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!!!

Monroe - Cheese Country

Monroe – Cheese Country

We woke up Friday morning scratching our heads as to where to take a road trip.  My husband & I pretty much said simultaneously Monroe with lunch at Baumgartner’s. 

The normal route we take is via Hwy 69 but we had time to kill so opted for a more scenic route via County MM through Oregon to Brooklyn.   In Brooklyn we tapped onto Hwy 104 to Brodhead.   We did a little tour of Brodhead and found just off the main drag what might be called their square (actually rectangle) with some shops, pubs, eateries, and a park.  Very cute and worth a second look some other day.

From Brodhead we hopped on Hwy 11 which takes you straight into Monroe but of course with more time to kill we opted to take County S through Juda (no touring Juda – not much to tour).   Outside Juda we pick-up County KS and came across this wonderfully pristine farm.  The barn and outbuildings nicely painted white with blue trim with a barn quilt with a blue, white and pink pattern.  To pull all of it together a solid PINK silo – yes you read that right – PINK.   It’s always amazing what you see going down the road.

Finally reached Monroe and headed first to the Swiss Colony outlet.   This outlet not only includes all the Swiss Colony products – yum, but also a  kitchen ware, home decorating, and clothing outlet.   Fun place to shop.

Next – to the Monroe square.   The square is built around a beautiful old court house – a must stop.  The square is home to many fun shops, candy stores, and eateries including the one we made the drive for – Baumgartner’s.   

Baumgartner’s is a combination bar, restaurant and cheese store.   You can’t beat that combo.  You will not find menus here just a wood plague by each booth with a list of their sandwich offerings.   The specials and soups are written on a white board.   They specialize in cheese or sausage sandwiches or a combo.  The cheese and sausage choices even include Limburger and Brauschweiger – two of my personal favorites.   They serve and exceptional Brat and the Tuna Fish Sandwich is really good. There are several other sandwich selections that come with a big slice of brick cheese (their specialty) and a pickle.   You can never go wrong ordering one of their soups or the chili.   Great meal, great staff and if you go don’t forget to stock up some cheese for later. 

We turned the car for home but again instead of Hwy 69 we opted for County N to County C arriving in Monticello.   Once more we were greeted with a site we have not seen before – a hay auction.   A huge area with wagon after wagon of the large hay bales and lots of people inspecting them before spending their money.  What a hoot.  

We finally got on Hwy 69 and headed home.   Yes - another wonderful road trip and as usual some very nice surprises.