Takeaways

• • Get outside while you’re here!  There is so much to see and do outdoors.

• • Maybe don’t try to see the entire state like I did, it’s exhausting.

• • Definitely visit door county, and everyone should eat more fish cheek, it is SO GOOD.  Also make your way to Washington Island (someday I would like to return to Rock Island) and join the Bitter’s club

• • I don’t know if Oshkosh B’gosh is from Osh Kosh Wisconsin, but if you have nieces and nephews like me, stop at the store, its an adorable present.
  • Everyone should SLEEP more than I do.  I can not stress this enough.

I think I could start almost every one of these blogs with “I wasn’t sure what to think about (insert State name here), but ended up falling in love with it.  I don’t know how

you feel, but I am confident there is something, someone or someplace special absolutely everywhere in the world.  It might just be a mindset, I suppose, but while traveling the U.S. I realized this country has some amazing travel destinations that are often overlooked.  So if you are looking for something new and wonderful to experience, but don’t have a lot of time or money, I guarantee there is something in your backyard you just haven’t found yet.  GoYouGo! ☺

I flew into Chicago and started driving toward Madison.  I had originally planned on being there a day earlier and was going to attend a concert.  Unfortunately the work trip I had the day before diverted and ended up lasting an extra day (sad face-the glam life of a flight attendant) .  I knew it was kind of on the way to one of the attractions I most

wanted to see though, so I just kept my plans the same.  Since I didn’t have a concert to get to, I decided to meander (I almost always meander) and found my way to the Alp and Dell Cheese Store in Monroe. When in Wisconsin, you MUST cheese, correct?  I picked up snacks for my journey and continued on until I ran into New Glarus Brewing Company (and then I RAN IN to New Glarus

 

THIS IS WHERE WORDPRESS DELETED MY BLOG FOR TWO PARAGRAPHS AND I DON’T HAVE THE MOTIVATION TO REWRITE IT ALL – who else faces issues whenever they decide change everything on you mid blog?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day I struggled out of bed not nearly as early as I had planned to get on the road for one of the things I was SUPER excited about, House on the Rock.  I had never heard of it before looking into Wisconsin travel, but it is incredibly fascinating.  I don’t think my explanation could possibly suffice so I suggest you read about the gentleman who built the house and take a trip if you can.  Good to note, give yourself more time than you think.  I had planned on a couple hours and then heading to another activity but there is SO MUCH to wander through.  Post drive I ended my way discovering where the Ringling Brother’s winter headquarters.  I would love to go back and tour this area.  Old circus stuff fascinates me.  I also ended up in a hotel that upgraded me to a room with a giant tub where I was able to enjoy the meat, cheese and wine I had been collecting along the way and it was the best way to end an Autumn evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following day I headed back south to Devil’s Lake State Park.  I was able to connect a couple different hikes and work my way around the entire lake.  The West side of the lake was much more mellow, a rolling trail along the water’s edge through the trees, the other side not so much.  However it was significantly more satisfying because the hiking was challenging  and there were lots of short offshoots so visit different rock formations and lookouts.  Is there a better feeling than a strenuous hike that leads to a stunning view?  I’m not sure I think there is.  After I finished the hike I had a nice lunch and headed out because I had a long drive ahead of me to get to Door County (with of course an adorable stop at Oshkosh B’gosh in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin.)

 

 

 

When I arrived in Door County, I was able to find a room at The Beachfront Inn (which I would highly suggest) and they suggested a restaurant down the street I could run to to grab dinner before closing.  Harbor Fish Market and Grille.  Not only was the food AMAZING, but the service was stellar and the one other couple who was still there (I came just before closing) made it a point to say hello, welcome me to their town and send me a glass of wine.  I am writing about this experience close to three years later and these people, the food and those moments are etched in my mind as if it were yesterday.  Just thinking of it makes me smile and think it may be about time for me to return again.

 

The next morning for a awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the water before heading out on my adventures for the day.  It alllll staaarted at Stone’s Throw Winery (which was wine much more my style) for a fun tasting before beginning my drive through Door County on my way to Washington Island.  I made many stops along the way, enjoying different look outs and all the fall colors.

 

Once on the Island (you must take a ferry) I went to the Mountain Park Lookout Tower for a very Autumn excursion (one of my favorite kinds) before making my way to Nelsen’s Hall and Bitter’s Club where I joined the Bitter’s club (and had lunch).  Nelsen’s is the oldest (legal) continuously operated tavern in the state of Wisconsin.  During prohibition, Nelsen applied for and received a license to distribute Angostura Bitters for different ailments.  Sneaky, amirite?  You can now purchase a shot of bitters (Nelsen’s is the largest purveyor of Angostura Bitters) allowing you to become a card carrying member of the bitter’s club. I had to grab the last ferry off the island to end my final evening in Wisconsin.