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!
Whether you are just jumping on the thrifting bandwagon or want tips for a better thrift shopping experience, you are in the right place! In this blog post, I’m sharing some of my best practices. I hope this helps you find some new-to-you favorites!
Audit Your Closet
First, look at what you currently have before heading to the thrift store. Set intentions for what you’d like to find: What are your needs and wants? It’s important to be mindful of what you currently have so you can purchase items that will serve a purpose and enhance your wardrobe.
Bring a Friend
I find that it’s more fun to thrift when you have someone to chat with. Also, it’s great to have someone who will give an honest opinion when you’re unsure about an item.
Fuel Up Before You Go
Thrifting can take some time. You have to go on a bit of a hunt for your new favorites (but that’s the fun of it!). Before heading to your local thrift store, stop by a cafe for a caffeinated beverage and snacks. Yes, this is an excuse to treat yourself – You’re welcome.
Shop Off-Season
If you plan ahead, you can score great deals on off-season items. For example, shop for sweaters in summer and tank tops in winter. Off-season items are typically marked at lower prices since there’s less demand for them.
Shop By Color
You know the colors that make you feel great? Focus on those colors while thrifting. This will help you narrow your search and not get overwhelmed by all of the options.
Shop a Variety of Sizes
I usually wear a size medium, yet when I thrift, I look at sizes small and large too. Depending on how clothing has been washed and cared for in the past can impact the size it is on the thrift store rack. Of course, different brands have unique sizing too. The size ultimately doesn’t matter – what matters is that the fit is comfortable for you!
Don’t Pass on Quality Basics
Black and white tank tops are items I always need to wear under blouses or cardigans for work. When I find basics from brands I like, I make sure to add them to my cart! They may not be items that I need immediately, but I know they will come in handy when my current basics get worn out.
Don’t Forget Accessories
Belts, bags, glasses, scarves, and other accessories are great to look for at thrift stores. You’re sure to find something unique!
Don’t Forget the Deals
Check out the clearance section, make sure you know the color tag of the week, and be on the lookout for other promotions on social media! While thrifting is a good deal already, you can maximize your savings.
What do you hope to find on your next thrifting trip? Let me know 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!
A little while back, I had the opportunity to hear Mariana Atencio speak during a women’s leadership event at my alma mater. She’s an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and she has a lot to say about the topic of authenticity. Something that stuck with me the most from her speech was a series of 7 steps that she explained as “the control framework.” She designed it to help deal with uncertainty and take control of authenticity.
I think many of us find ourselves in situations where it may seem easier to just bend to fit a mold than to be our authentic selves. Her speech served as a great reminder of why “faking it” doesn’t actually benefit anyone. So, if you’re ready to take control, here are some steps to consider:
Covering
Mariana describes this first step as identifying what you’re leaving at the door. If you aren’t being your whole self when you walk into a room, what’s missing? What parts of yourself are you covering up or hiding? Think about what you can do to let these parts of yourself shine.
Outlook
When you’re not being your authentic self, are you giving in to some type of external or internal pressure? It’s important to identify your frame of reference and whose lens you’re choosing to view yourself through.
Network
Consider the people that you surround yourself with. Personally, I find this step to be a big one. There’s a saying that you are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with. To some extent, I do believe this to be true. I think it’s important to surround yourself with individuals that make you happy, that motivate you, and that embrace who you are.
Time
As Mariana says, being inauthentic is hard work. It can waste a lot of your time trying to be someone that you’re not. Instead, invest time into yourself and develop who you actually are.
Ritual
Think about your habits and your routines. Do they serve you well? If not, make adjustments. If so, think about how you can enhance them.
Opportunity
I view opportunity as finding the spaces where you can thrive. Look for opportunities that align with who you are and what you care about. These are things that will make you feel electric.
Love
Last but certainly not least, you gotta love the authenticity journey and your true self. Taking control of your authenticity is all about caring for yourself in all aspects of your life.
How will you take control of your authenticity? 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!
Last month, I had a family vacation in Texas, and I’m excited to tell *y’all* about it. We spent a total of five days traveling and sightseeing in both San Antonio and Dallas.
When we first landed in Texas, I spotted a Dutch Bros Coffee and just had to stop. I ordered a Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Cold Brew; it was absolutely delicious. After getting caffeinated, it was time to get to our hotel and check-in. On the first night of the trip, we stayed at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel in San Antonio. The hotel was very posh and pretty.
That same night, we enjoyed a San Antonio River Boat Tour. It was dark out, and the streets along the river were beautifully lit up. Our tour guide pointed out some historically important spots along the river and even gave us intel on haunted locations. Our hotel was, unfortunately, on the haunted locations list, but I don’t recall experiencing anything too paranormal.
After the boat ride, we grabbed dinner at Rio Rio Cantina. They had 10/10 margaritas and a perfect veggie quesadilla. What can I say, it hit the spot.
On day two, we checked out The Alamo (aka the place you kinda have to check out if you go to San Antonio). We also stopped by “The Oldest Saloon in Texas,” The Buckhorn. The Buckhorn was more than just a bar; it was also a pretty sizable museum featuring Texas Ranger memorabilia, lots of mounted animals, a replica Bonnie & Clyde car, and more. I know the “mounted animals” part sounds a bit odd, but the story behind the animals is quite interesting. My favorite part about this place was a section of the museum that looked just like an old western town. You could walk through swinging saloon doors and peek in old-time shop windows. Overall, The Buckhorn is a fun tourist spot to check out!
The second half of our Texas trip brought us to the Dallas area. Here, we saw the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. It was neat to see another NFL stadium but, admittedly, the Green Bay Packers’ tour is better.
Post-tour, we grabbed food at Mellow Mushroom: a groovy pizza chain. The food was good, and the aesthetic was very cool. I mean, take a look at that lava lamp chandelier!
We spent our last night in Texas watching a Cowboys game at Texas Live. The Live Arena was packed full of energized fans. This place has a few different bars and restaurants inside and lots of TV screens for game days. If you find yourself in Arlington, definitely check out Texas Live.
I’m happy I got the chance to see so many new-to-me places on this latest trip to Texas! Feel free to let me know in the comments, or on Instagram, if you’ve ever been to Texas or have any favorite spots. I’d love to hear about your experience too!
August has been a month full of live music! I couldn’t imagine a better way to wrap up summer.
Back in June, I wrote a blog post with Goodwill NCW that covered four thrifted concert looks and discussed the beginning of the festival season. In the post, I talked a bit about attending an Eric Church concert, a Jason Derulo concert, and Freedom Country Festival. It feels like it was just yesterday since the piece was published, but I’ve been to three more concerts since then.
Early in August, I saw 3OH!3 perform in Green Bay’s Titletown District. I have to admit that I listened to them quite a bit in middle and early high school, so it was cool to see them live. Yes, I fangirled when they played “Don’t Trust Me.” I wore a “black dress with the tights underneath,” (*wink, wink*) paired with a black denim jacket and faux snakeskin booties.
Last weekend, I saw Oliver Tree perform at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI. His openers were Huddy and Jawny. The whole show was incredible, energizing, and engaging. If Oliver Tree is ever in your area, go to the show! Just be prepared for lots of jumping up and down and screaming. Also, be prepared to join in on a few chants. Did I mention that Oliver also likes to open up the mosh pit? Oh, and he has a cow statue and other props handy. It’s an absolute blast.
For this show, I went for a casual yet accessorized look. I threw on some white tennies and a white tank with my black denim shorts and jacket. I brought my completely bedazzled purse along and put on a fuzzy black bucket hat. With how warm the venue got, I definitely could’ve left my jacket in the car; but hey, fashion over function.
Last night, I attended the “Sounds of Nashville” show at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens. This concert was unique since it featured a few country songwriters. JT Harding and the Warren Brothers played #1 country songs that they wrote. You may know the song “Alone With You” performed by Jake Owen or Blake Shelton’s hit, “Sangria.” Well, those were both written by JT Harding! The Warren Brothers wrote Chris Young’s “Sober Saturday Night,” Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup,” and more (of course)!
This concert was also unique because the songwriters shared stories of how the country hits came to be. They shared a bit about their journeys as artists as well. It was a very relaxed, conversational, and good show.
For this concert, I kept my outfit country with my tall black cowboy boots and a little black dress. I can’t wait for another excuse to break these boots out.
I think that’s a wrap on concerts for me this summer, but I’m excited to see what fall may bring for events!
Do you have any upcoming concert plans? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Megan Burton 