Sturgeon Bay, Whitefish Dunes, Door County, Wisconsin, RebeccaWanderlusting

A Door County Road Trip – Part 2

On March 24, 2020 By rebeccawanderlustingIn US Travel, WisconsinLeave a comment

**please note this trip was quite a while ago, but it was unfinished so here we are.**

The best part of passing out early on vacation is getting an early start the next day. I had a lot of exploring left to do, and I wanted to drive through Door County, making stops at all the places that had been recommended to me or that I had noted for myself to check out.

The Holiday Music Motel had a continental breakfast set up in their little diner nook on the first floor, so I helped myself to some muffins and coffee. The whole hotel had a fun retro look, and I very much enjoyed sitting at the singular table in the kitchen and watching people filter in and out to grab coffee and baked goods.

Once I had my fill, I headed over to Potawatomi State Park for a brisk morning hike. I bought the out of state pass for $11 so that I could go back to Whitefish Dunes later that day too. The ranger that sold it to me recommended the Ice Age Hike, so that’s where I started.

The path ran right along the shore, halfway between the lake and the road. The majority of the lake over here was frozen over still, but the sun warmed me as I walked. Because it was still early, I didn’t run into anyone on the trail. It was so peaceful. The views of the lake popped up intermittently between the trees, creating a very picturesque scene.

After walking a ways down the path, little yellow markers led me up stone stairs to the road. The path picked up on the other side, but the terrain was very different. There were no more pine trees, just birch and ash trees that were still barren from the winter. I was planning on hiking to the old fire tower, but only got fifteen minutes into the hike before I lost my nerve. The forest was deserted and I couldn’t get the Blair With Project out of my head! There was also a bird whose call sounded like a crazy woman laughing, and that was the final straw. I hightailed it out of there and went back the way I came. Much better. I got back to the car and drove past the boat launch just to take in the view before continuing my Door County road trip towards Bailey’s Harbor.

Once there, I stopped at Cornerstone Pub for lunch, where I was one of the only patrons, so I chose a table with a view of the water. I ordered a solidly Wisconsin meal of cheese curds, seafood chowder and a New Glarus Moon Man – it was super heavy, but also super worth it.

My next stop was Island Orchard Cider in Ellison Bay, but I made a quick detour to the Ridges Sanctuary to see the view I had from the restaurant up close.

The cider house was on my list of Door County must-sees, and I was so glad I stopped in. It was very cute and the cider was delicious. I tried the tasting portions of the Lavender, Pear, Cherry, and Brut Ciders and sat outside to enjoy them. The Cherry and Lavender were the best, so I bought a large bottle of each to take home with me!

After making my cider purchase, I jumped back in the car and moved towards the Ellison Bluff Overlook. I had to turn off the main road onto a dirt one to get there, fearing for my rental car as I hit multiple potholes on the way. The view that awaited me once I parked and walked down a set of wooden stairs though was one for the books. It was the kind of view that might make you cry.. or puke.. or do whatever you had to do to not move from that spot. The small wooden path jutted out from the bluff and looked over Lake Michigan, lined on one side with pine trees and limestone cliffs.

The gradient in the water moved from a brilliant emerald green to the deepest blue; it was stunning. I didn’t want to leave that view, but I still had more to see. So I tore myself away and took the very scenic drive to Fish Creek, a town of many cute shops and restaurants.

I needed a new book for the rest of my trip, so I stopped into the Peninsula Bookman. The store was chock-full of new and used books, which made it very fun to browse through. After searching for twenty minutes or so, I landed on “The Lord of the Flies”, which I’d never read before. I walked around Fish Creek a bit, but a lot of the stores weren’t quite open for the season yet, so I made my way back toward Sturgeon Bay.

I wanted one more hike at Whitefish Dunes before dinner, and decided to walk the other way around the lake from the day before. This trail kept near to the lake, but the dunes hid most of the view. A ways down, I came to a board walk that lead to a beautiful view of the lake.

There was quite a bit of snow on this trail, which made it extra adventurous in my mind. I decided to take the trail up to “Old Baldy”, the tallest dune in the park that boasted a GREAT view from it’s observation deck. It was a long hike, and there was nobody else on the trail. All I could hear were the waves on the other side of the dunes and the occasional crow. It was actually really peaceful. Until I finally made it to Old Baldy and it was CLOSED.

I was so frustrated by this sign that I marched myself right passed it and up to the observation deck anyways. I wish I could say the view was worth it.

On the way back down, the light was perfectly golden and it made the forest around me look so dang pretty. The smell of the pine trees was almost enough to make me pack my bags and move up North. All of my senses were content with the rest of the hike.

By the time I made it back to the car, I was very happy with my day but also pretty exhausted. I went back to the hotel to freshen up and then went to The Inn at Cedar Crossing for dinner. It was mediocre in service and cuisine, but I did enjoy the wine and reading my new book. Despite the so-so end to my trip, Door County was everything I wanted and more. The hiking, ciders, and cheese curds were enough to make me wish I was a permanent resident. I can’t wait to make the drive up again!

Have you explored Door County? Which Door County town is your favorite to stay in?

Sturgeon Bay, Door County, Wisconsin, RebeccaWanderlusting

A Door County Road Trip -Part 1

On October 2, 2018 By rebeccawanderlustingIn US Travel, WisconsinLeave a comment

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin came on my radar early in the year because my sister had gone up there for a conference and couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards. She gushed about the cute town and the lush state parks until I just had to check it out for myself. I booked a rental car and a few nights at the Holiday Music Motel in downtown Sturgeon Bay and then I was off for a long weekend at the end of April.

I drove the four hours straight through, listening to an audio-book entitled “800 Grapes” (good, not great, but perfect for a long drive). My first stop, once I arrived in Door County, was Whitefish Dunes State Park. There was a $5 fee for an hour of hiking, which I paid at the visitor center. I set off, aimlessly hiking down a path that was set next to the rocky coast of Lake Michigan. There was still snow on the ground that far north, so that and the fact that I was there before the tourist season picked up in Door County meant that I had the park pretty much to myself.

Once I got further into the wooded area along the lake, there wasn’t really any defined path. I switched between walking on the rocks by the shore and through the trees where the ground was covered in pine needles and dotted with patches of ice. It was windy, and the waves on Lake Michigan crashed into the rocks, spraying up water. The views throughout the park alone were worth the drive up there, and there was still so much to see. Right next to Whitefish Dunes is Cave Point County Park, but they might as well be the same park as they run into each other. The “cave” was an unassuming rock formation that dipped into the lake, the waves splashing in and out, soaking anyone that stood too close.

I couldn’t get over the view from each outcropping. The lake was a perfect sapphire blue. My time was halfway up when I reached the cave, so I turned around and went back the way I came, taking it slow to soak up all that fresh air. I decided to come back to Whitefish Dunes again at some point while I was in town. It was just too pretty to not take another hike there.

Since I had driven straight to the park and then hiked, I was so hungry by the time I got back to the car. I didn’t have any phone service to try and look up where to go, so I drove towards downtown Sturgeon Bay. I stopped at Grammy’s Country Store, and they recommended the Door County Firehouse on 3rd Avenue for lunch. I took them up on their suggestion and set myself up at a high top in the bar side of the restaurant. I felt compelled to order a Spotted Cow and got a pulled pork sandwich too. I know I was really hungry, but that had to have been one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.

After lunch, I went and checked into the Holiday Music Motel. The motel is a renovated space that has gained a good amount of attention for their affinity for live music and their retro decor. Once I actually got to my room, I immediately showered and took a glorious nap before heading out to explore the downtown area. I walked along the lake first, which was beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine. The bridge and the rocks along the shore were so pretty, the water perfectly clear.

I meandered over to the local fancy Italian restaurant, Trattoria Dal Santo, for dinner. They sat me at a lovely table for one, and I immediately picked out the Montepuciano by the glass to start. The waitress commented on the book I was reading (“In The Woods” by Tana French”) and we had a nice conversation about books and the absence of bookstores in the area. Apparently the local bookshop had closed recently (though I’m told they now have a new one). I ordered the Scalllopini Marsala for dinner, which came with a garden salad to start and mashed potatoes on the side.

The food was delicious, and the ambiance in the restaurant made it all the better. I savored each bite and took my time, reading while I ate. The staff was so wonderful, and let me hang out longer than the average dinner check, which I appreciated. After I finished, I walked over to the Door County Maker Space, which is an event space/concert venue/center for the arts. They were having a singer/songwriter showcase. I was a little bit late, and the place was packed, but luckily, the guy manning the door let me bypass the cover charge.

I stayed for a few songs, and then it was intermission time. Everyone seemed to know each other, which was nice to see, but not the best case scenario for an outsider. I felt a little awkward, so I moved out and went across the street to Roots, a wine bar. I got into a discussion with the bartender about what was going on in town that evening. She gave me a newspaper to check out the local section and directed me to the Stone Harbor Pub to see a local cover band.

The pub was right on the lake, and I sat at the bar with a (couple of) Spotted Cows, content as could be. They had the Celtics vs. Bucks game on the TVs, and I stayed through the end of the game, cheering for the Bucks, since I was in Wisconsin. The cover band was pretty good too! They were called the Tighty Whiteys. I walked back to the hotel after awhile to have a glass of local wine and watch a movie. It was a great first day in Sturgeon Bay and I was looking forward to what tomorrow would bring.

A Weekend In Rockford, IL

On October 6, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel4 Comments

Last weekend, Mike and I drove the hour and a half from Chicago to Rockford to see what this suburban city had to offer. We left bright and early on Saturday morning, with our puppy in tow as our hotel was dog-friendly (so was the rest of Rockford, as we learned). I’m not sure why in the world I thought we would be able to check into our room at 9:30am ( I worked at a hotel for five years, I really should know better), but I did and we couldn’t. This resulted in Mike and I parting ways for the first stop in our tour of Rockford, the Anderson Japanese Gardens.

I have to say, we were a little frazzled when we arrived at the gardens, but, once I started walking through, I felt much calmer. The path wove through ponds, over bridges, and next to waterfalls. It was so beautiful and tranquil. There weren’t many people there, but there were quite a few photographers shuffling around each other, trying to get the best shot. My favorite part of the park was the koi fish pond and the area around it, particularly the boardwalk that passed under a huge, perfect willow tree. I really could have grabbed a book and sat there all day.

But we had a lot more on our schedule, so we moved on to downtown Rockford. The main drag, State Street, was lined with cute stores, coffee shops, breweries and restaurants. We popped into Salvaged by Sonja, an amazing antique store, first. The gentleman behind the counter was so friendly and happy to give us more information on the city and recommendations for dinner and activities in the area.

I bought a beautiful bracelet and ring and we crossed the street to Art Deli. This store is the epitome of city pride. Their freshly pressed t-shirts advertise Rockford in all it’s glory and nicknames (Screw City??). The shirts were so cute and soft, but I opted for a tote bag emblazoned with “Explore the Midwest” – it suited me. The proprietors of the shop were also more than happy to discuss the area and tell us all of their favorite places to go for dinner and drinks. We were finding that this was a trend among all of the people we met while in Rockford. Everyone was wonderful, kind and brimming with city pride.

We popped into a couple more stores (CD Source, Minglewood and EuroStyle) before heading to Taco Betty’s for lunch. What a fun restaurant! They’re decor was colorful and whimsical (they had Dirty Harry’s famous line proudly displayed at the front of the restaurant). As soon as we sat down, a bowl of spicy pork rinds was brought to the table, and we ordered some sangria (beer for mike) and poblano guacamole to enjoy while we poured over the menu. We decided to split 3 sets of tacos (each order came with 2): Mole Chicken, Crispy Fish, and Pork & Poblano. Everything was delicious, but the fish tacos were without a doubt the best I’ve ever had. Actually, I wish I had some now.

We were lucky enough to meet the owner, Paul, who also operates two other restaurants on State Street: Abreo and Social Urban. He was another enthusiastic Rockfordian who was happy to tell us how far along the city has come in the past five years.

We finished up our lunch and headed back out onto the main drag to get some coffee from Wired (a cozy cafe with delicious espresso). We finally got a call from the hotel saying we could check in, so we made our way to the Holiday Inn Express 15 minutes outside downtown to do so. We then drove into Rock Cut State Park, which was very close by, to meet Andrea from Go Rockford for some boating on Pierce Lake.

We chose a paddle boat because we thought it would be the easiest, but it took a surprising amount of effort to propel that thing. There were a lot of other boats on the lake (kayaks, row boats, fishing boats…), and once we got to the middle, we stopped to take it all in. The scenery was really just stunning, especially with the leaves changing color along the shore. It was so peaceful out in the middle of the lake, even with the hollering fisherman and rowdy family reunions in the park.

After a while, we headed back in, peddling hard and moving slowly. Once we finally made it to the dock, we turned in our life jackets and headed back to the hotel to grab my camera and make sure Brody was comfortable. From there, we moved onto Prairie Street Brewhouse, which was close to the main drag downtown. The old warehouse still had the train tracks running through it and was both a restaurant/bar and event space. We were meeting the CEO of Go Rockford, John, who graciously showed us through the first two floors of the building. They were set up for a wedding in their larger event space and it was gorgeous (made me want to start making some plans…). The three of us sat outside on the pier to drink our house-brewed beers. I had their Black & Blue Kolsch, which was tart and delicious.

The weather, scenery, and conversation were all perfect and Mike and I agreed that we’d need to come back to this beautiful brewhouse sooner rather than later. The next stop in our makeshift bar hop was Social Urban, a lounge-style restaurant with community seating and wonderful, smoke-filled bourbon cocktails that taste like cinnamon. The making of said cocktails was a show all its own, with smoke and sparks and requiring two bartenders. We also ordered the cheese curds (a recommendation from our friends at Art Deli), the cheese plate and the charcuterie plate.

Everything was local or from one of the surrounding areas and it was all so damn good. The cheese plate came with this amazing jalapeno & cherry jelly and the charcuterie plate had HOMEMADE BOLOGNA!! We were in heaven. At one point, the waiter came over to chat, quipping that most people only get cheese plates to start or end the meal. To which I answered “we get it for an entree, RESPECT THE CHEESE!” Mike noted that I said it too forcefully to be taken as a joke, but I meant it. I just really like cheese.

After we finished every last bite, we decided to stroll down State street again, and popped into the local skate shop, Ground Level. We met the owners, yet more proof that Rockford is full of proud citizens/wonderful people, who were happy to give us more recommendations and convinced us to go to Carlyle Brewing next door. Though their main selling point, the shuffle board & dart boards in the back room, were closed for a private event, we thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the bar sipping CBR’s (Carlyle Beer Rocks). This crisp, delicious beer was the breweries take on the classic PBR recipe.

We next made our way to the Pig Minds, a vegan brewery in an industrial area outside of downtown. They were having their Oktoberfest with a live band out on their patio and a full (vegan) German menu. The restaurant was bustling, and we had to do a couple laps before we found a spot at the bar. We both loved our chosen beers (a blueberry ale and a coffee stout) so much that we left with two growlers to take home. We ordered some vegan pretzel sticks and cheese to enjoy while we listened to the band. The bar had such a fun atmosphere.

Our last stop of the night was the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. They were (and still are – until November 5) showcasing the Bruce Munro light show, which took place within the greenhouse and through the gardens. I’m so happy we didn’t skip it to turn in early like we discussed at Pigs Mind. It was so much fun. We walked the length of the gardens, through each exhibit, reading the inspiring explanations as we went. I really loved the flamingos exhibit and the fields of twinkling lights. I hope they do a show like this again, because it really was so pretty.

We drove back to the hotel afterwards and promptly fell asleep as soon as we got our pajamas on. The next morning, we met Andrea and her husband, Nick, for breakfast at Lydia’s Cafe, a local favorite. It was a sweet little spot with local art on the walls. I got a plate-sized blueberry pancake and Mike got a skillet named for the a park in the area. The meal was perfect and delicious comfort food and the company was fantastic. We chatted like old friends and made plans to meet up again in Chicago.

We had such a wonderful time! Who knew there was such a perfect oasis so close to Chicago?! I can confidently say that we will be making our way back to Rockford very soon.

Have you ever been to Rockford? Where is your favorite oasis near your city?

**A huge thank you to the wonderful people at Go Rockford for hosting us and showing us the best parts of this fun town**

Beer City Redux

On April 23, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Grand Rapids, Michigan, US Travel3 Comments

We started the trips off on a Thursday morning, dropping Brody off in Joliet at Mike’s parents’ and the ride took three hours from there. We arrived just in time for lunch, so we stopped at HopCat to get a bite to eat and our first Beer City brew of the trip.

We just got a sandwich and a salad there but the food was good, and it gave us a chance to plan our time there. We wanted to check out some different antique stores from the last time we were in Grand Rapids, so we headed to Captain Bizzaro’s Treasure World first. The store was haphazardly arranged but fun to explore. We particularly enjoyed talking with the proprietor. I found a pretty short story collection by Ray Bradbury that I decided I needed and Mike enjoyed the record selection.

Our next stop was the Blue Door Antique store in the Uptown neighborhood. This store was an Instagrammer’s dream: beautifully arranged and color coordinated. It was a little bit pricey but everything there was just gorgeous. After we drooled over everything in the store (especially their refurbished furniture), we moved down two doors to City Antiques.

This store had more jewelry and knickknacks than anything else, but most of it was behind glass. The lovely woman managing the store chatted us up a bit and ended up giving us some great recommendations for places to get dinner. We stayed at the Amway Grand Plaza this time around and we really liked it! The rooms were big enough and the lobby was just beautiful.

Reserve Wine Bar (one of the suggestions we were given), was right next door to the hotel, so we walked over and were seated upstairs. We both ordered a cocktail; Mike got the Kentucky Red head and I ordered the Reserve Press, a delicious gin and St. Germaine drink. For food, we shared the cheese and charcuterie plate, the tortellini en brood and the pierogi.

The cheese plate was excellent, as most are, and we really liked the pierogi, which had pork and apple filling and a cabbage slaw underneath. The tortellini left a little to be desired, and we wished it came with a little bit more food. After dinner, it was time for the main event, the whole reason we were in Grand Rapids in the first place: Aretha Franklin at the DeVos Performance Hall.

I don’t even have words to describe how much this concert meant to me. Aretha has forever been my favorite and I’m so grateful to have been able to see her live. She came out on stage in peak Diva fashion, in a blue sequined dress and a huge fur coat and had a full band behind her. She sang a lot of great hits like “Do Right Woman” and “Freeway of Love” and of course “Respect”. I ugly cried for the first three songs. She’s still got it!

After the show, we went back to the hotel to check out their bar on the 27^th floor, aptly named Cygnus27. This snazzy bar has to have the best view of Grand Rapids. We sat at the bar, ordered some signature cocktails and made friends with the couple next to us. They gave us A TON of great suggestions for places to check out. We chit-chatted for a while, comparing dining experiences and sharing travel stories.

After they left, we had one more round and caught the end of the Blackhawks game. The drinks were so delicious and they put us right to sleep once we got back to our room. We slept in a bit the next day, and then headed to breakfast at Anna’s House which was one of the suggestions from our friends the night before.

There was a small wait for a table, but it was so worth it. The inside of the restaurant was pastel and cozy. We sat at a booth and were served big mugs of coffee. Mike got a skillet and I got biscuits and gravy, with one of their red velvet pancakes on the side. The food was absolutely amazing; it was such a nice way to start our day. The cream cheese frosting that came with the pancake was honestly to die for.

After breakfast we revisited a couple of stores we saw the last time we were there: Woosah and Vertigo Records. Woosah is a really cool outfitter with beautiful printed t-shirts. Mike and I each got one. Then, next door, we perused the new and used records. We went around to a couple other stores in the area before heading to lunch at Vander Mill Brewery.

We sat at the bar there and ordered a good number of five ounce pours of ciders to try. We also got fried pickles and a soft pretzel with beer cheese to soak up some of the cider. The food was great and we loved all of the ciders we tried. Our favorites were the Cherry Chuckle and the Nitro Fluff, which was described to us as how a cloud would taste after a unicorn danced on it. I’d say that’s accurate.

The woman manning the bar was a delight, and she gave us yet more recommendations. One of which was a duplicate of one we’d heard the night before. So that’s where we went for dinner. Broadway Bar was a twenty minute walk from our hotel, over the river and along it, through the westside of town.

It was nestled into a neighborhood, set apart from the main strand of restaurants and bars. The inside was decorated with Easter themed tablecloths and string lights and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off played on a screen on the wall. It’s operation was a family affair, with one sister waitressing, one was behind the bar and mom was on the grill. We ordered the tallest glasses I’ve ever seen and an olive burger and a swiss and mushroom burger. The burgers were so damn good. We were in heaven.

Who knew olives were so good on burgers?? The whole experience was fantastic, if a bit rough around the edges. We walked back to the main drag and stopped into the Knickerbocker for a flight of New Holland beers and a couple of fresh Michigan distilled cocktails. The bar was gorgeous and had a lovely beer garden in the back.

Our next stop in our makeshift bar crawl was Stella’s – an arcade bar with an excellent selection of beet and whiskey. This bar was crowded and had a fun atmosphere. We only stayed for one drink, but it was an excellent place to get a beverage.

Across the street is the Pyramid Scheme, which was my favorite stop of the evening. The bar featured a large area of pinball machines and a ton of great beers on tap. We spent far too many quarters and maybe and had a bit too much beer because we left the bar with a framed, hand-painted “High Fidelity” movie poster.

We had to tote it with us for the rest of the night, which continued at The BOB for a beer on their rooftop. It was a beautiful evening for it. We also decided to play pool, but soon discovered we had imbibed too much to play well. We walked back to the hotel, ordered a pizza from room service and watched American Ninja Warriors. It was the perfect ending to another successful trip to Grand Rapids.

Have you been to Grand Rapids? Which is your favorite place to get a beer in Beer City USA?

A Weekend in Milwaukee, WI

On October 24, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn US Travel, Wisconsin2 Comments

Our first stop in Milwaukee, WI was the Art Museum, housed in the iconic, postmodern building right on Lake Michigan. The fee to get into the museum is a little steep, at $17/person, but it’s also pretty worth it. The entryway is beautiful, with a view of the lake through a convex wall of windows.

The best part for me was the collection of contemporary art and the special exhibit of Rembrandts on the top floor. The museum was having a used book sale while we were there as well, which was fun to browse. As we walked back along the lake to our car, the sun finally started to peak out, highlighting the beautiful and well-maintained parks.

From there we drove to Lakefront Brewery to meet up with our friends Colton and Sarah, who were en route to Green Bay for the Packers Game. The brewery tours were sold out for the day (learn from our mistake – buy tickets ahead of time!), but we were happy just to partake in the beer and food at the brewery.

Between the four of us, we ordered pretzel bites, cheese curds, fish tacos, smothered fries, pulled pork flatbread and fresh, delicious, Wisconsin-brewed beers. The food was excellent and everything you could want in Wisconsin food: fried, cheesy, comforting and indulgent. The dining room was open with long tables filled with guests. Brewery tours ran through every half hour, with the guide riling up the crowd loudly. I was a little bummed not to be participating, but we taste tested quite a few beers on our own.

Our next stop was the Riverview Antique Market, a ten minute drive away. The store was huge and full of a curated collection of antiques, split into stalls by vendor. My favorite feature were the large Barnum & Bailey circus posters hanging from the walls throughout the warehouse. The four of us had a blast walking through the store, picking out memorabilia and antique home goods.

The staff was friendly and willing to point us in the direction of more antique stores in the area if we felt so inclined to keep shopping. After we left the store, it was time to go our separate ways; Sarah and Colton heading to Green Bay and Mike and I going to check into our hotel. The Hilton City Center was a little outdated but still glamorous, with ornate chandeliers and gold accents.

Our room was small, but comfortable, with a view of the lake and the soft, white bedding that I love so much. When we were looking for somewhere to go for dinner, we did some research and stumbled upon a list of “Essential Milwaukee Restaurants”. One of said restaurants was one I had read about before, famed for their great Friday fish fry. And although it was Saturday, we decided to try it anyways; their German menu fit in nicely with the Oktoberfest celebrations around the city. Kegel’s Inn was a ten minute cab ride away, across the highway.

Milwaukee is interesting because the highway bisects the city, which makes it not all that walkable. This means that we spent a pretty penny on uber rides that evening. The restaurant was in a residential neighborhood and when we walked in, the locals sitting at the bar gave us the stink eye. That to me, seemed like a good sign, but I could tell by the look on Mike’s face that he wasn’t so sure. The host sat us at a table in the corner, where we ascertained that we were the youngest patrons in the place by about 20 years. We ordered “traditional” German food, which came with soup and salad and bread with herbed butter.

Definite supper club vibes here. The soup and salad were good, but the entrees… were not delicious. They were unappetizing looking and didn’t taste any better. We did our best to push the food around the plate and make it look like we ate some of it to appease our very sweet waitress. We got the check and hustled out, keeping our heads down. Perhaps next time, we’ll stick to the fish fry. We went to the Rave next for the main event, the Thrice concert. The show was fantastic and the venue is very pretty, but it’s not run very well.

After ordering $9 Bud Lights, we decided this would not be a show we would drink during. Luckily, Thrice is amazing live, and that made up for the expensive drinks. As soon as the band started playing their encore, we high-tailed it out of there to catch yet another cab to the Cactus Club, a bar that I knew both Mike and I would love. It was a long cab ride there and the place was mobbed with people, so by the time we got into the bar, Mike was not a happy camper.

But! Once we were seated at the bar with a couple of New Glarus beers, there was punk music playing and Star Wars on the TVs. I could see that Mike was trying hard not to smile. This was so his type of place. They had live music playing in the back room (with a cover charge), but we were perfectly happy sitting at the bar. The beer was cheap and the bartenders were friendly and attentive; it’s easy to say that this was our favorite stop of the evening. We made our way back to the hotel (another uber) happy and a little drunk.

The next morning, we checked out early and headed to Café Benelux for breakfast. The area the restaurant was located in, the Historic 3^rd Ward neighborhood, is super cute and fun to explore. We sat on the amazing rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your brunch in the sunshine and with a view. Mike got the Hodge Podge scramble and I got the waffle with berries along with our coffee.

Both entrees were delicious, but Mike’s was the best and of course I snuck a couple of bites. We walked across the street to the Public Market next, which was very similar to the one in Grand Rapids, MI. There was a mixture of shops and food vendors, selling everything from fine cheeses to handmade jewelry to local brews (both coffee and beer).

We particularly liked the t-shirts and magnets at Brew City, where we bought a Milwookie Chewbacca t-shirt for my niece. The market deserved more attention, but we were determined to keep moving.

We went to Downtown Books, where it was entirely possible to get lost amongst the stacks. The vast variety of genres would make any bibliophile very happy. I ended up getting a Hunter S. Thompson book before we went on our way.

Our last real stop of our Milwaukee trip was the County Clare, a family-style restaurant with an Irish theme and a bar on one side. Mike and I sat at the bar and both ordered one of their famed Bloody Mary’s, his spicy and mine not. The drinks came with a beef stick, string cheese, a pickle, a potato and a small glass of Harp beer to chase it all down. I had never had a Bloody Mary before and wasn’t sure how much I’d like it.

It turns out I don’t have to wonder anymore, I definitely don’t like them. They’re just not my cup of tea, I guess. But the bartender serving us was so sweet that I drank the whole thing, gulping beer or water after each sip. We caught some of the Packer’s game before rolling out, thanking the kind bartender profusely as we went. We grabbed coffee at the hip Collectivo before starting the drive back to Chicago.

The café was warm and welcoming, with tables filled with people working on their computers contentedly. The coffee was just what we needed to propel us home. Thank you for a fun weekend Milwaukee!

Have you ever been to Milwaukee, WI? What did you like most about the city?

5 Notes on Road Tripping with a Baby

On September 6, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips, Trip Planning1 Comment

This post is brought to you by my wonderful sister, Molly Reis, the talented mama of my beautiful nieces and author of Blogging the In-Between.

We took two trips this summer with the family – one to Tennessee (a 10-hour drive each way) and one to northern Wisconsin (a 4-and-a-half-hour drive each way). This is how we planned, what we learned and what worked for us in our travels. Most of it was trial and error. This is by no means a perfect solution for the adventure that is traveling with a baby; however, I do hope what we learned can help you. Enjoy your journey!

ZIPLOC BAGS – They just make organization so easy! Get ready for a new best friend! We used the bags to make everything grab-and-go ready. We brought: pjs, outfits, extra tops, extra bottoms, eating supplies, swimming supplies, and blankets and burp cloths. It was nice not to have to think about what we’d need and when and to just have our supplies ready no matter what our trip threw at us. Also, the Ziploc bags allowed us to fit everything nicely into our Thirty-One bag, which was awesome. I highly recommend it (or something similar) because it fit all the babe’s things and was easy to store in the trunk.

BOUNDARIES – Set your limits and stick to them! If traveling with family or friends (or even if you’re not), be prepared to stick to your guns a bit. You know what your little one needs. If that means you need to duck out early or make dinner reservations for 5:00 instead of “going with the flow” to be flexible for everyone else, then that’s what you do. We wanted to keep our girl’s nighttime routine as close to normal as possible, so we insisted on eating dinner no later than 6 or being able to leave early if we needed to. We were with family, so it wasn’t a big deal. But I’m sure whoever you are with will understand.

BREAKS – Plan on a longer travel time. We needed to stop about every two hours to give the babe a break. We planned feedings and changings around those breaks. If your child is old enough, you can stop at places that offer a little grass or space to run around so she can stretch her legs a bit. Of course, if your baby is still taking three- to four-hour naps, you can probably stop less frequently.

TRICKS – I wish I had a one-size-fits-all trick to make a road trip with a little one easier, but, as I’m sure you know, every baby is different. Here are some things that worked for us, though: Baby Einstein videos (on my phone, using Guided Access so she couldn’t do anything but watch), rolling the windows down every so often, lots of snacks, and music. I also had a basket of toys in the backseat that I kept out of sight for the week or so before our trip. Some people recommend sitting in the backseat, but we found that more distracting than beneficial. It just made her want me to hold her even more, which was torture for both of us. She did better on her own, when she could just play or eat or zone out on her own terms.

FLEXIBILITY – While it is important to know your and your little one’s limitations, it’s just as important to be flexible. You’re not at home – you’re working outside of your normal routine. To expect your baby to behave normally is unrealistic. He might not eat as much or nap at the same intervals. We had to come to terms with the fact that our girl was just going to have to make do with naps in the car as we traveled from place to place on our trip. If we could get back to the cabin early for an afternoon nap before meeting everyone for dinner, great! But we had to be flexible. Trying to stick to the normal routine all day might make you a bit crazy. You’re not in a normal situation – it’s okay for you to put a pin in the schedule until you’re back home. Again, you know your baby best. Follow her cues and trust her instincts.

What are your best tips for traveling with babies? What has worked and what hasn’t worked so well?

Favorite Travel Memories, Top Five Friday, RebeccaWanderlusting

New Orleans, Louisiana – Revisited

On August 30, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Louisiana, US Travel1 Comment

The city of New Orleans, Louisiana had captivated me long before I ever visited it. I had romanticized the city so much that I knew it needed to be my next trip. Enter Michael. On something like our fourth date, I mentioned my obsession with New Orleans, and he simply said, “well, let’s go then.” I didn’t really think he was being serious, but a few weeks later we were booking our hotel and planning a road trip there. We drove to New Orleans with an overnight stop in Nashville, TN, arriving in Louisiana just in time for dinner. That was two years ago today. Our time in New Orleans was amazing, and though we encountered a few bumps along the way, we didn’t fight once, which is no small feat for a new-ish couple during a 16 hour drive!

Each day was a new adventure, and each night was spent wandering on and around Bourbon Street, Big Ass Beer in hand. My favorite memory of this Louisiana trip is our first full day there: we walked all day, in the rain, popping into stores and bars to try to get dry and toasty. In my humble opinion, New Orleans is prettiest in the rain. While we were there, it was also Southern Decadence, which is NOLA’s pride celebration. This meant that in addition to rain drops, beads and small tubes of lube also fell from the sky. It was a fun festival to partake in and I am glad that our time there fell on the same weekend. This trip is among my all-time favorites for a lot of reasons, but here are nine places and activities that made it so great:

Omni Royal Crescent Hotel: This hotel is a real class act. We ~~lied~~ told them it was our anniversary and they upgraded our room and sent champagne up right after we checked in. Their beds are the comfiest clouds of white linen and their bathrooms are huge. Plus, the location was perfect for us – out of the excitement, but close enough that we could walk almost everywhere we wanted to go.
Cochon Restaurant: We had our first meal in New Orleans here and it gave such a great first impression. Everything we ate was delicious and the atmosphere was very warm and inviting. The restaurant is in the Warehouse District of the city, so it is the perfect place to start out your night if you plan on going out in style. Fair warming: make reservations!
William Faulkner House: Located in a cobblestone alley next to Jackson Square, the William Faulkner house sits perfectly preserved in time. The first floor is a charming bookstore, featuring beautifully bound copies of all the classics. Faulkner wrote his first novel here and it’s a very inspiring place to visit.
Verti Marte: This hidden gem is about a ten minute walk from Bourbon Street and makes the most amazing sandwiches. We had the All That Jazz Sandwich which featured shrimp, deli meat and veggies and was easily one of the best meals we had in New Orleans. The sandwich shop is within a small market and tends to have a line running through it. Be patient though, it’s worth it!
Barataria Preserve: I touched upon this in last week’s blog, but I really, really loved this portion of the Jean Lafitte National Park. We took a four mile hike through the swamp in search of gators and it was amazing. BUT! Learn from our mistake and bring water, not coffee, to quench your thirst while you hike.
Mango Mango: I know, before you say it, I know these slushie/pizza joints or one like it are on every other corner in New Orleans, but hear me out. After hours of drinking and wandering, the pizza at Mango Mango is a lifesaver. It’s perfectly cheesy and thin-crusted and just greasy enough to give you a second wind.
Louis Armstrong Park: If you want to get away from the drinking and debauchery of Bourbon Street, or just want a quiet place to drink your Mango Mango hurricane slushie, Louis Armstrong Park is the place to do it. The park is beautiful and peaceful with well-maintained grounds, ponds and statues of Jazz Greats, like Mr. Armstrong himself.
Carousel Bar: Located in Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, the aptly named Carousel Bar is truly unique. They offer classic cocktails that are freshly made in the center bar as you rotate slowly around it. The drinks are delicious and the bar is gorgeous. The spinning may cause a tiny bit of motion sickness, but I promise it is worth it.
City Park/Lake Pontchartrain: Both of these must-see spots are just a short drive from downtown, and are so, so pretty. You could easily spend a whole afternoon at either destination, but we visited on our last day of our trip which means we were rushing a bit. Both locations would be perfect for a picnic. We strolled through City Park, enjoying the gardens and then moved to the lake to soak in the Louisiana sun on the concrete steps surrounding it.

There were a couple things we missed during this trip that we really wanted to see, including Preservation Hall, Longue Vue House and Marie Laveau’s grave that definitely would have made this list had we been able to visit them. Hopefully that means that we can go back soon and check them out!

Have you ever been to NOLA? Which are your favorite places there?

Up North, Maiden Lake, WI, RebeccaWanderlusting

Up North: A Photo Blog

On July 5, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn US Travel, Wisconsin6 Comments

Of all the places I have traveled, my favorite place of all can be found Up North. A tiny town on a beautiful lake, hours on the boat spent with family, home cooked meals, what more could a girl ask for? I’ve written about Maiden Lake before, but this time I will let the photos do (most of) the talking.

Picture this: A gravel driveway leads to a picturesque cabin perched on a hill overlooking a beautiful lake. The front door leads to a homey kitchen flanked by a bedroom, bathroom and living room, all of which are cozy as can be. At the back of the first floor is a fairly new screened in porch, perfect for catching a glimpse of the true blue lake below or snagging a quick cat nap. Above and below the first floor are more beds to sleep the multitude of house guests that flock to this Midwest Paradise.

From the porch, a thin stone-lined path leads down to a semi-private cove of Maiden Lake; the trees swaying in the light breeze flash views of the cobalt water as you move down the path. Once at the shoreline, the lazy waves from the speedboats racing by lap at the rocks, creating a unique melody.

In the early morning, before the speed boats are allowed to create a wake, the lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming across. The water is calm and it’s glassy surface perfectly reflects the sky above. You could paddle into the center of the lake and almost feel like you’re the only person around.

Once the boat is loaded with all the chips, dips, snacks and booze it can carry,we cruise around the lake, tubing and water-skiing. This was the first year ever that I was able to get up on the skis and take a few turns around the lake. It was exhausting and so gratifying.

In the middle of the day, when the sun is especially hot, we anchor on an edge of the lake to mix the cocktails and go for a swim. The water in Maiden Lake is as clean and cool as they come. The neighbors’ boats circle around the lake as we watch, riding out the waves they make while we talk and laugh and dive into the water to cool off.

The evening activities typically include wine by the lake, sunset cruising, delicious meals, boat parades and perhaps some fireworks. Whatever we choose to do, it is always relaxing and revolves around enjoying the cabin and the lake.

Every year that we make the trip Up North, it seems that I want to stay longer and longer. You can’t beat the peacefulness, the fresh air, the hours spent out on the water… I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I can’t wait until next year.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, RebeccaWanderlusting

Adventures in Gatlinburg, Part 1

On June 24, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Tennessee, US Travel5 Comments

The day we drove to Gatlinburg from Chattanooga was beautiful and sunny. It was a two and a half hour drive that took us through the mountains and through the technicolor nightmare that is Pigeon Forge. We stopped at the Visitor Center to get some Smoky Mountain maps and check out the gift shop before moving on to get groceries for the cabin.

The closest grocery store was Food City in Gatlinburg, so we loaded up on supplies there. Our cabin was up a winding, one way road into the mountains. The drive was a little bit scary with the hairpin turns and steep drops, but the destination was so worth it. It was absolutely stunning; a log cabin perched on a peak with a perfect view of The Great Smoky Mountains.

The cabin had three levels, three bedrooms, three balconies, four bathrooms, a game room and a huge kitchen. We ate a lunch of grilled bratwurst and chips out on the porch and relaxed, all in awe of the view. Once we felt we had memorized every nuanced ridge and treetop, we drove to downtown Gatlinburg to explore and eventually get some dinner. The drive downtown was about 20 minutes each way from our cabin.

There is a parking garage right on the edge of downtown, on the corner of routes 321 and 441 that only charges a maximum of $6 that we utilized frequently (we usually paid less than the max). It’s an easy walk to the main drag from there. Downtown Gatlinburg is an interesting, kitschy city; the street is lined with places with names like Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, Cooters Dukes of Hazard Museum, Doc Collier’s Moonshine, Beef Jerky Outlet, Donut Friar, All Sauced Up Kitchen Fixins, Earthquake the Ride, and an unprecedented amount of Old Tyme Photos. We navigated the streets among the other tourists, feeling like we had been transported to a different world.

We were planning on checking out the Smoky Mountain Brewery, however as a party of six and a half, the wait was 45+ minutes. We walked next door to Cherokee Grille instead. Luckily, we were able to order some Smoky Mountain draft beers there. We ordered a variety of entrees. I had the barbecue grilled chicken with rice and broccoli. The beer was great, the food was good. The service was friendly but a little frantic. After dinner, we strolled back down the parkway, taking in the street performers and sights. That evening, we sat out on the porch in the rocking chairs with a glass of wine. It was heavenly.

The next morning, we ate breakfast at the cabin and headed straight to Smoky Mountain National Park. The drive there took us right through downtown and then into the wilderness. Each drive we took through the park was prettier than the last. Our first stop was the Laurel Falls trail, which was a paved, two and a half mile hike. It had beautiful views but was very crowded. We walked in a single file line behind other hikers, past other hikers and with other hikers behind us; it felt a little like an assembly line.

Once we reached Laurel Falls, it was easy to see what drew in all these people, and, as such, it was hard to take a photo without anyone else in it. Either way, it was a pretty hike. We drove onward to the Chimney Tops picnic area to have our sandwiches. Right next to the multiple picnic tables are some gorgeous rapids to dip your feet into. The water is chilly and the rocks are prime for climbing across to get a better view of the scenery.

You can walk along the rapids a ways, but we moved on to our next hike, Clingman’s Dome, up the mountains. The drive up is lined with many scenic overlooks, which is good because the view is too pretty to put into words. Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the park, so you have to drive quite a ways to get to the parking there. From the parking lot, it’s a half mile hike straight uphill to get to the dome. What’s cool about this hike is that it crosses the Appalachian Trail towards the top.

There is a lazy spiral ramp that leads to the dome, where you can see a 360 degree of the mountains. It is absolutely stunning and I took approximately 100 photos. The way down from the dome was a lot easier than the way up as long as you don’t stop to admire the view.

We stopped at a few other spots to take pictures on the way down, including the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Because we had all been craving margaritas all day, we met back in Gatlinburg for dinner at No Way Jose’s. The margaritas there did not disappoint and the food was good too, albeit pretty typical Tex-Mex fare.

I will say that their homemade salsa that they plunk down on the table just as soon as you sit down is out-of-this-world good. After dinner we walked down to the Sky Lift, which my mom and I had spotted the night before and vowed to try out. It was $16.50 a person for a round trip ticket to head up the mountain in a ski lift bench to the scenic overlook, cafe, and gift shop at the top and back down.

The ride was pretty slow but provided a spectacular view, and the view from the top, of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains, was gorgeous. We gave in and bought the professional photo they took of us on the way up as a souvenir. Our last stop of the evening was Maddog’s Ice Cream and Donuts for a treat before heading back to the cabin. It was a cute, roadside shop with homemade donuts, soft serve, and ice cream. They had some interesting statues outside, along with some picnic tables. We took our ice cream to go and went back to our beautiful view at the cabin, looking forward to another full of hiking.

Trip Planning: Traverse City, MI, RebeccaWanderlusting

Chattanooga, TN Reunion

On June 16, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Tennessee, US Travel2 Comments

We left Chicago at 6:20am after it took me the usual 20 minutes to leave the house (double checking the doors were locking, unplugging every little thing and grabbing a last minute jacket that I never once needed in the 90 degree heat). The drive took about 10 hours with stopping for gas and lunch and the accidental detour we took through historic Downtown Louisville, KY. I like what I saw there though! I wouldn’t mind returning there to explore for a weekend. Once we got towards the Tennessee border, the GPS took us down a rural highway past sprawling farmlands and green topped mountains. Scenic route, indeed.

We stayed in a Comfort Inn and Suites (remember last time?), in Hixson, TN, which is right near Chattanooga. We dropped off our bags, changed clothes, and headed to dinner at the Lakeshore Grille in Chattanooga. My cousin Leslie and her husband, Mike, met us there, and we all sat out on their porch for a drink and some casual fare. The food took quite a while to come out, but they kept us from getting too hungry with plates of homemade potato chips slathered with chipotle ranch.

It was really nice to be able to catch up with our southern kin. We all ordered burgers, which were really good and worth the wait. After dinner, we went back to the hotel and I passed out almost immediately. The next morning, we grabbed something from the little continental breakfast at the hotel and then headed to Falling Water, the small town where our Tennessee family lives. We spent some time chit chatting before going for a walk through the neighborhood.

The significance of this place is that my mom’s father grew up here, and this is where he and my grandma lived when they were first married. His side of the family is still here and we try and come visit as often as we can. Not only because they are so wonderful, but it’s also nice to be able to remember my grandparents through this place they used to live. We walked past the pretty little church they go to, and to the cemetery at the top of a hill, where relatives I never knew are buried. It may sound a little morbid, but it’s actually a really beautiful sunlit clearing.

From there, we walked down the lane to the end, passing farm houses, chickens, and gardens, all farmed in front of the mountains. The natural beauty of this place is almost surreal. After our walk, we made our way to Leslie’s house for a huge, Southern, barbecue lunch of pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, sweet corn casserole, pasta salad, potato casserole and key lime pie.

We ate out on the porch despite the heat, and everyone went back for seconds. The whole meal was just perfect, and put all of our favorite barbecue joints in Chicago to shame. After lunch, we jumped into their pool to cool off and had a couple of pain killer cocktails poolside (pineapple juice, rum, coconut milk and nutmeg). We lounged by the pool for a while, the heat made us a bit lethargic.

Soon enough, we got our act together and Mike and I split off from the group to check out Downtown Chattanooga. Our first stop was Mean Mug Coffeehouse on the south side of Chattanooga. It was a hip spot with local art on the walls and excellent espresso. We also ordered a blackberry scone as a last minute decision and it was such a good one. It was a perfect crumbly yet soft texture and drizzled with icing. I will have dreams about that scone, I know it.

From there, we went to Frazier Street to check out the cute shops and the pedestrian walkway. We liked Luxe Boutique for its cute clothes and accessories and Winder Binder for its amazing collection of books and records for very reasonable prices.

We walked halfway across the pedestrian walkway to the sounds of the River Bend music festival. The walkway offered gorgeous views of the city, Tennessee River and the mountains beyond. To be honest, with what little we saw of it, Chattanooga charmed the pants off of us.

We went back to Falling Water for a solid last visit with my Aunt Sue, Leslie and her husband. We had leftover barbecue for dinner because, yes, it was just that good. We left them with promises to visit again soon, which I fully intend to keep. Mike and I then went back to Chattanooga for a cocktail at Stir, which Leslie had recommended. It was very close to Mean Mug, and we were able to park on the street and walk over. Stir was housed in a beautiful old brick building, with twinkling lights inside and a nice porch outside, which is where we sat.

Stir is known for their “artisanal ice” which means that their drinks all come with interestingly shaped ice. My delicious Elderflower Sour came with a large rectangular cube in it. The drinks were good and the service was wonderful. It definitely ended the Chattanooga leg of our trip on a high note. The next morning we hit the road again on our way to Gatlinburg, TN.