


• Downtown Neenah Open House on Saturday, December 5, 2009. "During this event, businesses in the Central City will be offering in-store specials and activities including gifts with purchase, snacks, music, discounts, and prize drawings. Business will have fliers detailing the days activities which will be available prior to and during the day of the event."


• Holiday Family Day at Bergstrom-Mahler Museum on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Make Christmas ornaments and cards and enjoy holiday treats at the Bergstrom-Mahler Musuem in Neenah, Wisconsin.

New Glarus, Wisconsin Events -

St. Nicholas Day and Tour of the Arts on Saturday, December 5, 2009. "Combine the artistic expression of the holiday season with fabulous shopping and sweet treats at the first ever Tour of the Arts. Tour of the Arts will showcase works by emerging and established artists and designers - with each one being hosted by a different business or retail store throughout the village. Maps showing the artist locations will be available at the New Glarus Chamber (Depot Building on Railroad Street) starting at 10 a.m. This festive Tour of the Arts day also features traditional Swiss holiday treats and a tasty array of other sweets at the popular Swiss Church Cookie Sale. Bring the kids for visits with Santa at the Anderson Mall and horse-drawn wagon rides downtown. For more information: 608.527.2095."

Richland Center, Wisconsin Events -

• Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 5, 2009. "Tea, crafts & displays to benefit Tree of Continued Caring. (Light in honor or memory of a loved one $5)"


• Area Days Celebration at House on the Rock. "Free Admittance to local residents on Sunday December 6 - Monday December 7, 2009. A valid driver's license or ID required by 1 person in your party. Must show proof of residency in Gotham, Ithaca, Lone Rock, Richland Center or Sextonville.
  (Some other communities in the area are also invited - call for a list.) For more information - 608-935-3639.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Events -

• Ultimate Hockey Tournament December 4 - 6, 2009. "Join us for the Girls U12, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam: A and B/House tournament. Ultimate Tournaments provides a great weekend getaway of fun & lots of hockey. All of our tournaments have at least four games PLUS on Sunday everyone has a chance to win the championship. All kids get an Ultimate Tournament Tshirt and the top 2 teams receive Trophies."


• 2009 Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train of Lights from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 6, 2009. "A family fun event high lighting a visit and stop by the Canadian Pacific Railway 14 car & locomotive Holiday Train. Train arrives at 2:45 pm. Entertainment, Santa Claus, food and beverages, sleigh rides. Raffle for great prizes including Packer tickets. Show including Santa from the train. All local donations and proceeds benefit the CWCAC Food Pantry."

Do you know of an event we've missed? Have you been to any of these events before? Will you be at one this weekend? We want to know! Email us at WanderingWisconsin@gmail.com. Find us on Twitter @wandering_wisco. Or just leave us a comment here on the blog.

Have a great Wisconsin weekend everyone!