Kenosha - Civil War Museum

Have traveled to or through Kenosha for years and I must say the city and residents have really made enormous changes especially to the downtown and lake shore areas.  

Our latest trip in early October was to see the new Civil War Museum which by the way is a must see.  But before I take you there let me give you our route.   We totally wanted to avoid any interstate system and the orange barrel scenery so opted to take Hwy 12 to Hwy 11 to Hwy 142 straight into Kenosha.   Wonderful rural country side and with the fall colors and decorations the drive was spectacular.  

To me Kenosha has always seemed like a dusty gray lady.  A lot of dust has been shaken off -  the downtown has a bright new sheen, and the lake front many beautiful parks, and attractions.   Along with the Civil War museum you will find the  Kenosha Public Museum,  an historic light house, and a cable car that you ride to take in these sites.    Let me not digress to far away from our destination. 

The Civil War Museum is located at 5500 First Ave and to say the least was a far cry from what I was expecting.  Its concentration is on the Wisconsin civil war involvement. You will find displays of memorabilia and clippings, but the uniqueness of this museum is how they are displayed and presented.  Motion sensor technology gives you an interesting perspective of the war and how it affected everyone.  The museum depicts the sentiments of before the war, the war itself and the conditions after the war.  

There is a passenger train staged for just prior to the war.  As you sit down next to each passenger they tell their stories – their destinations, their fears, and hopes.  

In the center of the museum you will find a theater where at set times a civil war video is displayed – and what a video it is.   You are surrounded by a moving screen that makes you feel right in the scenes depicted.  I swear one time I could smell the smoke from the gun powder.  I was just an amazing presentation. 

As you walk through the display you will enter into a paddle boat – where like the train as you approach the passengers start relating their stories.  The tone of these is much different than those of before the war. 

The last area of the museum depicts a post civil war town.  The most interesting part I found of this area was an interactive board that displayed names of people who survived the war and what they did after.  

I so highly recommend a visit – it will change your perspective on many things. 

We had to feed the beast so opted for something other than our usual stop at Franks Diner (although good) – just in the mood for something different.   What we found was right by Lake Michigan and an amazing find it was.   The Boat House Pub an Eatery at 4917 7^th Ave – was only a few blocks from the museum.  It really is a converted boat house with all kinds of seating options.   The menu is diverse and the food excellent.   My husband’s burger he claims melted in his mouth and had tremendous flavor.   They served blue gill (and a lot of it per serving) which was pure joy for my sister.   We tried two different soups (clam chowder/chicken tortilla) – both hearty and excellent.   A return visit will be in our future. 

After exploring the Kenosha streets a bit more we then headed home via Hwy 50 to Lake Geneva.  We did not have any dessert (way too full), so stopped for ice cream cones at Kilwins located at 772 Main St.  I am going to admit that the prices in this place can take your breath away but I figure the prices any place in Lake Geneva will do that – so it is a good thing that their candy and ice cream are superb and we all deserve a treat on occasion.  

Once the cones were devoured we headed home via Hwy 14 – another great road trip in the bag.   Hope you find your circle route to Kenosha very soon.  

Tips on Traveling with Kids

I have always felt that raising children is a privilege and an opportunity and when you travel with them the biggest opportunity to instill an adventurous spirit and an appreciation of the world they live in.   

There are way too many images out there of children always asking “are we there yet?’, or whining and being disrupted.    Well who can blame them – traveling in a car for hours is not fun.   As an adult I do not like it, so why do we expect children to do it.   And honestly it is not healthy to put that kind of pressure on your body.

So what do I suggest – plan – and share the plan with your children.  If you have very young children a lot of times they will sleep most of the time, but once they are toddling - time to put some effort into a trip. 

Number one – plan stops.  Do not travel straight through.  A good run at a park or wayside does amazing things for everyone.    As they get older let them help you plan the stops so the trip has more meaning because they picked a place to explore.  This method will make reaching your destination a bit longer but everyone will be far more relaxed when you get there.  Trust me.   

Number two – have a travel bag for your child that they can select things to keep them busy.  I always had extra crayons and activity books on hand as well.  When my son was growing up we gave him a state map so we could show him where we were going and then he could mark where he had been.  He is 33 and still has that map.   I have added pictures of bags I have made for friends out of recycled jeans or any type of tote will do.   The ones I make are called Kids Totes for the Road.  

Number three – pack snacks and makings for a meal (cheese, crackers, fruit, sandwich meat – you get the idea). Not only does this save you money – it’s more fun sitting on a picnic table, rock, or whatever enjoying a bite with your family.   

Number four – take the time to talk about what’s out the window.   What things are called?  What are the differences from one barn to another?  Give them a learning experience that will last a lifetime.

Amish Walmart

I know – your first reaction to the title is “what is she talking about?”  Every time I have mentioned going to the Amish Walmart facial expressions have gone blank and the first words are always- where????.

Yes there is a Amish Walmart located in the beautiful hills around Ontario WI.   This area in the mid-west section of Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the state as well as absolutely beautiful scenery and interesting places to visit going to and coming from.  

To get there travel Hwy 12 west to Hwy 33 through Reedsburg, LaValle, with a possible pit stop in Wonewoc and the Spiritualists Camp.   This camp was founded in 1874 and there has been spiritualist on site every summer since.   Drive through the camp or walk the grounds.  You can visit there healing tree or if you want an extended stay – they have cabins for rent.  They offer spiritual readings, workshops, and classes – if you have an interest in such things.   All in all interesting place and you feel a calming presence when you’re there.

But let us continue our journey.   From Wonewoc you have two options – follow Hwy 33 to Union Center to Hillsboro or take a more scenic detour via County Rd FF straight to Hillsboro.   The latter is hilly and a bit curvy but a might pretty.  A little side note – I took “the Ladies” to the Amish Walmart via this short cut but on that particular day the county crews were working on the right hand side of the road – so guess where we had to drive from – yes the left.   OMG – what an adventure. 

From Hillsboro you remain on Hwy 33 where you will find Wildcat Mountain State Park.   The park is one of the smaller parks but it has spectacular views of the Kickapoo River Valley and for a park - really clean bathrooms. 

 

From the park continue on Hwy 33 through Ontario to Hoff Valley Road (take a left) – follow that to Little Ridge Road (take a very sharp right).    Be prepared these roads are gravel and not always that wide.  As you come onto the rise the world opens up for beautiful scenic panorama with the Amish Walmart located at S301 A Little Ridge Rd.   

So what is the Amish Walmart – it’s an old barn type structure on an Amish farm filled with the new and the old.   I have bought old glass bricks, bandanas, tools, a miniature wood sleigh, and fruit.   They even had shopping carts for sale a while back.   You just never know what you may find at the “Amish Walmart”   Just a note - the Amish believe that having their picture taken steals their spirit.  Please respect that whenever you are in Amish country.  

 

While in the area be sure to stop in at “Down the Country Road” (12651 St. Hwy. 33 • Cashton).  A beautiful country garden setting dotted with unique gift shops built by the Amish.   Kathy Kuderer is the proprietor and not only manages these shops but provides Amish tours. Each shop is unique and they offer a variety of gifts, and goods.  I have enjoyed some wonderful picnics under their pagoda.  

 

 

To home we must go with our favorite route being via Hwy 33 through Westby and Viroqua picking up Hwy 14 in Richland Center then home through Spring Green.

Even if you do not go to the Amish Walmart - take the time to explore this area.  Beautiful scenery, and unique finds throughout.  

Back on the Road Again

“The Ladies” road trips have started for the year – WooHoo!!  

First trip this year was to the Milwaukee legendary Domes.   Personally have not been there for a number of decades and one of the ladies had never been there – so great fun to share the experience with her.

We visited the Tropical Dome first so some of us could warm up (for the first part of May it was still chilly). Our eyes feasted on beautiful foliage, flowers and trees including banana, cocoa, grapefruit, and orange.  If you look closely at the pics you will also find some prehistoric creatures mingled in.   

  

The Desert Dome was my personal favorite because I am always amazed that plants that really are rather ugly can produce such amazing flowers and colorful patterns.   One tree in particular stood out with a basic dull base but the branches resembled elephant trucks.

 

The third dome – called the Show Dome always has seasonal displays.   For this time of year cascades of spring flowers in an Irish setting including sheep, toad stools and a leprechaun house in a tree truck.  The flowers and pond were spectacular – you could just sit there and relax for hours.

For lunch we visited one of the oldest authentic German restaurants in the area – Kegal’s Inn.   It was established in 1924 and is still run by the Kegal family.   Wonder atmosphere and probably the best cheese soup I have every tasted – the authentic German food was also nothing to sneeze at.   If you are in the area be sure to check it out – located at 5901 W. National Ave.  You will not be sorry.  

We meander back home via Hwy 59 through Waukesha.  Waukesha is considered Guitar Town because Les Paul (creator of the electric guitar) was born there and is buried there.   As you drive the main drag you will find guitar statues on the street corners – all unique and some very colorful. The downtown area is just a fun place – lots of shops and eateries.  

 

No disrespect to the fine citizens of this city but I have a warning if you ever travel to Waukesha – be sure to have a GPS.   The streets are just plain screwed up – without navigation you may drive around for days.    Trust me – I am not kidding.

We did make it through Waukesha and hooked up with Hwy 18 West.   After traveling through several small communities we arrived at Cambridge and needed a stretch and some substance.   We never had dessert so a bakery had to be found.  

Ripley's Bakery and Cafe on Main Street was just the ticket.   Good assortment of goodies from cookies to pies, to decadent bars.   Prices were very reasonable and everything delicious.   We may have to go back and try them for lunch. 

While sitting enjoying are goodies an attractive woman came in wearing a marvelous black and white flower pin.   Turns out she was the proprietor of a clothing store right next door – well we could not resist. The shop name is the Garment Shop and owned by Jan Carpenter.   She has been in business for over 20 years – which is an amazing record for the town.   We found her inventory fun, unique, and not overly priced.   Be sure to stop in – I bet you will find something you can’t live without.   

We arrived back in Madison and sadly the drive was over – but what fun we had.   I want to thank “the Ladies” for being my friends and making time with them such an adventure.    Can't wait for our next.