Take a Wisconsin autumn-leaves drive and enjoy a memorable meal.
The granddaddy of all day-trip destinations, the Harbor View Cafe, remains open for the season through Nov. 21, serving its changes-daily menu for lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. Prepare for a wait (no reservations), and don't forget to stop at the ATM (no credit cards).
314 1st St., Pepin, Wis., 1-715-442-3893, www.harborviewpepin.com.
Take a seat inside the enormous screened porch at the Creamery Restaurant + Inn, soak up the brilliant colors along the Red Cedar River and indulge in the seasonally inspired work of Chef Nathan Berg (formerly of the much-missed Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge) at lunch and dinner, Thursday through Sunday.
E4620 County Rd. C, Downsville, Wis., 1-715-664-8354, www.thenewcreamery.com.
Julie Elwell wasn't kidding when she dubbed her affordably priced restaurant the Homemade Cafe. At lunch (Thursday through Sunday) and dinner (Friday and Saturday), she focuses on familiar, made-from-scratch fare, including a selection of lovingly prepared pies. No credit cards.
809 3rd St., Pepin, Wis., 612-396-5804, www.thehomemadecafe.com.
RICK NELSON
