Well, since we spent part of our summer on our honeymoon in Northern Ireland this year, we're pretty much left with weekend get-aways. A few weeks ago we went to St. Louis and tonight we're leaving for my grandparents in Polo, IL. Tomorrow we will be in New Glarus, WI. We have made New Glarus a yearly trip in August right before school starts up again. We cannot get enough of this cute little Swiss colony. I have been going to New Glarus for many years with my parents, but now we have made it a traditional vaca spot at a couple. The area was settled by Swiss immigrants from the Glarus canton of Switzerland. There are lots of Swiss shops...most of them revolving around food. Here are a few of my favorites:
New Glarus Bakery
We absolutely love this traditional bakery that makes wonderful pastries and hearty breads. You can really never go wrong with any of their products. I love their morning buns because they remind me of the Chelsea buns I used to get in England.
Ruef's Meat Market
Ok so I'm a vegetarian, but that doesn't stop me from loving this awesome, old time butcher shop. My family has been buying Landjaeger sausages (homemade, cured sausage-way better than a Slim Jim) from Ruef's for years. Although I can no longer eat it, I like introducing it to people who haven't tried it before. They also have an awesome selection of homemade brats in all sorts of flavors.
Maple Leaf Cheese & Chocolate Haus
This has long been on of my favorite shops in New Glarus, mainly because of the big cow out front. However, there is another cheese shop in Monroe, WI (just south of New Glarus) who I think has better cheese, but they are part of a bigger company. Maple Leaf is more local. Still we always have to go for some cheese and chocolate. We actually met another customer last year that was from Bloomington!
Speaking of Monroe, WI, we have two favorite stops there too!
Alp & Del Cheese Store
They have a HUGE selection of cheese and cheese products. They are the only other place I've been to other than Ropp's in Normal where I used to work that sets fresh cheese curds out at room temp. They stay really squeeky! Their 2 year aged cheddar is my mom's favorite.
Brennan's Market
A must when planning a picnic or getting fresh produce. Their store has gotten bigger over the years, but is still great. Sometimes their produce is sort of pricey, but really good. Especially their peaches!
Well, this gives you sort of an idea of how we go on vacation. It all revolves around food! Usually we visit each place, pack a cooler with a knife, cups and paper towels and make a picnic from all the yummy food we've acquired. Also, we are sure to get wonderful home cooking from Grandma when we're there. Hopefully the rain in the forcast stays away and it isn't too hot!
Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the last few days of summer!
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