Traditional Swiss bakery is what the New Glarus Bakery is all about.

Consider making a visit to the New Glarus Bakery a tradition anytime you are near New Glarus, WI.

The New Glarus Bakery has a history dating back to 1910. While ownership changed in 2004, they are still using their Old World recipes to create traditional Swiss pastries, cookies, deserts, and breads.

Their featured traditional specialty is probably the New Glarus Stollen.

Made from a bread formed by hand, it includes ingredients like almonds, Meyer’s rum, marzipan and two kinds of raisins. They make a point that there is no candied fruit in the ingredients. With stollen a popular Christmas tradition in Wisconsin, I can’t think of a more traditional bakery to get it from.

Of course, there is lots more than just stollen.

The New Glarus Bakery has a larger number of traditional breads to choose from. There are several types of ethnic cookies. They make custom cakes using their own from-scratch recipes and buttercream icing. They even have a special treat just for your dog!

On our last trip to New Glarus we tried the New Glarus Bakery cheescake.

It was light. It was fluffy. It was probably the richest cheesecake I’ve tasted. It was delicious!

Not close to the New Glarus Bakery? They ship tradition!

Looking to start a holiday tradition with the New Glarus Bakery? It’s not always possible to make a trip to New Glarus, Wisconsin just for stollen. Well, the New Glarus Bakery ships their wonderful creations all over the country throughout the year. Have a stollen and one of their bread samplers or Swiss cookie assortments or any of their specialties shipped to your home for the Holidays. Check out their website and choose some wonderful treats to share at a party or give as gifts. Then call their toll-free line and have them ship it to your home.

New Glarus Bakery website:

www.newglarusbakery.com

Phone number for the New Glarus Bakery:

1-866-805-5536  (you can call from the website – it uses Google Voice).

Address for the New Glarus Bakery:

534 First Street

New Glarus, Wisconsin 53574

Google Map with the New Glarus Bakery:

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Fish Creek, WI is a prime example of all that Door County Wisconsin has to offer.

Not only does Fish Creek have it’s own representation of nearly any attraction you might expect to find in Door County, it’s location places it in an ideal starting spot to visit the rest of the county. Located roughly half way between Sturgeon Bay and Northpoint, WI on Highway 42, the entire county is reachable by a 30 minute drive in any direction. Of course, Fish Creek itself has plenty to offer.

Outdoor Activities in Fish Creek Wisconsin

With the Peninsula State Park bordering Fish Creek, there are plenty of trails for biking and hiking. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like strapping a bike to the top of your car. There are places to rent bikes and mopeds in Fish Creek. You’ll need to pay a fee to drive a car in the state park. I would suggest an annual Wisconsin state park pass which will allow you access for the entire year to any of the state parks. The annual sticker does not cost much more than a pizza.

Fish Creek has a public beach as well as a public marina. The municipal dock is right at the end of Spruce St. which continues the road where WI State Hwy 42 turns onto Main Street.  The beach is just off of State Hwy 42 (Main St.). It offers a great view nearly any time of year. In addition to the public marina, there is a private marina available also.

Shopping in Fish Creek.

When it comes to shopping in Door County, I think Fish Creek may be one of the best locations. There are many stores and a couple different shopping areas. You’ll find a large cluster of shops near the corner of Spruce Street and Main Street. Many of the shops here are connected by  paths and walkways in the back as well as the sidewalk on Main. Don’t forget to check some of the other streets as there are shops down Cedar St. as well. You’ll find artwork unique to Door County. While some shops may be a bit touristy, there is a lot to choose from.

There is a gem dealer in a cabin dating back to one of the first area settlers. It’s a bit cramped but it is very interesting to see all the different types of minerals and gems as well as all his tools. Might be just the place to get a special birthstone for someone.

One of the more interesting stores is right on the corner. The Hide Side Corner Store Ltd. offers some unique items as well as quality leather goods. It’s easy to spot this store. It has (for lack of a better description) two whirligigs in the front on the corner. I have no idea how the artist that did these got them to spin in so many different directions at once. I think I would love one of these for the backyard at home.

Fish Creek is home to one of the three locations for Door County’s own On Deck clothes stores. Some of On Deck’s style’s seem to have a bit of  an outdoor, sporty theme. My impression is something of a yacht club look as well as clothes suitable for Wisconsin type weather (always changing). I tend to like the Columbia – Patagonia look (for men) while my wife likes the more dressy non-sport looks. We can both find something we like here. One thing that I really like is a couple of the On Deck locations (including Fish Creek) have an old wooden motorboat (the type from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) inside. I don’t own a boat but they are beautiful. Fish Creek also has On Deck’s outlet Below Deck where my wife likes to hunt for bargains.

There are some stores all along State Highway 42 (Main Street) through Fish Creek. There is a full service bike store, Nor Door Sport and Cyclery. A hat store. The Fish Creek Kite Company. There is an additional small mall where Hwy 42 intersects with County Rd F. Lots of stores with women’s clothes and some home furnishing and decor stores. The mall is called Top Of The Hill Shops. My wife found a store she liked had moved to this mall from Egg Harbor. She was thrilled to find it again.

Restaurants in Fish Creek, WI.

There is not a shortage of nice places to eat in Fish Creek. One of the popular things to do is a fish boil. Pelletier Restaurant and Fish Boil has a huge fire pit behind the building. If you’re not a fish boil person (that would be me) there are still lots of fine restaurants in the area. There are a couple of pizza places if you like pizza (that, again, would be me). We ended up eating at Sonny’s Pizza in Sturgeon Bay one day during a drive only to find they were also in Fish Creek just a minute away from where we were staying. Good pizza and I’m sure the location in Fish Creek is good too. Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard was also highly recommended to us as some of the best custard in the state.

Again, something for nearly any taste. Except you will probably not find the typical fast food chain stores. They tend to be rare in Door County.

Hotels and Lodging in Fish Creek.

Just like the rest of Door County, Fish Creek lodging seems to be more of the locally run hotel, motel, lodge, resort, or bed and breakfast. I don’t remember seeing anything by Marriott, Holiday Inn, Best Western, or even a Motel 6. That does not mean Door County and Fish Creek lodging is second rate by any means. You’ll find that they are well run and have fantastic service. We stayed at the Parkwood Lodge in Fish Creek our last time and enjoyed it much more than a chain suites that we stayed in previously. I would definitely recommend staying at one of the local placed instead of trying to find a hotel chain and driving. It’s also surprisingly economical.

We really fell in love with Fish Creek, Wisconsin.

It’s the perfect place to stay to enjoy the rest of Door County. Nearly all of Door County is an equal short drive from Fish Creek. Of course, Fish Creek itself has plenty to offer too! For that spur of the moment adventure, Fish Creek has a tourist information center right on Wisconsin Highway 42.

Fish Creek, Wisconsin on Google Maps:

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Want more information on Fish Creek, WI?

You can call the Fish Creek Information Center or visit the website:

800-577-1880 or 920-868-2316

http://visitfishcreek.com/

Called the “Hudson Bay of the Midwest” at least by locals, Door County Wisconsin is a favorite year round vacation spot in Wisconsin.

Fall in Door County is Beautiful

Head east from Green Bay (the home of the Green Bay Packers) for about 35 minutes along Wisconsin State Highway 57, and you’ll find yourself entering Door County. Door County occupies most of the peninsula that forms Green Bay itself. It’s the “thumb” of the Wisconsin map. The two main highways servicing Door County are Wisconsin State Highway 57 and Wisconsin State Highway 42. In fact, Hwy 57 and Hwy 42 twist around each other  and meet in a couple places in Door County. Door County is a wonderful place just to drive from town to town and village either using the state highways or the county roads. Most of the county iswooded or farmland. Door County is well know for it’s fall colors.

The Cities, Towns, and Villages of Door County.

Sturgeon Bay is the largest city in Door County. The rest of Door County is covered by small towns and villages. In fact, I have seen very few stoplights outside of Sturgeon Bay. Most of the towns and villages make do with just a few stop signs. This can make a few areas a bit busy on weekends when there is a lot of traffic (one particular corner of Fish Creek, Wisconsin comes to my mind). You may also need to walk a bit to park on busy weekends. This by no means is anything like a traffic jam even by Wisconsin standards, so don’t be afraid you will find heavy traffic like a big city.

Lodging in Door County.

Big name (or even small name) hotel chains are noticeably rare in Door County itself. We made the mistake of staying in a chain motel in Green Bay one year and driving to Door County during the day adding an extra hour or two of driving each day. There are large numbers of wonderful locally run motels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and lodges in Door County. I would highly recommend picking one of them over a chain any day. I’ve found local service is exceptional.

Door County has activities that make it popular year round.

During the warmer months there is plenty to do.

There are several state parks and forests to visit. There are lots of bike trails to ride and many of them near on in the state parks and forests. You’ll find bike racks on a lot of the cars you see in Door County, WI. Hiking is another great way to spend time.

There are many public beaches. Many of the resorts also have a private beach too. You’ll want to make sure you have an indoor pool where you stay if you want to swim outside of summer though. Green Bay and Lake Michigan are a bit chilly most of the year.

Door County is a major boating and fishing destination. There are a large number of marinas throughout Door County and finding a public boat launch will not be difficult. You’ll find plenty of boating suppliers and dealers. Sturgeon Bay is filled with yachting services. Even if you don’t fish yourself, the local fishing boats are an icon themselves.

The fun in Door County does not stop with the arrival of cooler weather.

Those bike trails turn into cross country ski trails during the winter. There is also snowshoeing to be done.

There are a large number of marked snowmobile trials. Wisconsin is one of the few places you’ll see marked snowmobile signs on roads.

Finally, there is deer hunting season. I’m not a deer hunter, but living in Wisconsin, I’ve known a lot of hunters that head up to Door County every year for deer season. I’ve seen several places offering hunting and fishing licenses along the highways. Deer season is probably not a good time to go to Door County and hike in the woods obviously.

Like I mentioned at the start, Door County is great place to just drive. Enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin sights. Drive to the next village or town. Do some shopping. It’s only a few minutes to the next town almost anywhere in Door County. At the very top of door county on Highway 42 between Gills Rock and Northpoint you’ll find one of the most twisting roads you’ll ever see.

Shopping and restaurants in Door County.

You won't find gas prices like this but you may find antiques like this in Door County

Again, outside of Sturgeon Bay, I’ve not seen a chain restaurant in Door County (well maybe a Subway at a gas station). Nearly all the restaurants are local. The good in Door County is very good. There are a large number of farmer’s markets featuring apples, cherries, and locally made breads and jams. You’ll find lots of homemade fudge featured at them too. Shopping in Door County is very different from many places. The shops are local. They often feature local crafts and arts. Something to definitely check out and take home is Door County Coffee.

There are large numbers of art stores and galleries. Photography, watercolors, and sculptures are featured. Mostly by local artists. A notable exception is the Asian gallery at the Linden Gallery just north of Sister Bay featuring a large amount of original work from Asia, especially China. It was a real surprise to find this gallery in Wisconsin during a drive. You will also find antique stores throughout the county.

Door County is a great place for a weekend getaway.

I recommend a finding a place to stay in Egg Harbor or Fish Creek. From there, most of the county is only about a half hour drive in any direction. You could spend a day taking the ferry to Washington Island (a trip I have yet to make myself). For the sports minded, Green Bay and Packerland are close enough for a day trip also. In fact, spending a game night in Door County instead of a long drive home might be one of the best ways to enjoy a game.

Need more information on Door County? Try the official Door County Website.

doorcounty.com

Google Map of Door County, WI

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Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin

The Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, WI is often referred to by Wisconsin residents as the Kenosha Mall or the Kenosha Outlet Mall.

The Prime Outlets Mall was the second outlet mall in the area. The origianl outlet mall was further north on I-94, but has since closed, leaving the Prime Outlets the main shopping attraction along I-94 in Kenosha County.

If you are coming north from Illinois, the Prime Outlets mall is at the first exit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Take exit #347 east to the frontage road. It is about 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois. It is about 25 minutes from Milwaukee. On any given day, you will see both Illinois and Wisconsin license plates about equally represented in the parking lots.

Why go to the Prime Outlets Mall?

Great outlet prices is one of the main attractions to the Pleasant Prairie Mall. You will find great shopping deals every day. Wide selection and name brands is another reason to go. All the most popular names in not only fashion, but housewares and even Sony electronics are represented.

Some of the stores at the Prime Outlets Kensha mall are:

• Coach Factory
• Aeropostal
• Tommy Hilfiger
• United Colors of Benetton
• Nike
• adidas
• PacSun
• Old Navy
• IZOD
• Jones New York
• Jockey
• J.Crew
• Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
• Banana Republic Factory Store
• Bass Outlet
• Sony
• Seiko The Company Store
• Tupperware
• Fossil
• The Hoover Company
• Sunglass Hut International
• Samsonite Company Stores
• Guess
• Gap

and many more.

The Prime Outlets Mall has grown over the years.

It has doubled from its original size. In fact, there is now Trolley service available to get around on weekends. There is also a separate Pavilion building where the food court is available.

Some nearby tourist attractions:

• Bristol Renaissance Faire
• Jelly Belly Center and factory
• The City of Kenosha, WI
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Six Flags Great America is a few minutes south on I-94.

Shopping hours:

• Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
• Sunday 10am-7pm

Hours may change.

Phone number for the Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie, WI

• 262-857-2101

Address for the Prime Outlets Kenosha

• 11211 120th Avenue
• Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158

Map to Prime Outlet at Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin

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Website for Prime Outlets

• http://primeoutlets.com

Just North of the Wisconsin-Illinois border is the Kenosha Wisconsin Travel Information Center

This Wisconsin tourist information center at the first exit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border. The I-94 exit is #347 at HWY 165 / Lakeview Parkway. It is on the East side of I-94. It is about 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois.

If you are taking the Northbound #347 exit, on the ramp there is an entrance directly into the the Travel Center. Be careful as you leave the center, you will be mixing with I-94 traffic exiting the freeway on exit 347 even if you are not going back on I-94.

Also in the area there is a gas station and restaurant.

There is a hotel at the exit as well as the Prime Outlet mall. Plenty to do if you wish to take a few minutes off the road.

The center serves as both a rest area and a tourist information center.

The facilities are open 24hrs a day but if you want travel information from a person, the hours are 8am-4pm.

Inside, there is lots of information available to travelers.

There are brochures and map for tourist attractions all over the State of Wisconsin. During day hours, you can get additional help, information, and recommendations from the staff.

There are many attraction close to the visitor center including the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory tour. The Renaissance Fair medieval villiage is nearby. Six Flags Great America is a few minutes south of the Illinois border on I-94.

At the time of this post, there was a display for the Road America Elkhart Race Track in the visitor center. This included an actual car.

Outside you will find a second Welcome to Wisconsin sign.

There is a play area for children. There are picnic tables, some of which are covered so you can still picnic when the weather is not cooperating. There are no grills, but there are bins for used coals. There are plenty of garbage and recycle bins too.

Vending machines are available inside the visitor center.

The address for the Wisconsin Travel Information Center Kenosha is:

• 10519 120th Avenue
• Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158

Map to Wisconsin Travel Center Kenosha

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Welcome to the State of Wisconsin!

Wisconsin welcomes you.

The welcome sign on I-94 follows the Wisconsin State Police weight station on I-94. It is just over the Wisconsin-Illinois border in Kenosha County, WI.

Wisconsin gets its name from an American Indian word for the wisconsin River.

Jean Nicolet and Father Jacques Marquette explored Wisconsin in 1673. The Native American guides called the Wisconsin River Miskonsing, Meskousing. The spelling of Wisconsin varied for many years until territorial legislators endorsed the current spelling.

The first exit after the Welcome sign will take you to the Kenosha Wisconsin State Travel Center.

You can get information on many popular Wisconsin attractions there. Many of which will be covered on this site eventually. The eastern I-94 frontage road can be taken south from the exit if you wish to get close to the sign. There is also a small motel just south of the sign on the frontage road.

Map to the Wisconsin Welcomes You sign.

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