Northwoods Vacation Fun: Try Tasty Local Foods in Phelps!

Did you know that the honey and maple syrups sold in grocery stores often aren’t the real thing? And the produce is nothing close to fresh picked, which means that the nutrients and flavor you are buying for aren’t there! When you visit Phelps, Wisconsin, take advantage of the local farms and farmer’s market to see the difference in locally produced food for yourself!

Find REAL Honey in Phelps!

When you buy honey at the grocery store, it often isn’t TRUE honey because it has been filtered so much that it loses the full flavor taste and the health benefits. Yes, health benefits – honey is a natural energy booster, great for curing sore throats, good for your skin, helpful for ulcers, and even reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease!

Lucky for you, Phelps is a great place to find locally produced, quality honey and beeswax products. Once you try one of these homemade honeys, you will never buy big brand names again! Wondering which farm to frequent for the best honey? We suggest trying them all because each honey is different, depending on the bees, the flowers, and the method.

Find honey in Phelps:dogwoods honey

  • The Dogwoods – Pleasures of the Northwoods offers natural honey and beeswax products, with no insecticides or pesticides used! Find The Dogwoods online for more information, or visit them at 4238 Deerskin Road, Phelps.
  • Masters Hand Farm sells honey, in addition to organic vegetables and eggs. Visit this farm at 2394 St. Louis Road in Phelps.
  • Whataview Farm & Weaver, located at 4041 Sand Lake Road in Phelps, has a variety of locally made products, including wildflower honey.

Phelps Is Maple Syrup Country!

Store bought maple syrup can be full of artificial flavoring, chemicals and corn products. REAL maple syrup has natural nutrients, including zinc and manganese and has fewer calories than other natural sweeteners. Like honey, maple syrup is good for you, and is proven to treat digestive disorders. And when it comes to this sweet treat, flavor is everything! Try it on pancakes, yogurt, in your baking, and even in your coffee. Our favorite way to enjoy real maple syrup – on vanilla ice cream!

smokylakeYou can find local maple syrup at Whataview Farm on Sand Lake Road. Considering trying your hand at making your own maple syrup? Visit Smoky Lake Maple Products online to find all the equipment and tools you need to get started! To learn more about making maple syrup and sample a variety of local products, visit Phelps in April to attend our awesome Maple Syrup Fest!

Local Farms & Farmers Markets – Find More Than Food!

One of best thing about Vilas County is the abundance of local produce and homemade products that you can find at farms and farmers markets. Not only does locally grown produce taste better and have more nutrients, it actually benefits the environment by maintaining farmland and green spaces. You will find more organic choices with less risk of contamination than at the grocery store! Bring Green to your vacation by visiting a local farmers market and farm!

  • Phelps Farmers Market is located right downtown on the corner of Highway 17, across from the beautiful shore of North Twin Lakes. The market runs from June 29th to September 28th, every Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00.
  • Land O’Lakes Farmers Market – Thursdays, 9:00 – 12:00
  • Eagle River Farmers Market – Wednesdays, 8:30 – 1:00
  • Minocqua Farmers Market – Fridays, 8:30 – 1:30
  • Manitowish Waters Farmers Market – Fridays, 8:30 – 1:30

Find more information about local farmers markets here. We recommend watching out for the following fresh foods this July and August:

  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Cucumbers
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Sweet Corn
  • Rutabagas
  • Zucchinis
  • Peppers

farmers_marketAnd don’t just shop farmers markets for great tasting food, make it a family outing! This is a great educational activity that your kids will love! Vendors are happy to share information about the growing process with shoppers. Learn how the fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested, how crafts are made, and the details of the honey and syrup processes.

Enjoy a low-cost family activity that encourages eating healthy! See for yourself where and how local foods are made with a visit to one of the area’s farms. Make great memories and find unique photo opportunities during your visit to Phelps this summer shopping tasty local foods!

Planning Your Vacation to Phelps?

The Phelps Chamber would be happy to help you plan your Northwoods vacation or Phelps visit! Give us a call at 715-545-3800 and find us on Facebook to keep up with local happenings and find Northwoods vacation tips. Check out our Member Directory to find all the goods and services you will need. We hope you enjoy the great fresh foods of Phelps!

Visitor Guide