Tradition has a sweet start of inception in the Northwoods-- just ask Paul Bunyan Cook Shanty owner Mike Tonne.

"We get calls and send them all over the country," Tonne said. "We get calls for donuts."

The buttermilk donuts have been popular, but Tonne wouldn't give the recipe out.

The recipe has been a Tonne's family and shanty since the original owners.

"My grandparents built it," Tonne said, "and my parents continued it."

Since 1961, the 36-foot-tall Paul Bunyan and "Babe," his blue ox, have welcomed families to the Northwoods.

"Many generations; they make it a traditional stop every year," Tonne said. "Morning, breakfast, dinner; it's just a family tradition."

The secret to keeping a traditional generational family restaurant going? Not even the bears will tell you or Paul Bunyan.

Try asking their friend across town at The Thirsty Whale.

Deanna Kidd, owner of the Thirsty Whale, said it was built in 1902. Kidd has owned the bar for 33 years, with the help of her husband and two sons.

"The family realizes that it takes this to have what we have," Kidd said.

Kidd said familiarity brings regulars, local and out-of-state visitors, back every year.

"People came here. They met their wives here. Their husbands here," Kidd said. "It's really a nostalgic place.It's got a lot of character."

For proof, check out the ceiling covered with different shirts from the past 30 years at the Thirsty Whale, just another sign of longevity.

"I've seen people sitting at the bar, and someone says 'hey what are you doin'?'" Kidd said. "It's their neighbors from back home in Chicago."

Maybe that could be why dining out is so special in the north, the characters and iconic places in Minocqua, including The Boathouse.

The Bosacki family started the legacy and Bill Fricke, Gary and Mary Sue Ruschmeyer carried on and value the true essence of what makes the Northwoods so infectious.

"Everyone always loves history," Fricke said. "If there's a story behind a place, it helps people emotionally attach to a place like that."

Memories are shared at the table over food that brings families back to a time and then back to the places they share.

"We try to get to know them on a first name basis, so the next time they come in, we can say, 'how are you? It's been a while since we've seen you,'" Fricke said. "That's more or less known as Northwoods hospitality."

From Boathouse to Bunyan, hospitality can't be denied in the Northwoods, and if you think so, just ask "Babe" as you head out of town until next time.