Wisconsin’s most popular stories of 2023

Credit: iStock

By Christina Lorey

December 7, 2023

Is it just us, or has 2023 flown by? At UpNorthNews, we’ve covered a little bit of everything–politics, climate change, sports, travel, food & drink, and more.

Now, we’re celebrating “The Best of UpNorth”–our most-read stories of the year across a variety of hyper-local, hyper-specific categories.

Tip: Click on any “winner” to read the original story it was featured in:

Best Cheese: Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville

Best City Flag: Hayward

Best Fast Food Restaurant: Food Dudes in La Crosse

Best Fish Fry: Maricque’s in Green Bay

Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Restaurant: Northfork Fin & Filet in Arbor Vitae

Best Independent Bookstore: Arcadia Books in Spring Green

Best New Bakery: Miggy’s Bakes in Madison

Best Non-Beer Beverage: Cherry Bounce

Best Paczki: Smurawa’s Country Bakery in Pulaski

Best ‘Pandemic Pivot’: Ken Fager’s “Mini Wisconsin’s”

Best Podcast: “Why Should I Give a Damn?”

Best Pro Athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Best Restaurant: Fairchild in Madison

Best Thrift Store: Chosen Family Closet

Best Tourist Attraction: Dane County Farmers’ Market

Best Uniquely-Wisconsin Meal: Cannibal Sandwich from Salmon’s in Luxemburg

MORE: 3 ways Wisconsin politics changed for the better in 2023

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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CATEGORIES: COMMUNITY | LOCAL NEWS

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