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Private Notes
Join Emmy Award--winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in SE Wisconsin's unique communities. In the first of this 13-episode weekly series, experience Bay View along with John as he checks out the Lake Express Ferry, goes inside Klement's, and chats with residents. He finds food and fun at Pastiche Bistro, Riviera Maya, Lulu's, and Sugar Maple, learns how food is grown at Sweet Water Organics, "chills on the hill," relaxes at Tonic, visits the Boulevard Theater and asks Alderman Zielinski to sum up the neighborhood. And, as will happen in every episode, historian John Gurda shares the history and emographics of the area.
John McGivern introduces some of the people and places that make Wauwatosa unique-- and a little cranky! In the village, John chats at LaRev and outside the old fire station; he strolls with Joe Bartolotta; and, he finds John Gurda at the Little Red Store. There's music, flowers, food, treats, creativity--and one place John can't wait to go: The Irish Fest headquarters. This is the only episode in which John goes from Hoyt Pool in the summer to the curling club where it feels like winter! Where else can you go to church, the movies and to Hawaii all in half an hour?
John visits a neighborhood you either know well or not at all--Riverwest. New, hot businesses like Flux Design and Café Corazon, are just down the block from places that have defined the neighborhood for decades like Ma Bensch and Woodland Pattern. Gems like the Polish Falcons and St Casimir's Church have been creating community in the neighborhood for literally more than a hundred years! This episode is jam packed with co-ops and community activists, bikes, books, artists, parks, bars, clubs and yoga! Add John Gurda, and now you'll really get to know Riverwest!
John McGivern doesn't have much time to catch his breath in this episode, because Cedarburg is a busy place! Could there be any more to eat and drink? Between the restaurants and winery at Cedar Creek Settlement, Amy's Candy Kitchen, The Java House, PJ Pipers Pancake House, Out & Out and Wayne's Drive In, John gets plenty full! But, he found lots to do that's not food related, too. John discovers that the shops on Washington Avenue offer everything from jewelry to home goods to lawn art to toys. He visits the Cultural Center, the General Store Museum, and stops to chat with the Pastors at Advent Lutheran Church. Then there's the vegetable farm, salon, quilt museum, performing arts center, a walk through the famous covered bridge... so much that you just have to watch!
John McGivern heads north on I-43 to explore Sheboygan. Did you know that you can surf, go the theater, shop the oldest hardware store in Wisconsin, learn about Hmong culture, the history of Sheboygan and eat the most delicious hard rolls in the state all with about three miles? John Gurda starts off on the lakefront, and it's a short trip to great destinations like the Kohler Art Center, the Blue Harbor and Bookworm Gardens. Mix in a little Frisbee golf (oops, sorry -- we mean Disc Golf!) and terrific employers like Acuity and Torke Coffee, add an outstanding Riverfront, and top it all off with fantastic cuisine or a mouthwatering Sheboygan classic - a double Brat. John describes Sheboygan as "comfortable," and you'll soon agree!
Step out of the city and join John McGivern in Burlington, a place where baseball, burgers and sailing are the pastimes of choice. John wishes you could smell this episode, because Burlington smells sweet--like chocolate! He meets Fred and his world famous burgers, experienced true community theatre; and, John soon realizes he is not a construction worker, but could be a car salesman! With Brown's Lake right there, John couldn't resist the opportunity to experience what it's like to live on a lake in the summer. It doesn't get any sweeter than this!
You're going to love this episode, because everyone loves Brady Street! John Gurda explains how this historic neighborhood developed into a "live local" haven with extremely loyal residents. Nowhere else will you find longstanding icons Glorioso's, Sciortino's, Roman Coin, and Wolski's next door to newcomers like Thai-namite, Hybrid and Dry Hootch. At Zaffiro's and Cempazuchi's, John could have spent the whole episode eating, but he shops and visits, too, because the unique people and places on Brady Street can't be found anywhere else. He explores vintage goods at Dragon Fly, Art Smart Dart Mart, Fabrizio Capelli Salon, Saints and Sinners Tattoo Co.; and, talks with Father Tim at Three Holy Women. What a place! It all fits on Brady Street because it is "Wide Open".
Milwaukee's Third Ward is literally saturated with creative people, and John McGivern meets many contributing to the creative vibe of the area, including an artist and art critic, an opera singer, and media producers. John finds a company that hasn't changed locations or products in 50 years; stops and shops at Lela and Retique, heads over to Broadway Paper and swings by the Public Market. Ready for fun, he heads to SPiN, the Wicked Hop, and tours the rest of the Third Ward. If you haven't visited in a while, you won't recognize it because this community has been "reinvented"!
John McGivern explores one of only three "Greenbelt" communities in the United States—Greendale! John Gurda certainly knows tons about this planned community built by the FDR Administration in 1936, but it's John McGivern who explores Greendale today and discovers its fantastic character. John learns why sections of Greendale are so defined, and it doesn't take him long to hear the defining sound of downtown Greendale, where barbershop quartets are alive and well. John meets a barber who's been in the community for 40 years, and visits the Taste of Home Test Kitchen at the Greendale Visitor Center. He tours the local bakery, malt shop and the Shoppe Around the Corner. John also visits a lime farm, where they don't grow limes, and becomes a weed-out-warrior while discovering this true Wisconsin Original!
Where is Lincoln Village? John McGivern finds out this south side Milwaukee neighborhood is anchored by St Josaphat's Basilica on the east and Forest Home Cemetery on the west. Talk about a melting pot! John finds authentic Mexican boots, candy, food and bakery right across the street from the Polish deli, down the block from the Serbian restaurant. There are bikers and boxers, an architect and an audio engineer. And Kosy Park (that's what the locals call Kosciuszko Park) is the heart of it all with a community center that truly serves the community. History is important here and so John talks to the folks at Urban Anthropology and a resident who has called the same house his home for 84 years. And speaking of history, John Gurda not only tells the history of the neighborhood, but shares a bit of his own, too!
We wrap up the first season of Around the Corner with John McGivern where John starts and ends everyday -- East Town. As Milwaukee's center of commerce, people have always worked in East Town. The businesses are local and global, really big and really tiny. Places like the Pfister and London Cleaners have been here forever, but newcomers continue to add to this ever-changing community. In the last few decades, there's been a real resurgence of people who come to live and play here, too. Home to the theater district, the art museum, and some of the best restaurants and street food in the state, there's always something to do (and eat!). But as a resident, John invites you to hang out at Buckley's, on "the W's" or in Cathedral Square, and come grocery shopping with him and meet his friend, Madeline. John Gurda says it was called Juneau Town, it's been known as Yankee Hill, we all call it Downtown, but John McGivern calls East Town "home".
The first episode of the second season is Shorewood, so named because it's situated between the shore of Lake Michigan and the woods along the Milwaukee River -- at least that's what John Gurda says, and who's going to doubt him? This close knit community, with its churches, restaurants and zillion salons, feels familiar because of some long-standing community treasures. Ever gone to Hubbard Park Lodge, climbed the stairs of Atwater Park, eaten at Benji's Deli or seen a show at Shorewood High School? Chances are that you have. But have you been impressed by the Table Tennis Club, sat on the roof of the Garden Room, had a custom garment created at Sophisticated Rose or licked the salt from your fingers at Goody Gourmet's? It's the combination of old and new that make Shorewood a truly great place on a great lake!
If you knew that Mineral Point was the birthplace of Wisconsin, you are either a resident of Mineral Point or John Gurda! We did anticipate that it wouldn't be called Mineral Point if it weren't for minerals, so we couldn't wait to visit Merry Christmas Mine and the Pendarvis Historic Site. But we quickly learned that the main attraction today isn't zinc, it's art. There's weaving, potting, acting, singing, sculpting and glass making, not to mention cheese making. Don't laugh - the cheese that comes out of Hook's is art in and of itself! We discovered one of the great opera houses left in Wisconsin, the most friendly mailman you'll ever meet, and the only library we've ever been in that encourages graffiti. All that and so much more in this charming, hospitable and well preserved community.
We love Kenosha, and this episode! So many "firsts" for us here: first civil war museum, first velodrome, first trolley car, first dinosaur, first visit to Tenuta's and the first time John played on a ladies bocce ball team! The rebirth of downtown Kenosha is nothing short of invigorating. And even though we were hot (average temp when we shot was 104), we were enchanted as well. There's nowhere else that you'll find an artist in a light house, a couple selling tuxedos and Hawaiian shirts, a charter boatload of Illinois fisherman and the communications director of Jockey International talking incessantly with such excitement about underwear! And it all works!
There's nothing like going "up north" in Wisconsin in summer. And where is that, exactly? It may be different for you, but when John McGivern was a kid, "up north" was where his family would vacation. So for this episode, John goes back to Waupaca Chain of Lakes and finds it as relaxing and friendly as ever. We found idyllic cottages along the banks and boats of all kinds in the water. And the people who own them... they are so lucky! In Waupaca (that's a city), discover charming businesses like Freckled Frogg and Furniture by Todd. In King (that's a town), be moved at the Veterans Home. In Rural (another town), visit with a life-long resident, and at Camp Onaway (that's an island), envy the joy of youth. Summer in Wisconsin doesn't' get any better than this!
Walker's Point is by far the most diverse place we've been. Seriously! Just try to find another community that has a blues bar, a roof top garden overlooking a giant four-sided clock, a distillery, the best boutique hotel in the country, countless restaurants, one of John's favorite stores, a 350 pound city founder, and a horse stable! See? You can't. We loved the people and the feel of Walker's Point, and John Gurda loved that he didn't have to study even one bit to tell us the history! And the fact that we were in our own backyard made the whole experience comfortable, easy and too much fun!
On the northwest bank of Lake Winnebago in the Fox Valley, we were thrilled to explore the idyllic community of Neenah. How can you pass up a community that bills itself as the world headquarters of world headquarters? And even if that title can't be proven, Neenah is proof that even though industry changes, communities can reinvent themselves. Both Johns get schooled in this episode -- John Gurda learned about the paper potentates, and John McGivern goes to 8th grade math class. We found paper weights, music and manhole covers galore, and of course John eats well yet again. We're pretty sure that Rapunzel lives in Neenah, and East Wisconsin Avenue has some of the best real estate we've ever seen. Such an attractive community!
We knew about the Les Paul connection, but there are so many gems in Waukesha that were a joy to discover. This was our first (and maybe only) "five points" community. A magic and joke shop, great chocolate, sewing supplies, beads, great food, old-fashioned ice cream and tattoos, all within about a five minute walk. Add the oldest college in the State, 27 guitars (10 of them are giant!), and put John McGivern in a giant pink flamingo, and then we knew we really had something! And best of all, we dispelled our fear that we wouldn't find our way back out! But after spending the week, we weren't too eager to leave anyway. The "Sha" is hot!
Did you know that ours is the only state Capitol on an isthmus? We liked everything about the isthmus. We even like the word "isthmus." And John Gurda loved it because it's bike rider heaven! John McGivern loved it because from State Street to Willy Street, there's a vibe here that doesn't exist anywhere else in the State. All John had to do was tour the Capitol and the UW campus to realize that "active" has many meanings here in Madison. But Madison produces more than laws and students, like great food and all things Sconnie. After exploring for just four, beautiful Fall days, we fully understand why students and residents alike have such passion for this city. On Wisconsin!
Wow! And fun! Talk about something for everyone. The Wisconsin Dells has natural wonders and manmade adventures, decades-old businesses and brand new attractions - and we loved it all! Water -- as in a flood - is what formed the landscape, and water -- as in waterpark park capitol of the world -- is what makes the Wisconsin Dells the number one tourist destination in the State. Yes, John will try anything once, so he screams down the water slides, cruises up the rivers, bounces around the curves of the go cart track, and flies under the parking lot in a roller coaster and over a lake on a zipline. We discover HoChunk pride, appreciate HH Bennett's genius, and then there's Swiss Maid Fudge and Paul Bunyun's. Need we say more?
Take a drive down Sherman Blvd., turn the corner to Grant Boulevard and then backtrack to 47th street, and you will see some of the finest and most varied residential architecture in Wisconsin. Sherman Park has so much to offer--not just architecturally, but racially, culturally, and cuisinely (is that a word?)! Looking for the largest Orthodox Jewish population in the State? How about an old gas station that now pumps coffee, or a neighborhood hospital that has anchored the community for 125 years? Here, businesses (large and small), neighbors (black and white), and cultures (American, Asian and Jewish), all come together to create a close knit community that feels so much like what we wish all of Milwaukee could be. Everyone is welcome!
It's called the city of seven hills, but Lake Michigan is why Port Washington exists. Ewigs built their business on it, artist Shirley Gruen paints it, yacht builder Bill Prince is inspired by it, the people who publish Sailing Magazine write about it, and the people who built their house using the pebbles they gathered from its shore really got the most out of it! At the intersection where Grand Avenue meets Franklin Street, look east and you'll see first clean and arguably the most modern marina in Wisconsin. Look north and you'll be completely taken with St Mary's on the top of the hill, but don't look past one of the most quintessential main streets of the season, packed with businesses old and new. Look down and you might see some of Port Washington's most famous product, Allen Edmonds shoes! It was a complete joy to explore.
John McGivern has always wanted to go back to college (to visit, not to study!). Even though UW-Whitewater is a big part of this community and a big part of this episode, it's not all students, academics, theater and sports. Ever wonder what it would be like to own a coffee shop and bakery in a college town? (Busy!) Or how about owning a sports bar? (Busier!) What if you owned an off campus rental company? (Busiest!) For visitors and residents alike there's plenty to do, and a short jaunt to the Fuzzy Pig is required. Of course, we told John that a look inside Shockwave Haunts was also required, and he still hasn't recovered! Whitewater buzzes and hums along and makes you want to just go with the flow.
In this episode, we slow things down for a relaxing, completely beautiful Fall visit to the quiet part of Door County. From Sister Bay, to Ellison Bay, all the way to the Washington Island Ferry, John not only found colorful leaves, but colorful characters as well! Join him at a fish boil, get up on the roof of Al Johnson's with the goats, relax at a real retreat, choose a great book, bowl, and, of course, eat! Northern Door County--now that we know how idyllic it is in the Fall, we can't wait to come back for the other three seasons!
John Gurda, our resident historian, author and friend, has been schooling John McGivern for two seasons now. In 26 communities around our state of Wisconsin, John Gurda has had three minutes in each community to share the history, geography and demographics of the area. Yep. Just three minutes, and John Gurda thinks that's too short, too! So in this special one hour episode, John Gurda gets to go a little more in depth as he expounds on eight specific locations: The Milwaukee River Greenway, Walker's Point, Forest Home Cemetery, Port Washington, the Wisconsin Dells, Madison, Greendale, and the old National Soldiers Home. Even an hour is too short, but we are sure that you're going to learn something. John McGivern sure did, and he enjoyed every minute of it. You will, too!
Wausau is our first "half-and-half" community -- we shot half of the episode in the winter when it was zero degrees, and the other half in the summer when it was 100! But with extreme temperatures came extreme fun. John didn't know of the many things there are to do in Wausau that start with "snow." You can tube, board, shoe, sculpt, mobile, ball and cone (think about it...). And then there's "ice" -- skate, fish, race, curl and cream (that one was easier). And of course in summer, when all that melts, you have rushing waters perfect for kayaking and a mountain (well, a big hill really) perfect for hiking, biking and exploring. But we didn't stay outside for the whole episode. It's comfortable year round at Carmelo's Supper Club, the Woodside Art Museum, Bull Falls Brewery, The Grand Theatre and Back When Caf. This episode has the distinction of being the most heavily "McGiverned" episode yet -- it's just about bursting with McGiverns!
Chippewa Falls' roots are literally roots -- of the white pines that fed the world's largest lumber mill and put Chippewa Falls on the map. Well, the lumberjacks may be gone, but John learned very quickly that the hard working, harder playing character of Chippewa Falls is still alive and well. Know what else he learned? Leinenkugel's started here in 1867 to serve the thirsty lumberjacks. The supercomputer was invented here by Seymour Cray. The largest dog park and the second oldest zoo in Wisconsin both call this city home. And the Yellowstone Trail runs right through Chippewa Falls. Right? John was impressed, too. But as you probably know by now, John isn't most impressed by just the facts. It's the residents that put the smile on his face - and the knowledge that he didn't have to have a membership to get into the local supper club! As this episode shows, Chippewa Falls is not for members only -- it's for everybody!
Everyone knows that State Fair, the Milwaukee Mile, the Pettit Center, and Candy Cane Lane are in West Allis. But have you taken the time recently to experience them? We were delighted. And everyone remembers that Allis Chalmers was here. But have you been back lately to see the redevelopment and renovation? We were amazed. When we poked around Quadgraphics and the West Allis Historical Society, we were enlightened (in different ways), and at Rupenas and Antigua we were blissfully stuffed! And you may have shopped at Record Head or the famous West Allis Farmers Market, but have you given in to your addiction at Onionmania? (Best name ever for a store, by the way!). We didn't head into West Allis in search of the landmarks, but we found the first three in about 10 minutes! Then we spent five of the fastest, most jam-packed days ever -- and we loved every minute!
As John says, Oconomowoc will make you jealous. Wait until you see the homes and the lakes (and the homes on the lakes) and the Batmobile! No kidding -- Batman and Robin live here, didn't you know? Then maybe you also don't know that in Oconomowoc you'll find: The oldest complete stained glass window at Oakbrook Esser (and the other unbelievable windows that Paul makes); Sacred Indian Lotuses that only exist in the U.S. just off Terry and Dirk's pier in Lac la Belle; A marble dog bathtub in the Marjorie Ward estate; The more than 100 million sq. ft. (not a typo!) Roundy's distribution center; and Brownberry Bread being made at the rate of 180 loaves a minute! In downtown Oconomowoc, kids can learn to cook, adults can mediate and worship, horses can be outfitted and, of course, everyone can eat. See? John was right -- but don't be jealous, just settle in and enjoy this hard to spell town in the heart of Lake Country. Yes, Oconomowoc already has a lot of O's, but let us add one more: O-utstanding!
Everyone we met in La Crosse was so laid back, friendly and physically fit! Must be because there's so much to do. John spent a week in this Mississippi River town talking to people who were biking, boating, praying (perpetually for over 100 years!) brewing, learning, teaching, La Crossing (is that the verb for playing La Crosse?) and parading! On any given day, the Chancellor is jamming, the servers at Rudy's are skating, the staff at LHI is growing, and when it's Oktoberfest, the whole town is celebrating! Whew! We told you so - La Crosse is busy! The recreational opportunities are overwhelming -- in a good way, the scenery is breathtaking -- in an inspiring way, and the people are charming -- in a genuine way. We loved the vibe -- and all the verbs -- in La Crosse!
This neighborhood has the key ingredients of a Metro Milwaukee realtor’s dream: location, great housing stock and location! Throw in the fact that the neighborhood businesses, services and artists are flourishing on North Avenue and Vliet Street, and this community truly sells itself. Unfortunately, John couldn't sample the wares at Meritage orEat Cake, or indulge with the ladies from the 53rd Street Book Club. Bad week for John McGivern to have a "procedure" scheduled! But he got the "all clear" in time to meet some Irish friends at McBob's and O'Briens. John was give the best gift ever by the owners of Gietl Signgs. He was fascinated to see African hair braiding, tried to run a movie at the legendary Times Cinema (no more film, John!), and the neighbors introduced him to his first Little Free Library.
In every episode of Around the Corner with John McGivern, historian John Gurda rides in and shares the history of whichever community we're featuring. Truth is, some stories are more interesting than others, and sometimes John Gurda just can't stop after three minutes. That's why we created The Gurda Hour -- we didn't want him to stop, either! In the final episode of Season 3, John Gurda covers, in a more in depth way, the history of six topics: The Milwaukee River, Norskedalen, the Manhattan Project of WWII in West Allis, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin's two Basilicas, and Three Bridges Park in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. Who knew history could be so interesting? Well, everybody knows now! Thanks, John Gurda.
Plymouth is a community of Makers: Sargento makes cheese, Drewry Farms makes maple syrup, artists make art (don't say it - duh!), Plymouth Foam makes those giant foam airplanes, Shelly makes cupcakes, a myriad of volunteers help Linda make Camo Quilts, Road America makes Johns adrenalin pump, Allechant Boutique makes men long for the good old days, and John Gurda, by asking us to meet him at a Giant Cow, made our day! Know what else is made in Plymouth? Friendships, fun and a lasting impression that will always bring a warm spot to our hearts which is a good thing since it was about 20 degrees when we started shooting. But still, we couldn't have asked for a warmer start to Season 4. Plymouth is like a favorite sweater comfy cozy!
In Green County they say, oecheese is life! And there is a lot of Swiss (cheese, people and cows!), but for you shoppers, there's more for sale than just cheese. Need a robot, or a drive-in movie ticket, or some homemade soap, or how about some of the best food we've ever tasted? For you animal lovers, Monroe offers more than cows. We found prehistoric sheep (for real!) and purple martins (we know not an animal, a bird). And for those of you looking for a new hobby, you'll be inspired by the mystery writer who doubles as the mayor, the town clown and more than 100 accordion players who accompany the Monroe City Band. Without a doubt, Monroe has the best court house we've seen and the best yodeler we've ever heard, and the best Limburger Johns ever tasted (OK, it was his one and only taste, but he might eat more someday). No doubt: Monroe is a town that can stimulate all the senses!
So Menomonee Falls is a village. Sounds small, right? Wrong! This village is giant, and is home to some really big things. Kohls is a big employer and since John is a big shopper, he was happy to get big savings at the local store. The Menomonee Falls Little League is the biggest in the state. The garden scale train set at Shady Lane is the biggest in the Midwest. There's big attraction for history fans at Old Falls Village, and a big opportunity for creative types at Just Kiln Time. The synchronized swimming team and their coach are a truly a big deal. The neighborhoods have big community spirit, and the menu at Harvey Moys? Need we say it? Of course its Ernie Von Schledorns jingle that made Main Street in Menomonee Falls a destination, so wed be remiss if we didn't ask: Who do you know wants to go to Menomonee Falls? We do! And after seeing this episode, you will too!
Overachieving. That's what the oeO in Oshkosh stands for! Yep, we found the famous stuff in Oshkosh that all Wisconsinites know about - EAA, Hughes Chocolates, Silver Star Brands (Miles Kimball), Oshkosh Truck. But then we were introduced (by our dear friend Amy Leach) to Julies Touch of Silver (so NOT what you're thinking), Lakeside Plastics (NOT producing what you expect) and Ardy & Eds (EXACTLY what you long for!). Maybe you do know that Oshkosh is on the largest inland lake in the state and is home to the Miss Wisconsin Pageant every year. But unless you live there, you have never seen an overachieving YMCA like this before! We promise: this episode is going to surprise you. It sure surprised John. The city has changed and grown some since his college days spent at the U of Oshkosh. Hmm 40 years can do that, John!
SB can stand for Sturgeon Bay the city, or Sturgeon Bay the body of water. If you ask John what oeSB stands for and hell say Super Busy! In the city of Sturgeon Bay, we nearly lost John to the many freelance opportunities he found. He loves WDOR, the local radio station, and could work at Third Avenue Playhouse tomorrow. He tried glass-blowing at Popelka Trenchard Glass and also visited Blue Front, Country Ovens, Scaturos, Holiday Music Motel and Snug Harbor.
John didn't know there are so many big things in the little village of Brown Deer! There's a big high school, big companies like Badger Meter and TAPCO, and River Lane Inn and Larrys Market attract big crowds. But there's also smaller companies with big doings. Modus Designs may be a little firm, but their designs and vision are huge. Peabody Interiors may look small from the street, but they house big creativity and a lot of very cool stuff into their eight showrooms. Poco Loco is the smallest restaurant with the biggest tastes that we've ever loved!
How is a community of 1200 people home to two outstanding performing arts theaters, Frank Lloyd Wrights Taliesin and the most beautiful cave in the upper Midwest? What about the Ring Brothers? Wait until you see their work. Ninas Department Store can seemingly transport you back in time. Wisconsin Riverside Resort has harnessed nature. The Opal Mans creations are completely mesmerizing. And somehow there is a full size carousel inside the House on the Rock! Add to that the spell that White House Theater cast over John and the crew, and you, too, will have no other explanation: Magic!
South Milwaukee has a sports memorabilia museum that makes your jaw drop, the only NASCAR store in Wisconsin, a Martial Arts Master and a huge park to play any sport you want. We didn't just find sports seekers in Grant Park. We found Nels the historian and bird nerds, and down the block, the only hosta-holics we ever met. South Milwaukee also has everything you need to woo your loved one. There are flowers, jewelry, a night at the theater and a restaurant with 20 flavors of margaritas!
John and the crew finally made it to the very northern tip of Wisconsin. Bayfield sticks out into what is by volume the largest freshwater lake in North America the third largest in the world! Thats why its called Superior did you know that? (Yes, we learned that from John Gurda.) So youd expect to go fishing, swimming, boating and kayaking, right? But how about doing all that surrounded by 22 islands? Yes, islands. Its like our own Caribbean, only colder. In fact, in the winters when the conditions are right, there are ice caves and people come from all over the world to see them. In summer, you can take the ferry, like John did, and explore the largest island, Madeline, by bike, car or foot. When John found the Madeline Island Art School, he wanted to enroll right then and there. But theres plenty to do back in Bayfield, too. Youll find good food at Ethels at 250, great entertainment at Big Top Chautauqua, and if youre lucky, youll see a ghost or two as you explore the cemeteries. (Hint: go with Mrs. Currie Bell. She died in 1882 and has the inside scoop!) Or just relax, be a tourist, and soak up the New England-like atmosphere. If John could figure out a way to shorten the drive, hed spend every summer weekend in Bayfield!
Do you know where Silver City is? Don't feel bad - we didn't either, and it turns out it's a Milwaukee neighborhood that's only two miles from the MPTV studios! But now that we've experienced it, we'll never forget it, and we'll be back often. What a thrill for John to stand on Joy Global's giant shovel and be able to see the whole neighborhood - from Miller Park to the Mitchell Park Domes, up and down National Avenue. But it's best experienced at street level because that's where we found lawyers (our first in four seasons!) School Sisters of St. Francis, wood carvers who make the most unbelievable kitchen utensils, restaurant owners of nearly every ethnicity, the dedicated staffs of the Journey House and the Urban Ecology Center, and we could go on and on. Oh, that's right. John did go on and on, and we could hardly keep up. Silver City is a real gem in Milwaukee. Keep shining!
“You can’t go back.” Really? John did – and loved every minute rediscovering the East Side of Milwaukee neighborhood in which he grew up. And in our attempt to find the locations of some of John’s most cherished childhood memories, we found some really great new places, too. He couldn’t wait to walk us through his paper route. Lisa’s Pizza is still there, and still great.
This is a bucket list kind of community.
During this season’s travels, John identified seven topics he wanted to explore in depth.
John had expectations about Fond du Lac. He expected to find a city that is intertwined with Lake Winnebago. But he didn't expect wind surfing to be a year round sport, or that sturgeon spearing would be more like dinosaur hunting! Speaking of hunting, John didn't expect that talking to Wisconsin's turkey commander meant trekking through farm fields and sitting in a turkey blind. He also didn't expect to meet a dog sled musher or his 15 huskies, but once he was there, he knew he'd love the ride! John did expect to walk about five miles while at Mercury Marine because who hasn't driven by and thought, "THAT is a city!" He expected Fond du Lac to offer good food (OK, that one is really more a demand than an expectation), and Schreiner's, Jim and Linda's Lakeview Supper Club and Kelley Country Creamery delivered. He expected the memories to come flooding back when he got to Saint Lawrence Seminary. They did. He expected John Gurda to know the history and Mike McGivern to find a great prep sports team. They did. He expected the French name to mean Lake of Fondue. It doesn't. Now you can expect to enjoy Fond du Lac --- we did!
Once upon a time, the most affluent addresses in Milwaukee were on Grand Avenue. The name of the Avenue was changed to Wisconsin Avenue in the 1920's, and since, this city neighborhood has been touched by time in every way possible. When time takes its toll, reinvention and reinvestment can turn back the hands of time. The Eagles Club had fallen into disuse, but in the nick of time the Rave came along, opening the doors for music enthusiasts of all kinds. The Ambassador Hotel had fallen on hard times as well, but along came renovation and vision, and now it's one of the best hotels in the city! There are institutions here that help us keep up with the times, like WISN-TV, the Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language and the ever-expanding Marquette University. But if you want to be transported back in time, go to the Pabst mansion or to North America's oldest prayer space, St. Joan of Arc Chapel. John's favorite time? Lunch time! Choosing between Daddy's, Miss Katies and the Five O'Clock Steakhouse was too hard, so John made time for all of them! So guess what time it is: Time to go to Avenues West!
We wish you could have seen John's face when he experienced Fort Atkinson for the first time. When we walked into Nasco's demo room where health care professionals were practicing life-saving skills on realistic looking body parts, his chin hit the floor. When he saw the fence around the rock that marks the spot of Atkinson's original fort, his eyebrows furrowed with puzzlement. When we told him to get in the canoe, his eyes widened with joy. (John Gurda's widened with fear!) When he slid down the slide at Busy Barns Adventure Farm, his smile was ear to ear. But when they put a goat in his lap, well, let's just say that his expression changed to one of panic! When he heard Bill sing at Café Carpe, his eyes closed in serenity. And when he tasted the sweet potato soufflé at The Fireside Dinner Theatre, his mouth watered with sheer joy. Fort Atkinson made John even more expressive than usual --- and that's not easy to do!
They call it Legendary Lake Mills. But as we explored this idyllic community, we uncovered facts, not legends. John Gurda warned us that some people believe that in the bottom of Rock Lake there are ancient pyramids. Others believe they are rock formations caused by geological shifts. Hence our first Fact: Rock Lake has either pyramids or rock formations, and if you want to debate it, we're not getting in the middle of it! Fact: Tyranena Brewing Company is the place to meet. Fact: Water House Foods and Doyle's Dogs personify the Lake Mills spirit: True quality --- of both people and food! (Oh, and John loves to eat. That's also a fact.) Fact: This is a city full of active people who really love to get outside and enjoy exercise and life. Fact: Ephraim Pottery is tremendously cool. Fact: Old Churches without active congregations in Lake Mills are recycled and reused, and John really wants to live in an old church - and Cynthia Weston's "chouse" is the one he wants most. Fact: Commons Park is really a town square shaped like a triangle --- and it's as charming as can be. Fact: Lake Mills will always be Legendary to us!
Where? That's what we thought. Just make your way to Brass Ball Corners. Of course if you're not a local, you're still lost. So google Wilmot, Twin Lakes, Paddock Lake, Salem, Bristol... These towns and others west of I-94 within Kenosha County make up the area now known as Westosha. But even once we got there we weren't always sure where we were. Rural Wisconsin? Lake Country? Key West Florida? Small Town USA? 16th Century England? Within Westosha, you can feel like you are in any or all of those places. What did we find? Cheese, lakes, horses, winged sprint cars, more cheese, charming small towns, more horses, waterskiing nuts, great food, the Ren Faire, scenic views that stole our breath away and people who stole our hearts. While we were in Westosha, we often heard people describe it as the quiet side of Kenosha County. Well, John enjoyed everyone we talked to so much that he's decided to stop in more often. So be warned: it might not be the quiet side of Kenosha County for long!
Wow! West Bend totally surprised us. Yes, we know it's only an hour northwest of Milwaukee, but we didn't know that this city has it all - and then some. West Bend is home to some true Wisconsin treasures. Where else are you going to find a fire fighting apparatus collection, a private zoo complete with celebrity bears named Lewis and Clark AND world class trombone musicians and craftsmen that will show you how they make trombones? John made some treasured memories too as he made soap, pickled watermelon rinds (and ate them, too --- truly yummy!), nosed around a fantastic downtown residence that used to be a hardware store and took orders at the local custard and burger shop. The girls at A Conversation Piece really got him talking, and the gigantic painting at the spectacular Museum of Wisconsin Art left him speechless. As John said, we're so glad that West Bend is close to Milwaukee because we love West Bend!
Talk about hanging with the cool kids! Just north of downtown Milwaukee, this neighborhood is the definition of revitalization. As soon as you set foot in historic Brewers Hill, you feel more eclectic, down to earth, conscientious and energetic. So much is old and so much is new and it's all blended perfectly. Schlitz Park alone could be a whole episode. Across the street at the building known as the Fortress, one of the oldest buildings in the neighborhood, we found one of the "techiest" companies we've ever met. And in one of the oldest Lutheran churches in the city is an active congregation that is taking on education and thriving with the changing the times. And there's plenty of fun to be had in this neighborhood, too. You have to experience Lakefront Brewery, the only brewery in Brewers Hill. Stroll through the most spectacular garden that you didn't know is there, catch some Shakespeare in the Park, row down the Milwaukee River or catch a game and some great food at SkyBox sports bar. We have to admit that as Milwaukeeans, we have a special affinity for the Brewers Hill neighborhood and its people. And it was great for John to be one of the cool kids --- even for just a little while!
There is no truer definition of "North woods" than the area of northern Wisconsin that includes Hayward. There are two kinds of people you'll meet "Up North" --- those who want to relax and those who don't. No matter which type you are, Hayward is the right place. You can enjoy all the conveniences of a great city, and then be in total wilderness in less than 20 minutes from downtown Hayward. We started - where else? - in the shadow of the giant fish at the National Freshwater Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame. The first thing John realized is that there are two ways to spell the name of the type of fish that the sculpture represents: Muskie or Musky, depending on who he talked to. But in the end, it doesn't matter because anyone lucky enough to catch one spells it T-R-O-P-H-Y! There are two preferred ways to get around in Hayward --- by boat or by skis. There are two kinds of wood workers --- those who use tools to make furniture and those who use chainsaws to make art. There are two kinds of lumberjacks at Fred Sheers --- the winners and the losers. There are two kinds of residents --- summer (the majority) and year round (the minority). There are two kinds of housing --- cabins in the woods or cabins on a lake. It took all week, but John did master the spelling of "Birkiebeiner": B-I-R-K-I-E! He also changed the spelling of Hayward to H-E-A-V-E-N!
Well, let's see. There's a village, a city, a lake and a high school all named Pewaukee. What's next, Pewaukee County? Well, John did find Pewaukee the State --- of mind, that is - and it's friendly, fun and relaxing. "Friendly" perfectly describes Connie Watt (yep, JJ's mom), the folks at American Transmission Company and the owner and grandson of Century fence. Actually, we could put everyone we met in this category... But "Fun" is the only way to describe Silly Willyz! "Relaxing?" Well, it was relaxing when John went fishing off the pier at Smokey's Bait shop and puttered around the lake on Loerhke's incredible pontoon boat. But it was not so relaxing when he got the MPTV van towed by Ken Weber, or when he appeared in front of Judge Melissa Murray. It was relaxing when he smelled the alligator (with no alligator in it) meatloaf at the Beer Depot and when he sat back and enjoyed Louie's famous fillet at The Butler Inn of Pewaukee. It was not so relaxing when the firefighter driving the hover boat moved over to let John drive...
Baraboo isn't clowning around when it comes to fun things to do. Well it is, but in the best possible way. It's easy to say the circus heritage and present celebration of everything the Ringlings built are the heart of this town. But in Baraboo, the greatest show is actually the community that thrives here. Do you know what Sysco does? Unless you own a restaurant, we bet you don't. Can't find that out of print book that you've always wanted? We know where you can get it. Do you think you already own every kitchen gadget? Bekah Kate can sell you tons of stuff you don't have. Ever been to a casino that will teach you how to win at Blackjack? Then you need to go to Ho-Chunk University. Have you enjoyed the best caramel apple crumble pie in the world? Since John made it himself at Log Cabin, we're pretty sure you haven't. Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages can do all that AND enjoy the Greatest Show on Earth in Baraboo. As Singing Ringmaster Dave Salutos says, this is a place where you can be 14 again. Finally! A place where John can really be himself!
How is it possible that atmosphere in the area around East North Avenue hasn't changed since John was a kid? The truth is that this part of Milwaukee has always had a busy, eclectic vibe. Such vitality, such camaraderie, such noise! The only quiet we found was in the ultra-cool East Library, which doesn't look or feel like the library of John's youth, that's for sure. Everything in this neighborhood is unique. That's why John is not the only one who frequents particular businesses and institutions that call the East North Avenue neighborhood home. There are some destinations that are truly Milwaukee classics: The Landmark Oriental Theatre, Landmark Bowl, Von Trier, Beans & Barley and Villa Terrace, just to name a few. Even the neighbors who haven't been here forever have the East North Avenue vibe. John was completely comfortable at UWM's Peck School of the Arts in the Kenilworth Building, the Standard Apartments above the new library, and especially at Dewan Dental. No kidding --- so comfortable we had to wake him to leave! East North Avenue is proof for John that you absolutely CAN go home, because this neighborhood will always BE home.
You don't have to be a Green Bay Packer fan to be a fan of Green Bay. After all, the Packers aren't the only great attraction in this city. But then again, let's face it: True Wisconsinites LOVE their green and gold! In the fanaticism that exists around the Packers, John had a blast with people who live, work AND play, all because of the Packers. But if you're a parent or grandparent, it's possible that you're an even bigger fan of Bay Beach. Young children certainly are giant fans of this one-of-a-kind amusement park. In Titletown, there's great food, great history and great atmosphere. There's a really great event series on the City Deck called Dine on the Deck event every Wednesday in the summer. And there are great employers, like Green Bay Packaging and Schneider Trucking. It was really easy for John to become a great fan of Green Bay --- and he's a fan of all of it, not just of the Packers. But just so you know, he did perfect the cheer. Go Pack Go!
When we anticipated coming to Hudson, we expected to experience a suburb of St. Paul, MN. But we had it completely backwards. Since everyone wants to live in Hudson, Minnesota built a city so that people from Hudson could just go across the river to work, right? But not all of the work is in MN. John would work at Laser Magic, Empire Bucket, Plantables, and Ciranda --- all at the same time, if he could. There's art to be made and buy, food to be created and eaten (that's the part John likes), and there are patios to sit on, beer caves to be explored and company to be enjoyed. Really, the character and reality here make Hudson typical of and unique to Wisconsin. A lot of the license plates may say Minnesota, but Hudson's heart says Wisconsin!
Eagle River stole our hearts. This is a community that has really figured out how to work, live and play all year long. Claims to fame? Eagle River is home to largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world, is the snowmobile capital of the world and the hockey capital of Wisconsin. Outdoor enthusiasts know all that, but John didn't. Are you surprised? What John did know are friends who come to play here only in the winter and others who come only in the summer, so he decided it would be necessary to experience both seasons. Oh, he experienced two extremely different seasons, all right! It was 6 degrees below zero and windy in January and 92 degrees and humid in August. And the truth is, the whole crew loved every minute. The kind people and beautiful scenery year round more than made up for a few lost toes! What a wonderful place to start our new season.
The West End is one of the most eclectic areas in Milwaukee, and we think eclectic is great! Miller, Harley-Davidson, renovated mansions, tiny Shriner cars and chickens - all together in about one square mile just west of downtown Milwaukee! The neighborhoods to the north and south of Wisconsin Avenue from 27th Street west to Highway 175 - Concordia, Cold Spring Park, Merrill Park and the Valley-Pigsville neighborhoods --- are collectively referred to as the West End. And while it's true that John found the architectural combinations puzzling and the zoning to be crazy, even he had to admit that here it all works!
Watertown has everything you could ask for in an episode, and John asked for a lot. He asked to go up on the roof of the best octagon house he's ever seen. He asked a member of the oldest Civil War band in the world to polka. He asked the CEO of the largest lawnmower blade manufacturer in the United States for a lunch break. He asked Kenn Fox of Paramount Guitars to let him play a very expensive guitar, and he asked his TV crew not to save his life if he were to fall into the manure pit at Rosy Lane Holsteins. It's as varied as wonderful as it sounds. Enjoy Watertown --- John sure did!
Does anyone, besides John Gurda and the Klode Kru, know that Whitefish Bay is a geographic area of Lake Michigan? Maybe not, but everyone knows that the village east of I-43 surrounding east Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee County is home to Winkie's, right? And John McGivern knows that this is one of his favorite close-to-home neighborhoods. Will you like Whitefish Bay? Well, if you like a family friendly place where you can shop at local boutiques, go to dinner and a movie, walk along the beach or tree lined streets, then you will like Whitefish Bay for the same reasons John does. This community feels like home, even if you don't live here.
If Norway is on your travel list but not in your budget, start with Stoughton! This idyllic Dane County Wisconsin gem wins the award for most ethnic joy. While Stoughton celebrates its Norwegian roots, there's also plenty to do and see that doesn't require you know how to pronounce Syttende Mai. Now John knows that Naugahyde is a made here by a company that everyone thinks makes tires. He knows that Lutefisk, when prepared correctly by the Hanson brothers, is delicious! And he knows that if this TV thing doesn't work out, he could take up rosemaling. Watch, and you'll know why Stoughton should be on your travel list for its own sake! (But if you come and only see the creepy statue of the Norwegian troll lady with the giant feet and rolling pin down by the river, or the remote controlled, smoke-expelling dragon at the Viking Pub, your trip would be worth it --- honest!)
This episode is not community specific. What we chose were 12 organizations/places/people we wanted to cover in southeastern Wisconsin because... well, because we wanted to. The producers all got to pick based on their own curiosities. The only rule was that we had to be able to shoot at least three segments in one day and be back to the station in time for dinner every night. What does it say about a group who chooses Jones Island, a bell museum, Frank Lloyd Wright, pizza, ice cream and the Zoo? It says that apparently we're not all interested in the same things, but we are all really glad this worked out because we loved it. A special thanks to everyone in this episode for saying "Yes" instead of "Why?" Whether by region or by community, it's awesome to work in Wisconsin!
Delavan is completely unique, especially for the Around the Corner crew. This the only downtown we've ever been to that is defined by brick streets, a water tower and circus statues. Delevan is home to our only cookie jar museum, the one and only Bradley's department store and the only company we've been to that produces tubes used to artificially inseminate poultry and cattle. In Wisconsin, this is home to the only school for the deaf and the largest percentage of Latinos. For John, only Delavan will be remembered as the place that provided his craziest interviewee and his shortest... (Lois Stritt, you're the short one. Rafael Hernandez, you're the crazy one, but you both already knew that, right?) Yep. Only in Delavan. And we loved it!
Grafton is like Miss Congeniality of Season 6! Friendly, graceful and good looking, this community gets high marks in all the important categories. In the talent category, Grafton has it covered with the artists and businesses at The Arts Mill, and the incredible band, Life in a Tree. In the Make-a-Difference category, you're not going to find better representatives than Mel's Charities and Josh Davis-Joiner's friends. In the personality category, banjo player Mike Gregory and Christmas tree farmers Lisa and Rick O'Malley were too much fun. And on the Around the Corner judging sheets, there's also the best tasting category --- of course --- which was well satisfied by Lake Winds Elk Farm, Slow Poke Local Foods and Atlas BBQ. We could never choose one community as Miss Wisconsin because there are too many worthy contestants (and because we're not stupid, thank you very much), but for Miss Congeniality, we have a winner! And Grafton, it's you! Congratulations!
Beloit really surprised us --- and we're not easily surprised. This is a city with a great, paradoxical spirit. Polished and rustic, sophisticated and folksy, old and new, serious and whimsical. Highlights? Forward thinking companies like Universal AET and AccuLynx who are new life to the renovated buildings that were Beloit Corporation. The old Beckman Mill made to work like new again. Thousands of angels under the roof of an old church (not what you're thinking). And no kidding, some of the best food of the season! John literally ate his way through Beloit --- and enjoyed every bite at Bushel & Peck's, Merrill and Houston's and The 615 Club. But it was the fun, hardworking people who made our time in Beloit a week to remember. Yep, the people... and the Ironworks! You have to see this reinvigorated area. The Ironworks is just really cool. And since we love cool, we love Beloit!
The Garden District. The name sounds like this community should be in a pleasant little village where neighbors know each other and gather in community gardens. Well, add an international airport and 40,000 people and that's just what the 13th aldermanic district on the south side of Milwaukee is. With a name like the Garden District, you probably guessed, as we did, that this is a very environmentally conscious and eco-friendly community. But we found tons of unexpected experiences in this under-celebrated area. Do you know what's in that art deco-looking water tower that you see while driving on I-43 near the Plainfield curve? Have you ever seen a grave marker or monument being made? Have you been invited onto a military base and into the simulator of a military refueling plane? Do you know where you can get the best Italian beef sandwich you'll ever have? You're in for a treat. That's just how we felt in the Garden District. It was a complete treat!
If all you know of Horicon is that there's a Marsh here, then you have (just like John did) a lot to learn. Truth is, the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary --- loved and known by bird and wildlife lovers throughout the world - deserves all the acclaim it gets. But even though the Marsh stole our hearts (what a remarkable place!), the City of Horicon steals the show. The John Deere Horicon Works is a shining example of this community's ability to retain big-time manufacturing, but the smaller business here are no less impressive. Horicon Bank and Leroy Meats are stars in this community. Sure-Fire Inc., Family Chiropractic and the Rock River Tap are trusted Horicon staples. And the experiences we had at the Satterlee Clark House and Horicon Marsh Boat Tours will be remembered as standouts of season 6. Just one question: Does John have to wear the rubber hip waders to be considered an honorary Marshman? (He'd be happy to...)
Fish Creek and Ephraim are just minutes away from each other in Door County. While these communities are really different, they are both part of the same wonderful Door County experience. We're on the bay (west) side --- also known as the "busy" side. Indeed, John had a full agenda, as do most tourists who come to this part of Door County, but this turned out to be one of the most relaxing episodes because that's how Fish Creek and Ephraim are. You can't help but walk a little slower, talk a little less and smile a little more. Well, John didn't follow suit on the "talk a little less" part because he's a television host and talking to people is what he does. And what fun conversations he had at Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery and Market, Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Wilson's, and with everyone he met. And since John spent a good deal of time here acting, he couldn't wait to catch up with both famous theater groups. The busy side of the Door in September. We highly recommend it!
Smack dab in the middle of the state, we found Wisconsin Rapids. True, it’s not hard to find, but it is hard to leave! Wisconsin Rapids is a paper making town, and has been almost 200 years. While this kind, warm town is heavy with history, there are loads of current things to experience, and literally tons of cranberries to be harvested! That’s why we came. Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries in the world, and John had never been in a bog – ever! The owners of Glacial Lake Cranberries treated us to an amazing experience that almost left John speechless (almost, but thank goodness, not quite!). But after we experienced all things cranberry, we learned that the unique geology in the center of our state allowed for the building of what is quickly becoming a world renowned destination for golf. And with a name like “Rapids” you know we spent some time along the river. Wisconsin Rapids is gorgeous. We hated to leave, but it was the perfect place to wrap up our sixth season.
For this one episode, we let our "talent" choose content. Historian John Gurda wanted to tell you about one of his favorite places on earth, Seminary Woods. Sports guy Mike McGiven couldn't choose between Milwaukee King High School baseball and the Running Rebels, so we did both. And John McGivern is FULL of ideas, so we had to narrow his list to food, classics and "who knew?" segments. We only allowed two food choices (not the 10 he originally suggested!): Mr. Dye's Pies and C-viche. This episode's Milwaukee classics are Summerfest, the SV Denis Sullivan, Foamation, Inc. (a.k.a., the Cheesehead Factory), and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. And the "who knew" ideas that we loved include Olympus Group Mascot Division, MATC's Dental Technician program, Yellow Wood Gear and Cobalt Glass. We love Milwaukee County. Mayor Barrett, get ready to come up with a different 30 seconds for next season because we may do this every year from now on!
As John said, if the Fox Valley were a state, Appleton would be the capital. Not only is it the largest of the cities in the Fox Valley, Appleton's a large city - period! Energetic, busy, vibrant, loaded with friendly, smart people - it's our kind of place. This is the first - and only - time we'll ever say, John got to: shoot the Bratzooka at a Timber Rattlers baseball game; fence with a medieval long sword champion; sit in a 3 million dollar private jet; turn and open a 100 year Fox Lock by hand, all by himself! Yes, John gets special access so you may not get to do those things, but you can eat and marvel like John did at Lombardi's Restaurant. You can shop at Eco Candle and Urban Evolutions. You can stroll the beautiful grounds of Lawrence University, have Henry shine your shoes, and eat the best comfort food ever at the Cozy Corner Café. And, of course, at the Houdini Museum at the Castle, everyone can escape (Get it? Escape? Like Houdini... Ha!). From now on, in the Around the Corner book, "A" is for Appleton!
Before we showed up in Middleton, we thought this city was started as a suburb of Madison. Wrong. When we got here, we thought that Middleton was divided into the industrial part and the neighborhood part. Not so wrong, but both parts completely impressed us. And after we found the Mustard Museum, we knew we were spot on! There are tons of places to work in Middleton and John got into some really neat ones, like ETC (Electronic Theater Controls), Standard Imaging, Morley Airplane Company, and Springs Window Fashion. Topped off by a visit to the doll hospital at American Girl, the industrial side of town was an eye-opening whirlwind! And the living is good in Middleton, too. John learned how to play cricket (not really --- he still doesn't know the rules), held backyard chickens and rode the Metro Transit while talking to welcoming residents. He played board games, helped clean and ate great Chinese food with some Middleton entrepreneurs. We left with thoughts of kind people, successful businesses and ... mustard. Never thought we'd say that! Thanks, Middleton!
Havenwoods is one of those neighborhoods in Milwaukee that we've always known. We just didn't know it had a name --- or so much industry --- or so much positive energy --- or a bona fide forest! Lots of people know this neighborhood as home to Growing Power and Westlawn Gardens. Model train enthusiasts know this area because they know WMK Walthers, famous US manufacturer and distributor of model railroad equipment. Restaurants and culinary companies know about Havenwoods because they buy Kallas Honey and Dang That's Good soda. Hmong Americans know this community because of the Milwaukee Asian Public Market and because this neighborhood is home to the largest Hmong population in the state. And now John knows where to find Milwaukee Job Corps, TMJ Innovations, Court Lanes and the only urban forest in Wisconsin. It was a joy to meet everyone in this revitalized area who helped us get to know Havenwoods!
Everything about Viroqua feels welcoming, community oriented, interconnected and organic! Lots of driftlessness in this area --- Driftless Café, Driftless Books, Driftless Angler... But we were more than happy to drift in and out of some great places in and around Viroqua, like Ewetopia, B&E's Trees, Jaali's Dollies, and Second Cloud on the Left organic farm. We met cowboys, farmers and fisherpeople (did you catch that, Geri? Fisherpeople, not fishermen!), shop owners, a chef, a surgeon and a grown man who asked us to call him Spanky! How will we ever top that?!? John has been begging that we feature Viroqua and the Kickapoo Valley for 6 years. We should have trusted him sooner because we loved every minute. (Well, except for the 20 minutes that hail storm lasted. Yikes!)
John came up with a new name for Mayville, this wonderful community in Dodge County Wisconsin, by accident. He couldn't help but think of Mayberry, what with the sheriff's car and the charming, old downtown buildings. So the combination of the "May" and the "berry" came out as Merry, and a "ville" is really a town, right? So John's new name for this idyllic community was born: Merrytown! Believe us, it's easy to be merry here. Sweet Ginger Vintage, the wonderful old buildings and historical sites, VFW Bingo, harness racing and the Mayberry Sherriff's car all harken back to a simpler time. Big companies like Mayville Limestone Quarry, MEC and Metalcraft energize this area. And the Natural Way, Open Door Coffeehouse, Flyway Clay Slayers, the Mayville High School Show Choir and Fit 4 You Bootcamp all brought smiles to John --- for different reasons. See? Mayville could be Merrytown because it really describes this charming place very well.
When John said, "Let's get straight to the point," we're so glad we took him literally because Stevens Point earned tons of brownie points! Everyone in this fabulous city pointed us to a great episode, and stayed on point throughout with their pointed remarks. Point Brewery was an obvious (and great) choice, and you can't talk about Stevens Point without pointing out the trivia contest. But we are so glad when we can point to the not-so-obvious community stars, too. What do governors for dams, wheelchairs, potatoes, toys, tea, women's clothing, Father Fat's food, Iroquois raised beadwork and art paper have in common? Yep. All pointed out in this episode. But it's pointless to continue with our list because after watching this episode, you will completely get the point. Stevens Point IS the point!
Brookfield and Elm Grove are only 15 minutes west of Milwaukee. The idyllic, small village of Elm Grove is surrounded by Brookfield on three sides. It has a "downtown" that is charm itself. John made art, visited private properties and an Irish Pub. Brookfield is large, has a lot of subdivisions, tons of shopping and good food. We spent time at the police department (by choice, not circumstance), at Brookfield Square and with the girls of the Glacier Hockey. We know people in both communities --- lots of people --- who have already said, "Why didn't you just choose Brookfield?" or "Elm Grove deserved its own episode!" Here's the truth: It was just easier to include both Brookfield and Elm Grove than to drive through or around one or the other. Look, we love you all, and we love you equally! (Seriously? You thought we'd chose one and not the other? Please!...)
So, Caledonia and Wind Point cover a lot of ground in southeast Wisconsin. This big area is home to big animals (like Libby's horses and Jo Don Farm's camels), and big companies (Norco, for one), big bugs (grown at the SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health --- yikes!) and a big Wurlitzer organ (under a small house --- no kidding!). It's also home to people with big talent (especially Bill Reid and Sherry Lou) and places of big beauty (the Wind Point Light House and The Prairie School, just to name a few). There's big fun to be had (surfing and kickball), and you can satisfy your big taste buds (at Sebastian's). Yep. Caledonia and Wind Point are a big deal!
A pastor, a rabbi and a Nepalese chef all walk into ... Mequon and/or Thiensville, every day! As do the pharmacy students and staff at Concordia University, a hardware store owner, consignment shop owners, a catering company family, a village president and a mayor. And for four days, John joined them. He also met people who shared their metal cutting business, a rice paddy, the fish ladder and their music. So what do you get when you cross Thiensville with Mequon? Too much to shoot in four days... And that's no joke!
Manitowoc is a city on the eastern shore of Wisconsin, north of Sheboygan and south of Green Bay that John McGivern LOVES! No, we mean it. Visits to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and exploration of the SS Badger were the beginning of his enchantment. Then he was introduced to beach glass, reminisced with an Evergleam Christmas tree collector, and explored Jagemann Stamping and Briess Malt and Ingredients Co. He had a Diet Coke with Kathie at the Stage Door Pub, made a belt at Leatherwerks and checked in to Dead by Dawn --- not sure that he would ever check out! But the cherry on the top was provided by Beerntsen's Confectionary and Cedar Crest Ice Cream! Yum! What's not to love? Fair warning to those in Manitowoc: Don't be surprised if some day there's a Manitowoc mailbox with John's name on it. By being so inviting, you asked for it, Manitowoc!
In the southwest corner of Wisconsin you will find a city that is symbolized and memorialized with largest "M" in the world --- Platteville! Huh? Why not a big P? Turns out that the M is for "mining" which is how this city came to be. Platteville's past is truly interesting, but it's the present that made memories for John. He played sheepshead, pitched horseshoes, thought about climbing to the top of the M, visited an Amish tobacco farm, toured the most beautiful mansion in town while talking to a parrot, ate gooseberry pie at the Owl Café, and envied Kip as he flew his PPC (Powered Para Chute). AND, John met Tud - completely Wundoemus! By the time we left Platteville, John completely embraced the M, which he said is his stamp of approval on this wonderful town. Approved (and loved) by McGivern!
Everyone who works on this show loved Menomonie --- and that's sayin' something! It's situated in the northwest quadrant of Wisconsin, in the northernmost part of the driftless area, and it's gorgeous --- to everyone! Crew members who love the rural areas loved it because we covered 4 farm stories - an Amish farm, an agri-tourism farm, a trout farm and a 4th generation family farm. Those who love busy, small, American downtowns loved it because there's a lot to do in Menomonie --- food, quaint shops and the most beautiful Center for the Arts of the season. The people who like college towns were thrilled to find UW-Stout, the only polytechnic college in the state. And those of us who like big manufacturing stories (especially John) were thrilled to get inside Cardinal FG and see glass as long as three football fields! Menomonie: a place with something for everyone to love, and a great end to our 7th season!
Milwaukee’s Haymarket District may get its name from the past, but it’s the present and future of this perfectly situated, downtown Milwaukee neighborhood that has long-time tenants and developers alike singing this neighborhoods’ praises.
Ripon, Wisconsin. Here’s what we knew before we came: birthplace of the Republican Party, home to Ripon College and Speed Queen washing machines, and used to be home of Rippin’ Good Cookies. What we know now: Ripon is a vertical farming, scrapbooking, pizza making, Clydesdale raising, tuba playing bonanza!
In Jefferson, it’s all about Gemuetlichkeit. And even though an Irish guy like John couldn’t pronounce it, he sure could feel it! Who wouldn’t feel happy and welcome after
It’s true that Sparta Wisconsin is the bicycling capital of America, but we found lots of things happening here: soldiers marching, shovelmen building, luthiers crafting, quilters quilting, and, of course, bikers biking. Yes, Sparta likes active people and companies: Fast Eddie and FAST Corp fit right in.
It doesn’t take long to figure out the heritage of New Glarus. If the Swiss flags or the edelweiss at Brenda’s Blumenladen don’t give it away, the Alpine architecture and the brown Swiss cows all over town sure will! You know that people are proud when they name their organizations after the city.
Delafield and smiles just go together. Yes, there’s a literal, giant smile on a barn to welcome you as you exit I-94 onto Hwy 83. But we found that the smiles we enjoyed most were the ones we shared with people like Bob Lang, Tom at Naga- waukee golf course, Pipe Major Donaldson at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, and Ramona and Mark at Seven Seas.
We thought we knew Oak Creek. But then we pulled up at the new town center, looked at each other and said, “Wait. THIS is Oak Creek? When did this get here?!?” To us, Oak Creek will always be known as the most familiar unfamiliar place we’ve loved!
Most people go to Minocqua to play in the north woods of Wisconsin – and there is no finer playground. If you are thinking about cabins, lakes, waterski shows, and supper clubs, then you are right on the money. But after this half hour, you’ll also think of jerky, popcorn, zoo safaris, and vitamins – no kidding!
The capital of Wisconsin can’t be covered in one episode, so we neglected some great things in Madison when we were there in 2012. We didn’t include the UW Arboretum, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Henry Vila Zoo, the Dane County Farmers Market and Mickie’s Dairy Bar. Consider those oversights rectified!
John McGivern leads a unique field trip through towns and neighborhoods from Sheboygan to Racine, and Burlington to Brady Street. McGivern discovers the secrets to living well, working hard, and playing merrily in all of these hometowns. Along the way, he bumps into local historian John Gurda who shares fascinating historical gems.
Quiet must be a relative term since the Lake Michigan side of Door County was pretty loud and active when John was there in October of 2018. Then again, maybe it was John who was loud and active!
Portage is the kind of place whose people light it up from the inside out. And that was a really good thing in September of 2018 because between the rain and the mosquitoes, John didn’t want to be outside much!
Eau Claire really IS the definition of a renaissance . As John Gurda said, if you were familiar with this northwestern Wisconsin city 20 years ago, you’re not familiar with it now unless you live in Eau Claire!
New Berlin is a city just west of Milwaukee with no official downtown. But there are plenty of long standing companies, like Weston’s Antique Apples and Conrad Schmitt Studios, and relatively new ones, like Exciting Events and Denali Ingredients. There are community traditions to be enjoyed, like the Soap Box Derby, the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club and the Rainbow Restaurant.
Content in the episode reflects changes to Milwaukee's landscape. Then - and - Now
We heard Janesville is full of fall fun – and we sure heard right!
Shawano wins the “didn’t expect that!” award this season.
Ashland is the tops!
Jackson Park is one of our favorites this season.
Two “new” neighborhoods
Marshfield, you were a great surprise.
There’s only one city in Wisconsin with “dam” in its name: Beaver Dam.
To John McGivern, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
