Summers along the Great Lakes are something special and every MWG looks forward to getting out of the house and hitting the coast. Whether you are cruising N. Lake Dr. in Milwaukee, or smoking a cigar on the beaches of Lake Superior you might want to put on an old hat. Hats not only add to a wardrobe but can bring a sense of formality to any activity, including relaxing. This small guide will show you just a few choices in summer headwear.

Fedora

The fedora – many wear it but few can pull it off. The fedora was actually first worn by women in the late 19th century but eventually transitioned into fashion more middle class men around the 1920’s. The fedora is characterized by the crease or “pinch” in the front of the crown and the brims 360 degree coverage is commonly under tucked with the fabric.  A gentleman’s hat indeed, the fedroa has grown in popularity in recent years by hipsters and club goers but when worn correctly, they can be gentlemanly. These hats are perfect for summer nights, smoking a cigar and listening to the radio on Torch Lake. Although Dick Tracy and Indiana Jones chose felt, the straw fedora (also known as a panama) is still popular and a great choice for a summer hat.

Pork Pies

The pork pie hat goes back years and has been worn by many Midwestern Gentlemen, from Dean Martin to Frank Lloyd Wright. Pork pies are not fedoras and can be distinguished by their flat tops and short crowns. They were popularized during the silent film era and soon found their way onto hat racks across the country. Although the hat is usually made of felt as well, a good straw pork pie is a great choice for keeping the top of the head cool. Also, remember that any good MWG should already know to never off center or tilt your hat but wear one as it is suppose to be worn. Even a pork pie…

Boater Cap

The boater cap or skimmer hat is in a league all its own, as should be the MWG that wear them. Very few can properly pull off the boater but with a fresh pressed blue suit, a cane and a good tune to whistle you might be on your way. Although boaters today are worn more for traditional purposes at sailing and rowing events, the hat can still be worn around town. The larger 3” brim helps keep the noon day sun off your face and the straw allows you to keep your head cool. Only respected town elders should be rocking a boater cap as everyday attire but throw one on for yourself, you’ll know if it fits just right.

Ball Caps

Frankly, nothing beats a good old fashioned ball cap in the summer. For a MWG, it is the go to hat for any occasion. A MWG’s ball cap can be characterized by the faded color and curved brim. A MWG’s ball cap is always worn to the front and only turned around when the brim is in the way during activity or work. The brim is bent at a slight curve and never decorated with anything other than the owners sweat (i.e no bottle caps or fishing hooks). Camoflouge ball caps are only to be worn while hunting or around a hunting camp. We at MWG prefer using the hat to support your favorite sports team, not Budweiser. Last rule is that once the hat becomes unrecognizable it must then be retired for a new hat. Ball caps are perfect for everything, from ball games to the beach and everything in between.

Cheers…

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A Fish

Name: Lake Herring AKA Chub
Gentleman Name:  Coregonus artedii
Where to Find Them: Although not as abundant as they use to be, Chub are a common fish in Lake Superior and thanks to preservation efforts the population in Lake Huron is on the rise.

Known Records:

Notes: Not the most ferocious fish in the Great Lakes system. Lake Herring are often prayed upon and high levels of algae have contributed to their demise. Although they may not put a big fight, they are good eatin’ fish. Your best chance to reel in a delicious Herring are in Lake Superior as this is where they have thrived despite historically low numbers across the Great Lakes.

Image Source: http://www.inlandmariners.com/Mariners_06/im_environ_kiyi_pix.htm

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A Beer

Name: Tin Man Brewing Alloy IPA
Gentleman Name: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Where to Find Them: Evansville, IN or www.tinmanbrewing.com
What to Use: Pint Glass or Tall Boy
Record Catch: Up for grabs.
Notes: Tin Man Brewing Co. may be the best thing to hit Indiana since Johny Appleseed. In true Midwestern Gentleman fashion, Nick Davidson found a knack and a passion for brewing beer in small batches in his garage and then decided to do what every man dreams of… he decided to open his own brewery. We are very excited to have a new brewery pop up in Indiana, a state we feel is extremely under appreciated for its brewing abilities. So all you Hoosiers, be on the lookout for the TIN MAN this Summer.

“As a microbrewery, we possess the capability to produce flavorful and unique alcoholic beverages for a variety of discerning drinkers. We have determined you have a statement regarding your preference for your current beer.  To respond to your non-verbal statement, you must understand that once you drink a Tin Man variety, ordinary beer does not compute..”- Tin Man Brewing

And that my friends is A Fish and A Beer.

Cheers…

The summer brings ample opportunity for a MWG to go in to the wild so in the months of Spring, we suggest getting your feet wet. For a MWG the RV is meant for serious road trips, not to be taken on a trip 2 hours north to a nomadic community of Winnebagos where kids run free, lasagna is cooking and the beds are made. We choose the tent as a place to lay our heads, with nothing more than a cot inside. The Spring adventure should allow you to dust off camping skills like building a fire, cooking ramen, applying rain gear and reading consolations in the sky.

The Midwest is home to some of the most scenic state parks and highways where spacious campgrounds can be found at every turn. State Park campsites allow you to enjoy hiking, biking and fishing with like minded people during the day while enjoying seclusion in the glow of a camp fire at night. So get out there and go camping, MWG style. Today we will outline one of the Midwest’s finest parks, so get outside, enjoy some fresh air, bring the family and warm up that Ramen noodle appetite. Click the picture above to find a site near you and remember that Midwestern summers are not meant to be enjoyed inside, they were created to bring out your inner animal.

Isle Royale State Park

For a wilderness purest, nothing will wet his palate like the wild north. Isle Royale is the perfect get-away from the fast paced life of the city. If you hit it in the Spring you will miss the heavy tourist traffic that hits in the summer. It will be you, the moose and the wolves. Found in the NW corner of Lake Superior the island provides you with all the fishing and scenic hiking you can handle. At 45 miles long it is great for hiking and your goal should be to make it one time around the island. With no year round inhabitants you are able to bring out your inner animal.

Traditionally a hunting ground for Native Americans the island was given to the United States from Great Britain pre Revolutionary War. It was an untapped resource that soon became over ridden with loggers and hunters. If you are in for a real adventure, try a bit of scuba diving off the west end. It’s rocky coast was the last stop for many ships, leaving nearly a dozen ships to a fresh water grave just off the coast. If you have the cahonays to jump into Lake Superior this Spring, the wreck of The America lies just a few feet below the surface of the water.

Isle Royale is home to many creatures with moose and wolves being it’s largest attraction. The moose population is dependent on the wolf population and vice versa. Although recent harsh winters have left the wolf population at only 16, over 400 moose roam the island. Day hikes near the lake are your best opportunity to catch a glimpse of moose and if your lucky, even a wolf.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDRTeTlH0wA

Trips to Isle Royale are great for families and small groups. It provides terrain for every level of camper but provides a real experience, not like one you find at an RV park. As a MWG you enjoy the outdoors and camping with only the bare neccesities. This Spring we highly reccommend you get to Isle Royal to enjoy a place that is full of wonder, rich Midwestern history and a far cry from day to day life.                           

Cheers…

The koozie is a great way to show support for a team, a local establishment or pure personal reflection. They help make sure you don’t find beers all over the place with a swig or two left, as long as the person has a koozie, they know which is theirs till the last drop. The Midwest has the most beautiful summers in the entire country and when you do them right, you will find ample opportunity to pull out the old koozie. Whether you are tailgating at a Chicago Cubs game or in Wisconsin golfing along Lake Michigan, the koozie should always be ready with you. We want you to choose wisely because the koozie can say a lot about its owner. You don’t want to wrap your 312 Beer in any bright colors, overly political puns or with offensive/vulgar messages. When it comes to the koozie game, simplicity is key.

Many ballparks, stadiums, schools, bars and business’ carry koozies as merchandise, so look at your local establishments. If you have trouble finding the one you want check out below for a few of our favorites. They are fully functional and won’t disappoint.

The Team Player:

Sports teams are always a great choice. Buy now!



The Northerner: 

Bison Leather Can Koozie from MontanaRedSkyDesigns.

The Drunk Uncle:

A collection of weird from What on Earth Catalog.

The Go-To: 

Kromer, Stormy Kromer. Buy this one.

Cheers…

First off, you need a kit that can handle any trip in the Midwest, whether you are flying first class into the Windy City or enjoying a week in the rugged South Dakota country side, Duluth Pack has what you need. Their All Leather Sportsman’s Kit Bag provides a MWG with plenty of room for everything he needs and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. The fully lined interior makes sure that any mishaps with shaving cream or shampoo are cleaned quickly and easily. With this kit, space and durability are the name of the game, perfect for all travel. BUY ONE NOW!

When it comes to lather, a Midwestern Gentleman isn’t picky but also appreciates a good product when he finds it. For us, we came across American Crew who notably identify themselves as “Official Supplier to Men.” Their 3-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash is all you need to feel fresh and with everything in a single bottle there is plenty of room for other essentials. You won’t find floral tones or fruit inspired scents with American Crew, just a clean, subtle scent that stays with you all day long. Try them out today!

A man’s shaving cream says a lot about him, we are all about comfort but prefer more cream than aloe vera in a shaving cream. Barbasol Original is the only shaving cream a MWG ever needs to use, if you want to be an original you should start by smelling like one. Generations of Midwestern women have enjoyed the aroma of Barbasol on their man’s face, it is a scent that reeks of masculinity, not of cheap fragrances and aloe vera.

For deodorant, there are very few brands that stand the test of time. Brut Original is a must have in a Midwestern Gentleman’s dopp kit, it is a crisp, rugged smell that keeps you fresh all day long. Whether you’re on business in Chicago or on Lake Superior, this will battle any sweat storm you encounter. The smell is a clean scent, a mix between a Minnesota forest and an antiquated barber shop. With so many companies trying to shelve high-end deodorants, coming up with catchy smell titles like “whiplash” or trying to convey worth with names like “after-hours” or “phoenix” all you need to find is “original”, it says it all.

A wood toothbrush… need we say more? Buy one today!

Cheers…

#1 One fish is (never) enough

There is always an excitement in the air when you are on your way to the lake. Some evening shore fishing is perfect for clearing the mind and having a little fun. As you wet a few lines, you might get a few nibbles and a little time might go by with no fish on the line. For a Midwestern Gentleman, fishing is not always about how many fish you catch but simply the time spent on the water. When you do land that fish, it can add hours onto a day, as you now know that the fish are hungry. In essence, that one fish makes it a successful trip in the eyes of a MWG but he is always hungry for more.

#2 “Last cast” really means three

As the sun finally sets on the evening… or noon rolls around, it is simply time to go home. When it is time to leave, a Midwestern Gentleman mentally prepares for his last cast. As his confidence grows with each cast through the trip one final cast is never enough. As you throw in the last line, it might not feel right, it didn’t drop in the spot you wanted or was just short… this doesn’t count. The last cast means 3 solid casts before you tie it up for the night.

#3 Fellow fishermen are friends

Everyone knows that it is not hard in the Midwest to make a friend, Midwesterners are known for being extremely friendly to strangers. On the shores of a small pond or in the corner of an inland lake, embrace your fellow fishermen. A MWG is ready to share his secrets, what lure he is using, what areas have been biting, etc. With this information you are helping a fellow fisherman and holding true to Midwestern values. We should also note that although information is transferred, a MWG never drops a line within 20 yards of another, especially if the other person has established ground.

Warm waters give the fisherman a great chance of finding pockets of fish waiting for a worm, tube or crank. With so many lakes in the Midwest a MWG needs to fish in comfort. The Backpack Fishing Chair by Oasis is a great way to clear your mind and enjoy some time on the lake. Take the time today to get yourself the right chair, complete with rod holder and drink holder. It is now time to start fishing like a true Midwestern Gentleman.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2eGc8uO3yA

DAG-GUMMIT!

Cheers…