On the blog and on the ‘gram, I share lots of my local favorites in Wisconsin – cafes, shops, wineries, restaurants, etc. I love exploring new-to-me spots and discovering hidden gems. Even in Green Bay, the place where I was born and live, I continue to try new places for the first time.
As I find new spots that I enjoy, I’ll add them to my local guide. My local guide is essentially a Google Map that I created by pinning my favorite places across Wisconsin (you can check it out here). So far, the map has 50+ locations, and most pins are in the Green Bay area. I’m looking forward to expanding it and getting more pins dropped!
This is a little project that has been on my mind for a while now, and one night, inspiration struck me! So, now you can interact with the map and hopefully find some new personal favorites.
Which spots would you like to see added? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
For Valentine’s weekend, my fiancé and I enjoyed a cozy getaway at Bantr. We’ve been in the greater Wausau area a few times now and have continued to find new-to-us spots to explore. I like to challenge us to find new restaurants, coffee shops, and mini adventures on each of our weekend trips.
We got into town on Saturday around lunchtime. Hungry for a bite to eat, we went to La Taqueria. We both ended up getting the big burritos, so maybe we were hungry for more than just a bite…But, our meal was delicious! I went for chicken, and Ryan opted for chorizo. Whichever is your preference, I believe you’ll enjoy it!
While we did plan on exploring another restaurant in the area for dinner, *spoiler alert* we didn’t. We were full and very satisfied with our meal at La Taqueria throughout the rest of the day, so we just had a few snacks for dinner. The next time we visit, I’d love to try Tine & Cellar or The Velveteen Plum for a meal.
After lunch, we stopped by a coffee shop that has been on my list to try: Tucknee Coffee Company. I really enjoyed the look and feel of the cafe. And, they made a perfect London fog latte. It’s definitely the type of coffee shop that I could get comfy and sit for hours in.
It was just about time to check into our hotel room once we got done with our sips, so we made our way to Bantr. Our room was complete with a whirlpool tub and fireplace. Plus, a cute little rubber duck?!
Mr. Coolio caught my eye as we were getting settled in. He’s one of the Bantr ducks that you may find during your stay, and you can redeem him for a drink at the hotel bar. After taking some time to relax, we took up Mr. Coolio’s offer.
When we got to the bar, we saw speed daters chatting around tables. In the theme with Bantr’s event, there were two fun drink specials: Royal Blush and Nervous First Date. We grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered. Royal Blush was my favorite! I may need to put my skills to the test and try to make it at home.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed some live music and eventually ventured to the pool/hot tub. The hot tub is always one of the best things about staying at Bantr.
The next morning, we got packed up and checked out. Before really hitting the road, we wanted to grab breakfast. Breakfast Bear had been on my radar since I saw Visit Wausau post about the restaurant, so we decided to try it! I’m very happy we did.
It was admittedly packed when we got there, but we snagged a spot at the bar for 0 wait time. I got a vanilla iced latte and a classic breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast that hit the spot. Ryan got the most delicious-looking breakfast burrito and a macchiato.
Breakfast Bear or Era Pancakes and Cafe are both amazing brunch spots in the area with nice aesthetics and quality coffee drinks. You can’t go wrong with either!
Cheers to our sweet Valentine’s getaway! I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Where is your favorite weekend getaway destination? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
This year, I enjoyed a couple of mini getaways in Wausau, and I’m planning another soon! It’s the perfect distance away from my home in Green Bay to feel like a getaway while being a short and sweet road trip. On my Wausau adventures, I’ve discovered unique places to explore, eat, and grab drinks. Read on for some of my favorites!
A Cozy Stay
Bantr has been a lovely host in the Wausau area. The hotel has a log cabin style and cozy feel. I’ve had a great time at events they host. The NEW Dueling Pianos performed at the hotel bar over Halloweekend – it was a blast. Also, Bantr has the best hot tub, so pack a swimsuit when you visit!
Things To Do
On my first trip to the area, I saw the Monk Botanical Gardens. This was the perfect place to get a relaxing walk in. I’d love to visit again when the gardens are in bloom!
On another trip, I went to Wisconsin’s oldest bookstore, Janke. I highly recommend this shop to all book lovers. There are so many used and new books to look at as well as other items like craft supplies, journals, and more.
If you’re a night owl, The Garage is a fun bar to check out. They are true to the theme with creative decor like cars mounted on the walls.
Delicious Bites & Sips
I always love trying local food spots! During my first time visiting the Wausau area, I grabbed dinner at Red Eye Brewing. Their Forager pizza was delicious (and vegetarian-friendly!). The next time, I had dinner at Sconni’s – if fried brussel sprouts are your thing, you need to go there for the apps.
On future trips, I’m looking forward to exploring more of the local coffee shops, but I’ve enjoyed Clean Slate Coffeehouse. The playful and eclectic aesthetic of the place is very cool!
For brunch, Era Pancakes and Cafe is the spot! The look and feel of the place is very pretty and open. Also, the food and hand-crafted coffee drinks are amazing! Treat yourself, and order the Caramel Macchiato if you visit.
Have you been to Wausau? What local spots do you love? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Just one hour away from my home in Green Bay is the city of Sheboygan. Yet before this October, I had never really been to the area before. Sure, I had driven through and seen the World’s Largest Symbol of Freedom from the road, but I hadn’t explored the other things that Sheboygan had to offer. I am happy I spent a weekend in the area to experience the city. Now, I have some new favorite restaurants and shops in the area, as well as a list of things I need to try when I visit again. Curious what you can do in the Malibu of the Midwest? Read on for my 2-day trip adventure!
On a Friday night, after work, I drove to Sheboygan. It was a quick and relaxing cruise! I arrived around 6:00 pm at The Watershed Hotel. I was very impressed with the overall aesthetic of the place. The lobby’s big fireplace gave all of the coziest vibes. My room was very modern and chic with a balcony overlooking the Sheboygan River. I got settled in quickly and ready for my dinner reservation.
I’m glad I went hungry to BoMallies because there were so many great dishes to taste. First up, I enjoyed some Beef Khalbi Smashed Dumplings. Then, I had some of the special of the night: Seafood Ravioli. I couldn’t resist the Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs (I’m a big fan of vodka sauce). And finally, I tried the Banh Mi Tacos. Everything I ate was absolutely incredible.
I highly recommend visiting this place with a friend or a group so you can sample around the different plates! I think the Smashed Dumplings may have been my favorite, but the Banh Mi Tacos were a very close second.
To drink, I had the Wisconsin Mule. It had cranberry vodka with honey, orange and rosemary syrup, fresh cranberries, and lime. Tasty and on the sweeter side! But, I suppose that wasn’t the only sweet thing I enjoyed… After a delicious meal, I had to try the Car Bomb Cake. Guinness chocolate cake, soaked with Baileys, Jameson cream cheese frosting… anyone else drooling?
Not only did BoMallies impress me with food, but also art! The walls were covered with unique pieces, and I even spotted one of my favorite artist’s works, Donald Topp. Yes, those are the ladies of the Mystery Machine all tatted up; I adore them.
Post-dinner, I wanted to check out 3 Sheeps Brewing. I always enjoy exploring breweries outside my area and adding new brews to my Untappd profile! At 3 Sheeps I enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Beer (’tis the season). Typically, I don’t go for dark beers, but this one was nice and smooth. 3 Sheeps’ indoor space was roomy and definitely felt like the place to be on a Friday night.
The next day, I woke up to a gorgeous view from my hotel room and began getting ready for more exploring. My first stop was the Sheboygan Visitor Center. Here, you can get all of the information on local things to do, shop for souvenirs, and find unique pieces from local artists. They had a pull-tab art kit that I thought was awesome (here’s the artist’s site).
To fuel up, I visited Eb Flo Coffeehouse for a latte and avocado toast. The aesthetic was very relaxing, and I loved looking out on the water while sipping my coffee. This place made for a satisfying breakfast and a great start to the day.
I knew when I was planning to visit Sheboygan that I wanted to check out some local shops. First up, I visited the Hello Happiness Creativity Center. It’s a craft supply store that has new and second-hand items to get creative with. I enjoy bullet journaling and collaging, so I was excited to find bundles of different papers to work with. Whatever your craft of choice may be, I believe you’ll be able to find something that inspires you at Hello Happiness.
In Downtown Sheboygan, there were lots of shops to look around. Nikki’s Nex2New consignment shop was right up my alley. There, I found a cozy cardigan and a cute top to take home. Mainstream Boutique was fun to look around. They had lots of pretty pieces and perfect styles for the current fall and winter seasons. If you’re looking for a classic thrift shop, Revolution Resale is a great place to go.
One of my favorite shops was FreakToyz. They sell all sorts of unique toys, figurines, comics, and collectibles. I saw everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Doctor Who to Harley Quinn to… the list goes on! This place really had so many amazing things to look at. Here, I picked up a little Ash Pop Figurine to add to my haul.
In between shops, I discovered some murals downtown. The street art in Sheboygan is very lively and energetic. If you visit, don’t miss your chance to get abducted in the UFO mural!
I also explored the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC). It’s an art gallery that’s free to enter and look around! They also offer other programs and activities to engage with the arts. I was happy my visit landed at the same time that Patricia Piccinini’s exhibit, Encounters of Another Plot, was on. It was incredible to see it in person. I also caught Bea Fremderman’s exhibit, Weeds Compared to Flowers, which was very interesting (you can catch it until February 18, 2024). Also, did I mention that the JMKAC washrooms are works of art too?!
Walking around shops and art helped me work up an appetite for lunch. Pizza sounded good, so I ended up at Il Ritrovo. Little did I know that this pizza would definitely ruin some other pizzas for me. Il Ritrovo was the 5th Certified Vera Pizza Napoletana member in the United States. So what does that mean? Their wood-fired, Neapolitan pizza is authentic. Special training and strict requirements are needed to be a certified established. In short, this place is the real deal. It may go without saying, but the pizza was delicious!
Before hitting the road home, I had to take a moment to look out at the water and see if I could catch any surfers riding the waves. In case you didn’t already know, Sheboygan is nicknamed the Malibu of the Midwest because of its surf community! Yes, people surf on the Great Lakes (even in the winter).
I had the best time exploring Sheboygan for a couple of days and getting to know the area. Huge thanks to Visit Sheboygan for hosting me and guiding me on the adventure.
Have you been to Sheboygan? What local spots do you love? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
My SO and I hit the road to the Fox Valley last Saturday. Appleton and Oshkosh aren’t too far away from our home in Green Bay, so they make perfect day trip destinations. It’s amazing how many places there are close to home that you may have never known about. I love checking out all of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems in Northeast Wisconsin – they make for great mini-adventures!
Here’s how we spent our day in the Valley:
Fueling Up at All Tied Up
On the way to Oshkosh, we stopped by All Tied Up in Appleton to grab brunch. It’s a flower shop and cafe, so they have pretty plants in their space, along with delicious food and drink. I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte and Tomato & Basil Avocado Toast – both hit the spot!
Exploring at EAA
Admittedly, I didn’t know a whole lot about planes going in, but the EAA Museum was very fun to explore. There were tons of interactive elements throughout the museum and massive displays to look at. If you’re an aviation or history buff, this place needs to be on your list! As a novice, I enjoyed it too!
Grabbing Lunch at Gabe’s
After walking around the EAA Museum, we were hungry. So, I searched for something local nearby and stumbled upon Gabe’s. All I can say is YUM. We both had the Beer Can Chicken Wrap, and it was perfect. Just the treat we needed before our last stop of the day…
Golfing at Glow in the Park
Our final stop was Glow in the Park! It’s an indoor mini golf course that literally glows in the dark. On the walls, you’ll see energetic designs and a few references to Alice in Wonderland. The 18 holes were each unique and offered some playful competition.
What are your favorite things to do in the Fox Valley? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Living in Northeast WI, it’s easy to wake up and plan a spontaneous day trip to Door County on a day off. That’s exactly what my SO and I did last week. The weather was beautiful so getting outside and exploring sounded appealing.
On the way, we stopped by Grandma Tommy’s. It’s a cute country store with lots of knick-knacks, Door County treats, and Wisconsin items to look at. I wanted to take home one of the WI-shaped chairs but resisted (for now).
Once we got to Egg Harbor, we discovered Hatch Distilling Co. I enjoyed the laid-back and relaxed environment as soon as we walked in. It was fun to try all of their different whiskey and bourbons. Doc Wahl whiskey was a favorite!
For lunch, we decided on Wild Tomato for some delicious wood-fired pizza. It’s a must-have if you’re in the area! We ordered the Sausage & Pesto pizza (the Veggie is also a great option). Post-meal, it felt good to get a little walk in at Peninsula State Park.
The park has beautiful views as well as a lighthouse to explore and a tower to walk up. There are also opportunities to camp or kayak at Peninsula State Park which I think could make for a fun overnight trip.
On the way back to Green Bay, we stopped by the Egg Harbor Fun Park to go-kart and play mini golf. On most day trips, I don’t think you can go wrong seeking out a mini golf course. It’s something that just about everyone can enjoy!
Until next time, Door County…
What are your favorite things to do in Door County? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
In my last blog post, I shared six coffee shops in Downtown Green Bay. Downtown De Pere also has some great local stops to get your caffeine fix. In this blog, I will cover a few of my favorites, but I know there’s still more of De Pere that I need to explore! If you have any favorite coffee shops in the area, leave me a comment at the end of this post.
Luna Cafe
This is one of my favorite spots to grab brunch. They feature different daily sandwiches and wraps, so there’s guaranteed to be something new to try. The De Pere location is nice and cozy. It’s a great spot for getting some stuff done on your laptop or meeting up with friends. My go-to order here switches between a lavender honey latte or an iced americano with a splash of milk.
The Exchange
The best way to describe this coffee shop is aesthetic. It’s very industrial, with lots of wood, black, metal, and gold furniture and decor. I always enjoy their honey lattes (with almond milk) and their avocado toast. Speaking of their avocado toast, it’s not what you would typically expect. The base that would usually be bread is swapped out with a bubble waffle. My first impression was a bit skeptical, but after tasting it, I was a fan.
One piece of advice if you visit this shop on the weekend: get there early! It can get pretty busy, and it can be difficult to find a table. But it’s worth it.
Tazza Italian Coffee Co.
With exposed brick and greenery, this coffee shop is also very cute. I love this cafe for their seasonal flights. They have latte flights, hot chocolate flights, and even lemonade flights. Their latest round of lemonade flights features lavender, strawberry rose, hibiscus, and honey jasmine flavors. It was delicious, so try it while you can!
This past weekend, I joined in on the Cafe Crawl all around Downtown Green Bay. The crawl featured six different local coffee and tea shops and lots of unique caffeinated treats to enjoy. Admittedly, I’ve been waiting for this event to return since the last Cafe Crawl I went to in 2018. Coffee and hanging out downtown are just a couple of my favorite things, so this event is the perfect blend!
If you’re looking for a new cafe to try, you can’t go wrong with any of the shops that were on the Cafe Crawl route:
Daily Buzz Espresso Bar
The crawl began at Daily Buzz Espresso Bar. This shop is a favorite of mine since I can always count on enjoying something from their seasonal drink menu. Not to mention, their food is great and their bakery case is always mouth-watering. The aesthetic of Daily Buzz is a bit industrial yet still cozy.
Glas Coffeehouse
As you may guess from the name, Glas Coffeehouse has Irish roots. This place is my go-to when I want a big cup of cold brew. If you don’t get a chance to visit this shop in person, you should check if you’re in the designated area for their bike delivery. Yep, you read that right. They deliver coffee and treats in a very eco-friendly way.
Grounded Cafe at ADRC
If you’re looking for a cup of coffee that can make a difference, check out Grounded Cafe. They provide a space for people of all abilities and all ages to thrive. You can check them out on the ‘gram for all of their daily special announcements.
The Attic Books and Coffee
Calling all book lovers! The coffee shop doubles as a book shop. So, while you sip, you can also shop a variety of pre-loved books. I always recommend The Attic to friends who are new to the area.
Cultivate Taste Tea Salon
Cultivate Taste is a tea shop that’s somewhat new to the area and very new to me. I’ve stopped by a couple of times during local events like the Cafe Crawl, but I’d love to visit for an official tea tasting.
Voyageurs Bakehouse
This place is really beautiful and bright. Their lattes are artfully done, and their bakery treats are so yummy. Voyageurs is the kind of place that I enjoy going to on a slow Saturday morning. If you’re looking for a solid breakfast and an Instagramable location, this is your place.
Which coffee shops will you try or have you tried? Any favorites? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
If you read my last blog post or keep up with me on the ‘gram, you’ll know that I went shopping around Green Bay on Small Business Saturday. It was a fun day of looking around my favorite local shops and new-to-me spots (check out my SBS ’22 story highlights for locations). I found a few items to add to my winter wardrobe, as well as some other goodies.
It was great to finally check out Alternative Route Outfitters on Small Business Saturday. I first saw the shop on Instagram and loved the vibe. It lived up to my expectations when I saw the place in person. At Alternative Route, I found a red cropped sweatshirt and some cowgirl earrings. I loved their selection of boots, skirts, and dresses, so I’ll definitely be back when I have the excuse of vacation or concert outfit shopping.
At A Bag Lady, I found a diamond checkered jacket. It’s made of a super fuzzy material and has some brown corduroy accents. I can always count on this boutique for unique finds!
Another boutique I adore is Sunrise on Main: They have a mix of upscale new and pre-loved items. I found a cozy maroon sweater and a tan camo sweater there. Both of these will be absolutely perfect for the chilly days ahead!
On Small Business Saturday, I even stocked up on some candles. I found an old fashioned candle from LoCo WisCo. Yes, it smells just like the drink. At Aurora’s Apothecary, I found a teakwood and tobacco candle from Classic Farmhouse. It smells amazing and has a cute rustic look.
& that wraps up all of my finds! Did you go shopping on Small Business Saturday? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
The gift-giving season is approaching: are you ready?
If not, no worries! I’m just preparing too. This year, my goal is to be more intentional with my holiday shopping and actually plan ahead.
Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 26th, and Downtown Green Bay has lots of deals. Not only can you get some gift shopping done, but you may even win a treat for yourself. When you shop small at participating businesses in Green Bay, you can enter to win a staycation prize package! You can check out the details here. I think it’s a great incentive to support your favorite local spots.
To prepare for Small Business Saturday, I looked through all of the deals and created my own list of places to stop. This list features some of my favorites and some places that I am excited to explore more. Read on for some great deals and personalized recommendations.
Daily Buzz Espresso Bar, White Dog, and Fox Harbor are all offering deals on gift card purchases (check out the details here). Daily Buzz is also offering 20% off all food and drink on Small Business Saturday! So, it’ll be the perfect first stop of your shopping journey. I plan on fueling up with a seasonal latte and their delicious bodega breakfast sandwich (with vegan bacon).
Cockloft Vintage is offering a free vintage mug when you spend $25. This shop has a beautifully curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories, and home items.
LoCo WisCo will have 20% off storewide with the exclusion of 10% off alcohol. They have lots of locally crafted goods and plenty of WI/Green Bay themed items. I’ve only stalked them on social media, but I’m looking forward to checking out their shop.
Lion’s Mouth Bookstore is offering a free Lion’s Mouth mug when you spend $50. If you have a bookworm on your shopping list, stop here!
A Bag Lady will have 20% off all items. I always have fun shopping for accessories at this glittery boutique. You can expect to find tons of jewelry options, a variety of purses, and a nice selection of clothing.
Beerntsen’s Candies will have 10% off all items. All I can say is YUM. I’m sure I’ll buy gifts here that I’ll have to resist eating.
Kavarna& Glas Coffeehouse will be offering buy-one-get-one 50% off bags of coffee. Here’s a great opportunity to treat yourself or a coffee lover in your life.
Captain’s Walk Winery is giving you a chance to win with your purchase. Every $5 spent will be an entry to win a Captain’s Walk gift card. Small Business Saturday will be the perfect opportunity to stock your wine racks.
Titletown Brewing Company is offering buy-one-get-one tap beer. In case you need a spot for kicking back to wrap up your day of shopping, here you go!
Want more spots to shop locally? Check out the full listing here.
Where will you be shopping on Small Business Saturday? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Megan Roshak 