Arts and Entertainment

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has inhabited Lac du Flambeau since 1745. The word Chippewa and Ojibway are one and the same. The Band was given the name “Lac du Flambeau” (Lake of the Torches) by the French traders and trappers who visited the area and saw them harvesting fish at night by torchlight. The reservation is checker-boarded with parts in three counties.

John and I now have a new appreciation for cranberry sauce and jelly after visiting Vilas Cranberry Company in Manitowish. At Thanksgiving dinner the turkey is the main attraction and cranberry a tasty little extra. The next time you have an Ocean Spray cranberry product think of the Vilas Cranberry Company in Manitowish County – one of the major suppliers. Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries, harvesting more the 60 percent of the country’s crop.

Boulder Junction is called the “Muskie Capital of the World.” What’s a muskie, you may wonder? “Muskie” or “Musky” is short for muskellunge, a large relatively uncommon freshwater fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family. Muskies are highly sought after by fishermen because of their explosive strikes and rugged fights. If you want to catch a prize-winning muskellunge then Vilas County is the place for you.

The name “Watkins Glen” conjures up two images for me – racing and the “Glen.” Watkins Glen was the first post-World War II road race in the United States. Cameron Argetsinger spent his summers in Watkins Glen and graduated from Cornell Law School. The Watkins Glen area was close to his heart. He dreamed of bringing European-style racing to the village. His dream came true when the Green Flag started the race on October 2, 1948.

Planning a winter getaway? Think Bonaire. The Caribbean island of Bonaire is 50 miles north of Venezuela and 86 miles east of Aruba. The best thing is that it is out of the hurricane belt so any time of the year is a good time to visit. There is plenty of sunshine year round.

Farm Sanctuary is the only Farm Sanctuary on the East Coast whereby injured farm animals are taken care of. Several years ago, I took my grandkids to Watkins Glen and Farm Sanctuary was the most affordable accommodation for the five of us. It turned out to be perfect. It was serene and included breakfast plus a tour.

Montour Falls has an enviable location. Located at the end of Main Street is a magnificent 156-foot waterfall – Shequaga Falls, the Seneca word for “tumbling waters.” Well, it must be magnificent when there is more water going over it. I love waterfalls, but sadly I visited the area during one of the worst droughts in years and while the falls is rarely completely dry there was only a trickle when John and I visited.