Montello – Who Knew           

My traveling ladies met up in Montello recently for brunch.   I have been traveling through Montello for years to reach other destinations and figured one day would have to explore. Who knew what a wonderful little town it would turn out to be.  

Our brunch was at Table 15^th.   It prides itself on farm to table offerings and while the menu is small it is mighty.   We sampled the breakfast sandwich and the pancakes and scrambled eggs. Both were amazing with an unlimited supply of tea and coffee.   They welcome you to sit and relax, enjoy the ambience, or even play some games.  You won’t go wrong stopping 

You will find many interesting shops and other eateries along the main drag including a vintage movie theater.  The city has a number of parks including Granite Park that was once a quarry.   Beautiful waterfalls now flow over the granite walls.   The area is great for fishing and there are number of camp grounds close by.   

 

 

 

 

 

Montello is also home to an old-style Kwik Trip that is one of the busiest Kwik Trips I have ever seen.  It’s located by Granite Park so very easy to find.   

So instead of just driving through – take some time and look around.   You never know what treasures you may find.  

 New Home - New Adventures 

Been some time since a posted. Lots of life events in the interim.  My beloved travel companion and love of my life sadly died.   Lots of decisions needed to be made one being to  move to the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin.  I am pretty settled in my condo now and have done a bit of exploring.   So here is the first edition of my new adventures. 

But first – some updates on a couple of my previous postings.   The Touch of Ukraine in Madison is permanently closed.   So many sad to see that happen.    The Vintage Flip in Lake Mills has also closed.  

So on to my new adventures.   As people that follow my blog know, I love state parks.   Naturally that would be the first place I would check out.    Just a short distance from my home is High Cliff State Park.   Located at the top of Lake Winnebago just outside Sherwood, WI.  

The park gets its name from the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment, which parallels the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago. A 12-foot statue of Winnebago Tribe Chief Red Bird, standing high on a huge granite rock, overlooks the lake.

This park provides access to the lake as well as great picnic and viewing areas if you prefer to look at and not be on the lake.   There are numerous hiking trails to venture out on and enjoy the large and varied bird inhabitants.   The park is also known for its abundant flora and fauna. 

Don’t forget to climb the tower and take in the breath taking view of Lake Winnebago and surroundings.   No matter the season, you will find lots to see and enjoy,  

 

 

 

 

 

 New and Unique Restaurant 

Madison, Wisconsin is now home to a Ukrainian restaurant called Tough of Ukraine.  It is located at 2438 Winnebago St., close to the intersection of East Washington and Milwaukee Street.

  

The wait staff is efficient and absolutely charming.  

The menu consists of traditional Ukrainian appetizers such as Varenyky and Pelmeni (stuffed dumplings), as well as a variety of Mlyntsi (stuffed crepes}  My favorite of the latter is the Cottage Cheese Mlyntsi (crepes filled with Farmers Cheese and top with honey. 

Entrees include Chicken Kyiv, Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage leaves), and Buckwheat and Mushrooms.  There is a small selection of sandwiches and of course soups and salads.   My favorite soup is Borsch, and amazing combination of beets, other vegetables and pork.  It is amazing and so comforting.  

You should save room for dessert and try the Honey Cake.   

 The bartenders create cocktails that are works of art and of course include vodka. 

They offer a kids menu and have a catering menu. 

Take the time to visit and enjoy this cultural experience.  Trust me you will go back. 

 Lake Mills - A Hidden Gem 

I have started exploring smaller towns nearer to home.   What prompted a visit to Lake Mills was the upcoming wedding of one of friends daughters.   The reception will be held at Korth Park so we decided to check it out.  

A beautiful park with great views of Rock Lake, lots of trails and community gardens.   Definitely a great place to hold a reception.  The picture below was taken from the the shelter area.  Does not do the landscape justice, but you can get an idea.

 

After exploring the park we headed to downtown Lake Mills.   A charming area with a center park that is surrounded by a mix of shops.   Just off the square on Main Street is a gift shop called The Vintage Flip.   Lots of unique gifts and repurposed items for sale.   It is housed in a old church - a must stop for anyone.  

Our lunch destination was  Lewis Station Winery.  Great atmosphere, amazing food, and the wine must be pretty good considering how much was purchased by my traveling ladies.    

I highly suggest taking a trip to Lake Mills and if nothing else sit back at the downtown park and enjoy the charm of small town living.    

Just a little side note.  While going down the road always keep a look out for the unusual.  While traveling to Lake Mills we discovered this.  People are so clever.  

Explore Waupun

 

I think most people when you mention Waupun, think of correctional facilities.  It is home to two with one that makes the license plates for the state.  But the city has so much more.    

Waupun has now gotten the name the City of Sculpture.   Located in varies locations though out the city you will find eight bronze sculptures.   These sculptures were either commissioned or created by Clarence Shaler and donated to the city of Waupun.   The most famous is The End of the Trail by James Earl Fraser that depicts the plight of the American Indian.   

It is a powerful piece as are all the sculptures.  For a complete list of the sculptures and their locations visit the attached link.    https://www.cityofwaupun.org/visitors/page/city-sculpture

If you want to experience the natural beauty of the area a visit to Horicon Marsh is a must.   One of the last trips I took with my Ladies before the world shut down, was a boat tour of the march.    If you want to learn the history of the area. enjoy a beautiful waterway, and see abundant wild life – a tour is ideal.  For those who like to explore on foot, there are many trails available

Close to the site for the boat tour (in fact across the street), is a John Deere tractor factory.   Nothing more iconic than those green and gold lawn machines.   They do offer tours but you need to call ahead for availability. 

Cannot write about a city without recommending good eats.   Waupun has the usual chains, but you know me I go for the local flair.  The Other Bar on Main Street is nothing to look at, but man their food is delicious.    Lots of regular bar food but surprises as well.  Their wraps, homemade chips and dipping sauce, and burgers are amazing.   They offer daily specials as well and have not had a bad one yet.  

If you do not like the ambiance of the interior – which is none, I suggest getting your order to go and head a couple blocks off main street to Shaler Park (named after Clarence Shaler). The address is 400 N. Madison St.  Lovely park along a water way complete with a small water fall, great landscaping, cute pagoda, and The End of the Trail sculpture. 

Be sure to take time to explore Waupun – you will enjoy.   

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