Take the Time

Unlike my usual postings - describing a destination and what you can find going to it and back again – I am going to share some places you need to take the time to visit.  These are places that are unique and fun and need to be enjoyed at least once.    

La Grange – La Grange General Store and Backyard Bikes:  This store is located at the intersection of Hwy 12 and County Rd H. It is also near several scenic bike trails such as Kettle Moraine and John Muir.   It serves as a bike shop for bicyclists and a pit stop for anyone.  It is very rustic but don’t be fooled by the appearance.  Inside you will find gifts and trinkets and a large selection of snacks, beverages and other food at the deli.  A fun and refreshing oasis no matter how you’re traveling.   

Arena – Arena Cheese Factory: Not sure how many cheese factory stores there are in the state of Wisconsin but this is one of the better ones.  It is located on Hwy 12 on the way to Spring Green – hard to miss with the giant gray mouse out in front holding a giant cheese wedge.  If you go for only the cheese curds (sold Monday through Friday) it is worth the trip.  But don’t be surprised if you leave with other cheese.  I am particularly fond of their Maple Cheddar (seasonally sold in the fall). 

Theresa – Confections for any Occasion and Widmer’s Cheese Factory:  While Theresa, Wisconsin is a small little berg just north of West Bend, it is the home of two very unique businesses.  

•  Confections for any Occasion is located on Milwaukee Street in downtown Theresa.  It is a combination candy/eatery/gift and wine store.  Its uniqueness is that the confectioner is blind.  His name is Joel and his chocolates are amazing.  He waits on customers with ease – knowing exactly where all is confections are in the cases.   They offer a limited menu but we have found those items we have sampled very good.  

•  Widmer’s Cheese Factory is located on W Henni Street just a couple blocks from the confection store.   While with most cheese factories the actual cheese making operation is some place off the store area.  With this factory when you step in the door you are looking at it.   The sales area if very small but they offer free samples of their products which are absolutely amazing.   Their cheddar and cheddar combinations cannot be beat.   If you are looking for a good cheese spread this is also the place to find it.  Highly recommend the brick cheese spread. 

 

Monroe – Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern:  This store is located on the square in Monroe Wi.  Nothing fancy – a few booths and a long bar with some table offeringss.   No menus – just wood boards with their standard selections listed.   You will find the daily specials and soups written out on a white board.   They specialize in cheese or sausage sandwiches or combos of the same.  Hard to believe they even offer Limburger cheese and Brauschweiger on the menu – yum.   I’m a bit addicted to their Tuna Sandwich which is amazing but only served on Friday.   You can never go wrong on any of their soups or chili’s.   Great meal, great staff and you can always take a sampling of their cheese and meats home. 

 

Verona – EPIC Headquarters:  OK – why am I sending you to place that programs medical records soft ware – because this campus is absolutely amazing.  While you cannot enter the buildings - you will find the structures unique and the statuary fun and whimsical.   Each building has its own theme from Harry Potter  to a barn.  Construction is constantly reshaping the landscape into unique one of kind structures.  

 

 

I highly recommend taking the time to visit one or all of these destinations and as always make it a circle trip.   Enjoy!!!