Antiques in Little Swiss Village, Wisconsin

When we want to take out-of-town guests to a nice breakfast or lunch, we head for the Little Swiss Village resort, west of Minocqua, Wisconsin and overlooking picturesque Blue Lake.

You can't beat the cuisine and hospitality here. Meals are made using Old-Country recipes, many from owner Patt W.'s grandfather, a former Swiss innkeeper. We love the Black Forest pancakes and the Reuben sandwiches on German rye.

I recommend making reservations, especially if you want a table with a lake view or overlooking Chesterville, a miniature village where chipmunks untie peanuts strung on a cord, much to the amusement of diners. People wait for hours to see these critters play!

Minocqua is in north-central Wisconsin at the junction of U.S. Highway 51 and State Highway 70, about 25 miles northwest of Rhinelander. The resort (7650 Blue Lake Pines Rd.), which is open from Mother's Day through the first weekend in October, is about 6 miles southwest of Minocqua. From the town, head south on Highway 51 for about 3 miles, then turn west on Blue Lake Road. In 3 miles, you'll reach Blue Lake Pines Road; turn north into the resort grounds. To learn more, call 1-715/356-3675 during tourist season or 1-715/356-1619 in winter, or visit their website.