The Cabin

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Pepin County; https://bit.ly/WCAPepinCountyThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda: https://bit.ly/44xg56hCampfire Conversation: Join us as we uncover Wisconsin's top 10 waterfalls, starting with Pewit’s Nest in Baraboo. We explore the natural gorge carved by Skillet Creek, reminiscent of Parfrey’s Glen, and delve into its rich history as a former site of a waterwheel and mill. Next, we venture to Devil’s Punchbowl in Menomonie, marveling at its ancient rock formations and cascading waterfall. Finally, we briefly touch on Bond Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its stunning beauty and accessible viewing locations. With each destination, they paint a vivid picture of Wisconsin's diverse and enchanting landscapes, inviting listeners to embark on their own waterfall adventures.Inside Sponsors:Visit Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilfGroup Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

Welcome back to another bonus episode of The Cabin Podcast, the official podcast of Discover Wisconsin. Join Ana, Eric, and Jake as they delve into the secrets of Green Lake County, uncovering its hidden gems. We're excited to have Visit Green Lake Executive Director, Lisa Meier, and Green Lake County Administrator, Cate Wylie, with us on this episode for an enlightening discussion. Learn more about Green Lake County here: https://bit.ly/3UU04Em

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Green Lake County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/green-lake-county/ The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda: https://www.jollygoodsoda.com/ Campfire Conversation: The Cabin helps you start your business this week as Ana, Eric, and Jake hook up with Ken Little, the State Director of Wisconsin's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Almost all new net jobs in the country comes from small and emerging businesses, so this is a crucial area for our economy and the well-bring of Wisconsinites. After all, if you have a dream and a goal, we would like to connect you with resources to help you achieve that goal! Ken Little recently joined as State Director and our conversation with him covers many of the resources the SBDC offers: the education, consulting services, and connection to mentors, loans, and more. Some businesses have special initiatives, including farms, restaurants, and some businesses looking to export, and places like the SBDC can get you the needed information to assist you. The SBDC is one of five programs at the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, with locations on many University of Wisconsin college campuses including Madison, Milwaukee, Parkside, Platteville, Waukesha, Whitewater, Oshkosh, La Crosse, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Eau Claire, River Falls, and Superior. They're part of the SBDC's national network.Small Business Development Center site: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/ Connect with your nearest SDBC here: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/centers/Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County: https://www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/Benvenuto's: https://www.benvenutos.com/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Dunn County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/dunn-county/ The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: https://www.wcaght.org/ Campfire Conversation: What's nice around the campfire in the morning? Coffee! But it's also nice in a good coffee place and in this episode we cover quite a few across southeastern Wisconsin, with more sections of the state coming in future episodes. Ana, Eric, and Jake take you to Milwaukee, Janesville, Lake Geneva, Madison, and points in between to help you find new spots to get your coffee fix but also take in the experience a good coffee hotspot provides. Many of these places also offer great food options, teas, and live entertainment at select times. Some brew coffee AND beer, we showcase a few. Two of the places, one in Hartland and one in Lake Geneva, hire people with special needs and help them learn work skills and interact with others to help them move forward. We also feature some coffee hotspots that offer beautiful patios or decks for enjoying the weather, and the best of the best for enjoying your coffee inside while hiding from the weather - which happens often in Wisconsin. Whether you prefer iced brew or hot coffee so strong it shows up on a drug test, grab your cup and fill up on this coffee shop discussion on The Cabin!Inside Sponsors:Washington County: https://www.visitwashingtoncounty.com/ReMax: https://homes.discoverwisconsin.com/

Welcome back to another bonus episode of The Cabin Podcast, the official podcast of Discover Wisconsin - and we’re talking all about how to experience Kenosha today, where their past meets the present. We’ve got two experts on the county with us today including County Executive and lifelong resident, Samatha Kerkman, and Kenosha Area Business Alliance President, Nicole Ryf, who we will be introducing in just a minute. Gear up for an exciting episode all about Kenosha County. That’s right now in The Cabin, let’s light it up!

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Forest County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/forest-county/ The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: https://www.wcaght.org/ Campfire Conversation: Apurba Banerjee joins Ana, Eric, and Jake in The Cabin this week to explore Wisconsin top to bottom for some special places to bring your dog and have fun - or a good night's sleep. Or both! Topics include select state parks and specialized dog parks, including the one in Jefferson County Ana has profiled on Discover Wisconsin. Numerous state parks offer recreation for people and their pets, Apurba and Ana detail ones like Harrington Beach State Park, Big Bay State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Pattison State Park, Rock Island State Park, and Pike Lake Beach, a section of the Kettle Moraine Unit within Wisconsin's State Forest system near Hartford in Washington County. Even traversing the water can be fun with your dog, as ferries like the Madeline Island Ferry connecting Bayfield with La Pointe on Madeline Island is free for your dog! Eric, Jake, and Apurba note some breweries, bars, and other public spaces where people gather and your well-behaved dog is welcome. They include Broken Bat Brewing in Milwaukee, Elmaro Winery near Trempealeau, Ope! Brewery in West Allis, and smaller places like Slaty Paws, Riley's Social House, Hounds 'n Taps, and many more. Finally, we focus on some places to stay with your dog that are truly special, including the Delta Lodge in Iron River for a true get-away-from-it-all getaway, the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau if you prefer something in the center of the city, Black's Cliff Resort in Hazelhurst for a great North Woods feel, and Justin Trails B&B Resort near Sparta which includes farmhouse lodging and primitive camping. If you want to be near popular vacation destinations, Door County Cottages in Egg Harbor is one great example of where to bring your four-legged friend; if Wisconsin Dells is on your radar, check out beautiful Bakers Sunset Bay Resort with a wide variety of accommodations, all embracing your dog with great activity options. These are just some examples across the state, but it's a great guide to get you started as you plan road trips with your furry friend this summer. It's all on this week's episode of The Cabin!Inside Sponsors:Ho-Chunk Gaming Best Western https://www.bestwesternwisconsin.com/ Praise In the Pines https://praiseinthepines.org/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Milwaukee County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/milwaukee-county/ The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: https://www.wcaght.org/ Campfire Conversation: Milwaukee uses its area code - 414 - to celebrate "414 Day" on April 14th. Across the city and county on that day, a variety of celebrations are held at a variety of bars, restaurants, museums... even the county park system and Summerfest get into it with pricing specials. In this episode, Ana, Eric, and Jake cover some historic notes about Milwaukee, beginning with its origins as a Native American settlement where wild rice grew and tribes gathered to trade as three rivers came together at Lake Michigan. Early incarnations of the city and county as named by European settlers included "Milwacky" and "Milwaukie" before the current spelling was settled upon - including through an interesting story involving one of the city's newspapers. The city was originally three warring settlements that realized they were chasing settlers away with their infighting and united as the City of Milwaukee in 1846. This port city began to grow steadily, drawing in a variety of newcomers who were especially influential initially from England and the eastern United States; immigration grew heavy in the late 19th century from Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Italy. The growth helped create a City Hall that was the Tallest Inhabited Building in the World when it opened; this is the time when Milwaukee emerged as a major center for beer brewing and industrial machinery, along with inventiveness. The typewriter and keyboard, the outboard motor, cordless grinders, the answering machine, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and a wide variety of tools and technology in both industry and medicine were created in today's 414, aka Milwaukee County. These led to many large industries that employed an often heavily unionized workforce well into the 20th century. But like other cities and industrial centers that flourished well past the post-World War II period, the 1960s and 1970s brought industrial decline as manufacturers began moving many operations either south within the country or to other countries. We discuss some of the economic and social issues that proved challenging in Milwaukee, as it did across the country, as the city began to grapple with more poverty and the issues around shifting to a more service-oriented economy. The city's sports history also comes into play, especially with baseball and basketball, and its penchant for celebration continues to be evident in many festivals, from ethnic heritage to one of the world's largest music festivals in Summerfest. Today, Milwaukee still grapples with issues but thrives in many ways, with a healthy downtown, numerous universities, and a variety of neighborhoods and districts offering wide options for living, working, and playing. The city's culinary scene is currently featured on Bravo's "Top Chef" along with the rest of Wisconsin, and the Republican National Convention will be hosted this summer. Milwaukee's history has a lot of fascinating twists and turns, join us for a "414 Day" look and salute on The Cabin! Inside Sponsors:Washington County: https://www.visitwashingtoncounty.com/ReMax Realty: https://homes.discoverwisconsin.com/

Josh Ostermann joins Ana, Eric, and Jake in The Cabin to discuss Wisconsin's most famous foods, offer up some trivia and background about them, and often some good suggestions on where to enjoy them. Ana takes kringle - which of course means a trip to Racine - as well as frozen custard, a Wisconsin-y twist on ice cream. Eric handles Wisconsin's love and knowledge of beer, diving into some of the wider varieties available across the state's 200+ craft breweries; he then serves up the history of the butter burger, with its origins in Milwaukee and Culver's Restaurants making it a national thing (from Wisconsin with love, of course.) Jake discusses the "miracle" of cheese - and it really kind of is a miracle, isn't it?? He also shares its origins, how Wisconsin became the leading state for cheese, and even some new ones developed in Wisconsin - such as Colby. Cranberries are next - serving as Wisconsin's #1 fruit crop and the official state fruit - bringing a brilliant red to the bogs in late summer and fall. Josh then shares the goods on Wisconsin's iconic fish fry and its history before shifting from surf to turf and talking Wisconsin brats. Wisconsin - and particularly Sheboygan - is the "Bratwurst capital" and he discusses everything from their history to key ways to cook 'em up right. They also share some events focused around these foods that are fun to attend. Dive in and snack on this episode of The Cabin!Inside Sponsors:VISIT Lake Geneva: https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/ Wisconsin Counties Association: https://www.wicounties.org/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Clark County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/clark-county/The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.org Campfire Conversation: Eric, Ana, and Jake discuss a variety of places to head in Wisconsin if you're in the mood for a solo trip, and they each go solo in doing so. Ana begins with retreats - always a good choice for a solo venture - including the Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, The Christine Center in Clark County, Holy Hill in Washington County, and Holy Wisdom near Middleton. Spas and other nice resorts for good getaways begin to factor in as well, including Blue Harbor in Sheboygan, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva as well as The Abbey nearby in Fontana, The Edgewater in Madison, and the Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells. They're a little different from the retreats; as Anna noted, "Don't go to Holy Hill if you're wanting a massage or a pedicure." With camping, Ana notes Peaceful Pines and the Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River; camping in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where some serious space between you and other people can be found; plus several other lodges. State Recreation Areas and Parks offer great places for solo stays and experiences, too, and that gets covered from several perspectives. A nice solo road trip can help you unwind while you explore, we note good examples in Wisconsin's five designated scenic byways, including the Great River Road, the Lower Wisconsin River Road, the Door County Caoastal Byway, and the Lake Superior Scenic Byway. They offer beauty on the road and great stops along the way, whether or not you have others along for the ride. Rustic Roads offer even more peace and quiet. Jake offers some events to explore on your own, from home shows to the upcoming Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee or the Dairy State Beer & Cheese Festival coming up in Kenosha. There's even a cool tech conference coming up, and he fills you in. Check out this episode, and get ready to enjoy a trip and reconnect with yourself!Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County: https://www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/Best Western Hotels: https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Barron County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/barron-county/The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.orgCampfire Conversation: Hop aboard as we explore the fascinating world of train travel in Wisconsin! Did you know that Wisconsin boasts over 3,980 railroad public crossings and 3,300 miles of active train tracks? Join us as we uncover the state's rich railroad heritage, from the historic East Troy Electric Railroad, preserving the last seven miles of interurban rail, to the Tiffany Bottoms Train in Durand, offering an open-car ride through the picturesque Tiffany Wildlife Area, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts. Experience the charm of yesteryears with a journey on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum's vintage railcars through the scenic Baraboo Hills, or delve into the Northwoods' history aboard the Lumberjack Steam Train in Laona. Discover more hidden gems like the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, and the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Spooner, offering unique experiences for every rail enthusiast. Join us as we traverse through Wisconsin's captivating landscapes and storied past on unforgettable train rides!Hop Aboard a Train Here: East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy: https://www.easttroyrr.org/Tiffany Bottoms Train, Durand: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000001rV0BAAUMid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom: https://www.midcontinent.org/Lumberjack Steam Train, Laona: https://www.lumberjacksteamtrain.com/National Railroad Museum, Green Bay: https://nationalrrmuseum.org/Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, Osceola: https://transportationmuseum.org/Empire Builder, St. Croix River Valley: https://transportationmuseum.org/Riverside & Great Northern Railroad, Wisconsin Dells: https://www.dellstrain.com/Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, Spooner: https://spoonertrainride.com/Inside Sponsors:Jolly Good Soda: https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 WCA: https://www.wicounties.org/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Manitowoc County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/manitowoc-county/ The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.orgCampfire Conversation: The Cabin smells all smoky and sweet today because Dave Anderson - aka “Famous Dave” of BBQ chain fame - joins us for a fun and insightful conversation about food, creativity, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. Famous Dave’s BBQ started as essentially a tent; a barbecue stand where Dave Anderson learned to make remarkable sauces and grill meat in ways that caught people’s attention. So much so that he was able to open a regular restaurant, which he named Famous Dave’s, in his hometown of Hayward, Wisconsin in 1994. Today, Famous Dave's has around 180 locations across 33 U.S. states and international locations from Winnipeg to Dubai. How did he get there? What obstacles did he face? What powers him, and where does he see things going from here? We learn all about his background and get some BBQ tips too. A fun and saucy episode to enjoy today on The Cabin!Check out Famous Dave's BBQ here: https://www.famousdaves.com/Inside Sponsors:Ho-Chunk Gaming: https://bit.ly/3l2Cfru

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Richland County; https://bit.ly/3va2f8F The Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.orgCampfire Conversation: Eric, Ana, and Jake look to the skies in this episode of The Cabin. They're joined by John and Rose Dorsey, married pilots who have flown professionally and now continue flying and providing lessons. We dive into the background of flying and becoming a pilot before describing flights over Wisconsin and the features at various airports around Wisconsin.Inside Sponsors:Best Western: https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Rusk County; https://bit.ly/3wKH2nYThe Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.org Campfire Conversation: Eric, Ana, and Jake ruminate on the arrival of spring Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County: https://www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Douglas County; https://bit.ly/3s3V29NThe Cabin is also presented by Group Health Trust: www.wcaght.orgCampfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome our resident food expert Josh Ostermann and increasingly legendary supper club book and film producer Ron Faiola into The Cabin for an update on Wisconsin Supper Clubs, coinciding with Ron’s new book, Wisconsin Supper Clubs 2nd Edition, Expanded and Updated. We revisit what the idea of a Wisconsin Supper Club is, and means, for its customers, owners, employees, and the state’s culture. We check out what’s happening with supper clubs, and how they have been undergoing somewhat of a resurgence the last decade or so - including how they weathered Covid and in some cases, expanded or adapted. Ron takes us through some of the newer supper clubs covered in his new book, some of the clubs he updated, and some of the trends he’s seen. Eric, Ana, and Josh discuss some of their favorite and notable supper clubs, some of their differences, and some of the unique twists you’ll find at some. Learn about even more supper clubs and get inspired with this episode of The Cabin!Check out Ron Faiola’s books on Wisconsin Supper Clubs: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wisconsin+supper+clubs+ron+faiola&crid=3MX8F0Z28HUMO&sprefix=wisconsin+supper+clubs+ron+faiola%2Caps%2C132&ref=nb_sb_noss_1Link to Ron Faiola’s newest Wisconsin Supper Club book: https://a.co/d/0VXe2Tw

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Waupaca County: https://bit.ly/3P8wDdu The Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX Campfire Conversation:Ana, Eric, and Jake welcome Sam Warfel to The Cabin to explore the opportunities Wisconsinites have for observing and capturing the Aurora Borealis (aka "the Northern Lights"). Sam shares much of the science behind it, how solar flares and sunspot activity interact with the Earth's magnetosphere to create it, and how people can see it, enjoy it, and photograph it effectively - including with the differences a camera might show versus the naked eye. Sam discusses best practices for using your camera - including professional cameras with specialty lenses right down to what you can accomplish with the phone in your pocket - to capture the best views along with how you can overcome interferences to night sky views such as city lights, clouds, and bright objects in the sky that may overwhelm what you're targeting. They also discuss amazing sights in the night sky beyond the Northern Lights, ranging from nearby planets to distant galaxies. He also shares some of the best locations in Wisconsin for viewing the night sky - including passes you can get that allow you to stay in a park later or overnight, beyond the time when the park normally closes. If you like science, photography, and particularly the amazing views at night from our state with the Northern Lights and beyond, this is a "must listen" episode. Inside Sponsors:Ho-Chunk Nation: https://bit.ly/3l2CfruBest Western Hotels: https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Oconto County: https://bit.ly/3u5mi7GThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation:It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and Mardi Gras today - so it’s an excellent time to talk food, romance, and things to do with that special someone. This episode covers select restaurants perfect for a romantic meal; wineries to explore; plus opportunities for candlelight walks and hikes that get organized in parks and on trails across the state. How about a theater experience? From classic shows (e.g. Les Mis at The Overture in Madison) to dinner theater (e.g. The Fireside in Fort Atkinson) or magic shows in Lake Geneva and Wisconsin Dells, we got you. Cottages and cabins for getaways? Some special spots from Door County to Richland Center in the Driftless and along the Great River Road in Fountain City are just some of the features. Escape rooms are fun times for couples and larger groups, and you’ll find them in more and more places around Wisconsin, too. More specific itineraries and ideas are shared for Lake Geneva, Madison, and Milwaukee too, from breakfast spots to late-night eats, shows, and other fun activities. We go around the horn in this episode and prep you for this week of romance and creativity!Inside Sponsors:VISIT Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilf

In this bonus episode, Ana and Eric greet you from West Bend with several friends: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert, and Kewaskum Village President Fuzz Martin. Between all five, the topics run the gamut to every corner of Washington County and expand on the recent Discover Wisconsin episode on Washington County, which was called "Love Your Neighbor." All corners of Washington County get some love from the standpoint of visitors, residents, and businesses. West Bend, the county seat, has a charming and vibrant downtown with Main Street freshly repaved, re-scaped, and ready for great shopping, dining, and entertainment with the Historic Bend Theater welcoming regional and national acts in its 1920s-era-but-updated venue. Across the Milwaukee River you can take in some amazing art at the MOWA - Museum of Wisconsin Art and places like The Volunteer Center and The Hub, its associated coffee shop, were showcased in the recent Discover Wisconsin episode. West Bend also has Riverside Brewing, historic buildings, the Eisenbahn Trail for biking and hiking, and Regner Park, which hosts everything from summer concerts to the beautiful holiday lights in winter. Kewaskum is a prime example of Washington County's beautiful villages, and Village Prez Fuzz Martin dives into activities to enjoy from hunting for antiques to hitting the slopes and Sunburst Ski Hill, which also boasts the largest tubing park in the world with nearly 50 lanes! Nearby in Slinger, Little Switzerland is another popular area for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Since Washington County straddles the Kettle Moraine region, the topography is beautiful for any activity, and places like the Pike Lake Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest next to Hartford are ideal for enjoying it to the fullest. You can stop at Aspen Sky Winery in Slinger after (or, heck, before) to imbibe if that would complement your day. Perched atop the highest point in southeastern Wisconsin, Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine draws visitors from around the world. Whether for religious pilgrimage, to marvel and its beautiful architecture, take in the views, or find treasures at the Holy Hill Art Fair, Holy Hill is an incredible place to visit. You can get beautiful views of Holy Hill from the golf course, too. Erin Hills is a nationally renown course in the Town of Erin; home to the 2017 U.S. Open, the course follows the natural landscape and offers views of Holy Hill. Kettle Hills is another highly-rated golf course on the other side of Holy Hill. Washington County Golf Course outside Hartford ranks among the top 50 municipal courses in the United States, while other options include Hon-E-Kor in Kewaskum, Scenic View in Slinger, and several in West Bend.Hartford, on the western edge of Washington County, offers up its own fun downtown which includes the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, a car-themed wonderful ice cream shop called Scoop de Ville, The Mineshaft restaurant which served as Wisconsin's largest for a long time, plus tons of great shops of all kinds. The city's architecture features classic buildings, some crowned with pagodas. Germantown is the largest village in the county, literally across the street from Milwaukee on the southeast. The village has historic sites like Dheinsville and Freistadt that bring you back to 19th century settlements and some newer breweries and wineries. They include Old Germantown, a new brewery in a farmstead that serves up classic craft brews and wood-fired pizzas, 1840 Brewing, which was featured in the show, and Apple Works Winery, a winery that has grown out of an orchard at Behnke Estates. Germantown is a growing bedroom community but they still have plenty of farms, too. You can explore other farms nearby that offer family fun, including Basse's Taste of Country in Colgate and Peck & Bushel Fruit Company in Colgate.This is why we say Washington County has surprises around every corner. Check out this bonus episode to discover more! Find out more about Washington County and all of its sights (and surprises!) here:Instagram: @visitwashingtoncounty.wiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Visit-Washington-County-Wisconsin-450932391586808X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitWashCoWischttps://visitwashingtoncounty.com/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Lafayette County: https://bit.ly/3OXhT0NThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation:Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County https://bit.ly/3gt0NauJolly Good https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Fond du Lac County: https://bit.ly/3PHGOqW The Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation:The Green Bay Packers are a very unique team. While they have more championships in their illustrious (well, for the most part) history and are one of the oldest teams in the National Football League, they are also owned by a community of shareholders in what is by far the smallest “major league” city and market in the United States. They have fans all over the country and, increasingly, the world. The NFL in general is making inroads in Europe and particularly Germany, where more fans are posting about their love of the game and the NFL teams they follow. Ana, Eric, and Jake were able to talk with Stephan Schliemann, a Packers fan who lives in Gütersloh, Germany. Mr. Schliemann discovered American football through highlights on German television and became more interested in the teams - and Green Bay in particular. Now he has a “Packers Cave” in his basement of his home with some very cool decor, including signed jerseys from players, green LED lighting, and a pool table, couches, and of course a big TV for game-watching. Friends who are also football fans come over to watch during the games, which in Germany take place in late evenings much of the time. We talk with him about what drew him to football and Green Bay in particular, how friends and neighbors are also getting into the game, and the connections he now has with the U.S. as a result. We also surmise how much fun it would be to have him come to see Lambeau Field in person! The season - other than for the Chiefs and 49ers - may be over, but the Packers spirit lives on in this fun football conversation that spans the continents.See Stephan on Instagram @germanpackerscave, or link to https://www.instagram.com/germanpackerscave/Inside Sponsors:Best Western: https://bit.ly/3zCCK3fWCA: https://www.wicounties.org/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Vernon County: https://bit.ly/3MlEDXWThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation:Eric, Ana, and Jake welcome Chelsey Knuth into The Cabin for a heady look at Wisconsin’s indoor museums, since it’s a good time of year to be indoors when doing casual things. Chelsey is known to over 50,000 IG followers as The Wisconsinista, and her extensive travels around the state give her a solid level of expertise and another perspective. All four Cabin dwellers dive in to some of their favorite museums to explore, including Chelsey with some “must see” museums like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World (complete with Wisconsin’s largest aquarium), and the Harley-Davidson Museum for when you’re in Wisconsin’s largest city. For art, she recommends the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in Wausau; the Wisconsin Museum of Quilt & Fiber Arts in Cedarburg; and, in a twist, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah - for a more fragile yet just-as-stunning art. Chelsey also delved into children’s museums, with great ones in Milwaukee, La Crosse, Green Bay, Madison, Eau Claire and more. On a more somber yet very historical note, the Peshtigo Fire Museum is a great stop once it opens again in spring. Hall of Fame Museums cover the Green Bay Packers, snowmobiles, even bobbleheads. Historic homes and mansions across state to explore include the Pabst Mansion and Villa Terrace in Milwaukee; House on the Rock and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin home, both near Spring Green; the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh; the Fairlawn Mansion in Superior, and more. Ana delved into cultural museums, including the Menominee Tribe Cultural & Logging Museum; plus, Wisconsin’s own State Capitol is a museum in itself. Eric discussed the National Brewery Museum in Potosi, the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Green Bay’s Neville Public Museum and National Railroad Museum, the Copper Culture Museum in Oconto, and - while there’s an outdoor component too - the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward. Jake chimed in with the National Mustard Museum in Middleton and - perhaps most unique - Redner’s Rescued Cat Figurine Museum in Menomonee Falls. Listen to the episode and get the full skinny on all of these and more! See Chelsey on Instagram @thewisconsinista, or link to https://www.instagram.com/thewisconsinista/Inside Sponsors:1.) Ho-Chunk Nation: https://bit.ly/3l2Cfru2.) Benvenutos: https://benvenutos.com

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Portage County: https://bit.ly/3QBhUu1The Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation: Ana, Eric, and Jake give their takes on some fun winter festivals that, at this point in mid-January, are still on the horizon. Some are coming up this weekend, including Waukesha’s annual Jan-Boree Festival, a city-wide brouhaha of winter activities that span 10 entire days! Up in Superior, the Lake Superior Ice Festival offers family fun the last weekend of January. Both of these fests feature activities like ice carving, winter disc golf, sledding, bonfires, and more. The Superior festival adds ice racing, a kubb tournament, and a market and craft fair. The end of January sees the start of Lake Geneva Winterfest, a long weekend celebration that embraces rides on and above Geneva Lake, ice sculptures throughout downtown, family friendly (and grown-up) activities of all kinds, and the crowning event: the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships, welcoming the best snow sculptor teams from around the country.February is filled with festivals, including Madison’s Winter Carnival with events at the UW campus both on and off the ice; the unique Scandihoovian Festival in Mt. Horeb embraces the Scandinavian way to enjoy winter, with social activities and fun with turkey bowling, fiddling, fat tire biking, and even a spelling bee. The middle weekend of February, the 15th-17th, is packed with events all over including the Northwoods Blizzard Blast centered in Conover; from the market to snowshoe baseball to outdoor recliner races on the ice plus sleigh rides, ice bowling, hockey, archery, snowshoeing, even pin-the-nose-on-the-snowman, it truly is a blast! At the same time, you can hustle across Chequamegon Bay during Book Across the Bay, the annual over-ice trek between Ashland and Washburn on Lake Superior, with plenty of fun events before, during, and after. Over on the Door Peninsula, the Sturgeon Bay Fire and Ice Festival features luminary night hikes, snow and carvers of all experience levels in the downtown crafting masterpieces and whimsical creations, even free trolley rides. For more motorized excitement, check out the Manawa Snodeo. It features snowmobile racing, ice drags, even racing with mini-bikes and lawnmowers along with hot air balloons and pyrotechnics lighting things up!They cover several craft beer festivals happening in February too, so you’re covered there as well. Plenty of festival fun awaits yet this winter, let this episode inspire you to check more out! Links to these fests are below:Waukesha JanBoree (Jan 19-28): https://www.janboree.org/Lake Superior Ice Festival: https://lakesuperioricefestival.com/Lake Geneva Winterfest & The US National Snow Sculpting Competition: https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/event/winterfest-2024/12242/Madison Winter Carnival: https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/special-events/wintercarnival/Scandihoovian Festival in Mt. Horeb: https://trollway.com/scandihoovian-winter-festivalNorthwoods Blizzard Blast: https://northwoodsblizzardblast.com/Book Across the Bay: https://www.batb.org/Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival: https://sturgeonbay.net/special-events/fire-ice-festival/Manawa Snodeo: https://www.manawasnodeo.org/More festival and road trip fun can be found at https://www.statetrunktour.com/

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Lincoln County: https://bit.ly/3QvVgDlThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation: Ana, Eric, and Jake explore winter activities in Wisconsin with an eye on the more unique approaches. Sure, you can go skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and partake in many of the other typical winter activities, but how about sleigh rides, skijoring, and everybody’s favorite New Year’s activity (or one to avoid), the polar bear dips? We cover where you can take a sleigh ride across the winter season, not just during Christmas; how skijoring became popular in Wisconsin and places where you can partake, competitively or just for fun; plus some of the most famous places to jump into the frigid waters of Wisconsin’s lakes to ring in the New Year, and a number of polar bear dips happening yet this winter, including February and March, in which you can partake. Ice boating is another popular sport you don’t find in many other states, but we cover the history, the unique nature of this sport, and how Wisconsin has some of the best (frozen) waters for ice boating and racing, including some in Madison. Another unique feature is the Ice Caves, which during particularly cold winters form along the shores of Lake Superior off the coast of Bayfield County. They already have boat tours of those areas at times, but when the lake freezes well enough a walk on foot is particularly awe-inspiring. Winter festivals around the state offer some unique takes, including the Scandihoovian Winter Festival in Mount Horeb, JanBoree in Waukesha, the ice drags at the Merrill Winter Festival and more - something we detail both in this episode and in some upcoming. Of course, Wisconsin has a number of unique spots for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing - Jake has you covered on that angle. Yes, winters get long in Wisconsin, but with this guide you can maximize the fun in ways you can’t in other states. Join us for the tour! Inside Sponsors:Visit Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilf

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Polk County: https://bit.ly/3OELsFN The Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX Campfire Conversation: In this episode of The Cabin, Ana, Eric, and Jake welcome 2024 and divvy up some resolutions in the areas of giving, healthier living, and healthier eating, respectively. Ana focuses on giving more in 2024 and explores a variety of interesting charitable events and organizations. She goes to Lake Geneva to explore things like the Mr. Lake Geneva Pageant, where men compete pageant-style to benefit area nonprofits as well as charity events centered around golf, biking, and more. She explores Cycling Without Age, an organization that provides rides to elderly people in need - it started in Denmark and now has chapters in 39 countries, including the US and Wisconsin. DoorTran, a transportation service in Door County, does similar work in Wisconsin’s most famous peninsula. Conservation alliances in Wisconsin advance the quality of life in communities as well as the environment, and Ana shares the one in Sauk Prairie, which is also active in revamping the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant grounds. Serving as a mentor is another wonderful way to “pay it forward,” and programs like the Outagamie County Mentoring Program illustrate these benefits. She also discusses a variety of walks and runs, galas, interesting contests, festivals and more that benefit communities across the state. VolunteerMatch.org provides a good resource for finding some of them.Eric dives into some unique Wisconsin workouts and ways to get in better shape for 2024(hey, he tries every year) and some of those workouts include yoga with goats or alpacas - oddly soothing for some reason; curling and ice skating in winter; pole fitness; bungee workouts at places like Swoop; TRX and cycle workouts at places like CycleBar, Spire, and Barre Code; and unique spots like Bounce Trampoline at Hometown Pilates in Fitchburg, which combines dance, music and bounce for a full cardio workout, and also helps with balance and coordination and studies have shown bounce is good for lymph circulation. More fun than your usual regular run or some sit-ups!Jake discusses food as part of his resolution, and covers examples of places around the state where you can eat healthier. Places around the state are now offering fresher and healthier grab-and-go meals and you can find them at markets like The Farmacy in Green Bay, co-ops like Willy Street in Madison, People’s Co-Op in La Crosse, and Outpost Natural Foods, which has multiple locations around Milwaukee, and more. Farmers markets have greatly multiplied in number across the state where you can get fresh-grown food from area farms, bakers, and more; they’re often a great way to kick off your weekend. Many of these markets take place in the warmer months, but more and more communities have winter markets indoors. Jake also drops some favorites across the state, including Downtown Grocery in Wausau; Thai Basil in Madison; Subhouse in Hudson, and Island Cafe in Minocqua, where you’ll find a Mediterranean menu amidst an area primarily known for pub food and fish fries in the great North Woods. He provides a nice blueprint for places that offer that combination of tasty cuisine and better nutrition many of us want.Hope your New Year’s resolutions work well and you have a happy, healthy 2024! Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County: https://bit.ly/3gt0Nau

In this special Sunday release of The Cabin, Episode 209 is all about looking back at 2023, finding the 10 most-streamed episodes, and sharing more about them. You’ll hear clips of each while Eric and Ana dive into more details about the guest, the topic, even other behind the scenes memories that make each episode even more fun.Episodes include the Top 10 Most Photographed Sites in the State (and 10 That SHOULD Be); Farm to Table Dining featuring guest co-host Apurba Banerjee; Wondrous Wisconsin Woodlands with guest co-host Ramsay Plautz; Where to Find the Best Brats in Wisconsin, where we were joined Josh Ostermann and Michelle Gormican Thompson; Wisconsin Historic Sites You Need to Visit; Indoor & Outdoor Skating Rinks in Wisconsin; What To Love About Winter in Chippewa County, a show we took on the road; Legendary Wisconsin Animals: Real AND Imagined; one of our Wisconsin Dive Bars; and our Uniquely Wisconsin episode covering Sheboygan County We dive into some honorable mentions and extras, too. It’s a great way to wrap up 2023!

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Marquette County: https://bit.ly/3n3gXuFThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation: In this episode of The Cabin, we check in with emerging Wisconsin native country artist Madeline Consoer. The Eagle River native followed her passion initially into college but then The Voice, where she first gained national exposure. Today, she lives and works in Nashville in the heart of the country music industry, working with other singers, songwriters, and producers. Her touring activity is also picking up, which brings her to various locations around the country including venues in Wisconsin and Chicago. Madeline shares her story with us, including how some unlikely and sometimes spontaneous experiences turned into promising opportunities, how support from family and friends gave her the ability to head to Nashville, and how she continues to expand her songwriting, singing, and performing. Her music is a mix of pop and country and she continues to explore additional genres with her songs. Some of her most popular releases include “How Do I Next.,” “Mama Said,” “Thank God,” “I Told My Mom About You,” and “Runnin Into A Heartbreak,” songs that are gaining streams on numerous platforms including Spotify, YouTube, and increasingly on radio. Along with her story, enjoy some anecdotes, how a “fun hang” can help you discover your talents and follow your dreams, and even a deeper dive into today’s music industry.Check out Madeline Consoer on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1bw2RHxmR0mo75zcrlarDoInside Sponsors:Ho-Chunk - https://bit.ly/3l2CfruShop Discover Wisconsin - https://shop.discoverwisconsin.com

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Jackson County: https://bit.ly/3zxUStdThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation: With the meat of snowmobiling season still just ahead of us, Eric, Ana, and Jake welcome Dylan Rose and Jack Sarama into The Cabin. These Wisconsin natives host the snowmobiling show Boondock Nation, where they tour all over the U.S. and Canada and sled coast-to-coast to showcase trails and destinations. In this episode, they focus on Wisconsin’s snowmobiling trails and destinations. Discussions include the extensive network of trails (over 25,000 miles of trails criss-cross Wisconsin), the intense work involved in grooming and maintaining thousands of those trail miles, plus some great stops along the way. Some particular destinations receive focus, including the Eagle River and Land O Lakes areas and over to St. Germain and Sayner, where the modern style snowmobile was invented. The trails in many North Woods areas and the adjoining U.P. of Michigan often use former railroad rights-of-way and expansive lakes that allow you to really “open up” on the trails. Additional trail systems exist throughout the state, including Langlade County which bills itself as the “county of trails.” Additional systems in southern Wisconsin, where the seasons are shorter for snowmobiling, also offer trails closer to the larger cities. When you wish to ride off-trail but still want to have guidance and avoid private property, apps like OnX Offroad help you do just that. Yes, some key apps and equipment for better snowmobiling gets covered in this episode, too. Some events centered around snowmobiling happen across the state too, including radar runs and group rides; we dive into some of those, too, including the one at Bent’s Camp near Land O Lakes, which Jack and Dylan frequent when they’re not filming out west. This episode will definitely prep you for snowmobiling season, and as Jack said, remember: in the end, we’re all squeezing the same throttle.Connect to Boondock Nation: https://boondocknation.com/Discover more about the onX Offroad app: https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/appConnect to the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs: https://awsc.org/Get maps of snowmobile trails across Wisconsin: https://www.sco.wisc.edu/maps/snowmobile-trail/Inside Sponsors:Washington County - https://bit.ly/3qayJALShop Discover Wisconsin - https://shop.discoverwisconsin.com

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Oneida County: https://bit.ly/3D9yHwfThe Cabin is also brought to you by Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCXCampfire Conversation: Eric, Ana, and Jake dive into ice in this episode - well, not INTO ice but into the topic of the sculptures people make with ice around Wisconsin in wintertime. These are icy creations you can see, and sometimes even interact with.Many are at festivals. Examples include the Knickerbocker Festival in Lake Mills, named after a company that harvested ice from the city’s own Rock Lake. They offer plenty of fun activities, including ice sculpting demonstrations throughout the downtown area and an ice bar with Tyranena Brewing Company, which was named after the lake’s original name. Other fun activities like ice golfing, ice skating, and an activity named “Ididherdad” which you’ll just have to hear about in the episode. This year, it takes place February 3-4, 2024.Lake Geneva offers similar fun from January 30-February 4 with their classic Winterfest and US National Snow Sculpting Competition, which also features ice sculptures meticulously crafted and presented at locations throughout the city’s downtown. You can also enjoy Winter Realms at Geneva National in the Lake Geneva area, which opens in January and will continue as long as the weather allows. Winter Realms is an update of the annual Ice Castles event, featuring sleigh rides, an ice volcano, igloos, tubing activities, mesmerizing ice sculptures, and ice slides. Meander among snow caverns, tunnels and an ice throne as you experience a world of winter magic. More ice-filled events kicking off in January include the massive Waukesha Jan-Boree, a 10-day festival encompassing activities across the city from January 19-28. Ice-related activities include sculpting demos and completed works, ice skating, ice dancing, ice fishing clinics, and more. More sculptures and crafted ice art can be found nearby at events like New Berlin’s Winterfest January 6th and Dela-FREEZE in Delafield January 13th with live ice carvings taking place throughout the day.At the other end of the state, late January features the Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior the weekend of January 26th & 27th, which not only has ice carving and sculptures but an ice throne you can sit on! Just not for too long…That weekend kicks off Friday the 25th with the Winterfest Ice Carving Competition in Green Bay, which pins carvers against each other to create works of art that are proudly displayed in the Broadway District for as long as the weather allows. And yes, they have an ice throne, too!February festivals featuring ice carvings and sculptures include the Kenosha Snow Daze Festival February 4th, which includes tons of demonstrations; Winterfest in Cedarburg February 16-17, where the ice sculpting is a contest; and Appleton’s Avenue of Ice, which debuts the 3rd weekend in February every year with over 30 unique ice sculptures displayed in front of the unique boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants.Other sites for ice sculptures include Roger Nelson’s Ice Formations, which is a place in Maiden Rock where the Rush River rushes towards the Mississippi and pushes enough water and ice up strategically placed wood and other materials to freeze on them and create some unique looks people are welcome to come and see. They have a Facebook page with photos and regular updates, as Mother Nature basically makes these at random.One fantastic annual creation is in Eagle River: the Ice Castle. The beautiful monument to the city that heads up the World’s Largest Chain of Interconnected Freshwater Lakes and Snowmobile Capital of the World is perched at the western edge of the city’s downtown right where all the main roads converge. It dates back to 1933 and began with only 250 blocks of ice; today it utilizes over 3,000 blocks and rises over 20 feet, incorporating obelisks and colored flood lights that bring illumination all night long. The Ice Castle, made from foot-thick blocks of ice harvested from nearby lakes and rivers, generally rises around New Year’s and stays as long as weather allows. It’s a staple of Eagle River’s winters almost every year and a beautiful sculpture creation done by volunteers.Companies like designed by Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures, LLC and Art Below Zero often create the ice sculptures for events, but many establishments hire companies and artists like these to create ice bars for them that patrons love to frequent whilst imbibing outdoors in the cold months. Ice Bars get set up in places like Titletown District establishments in Green Bay, Belair Cantina at The Corners of Brookfield in the Town of Brookfield, Third Ward and the Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, at the Baker House during Winterfest in Lake Geneva, and many more spots around the state. Look forward to the big freeze and enjoy these icy works of art this winter in Wisconsin! Knickerbocker

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Calumet County; https://bit.ly/3JJJyPvCampfire Conversation: Eric and Ana discuss some holiday traditions popular in - and in some cases practically exclusive to - Wisconsin while educating Jake (a relative newcomer from California) on how awesome the holidays are in this state. Wisconsinites definitely have a sweet tooth, and traditions often brought from the “old country” gave the state tendencies to lean toward desserts and treats that others around the country don’t get to experience as often. We profile plenty of bakeries around the state baking up treats like stollen and Danish kringle (the official pastry of Wisconsin), along with holiday cookies, candied fruit, spices, and nuts. Even We Energies, formerly Wisconsin Electric Company, puts out their annual “Cookie Book” and has every year for generations at this point.Both bars and traditional basement parties in Wisconsin would mix up quite a concoction of cocktails that are particularly popular in the holiday season, including the hot toddy, the Tom & Jerry, and the Brandy slush (this state consumes a lot of brandy.) Hot chocolate is also very popular, and some towns in the state have bars that organize “hot chocolate crawls” to keep people warm as they “crawl” from spot to spot.Another big holiday tradition, especially in eastern Wisconsin, is tiger meat or steak tartare - raw beef with onions, salt, pepper, on rye. Some even crack raw egg on top. The German version - mettbröchen - consists of raw minced beef or pork & onions on a bread roll.. it’s known as the “cannibal sandwich” in the Milwaukee area. And yes, we discuss what the Department of Health has to say about these sandwiches.The holiday decor is another topic, and those unique and cool-looking aluminum trees that became hugely popular in the early 1960s came out of Manitowoc, where they made them and shipped them all over the country. You can still find them, and enjoy a huge display of the in Manitowoc every holiday season with “Evergleams on Eighth” downtown. We cover all of this and more as we’re fully imbibed into the holidays on The Cabin!Inside Sponsors:Visit Lake Geneva - https://bit.ly/3wHvilfShop Discover Wisconsin - https://shop.discoverwisconsin.com

Ana and Eric welcome Robert Reider to The Cabin, Mr Reider is Senior Marketing Director for the Ho-Chunk Nation - and a pro golfer to boot! Along with some golf discussion, a major topic is Truman Lowe, whose story was profiled by Discover Wisconsin. The story recently won an Emmy at the 65th Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards for their digital short titled “Exploring the Artistic Process of Truman Lowe.” The video tells a phenomenal story of the Ho-Chunk artist, Truman Lowe and his inspirational impact on other Natives and community members. Eric, Ana, and Robert also dive into how the Ho-Chunk government operates as an independent entity, right down to license plates and school systems. They discuss how they preserve and pass on tribal traditions, including an educational system that teaches the Ho-Chunk language to new generations. They also discuss how economics are driving the future from casino operations to artistic endeavors and small business, and the impact of notable natives like Truman Lowe. It’s a fascinating look at how a Native American government and society operates within - and occasionally independent of - the larger society here in Wisconsin. Join in on this fascinating campfire conversation and discover more about the Ho-Chunk Nation. Ho-Chunk Nation main site: https://ho-chunknation.com/Emmy award-winning video about Truman Lowe: https://youtu.be/oBltTFXKNLw

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Burnett County; https://bit.ly/3pX15LaCampfire Conversation: We’re in full swing for holiday shopping, and Eric and Ana welcome Kortnee Hass into The Cabin for a cozy look at some great ideas for all the people in your life. Food is always a good gift, whether it’s authentic Danish kringle made and shipped from Racine; platters of cheese, sausage, nuts, crackers and more from a myriad of sources across the state; bacon from Nueske’s and other notable Wisconsin brands; maple syrup from Skinny Sticks or other sources; specialty popcorn from places like Minocqua Popcorn & Puffs or Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats; Sheboygan brats; or even turkey gizzards (an odd, but loved by some) from Bay View Packing Company in Milwaukee. Wisconsin beverages like Jolly Good Soda; specialty teas or coffee from one of Wisconsin’s many coffee roasters; or gift cards and passes for Old Fashioneds, craft beers, local wines, or craft spirits from the state’s many distilleries. Other crafted items such as candles, artistic custom skillets - some of which are in shapes like Wisconsin’s outline, and charcuterie (or, one brand, Char-MOO-terie) boards. Some gifts give back all year, like a State Park Pass for 2024 or City Tins, coasters that offer discounts at a variety of restaurants, breweries, and more throughout the year - the aforementioned “passports” at craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries do the same. Unique gifts include things like a Cow Yoga Calendar from Willow Creek Press. Of course, Discover Wisconsin and Cabin merch are great gifts too, and you can take advantage of some great options and holiday deals at shop.discoverwisconsin.com! Check out this episode and you might find yourself making major progress on your holiday shopping.Find merch for Discover Wisconsin and The Cabin here: http://shop.discoverwisconsin.comGet the Wisconsin Hop Passport for craft breweries here: https://www.hoppassport.com/partners/2024-wisconsinGet the Wisconsin Old Fashioned Passport here: https://venturewisconsin.com/products/2024-old-fashioned-passportAnother great guide to Wisconsin holiday gifts: https://upnorthnewswi.com/2022/11/08/presents-with-purpose-your-guide-to-wisconsin-made-gifts-that-give-back/Find the Cow Yoga calendar here: https://www.calendars.com/shop/cow-yoga-2024-wall-calendar/202400003882Purchase a Wisconsin State Parks Pass for 2024 here: https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wiInside Sponsors:Washington County - https://bit.ly/3qayJAL

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Shawano County; https://bit.ly/3X0MLBnCampfire Conversation: Eric and Ana tuck into the Cabin and prepare you for the wonders of Wisconsin comfort foods - those tasty treats and dishes that bring warmth and fill you up. They talk about the foods themselves like casseroles, pot pies, poutine, mac & cheese (lots of cheese), potato dishes, pasties, chili, and more. Shout-outs are given to some favorite spots for comfort foods around Wisconsin, including Monty’s Blue Plate Diner in Madison and Delta Diner in the North Woods in Bayfield County (both for their meat loaf among other dishes!); places like Real Chili in Milwaukee for chili; Mac’s and their multiple locations around Wisconsin for incredible mac & cheese combos; Shepherd’s Pie from places like Kitty O’Reilly’s in Sturgeon Bay, Stone Arch in Appleton, Dublin Square in La Crosse, O’Donoghue’s in Elm Grove, or County Clare in Milwaukee; plus Italian pastas, Cornish pasties, plus some key burgers and pizza around the state get highlighted. Desserts are comfort food too, and places like Norske Nook, Honeypie, Hubbard Avenue Diner, and Stockholm Pie (among many others) are famous for pies - and that’s just one dessert example. Wisconsin’s bevy of supper clubs are great places for big meals involving our favorite comfort foods as a state, they are highly recommended for the full experience! All of that and more gets covered in this episode of The Cabin.Inside Sponsors:Menomonie Chamber: https://bit.ly/3q16T9YJefferson County: https://www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Door County; https://bit.ly/3N0TU1cCampfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome Ramsay Plautz back into The Cabin for a hearty conversation on bushcrafting - that is, camping without all the creature comforts - in Wisconsin. Ramsay relates his previous experiences bushcrafting, where you only bring serious basics and travel as lightly as possible. He reiterates the four C’s of bushcrafting we covered during summer episodes on this topic, but adapted for winter. When bushcrafting, you make your own shelter, hunt or forage for your food, and be one with nature as much as possible. Of course you’ll need a survival kit attuned for winter, which is different from what you’d pack for summer. Ramsay covers those basics along with constructing the best shelter and winter foraging and hunting. We learn some interesting tidbits here, including the nutritional value of squirrels, pine cones, and more; getting and storing the best fresh water, which is actually much easier in snow-covered winter forests. You can use a number of natural items and tools in the forest, and Ramsay covers ways to make use of what is around you. He also covers some of the best places for true bushcrafting in winter and the best ways to stay safe, including monitoring and sensing weather conditions and how to handle animals - and anyone traveling with you. As a lone adventurer or with a group of friends, this episode helps winter campers truly test their skills when communing with nature - and it’s coldest and sometimes least forgiving. Join us for some winter bushcrafting inspiration!Check out Ramsay’s IG channel here: @northmen_bushcraft or https://www.instagram.com/northmen_bushcraftInside Sponsors:Best Western (Region #7 Northwest) - https://bit.ly/3zCCK3fWisconsin Counties Association - https://bit.ly/3ehxDHH

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Crawford County; https://bit.ly/3PbkeonCampfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome Adam Wallace into The Cabin to discuss the many VFW Posts and Halls that you’ll find all over the state, as well as the country. As State Adjutant for VFWs of Wisconsin, Mr. Wallace knows a thing or two about the history of these establishments and what they have to offer. We discuss how the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts were originally established in the wake of the first World War, how they function as a community resource for not only these veterans, but the entire community. We talk about how the posts get their numbers and names, the similarities and differences among them, how they relate with American Legion posts, how they serve as a gathering place and support center for veterans who have fought overseas, and how the general public is welcome. VFW Posts and Halls have great little bars in them with friendly patrons and fascinating history. Many offer a variety of menu options from their kitchen as well as event space that proves popular for everything from community meetings to wedding receptions. These VFWs across Wisconsin are part of a network across the nation and indeed the globe where these common themes are woven together. Adam, Ana, and Eric discuss some particular posts, sharing stories and stats that will help you notice the VFW posts and halls you see in your town and on your travels. Stop in and explore them when you have a chance!Find out more about the Wisconsin VFW here: https://vfwwi.org/di/vfw/v2/default.aspVFW Posts of Wisconsin directory with links, Google Map locations, and more:: https://vfwwi.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=13797Find out more about the Unmet Needs Program here: https://vfwwi.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=5646Inside Sponsors:Ho-Chunk Nation https://bit.ly/3l2CfruWashington County https://bit.ly/3qayJAL

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Vernon County; https://bit.ly/34JWV1ZThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, where we get a chance to talk with Nicole from Jolly Good about the latest happenings. Jolly Good is available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome “Brick” into The Cabin to talk terrifying haunts for Halloween across Wisconsin. These are places rumored - and as far as some people are concerned, verified - to be haunted with some crazy and unexplained things that happen. Places like the Bloody Bride Bridge in Stevens Point - can you guess the stories behind that one? The legendary Summerwind Mansion - or what’s left of it - deep in the North Woods has had numerous reports of hauntings and more ever since its construction, the mysterious fire, and the aftermath ever since. Cemeteries are always rife with haunting rumors, and the Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake has a special reputation that Brick discusses. Similar for Sanitarium Hill in Madison, with plenty of history that just might freak you out. Milwaukee’s Ambassador Hotel has long been rumored to be haunted, as is Shaker’s Cigar Bar in Walker’s Point, which gives ghost tours. Manitowoc, home of Windigo Fest, has a major World War II-era submarine called the USS Cobia in the water and plenty of hauntings have been reported on the sub, where people can still spend the night. In Marinette County, McClintock County Park near Silver Cliff gives you an outdoor area to explore and make yourself vulnerable, while on the Door Peninsula the Institute Saloon lets you raise a glass of beer with the ghosts that hang out there. And the legend of the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie is just not for elegant beauty in its architecture and staging wonderful shows; it, like many theaters, has some spooky stuff happening when the curtain is down. We discuss all of these and more in Haunted Wisconsin on the episode of The Cabin. Inside Sponsors:Best Western Hotels: https://bit.ly/3zCCK3fMarshfield Clinic: https://bit.ly/3Wj6pYj

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Clark County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/clark-county/The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana preview Halloween with the last big batch of events leading up to the holiday. Some celebrate the holiday with a bar crawl, which is as Wisconsin as it gets. Milwaukee is home to the “Milwaukee Official Halloween Bar Crawl” which features a multi-day pass to multiple venues in the city with drink specials, costume contests, “ghostly cocktails” and more. Multiple cities and towns across the state are having similar crawls, so check for one near you! Meanwhile, cities on Lake Winnebago have a lot of these events. At the bottom, Fond du Lac’s Witherell House – an old house built in 1853 – is filled with haunting stories and history and you can visit and experience some of that for yourself. Up in Oshkosh, the Grand Opera House offers ghost tours. The lovely building dates back to 1883 but like many performance venues, stories of hauntings and strange happenings abound; the Grand Oshkosh Haunted Happenings Ghost Tour will take you behind the scenes. Just north of there in Neenah, you can attend the Burial Chamber, where you can spend the night at a complex of haunted houses – and with opportunities like the “Trapped & Buried Alive Experience,” there’s a good chance you’ll get freaked out. Meanwhile to the east, Road America between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake hosts Wisconsin Fear Fest through Sunday the 29th with three terrifying haunted houses amidst the world-renown race track grounds. Over in Sheboygan, the Dominion of Terror is run by the local Jaycees and they know how to terrorize you in a haunted house with over 20 rooms; you can also check out a 45 minute escape room. Meanwhile down in Hartford, Terror on Rural Street is open one more time this weekend with a 17-room haunted house and over 30 actors bent on giving you a hair-raising experience – it’s one of the highest-rated haunted houses in the country! For an outdoor experience, you can check out the Little Park of Horrors in Menomonee Falls where you navigate a course in Old Falls Village Park outside, in the dark, and you have to be 13 or older to even try it. For an indoor experience designed to freak you out, it’s always wild at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in downtown Wisconsin Dells. It offers over 200 ghoulish artifacts including cannibal skulls, two-headed calves, and the mummified head of a real serial killer – who some say haunts the building. Finally, if you want a moving experience (for real), the East Troy Railroad offers haunted dinner trains – and the Osceola Express in northwestern Wisconsin has rides too, more about pumpkins than hauntings – or is it?? Check these out for a wild experience as we approach Halloween! Inside Sponsors:Washington County: https://bit.ly/3qayJALMarshfield Clinic: https://bit.ly/3Wj6pYj

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Barron County; https://bit.ly/3EUtWquThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: On the heels of Sunday’s National Cheese Curd Day, Eric and Ana welcome Samantha Buschman, the Instagrammer behind @wisconsin_cheese_please, into The Cabin. Samatha joined The Cabin remotely from her RV in Wyoming, where she found a restaurant offering “Wisconsin Cheese Curds” and they offered a side of honey, kicking off a conversation about dips for curds. Marinara and ranch are two of the most popular, but many variations exist; some add spices like Spanish Paprika, others offer aioli blends including a Bloody Mary aioli at Copper State Brewing in Green Bay. Some go sweeter with jam variations, others with more savory sauces. They all pair quite well - we all know how versatile cheese is! From there, the conversation delved into locations where you can find some of the best curds. Eric, Ana, and Samatha discussed some of their favorite fresh curds - often right from the factory - as well as fried curds across the state that are worth the trip. Highlights include cheese factories offering their curds fresh from Ellsworth - Wisconsin’s “Cheese Curd Capital” to Watertown with Kraemer Cheese with spots in between from Door County to the Driftless. Curds offering up in restaurants and select bars - usually fried, but not always - are listed by all three. Cheddar curds from places like Merchant and The Old Fashioned in Madison, Guu’s in Stevens Point, Courthouse Pub in Manitowoc, Parker John’s BBQ (where they blend chives and garlic into the batter), Bavette and Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, and many, many more. Curds are usually cheddar, but Muenster works well, such as at Sconnie’s in Schofield, Even curds made with goat cheese get a salute, with the ones at La Merenda in Milwaukee; their goat cheese curds are also served with Tia Paquita chorizo cream sauce. The variations are many, but all are delicious. Join us for the full list in this episode!Inside Sponsors:Best Western (Region #5 - Central) https://bit.ly/3zCCK3fHo-Chunk Nation https://bit.ly/3l2Cfru

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Rusk County; https://bit.ly/3wKH2nYThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana take you on a broad scope tour of southwestern Wisconsin, home to the land in the state that the glaciers went around, not over, and consequently has a topography unlike anywhere else in the state - or the Midwest. They cover a wide variety of topics across the area, including the unique history of southwest Wisconsin centered around mining; the state parks across the region including around Blue Mound, the highest point in southern Wisconsin; also unique towns with fascinating histories, points of interest, architecture, and more. Some hidden gems get revealed, such as Driftless Music Gardens outside tiny Yuba, to some of the most well-known attractions in the state like House on the Rock and Cave of the Mounds. They cover bigger cities like La Crosse to popular towns including New Glarus and Viroqua, to hamlets like Paoli, they all offer things to see and do that may surprise you. Join them for a look at a region that will inspire you to dive deeper and uncover some soon-to-be-favorite spots for yourself!Inside SponsorsVisit Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilfMenomonie Chamber: https://bit.ly/3q16T9Y Marshfield Clinic: https://bit.ly/3Wj6pYj

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Manitowoc County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/manitowoc-county/The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4Eric and Ana highlight some of the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches to maximize your Fall fun now that it’s October. Many of these include not only orchards and/or pumpkin patches, but other fun family-friendly activities from mini-train rides and kart tracks to petting zoos and make-your-own pizzas with fresh farm ingredients. Eric and Ana explored the offerings of Glacier Rock Farms near Ixonia; the popular Apple Holler on the Racine-Kenosha County line along I-41/94;, Ski-Hi Fruit Farm, nestled in the Baraboo Hills; Apple Hut near Beloit; Apple Barn west of Elkhorn; Seehafer Farms outside of Marshfield; Turner’s Fresh Market near Waupaca;, Polly’s Pumpkin Patch near Chilton, a place where Eric had filmed for a Discover Wisconsin episode on Calumet County; Helene’s Hilltop Orchard near Merrill; Basse’s Taste of Country on the Waukesha-Washington County line just west of Menomonee Falls; Mommsen’s Harvest Hills Pumpkin Patch and Orchard south of Rice Lake, where Eric also filmed with Discover Wisconsin and participated in some serious pumpkin chuckin’; Ecker’s Apple Farm outside of Trempealeau, which also offers live music and a craft beer bar; and Shanahan Orchard between Plain and Loganville in Sauk County. The discussion also zoned in on two specific areas known in Wisconsin for growing fruit: Bayfield County and Door County. These two counties feature more maritime climate tendencies than the rest of the state, and as such they’ve attracted clusters of growers. In Bayfield, they discussed Blue Vista Farm, Hauser’s Superior View, Hillcrest Orchards, Rabideaux’s Orchards, Sunset Valley Orchard, and North Wind Organic Farm, all part of a trail you can follow in the hills above Bayfield for a full day - or weekend or more - of fun! In Door County, Eric and Ana checked out Lautenbach’s Orchard Country & Wine Market, the Wood Orchard Market, Wildwood Market, and the Red Barn Corn Maze - which offers quite the challenging maze along with, as so many offer, pick-your-own options.We wrap up the Campfire Conversation talking about the upcoming Discover Wisconsin episode on West Allis, with its neighborhood renaissance, emerging culinary scene, and renewed civic pride. Apurba Banerjee hosts this episode and Ana, as producer, discusses it all with us ahead of its release on the Discover Wisconsin app this Wednesday, October 4th, and on local broadcast channels as well as all the online stream options this weekend, October 7th & 8th. Visit Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilfMenomonie Chamber: https://bit.ly/3q16T9Y Marshfield Clinic: https://bit.ly/3Wj6pYj

Ana and Eric light the fire on Wood County, a diverse county in the heart of Wisconsin offering cities like Marshfield, a major medical hub, and Wisconsin Rapids, known for its papermaking, water skiing, golf, and - more recently - competitive BMX racing, as well as beautiful, serene rural areas from farms to forest and plenty of open space for outdoor fun. They open the Cabin door for Matt McLean from Visit Marshfield and Meredith Kleker from the Wisconsin Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau for an in-depth look at the county they both call home. One major note about Wood County is its penchant for cranberries. Not only do they produce a sizable share of Wisconsin’s cranberry crop (which leads the nation and is tops among the world), Pittsville is home to the only Cranberry Program in a high school and a “Cranberry Road” Auto Tour offers people the opportunity for a colorful tour of the bogs and marshes. Pittsville is also the geographic center of the state, by the way, in case you were curious about why we say Wood County is in the heart of Wisconsin. Outdoor adventures abound in the county, from bountiful hunting areas to beautiful trails; designated areas like the Mead Wildlife Area offers opportunities for both. Powers Bluff near the center of the county is a literal standout, rising prominently among the landscape while offering winter recreation from tubing to snowboarding. Wood County is becoming more of a golf destination, from nearby Sand Valley to Lake Arrowhead. The Wisconsin River, which runs along the eastern side of the county and right through Wisconsin Rapids, is home to active water ski groups who put on popular shows in season. We dive into Wisconsin Rapids with Meredith, checking out the city’s sports offerings from its Central Wisconsin BMX track to baseball games at Witter Field for Wisconsin Rapids Rafters action - and unique way they deliver beers to you! If hockey is more your sport, the Wisconsin Rapids River Kings have you covered in winter. The city’s paper history is showcased in the Papermaking Museum, and one of the newer breweries in the state, Two Doors Down Brewing, is right downtown, not far from Hotel Mead, Wisconsin Rapids; own boutique hotel. Matt highlights Marsjhfield with us, including art galleries, museums, historic sites, the World’s Largest Round Barn on the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, and some excellent shopping up and down the city’s main drag, Central Avenue. Blue Heron Brewpub is Marshfield’s own brewery, and if you want to wander among some remarkable sculptures and metal art, the Jurustic Walk downtown will mesmerize. Marshfield also offers a fantastic (and free) zoo in Wildwood Park, which features an impressive display holding two Kodiak bears along with a wide variety of other animals. Wisconsin’s reputation for cheese shines in Nasonville with their dairy and the very popular Dairy State Cheese Store in Rudolph, which also has the amazing Rudolph Grotto nearby and is the home of Dick Trickle and other popular race car drivers. We cover it all in this episode - make sure you cover all of Wood County to truly experience it! Wood County: https://www.woodcountywi.gov/Visit Marshfield: https://www.visitmarshfield.com/. Follow on social @VisitMarshfield Wisconsin Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://www.visitwisrapids.com/. Follow in Instagram @visitwisrapids.

Eric and Ana dive into a book about strange places in Wisconsin, where Ana has the book, Eric randomly picks pages, and they discuss wherever it lands. They end up discussing the mysterious orange moose you can spot by I-94 and Highway 54 in Black River Falls aka “the world’s most unusual ornament.” They then head to the Viking Motel in Buffalo County with the oversized viking and its legend, the “world of miniature buildings” in Logan’s hometown of Pardeeville, and a church haunted by old Norwegian ghosts south of Amery. Several places in Wisconsin lay claim to being the “UFO Capital of the World,” and they explore the legends in Elmwood, Belleville, and Poland (the town in Wisconsin, not the country in Europe.) Eric and Ana also discuss Wisconsin native Chris Farley’s unusual grave in Madison; the “Rock-in-the-House” Museum in Fountain City and the crazy stories that follow; Manitowoc’s experience with a spacecraft crash and the festival that has sprung up around it; unusual architecture with the Pebble House in Port Washington; and the Mustard Museum in Middleton, and more. Let it inspire you to seek out some strange - and cool - places across Wisconsin! The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Richland County; https://bit.ly/3va2f8FThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Fond du Lac County; https://bit.ly/3Lms7obThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana discuss Wisconsin’s five designed scenic byways and why each is a beautiful drive, with a little help from our friends. Jon Jarosh from Destination Door County joins for a look at the Door County Coastal Byway, 66 miles of beauty and charming towns on the Door Peninsula along Highways 42 and 57, from Sturgeon Bay north to beautiful coasts, state and county parks, and towns like Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, Baileys Harbor, and Jacksonport. Mary Motiff from Bayfield County (and the mayor of its county seat, Washburn) joins for the Lake Superior Scenic Byway conversation. The Byway covers 70 miles along Highway 13 in Bayfield County, showing off the beauty of the northern coast of the state from near Ashland through Washburn and Bayfield over to Cornucopia, Port Wing, and Herbster with beaches, forest, orchards, wineries, and even the first National Tribal Park in the nation along the way. Josh Ostermann joins Eric and Ana in The Cabin for a look at the others (yes, pizza gets a mention.) The ​Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway is the newest, covering 145 miles through the Nicolet National Forest and along the beautiful Wolf River, which has a National Scenic River designation. It winds through Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas Counties along segments of Highways 55, 52, 32, and 70 with connections to a wide variety of multi-use, all-season trails. The Lower Wisconsin River State Scenic Byway covers 100 miles along Highway 60 from Lodi to Bridgeport by Prairie du Chien, giving you a nice cross-section of Wisconsin’s incredible Driftless Area and the shifting courses of the Wisconsin River and its valley. Finally, Wisconsin’s segment of the Great River Road gets covered as it runs along the Mississippi River from East Dubuque to Prescott. This multi-state byway actually begins in Minnesota and follows the Mississippi River for 10 states until it ends in New Orleans, Louisiana, but Wisconsin’s segment is the most scenic (by many measures, not just ours!) It covers 250 miles, much of it along Highway 35, through 33 river towns. These include some of the oldest settlements in the state, the dynamic city of La Crosse as well as Prairie du Chien (the only place where two state designated scenic byways meet) and charming smaller towns like Trempealeau, Stockholm, Pepin, Alma, Fountain City, and Potosi. You can enjoy many scenic overlooks, with some great birding opportunities including bald eagles. All in all, Wisconsin’s five designated scenic byways provide over 600 miles of road trip beauty and fun. Be sure to check out our Discover Wisconsin episode on the two coastal byways coming up!Links to more:Door County Coastal Byway: https://doorcountycoastalbyway.org/Lake Superior Scenic Byway: https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/855/Scenic-Byway and https://www.bayfield.org/Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway: https://nicoletwolfriverbyway.com/Lower Wisconsin River Road Scenic Byway: https://www.facebook.com/Scenic60 or http://statetrunktour.com/routes/60-2/ Wisconsin’s Great River Road: https://www.wigrr.com/

Ana and Eric welcome Laura Palzkill direct from Phillips into the Cabin for a deep dive into Price County. Laura serves as Executive Director of the Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce and knows every nook and cranny of the county - and there are many! We began by giving the lay of the land in Price County, which is not only in the center of the state but also holds its highest natural point, the 1951.5-foot peak of Timms Hill near Ogema. The crew discuss some of the cities and towns in Price County, including Park Falls (the largest city with just under 2,500 residents) and the county seat, Phillips. Plenty of good places to eat, shop, and enjoy are available, but if you’re looking for great resorts, plentiful lakes, and quiet getaways, you’ve got it! One quirky stop is Fred Smith’s Concrete Park, a crazy collection of concrete in sculpture and design forms, often outfitted with colorful broken glass and other accouterments to turn concrete into horses, people, wagons, and other eye-catching concoctions. Laura discussed the numerous lakeside resorts in the area, the plentiful multi-use trails for any season, even some of the unique diners, supper clubs, and other stops to enjoy a meal of whet your whistle. Eric noted one of his favorite food trucks - Lola’s Lunchbox - which is found in Price County either in Phillips or Park Falls. A swath of the Chequamegon National Forest covers the county, with trails that access some amazing hunting and fishing spots. Speaking of fishing, Price County is home to St. Croix Rods, a leading maker of fishing rods and equipment. They’ve been featured in Uniquely Wisconsin videos, along with legendary snow trail groomer Frank Dusek and award-winning barrel racing horseback rider Alexis Baratka, who was key to creating the Price County Rodeo - one that is rapidly becoming a leading one in the state and region. Price County offers many stories, and rides along U.S. 8, Highway 13, or Highway 70 can bring you not only to the county but to many of the hidden gems that keep people coming back. Speaking of, we also discuss some noteworthy events in Price County, including the beautiful fall colors getting ready to dazzle over the next few weeks. Along with that is the Christmas Tree Festival in Ogema coming up September 30th, the Phillips Fall Harvest Festival October 7th (to celebrate the cranberry production in Price County!), and Park Falls Fright Fest coming up October 28th. Other festivals include Phillips Winterfest in late January, June celebrations like Lumberman’s Day in Catawba and the Czech-Slovak Fest in Phillips, and Phillips On Tap, held every August. You can find out more about Price County activities and events by checking out PhillipsWisconsin.net or ParkFalls.com.

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Waupaca County; https://bit.ly/3ibWIrQ The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana discuss Farm Dining, where the farm that produces the food also presents the meal, primarily using ingredients from their own farm while also sourcing other ingredients and dishes as locally as possible. Many farms are working in conjunction to present these Farm Dinners, and some of the best are discussed here. Places include Inn Serendipity Farm in Browntown; Campo di Bella in Mount Horeb; Hidden Acres Farm in Sister Bay; Stoney Acres Farm in Athens; The Borner Farm Project and Nesbitt’s Nursery & Orchard, both near Prescott; The Stone Barn in Nelson; Suncrest Gardens Farm in Cochrane; Sprouting Acres Farm in Cambridge; and North Star Homestead Farm near Hayward. Some unique features of each farm are noted, including the experience Eric had when filming such a meal at Meuer Farm in Calumet County and how art fairs and barn dances are brought into the experience at Holy Hill Art Farm in Hubertus. In one case, a James Beard Award semifinalist chef from Milwaukee, Dave Swanson, leaves his Milwaukee restaurant called Braise to conduct classes and cook meals on farms in special dinners that also offer farm tours, in a sense a reversal of farm-to-table - but the meal always uses the farm itself as the primary source for the elements of the three-course meal. Resources are available online for more too, including WIFarmToTable.com. We also went "Behind the Scenes" with producer Jessica Voukoun to preview the new Discover Wisconsin episode on Washington County, which airs and streams this coming weekend, September 16-17, and will be released on the Discover Wisconsin app Wednesday.Inside SponsorsBest Western - https://bit.ly/3zCCK3f Ho Chunk - https://bit.ly/3l2Cfru NAMI Walks - https://bit.ly/3KSk04N

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Oconto County; https://bit.ly/3u5mi7G The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome Discover Wisconsin Brand Manager Kortnee Hass into The Cabin for an extensive look at experiences that are unique to Wisconsin. They include dining experiences like the Madison Jet Room, where Ana recounts not only the meals but the views of planes doing their thing at Dane County Regional Airport. Not too many of these places exist at airports anymore, but Madison still offers the experience. The experience of mail delivery on Geneva Lake is also something you’ll find only in Wisconsin, where people deliver mail by boat, jumping off the boat, popping mail into the box, and jumping back on the boat - all while the boat is in motion (and yes, sometimes they miss!) Freshwater surfing is Sheboygan is a unique experience, since the geography and sandbars tend to make for some of the best lake waves you’ll find anywhere - helping Sheboygan earn the moniker “Malibu of the Midwest.” Speaking of beaches, Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island features beautiful, rounded rocks that you can visit and enjoy, something hard to find anywhere else. Wisconsin’s supper clubs are pretty unique unto themselves - a true gem of a meal experience you can only have in Wisconsin. Eric noted that Wisconsin is the only state where you can experience two Great Lakes coasts and the Mississippi River, with its bevy of recreational opportunities. And while you can get cheese anywhere, Chalet Cheese outside Monroe is the only place in the U.S. where you can experience the making of the infamous cheese known as Limburger! Some of the World’s Largest things can only be found in Wisconsin, whether it’s a “M “ (at Platteville), a Six Pack (La Crosse), a Chain of Freshwater Lakes (Eagle River), a Fly-In (Oshkosh), or Waterpark (Wisconsin Dells.) Numerous festivals offer unique experiences, including Summerfest in Milwaukee, the annual Cow Chip Toss (Prairie du Sac), or the U.S. Snow Sculpting Competition (Lake Geneva), Even some names are only found in Wisconsin, like Waunakee or Oconomowoc. There’s an island of only goats (Jefferson), a unique children’s garden with lighted tunnels and a library (Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan), a museums dedicated to Harley-Davidson Motorcycles (Milwaukee), Woodcarving (Shell Lake), and all things eclectic like House on the Rock, which is without question something you can only experience in Wisconsin. Craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries offer unique experiences, as do the extensive cranberry marsh tours you can take, the experience of a Milwaukee Brewers game under the only fan-shaped convertible stadium roof in the world, or - of course - legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay. We dive into all of these and more in this fun and unique episode! Inside SponsorsJefferson County - https://bit.ly/3gt0Nau Menomonie Chamber - https://bit.ly/3q16T9Y

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Lafayette County; https://bit.ly/3pzzWysThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome not only Josh Ostermann into The Cabin, but Ron Faiola, author of Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience as well as two follow-up books on the topic du jour: Wisconsin Supper Clubs. As the second part of our supper club series, we again discussed the merits of a Wisconsin Supper Club versus places that use the term in other states - it can be vastly different. We also discussed Ron’s experiences with researching and writing his books on supper clubs across the state before diving into some more examples of terrific clubs to visit. They included places in cities, like Milwaukee’s Jackson Grill - one example of a supper club that had closed for a while but reopened - and Toby’s Supper Club in Madison. We went to different corners of the state, from 3 Mile Supper Club in the extreme southwest to Hob Nob in the Racine/Kenosha area in the southeast and from Dreamland Supper Club in South Range near Superior in the northwest to River’s Edge outside Marinette in the northeast. Unique features or histories of some supper clubs were discussed, including the first chilled salad bar in the United States making its debut at the Sky Club in Plover; the many many many antlers and animal pelts at Antlers Supper Club in Bonduel; the beautiful surroundings at Ishnala on Mirror Lake in Wisconsin Dells; the 160-oz. Steak challenge at Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville; and more. Get inspired and find a cozy, tasty supper club near you by listening to this episode, and feel free to check out Ron’s full research with his books and website, links are below!_____________________________Links:Check out Ron Faiola’s website on Wisconsin Supper Clubs, kept updated regularly, here:https://wisconsinsupperclubs.com/Order “Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience” by Ron Faiola here:https://www.amazon.com/Wisconsin-Supper-Clubs-Old-Fashioned-Experience/dp/1572841427/ref=asc_df_1572841427/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312144625645&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3744708080288534679&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018747&hvtargid=pla-570094122871&psc=1 Order “Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Another Round” by Ron Faiola here:https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjR2cXM9v-AAxU-9-MHHVyRDJwYABAEGgJ5bQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7GnBhDXARIsAFLvH4m8EadXbePpJK2q8XoheAcdNIZkIG0boRUdv_vUM5-B2lyGGOUQy7caAowDEALw_wcB&sig=AOD64_0fXrVfBqx_Fgybod92EfsfLelBNA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjN5r3M9v-AAxUTkIkEHdRlBI8Q9aACKAB6BAgDECE&adurl=Order Ron’s newest book “The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story: An Illustrated History, With Relish” here:https://www.amazon.com/Wisconsin-Supper-Clubs-Story-Illustrated/dp/1572843039/ref=asc_df_1572843039/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=507843573010&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3744708080288534679&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018747&hvtargid=pla-1291982944052&psc=1 Inside SponsorsGroup Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX Wisconsin Counties Association: https://bit.ly/3ehxDHH

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Douglas County; https://bit.ly/3s3V29N The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome Susan Kennedy from the Taliesin Preservation Society to discuss and follow the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, which connects 9 sites designed by the legendary architect. We discuss the trail’s creation and the process and then begin on its eastern end in Racine with a look at the SC Johnson Wax headquarters building and the 9-story Johnson Wax Research Tower on the SC Johnson campus just south of downtown Racine. We proceed north to Wind Point to Wingspread, once the Johnson family home and now host to numerous events and tours. The trail heads into Milwaukee to the Burnham Block, a prime example of Wright’s American System-Built Homes concept that he pursued with a goal of making quality single family homes more affordable. We veered slightly off the official trail to explore the Greek Annunciation Church, a Wright-designed church that was one of his last commissions; it opened in the early 1960s. From Milwaukee we make a beeline to Madison for two stops: the first is Monona Terrace, Madison’s major convention center on the shores of Lake Monona. Designed by Wright in the 1940s, one of his next generation students made the design adjustments that allowed Monona Terrace to be constructed and finally opened in 1997. The second Madison stop is the First Unitarian Society Meeting House on the west side of the UW-Madison campus and was for a church Wright attended. From Madison we head west on U.S. 14 to Spring Green and explore the area where Wright lived. His home just south of Spring Green, Taliesin, is by far the most popular site on the trail; tours of Taliesin and tales of its remarkable history bring in people from around the world. Wright’s influence can be seen in Spring Green itself, with numerous buildings adopting his styles. Taliesin looks over the beautiful Wyoming Valley, where another one of Wright’s buildings was constructed as the Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, which was the only public elementary school Wright designed - and he donated the school and his work for free, in honor of his mother. The final stop on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail is further west to his birthplace of Richland Center, where the A.D. German Warehouse stands. Wright’s only warehouse design is a four-story brick structure topped by a magnificent concrete frieze that is said to resemble a Mayan temple. The warehouse is an example of early poured-concrete construction, and the building rests on a pad of cork for stability and shock absorption. It is the only remaining commercial structure designed by Wright that still exists from his “organic” or “natural” period. Each of these structures tells a story and, while only 9 of Wright’s 200 Wisconsin works, represent some of his most notable. Along the 200-mile trail are a bevy of cities, towns, parks, and other locations to grab a bite, go for a hike, take advantage of lakes and rivers or just cruise from stop to stop. The Frank Lloyd Trail may be a hidden gem for many, but it showcases some world-famous works and should be on your road trip and exploration list. You can get more details on each designated stop at FrankLloydWrightTrail.org.Susan also discussed with Eric and Ana the new exhibit that recently opened in Madison’s Dane County Regional Airport’s Art Court: “The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail: Places to Live, Learn, Work, and Worship.” This area, open to the public, is in the main lobby of the airport and will run through January 28, 2024. Links: https://www.franklloydwrighttrail.org/ (App is available in the Apple and Google Play Stores)More on the Dane County Regional Airport exhibit on Frank Lloyd Wright: https://www.channel3000.com/features/in-the-608-dcra-honoring-work-of-frank-lloyd-wright-in-new-exhibit/article_58b77e8e-2492-11ee-b7ca-47c281b15c5d.html Inside Sponsors Washington County: https://bit.ly/3qayJAL Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Portage County; https://bit.ly/3r30TOnThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome Josh Ostermann back in The Cabin to talk road trips around Wisconsin. Eric shares some road history, including how Wisconsin is the first governmental body to devise and implement a system of numbers to identify roads. They discuss his website StateTrunkTour.com, which explores roads end-to-end and showcases interesting stuff along the way. Why the name? Because a “trunk road” is a road that connects two places of importance - it’s a term originally used by the railroads when they had “trunk lines.” Together in this Campfire Conversation, the three discuss travels on certain highways such as the Great River Road, scenic byways in Door County and along Lake Superior, and several of the numbered highways that criss-cross the state, including a highlight of Highway 33 from Port Washington to La Crosse, which offers a remarkable cross-section of Wisconsin with plenty to do and see along ithe way.Follow @statetrunktour on Facebook and Instagram and see https://www.statetrunktour.com/ for more!Inside SponsorsVISIT Lake Geneva: https://bit.ly/3wHvilf Group Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Lincoln County; https://bit.ly/3rTq2YPThe Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome frequent collaborator Apurba Banerjee back into The Cabin for a second look at “Worldwide Cuisine in Wisconsin.” Sure, we love our cheese, brats, and beer but sometimes you want to experience something less common and more exotic. We head across the state to find places you can enjoy dishes from around the world. We highlight southeast Asia a fair amount in this conversation, so Apurba does a little analysis on the differences in, for example, Korean cuisine vs. Thai vs. Lao, especially with their use of spices. Eric, Ana, and Apurba then dive into a variety of locations where you can experience Filipino Lumpia, Korean BBQ, Pho (watch how you pronounce it!), Tom Yum and Tom Kai Soup, Momo, and more southeast Asian dishes. We also discuss African dishes such as Sambua, Josef rice, peanut stew, fufu (a pounded yam), spicy beef eugusi, and more; Indian and Himalayan dishes from Smoke Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Chops to achaar, Biryani dishes, Dal, Chickpea Masala, and more.We also touch on South America with emerging Peruvian and Venezuelan cuisine becoming increasingly popular across Wisconsin. Plus, a little shout-out to Polish food with a pierogi place on the peninsula - of Door. Where you can get these fantastic foods? We share it with you in “World Cuisine in Wisconsin, Part 2,” this week’s episode of The Cabin!Inside SponsorsGroup Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX NAMIWalks: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.event&eventID=1358

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Polk County; https://bit.ly/3G1eebU The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation: Eric and Ana welcome both Josh Ostermann and Jared Schutz into The Cabin to discuss some favorite dive bars in southeastern Wisconsin. They discuss and define dive bars again – as they did in the first edition in this series – and then proceed to cover a number of bars that fit that definition in the state’s SE corner. Jared discusses dive bars in the Pleasant Prairie and the Kenosha area where the mix of Cubs fans versus Brewers fans is a little higher before moving on to other parts of the region. Eric dives deeply into Cudahy and West Allis, where the concentration of “dive bars” is higher in part due to the longtime existence of factories that ran 24 hours and catered to multiple shifts of workers. Ana and Josh add a mixture of dive bars and breweries that have risen from traditional dive bars. Is this an exhaustive list? Not by any means – there are a TON of them in the area! But check out this discussion and feel free to message us with your favorites. And see what Jared is up to with his dive bar adventures by following him at @wisco_dive_bars! Inside SponsorsGroup Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX Ho-Chunk: https://bit.ly/3l2Cfru

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we’re featuring Marquette County; https://bit.ly/3n3gXuF The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda, available in all your classic favorite flavors that we remember from childhood. The diet line offers 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and no caffeine – perfect for mixers or just enjoying on a warm summer day (or any day, for that matter); always Wisconsin-based, you can follow @jollygoodsoda on social for the latest on new flavors, fun promotions, and more. Learn more here; https://bit.ly/3TSFYY4 Campfire Conversation:Eric and Ana discuss some of Wisconsin’s favorite things: cheese and wine. It begins with some background on wines and cheeses, some notable facts, and even some suggested pairings – but just a few, they’re not connoisseurs or sommeliers after all. With some input from audio engineer Logan, Eric and Ana then dive into a bevy of wineries, cheese shops, and some other key spots that not only offer some great wines and cheeses but who also have pairing ideas at the ready, or cheese boards pre-selected to match certain wines. Places like Jones Dairy Farm in Fort Atkinson and the sister wineries of Stable Rock and Lewis Station in Jefferson and Lake Mills, respectively, and examples just in Jefferson County. They head to the Driftless to highlight wineries like Wild Hills near Muscoda and Elmaro near Trempealeau; to Central Wisconsin for Sunset Hills in Stevens Point and Wollersheim in Prairie du Sac; eastern Wisconsin for SoLu Winery & Meadery near Dundee and the Door Peninsula for Parallel & Door 44 along with Door Peninsula Winery; and many others. Select wine bars feature pairings, including Mary Kate’s in Eagle River or Tabi’s Lake Country in Hartland; cheese shops including The Village in Wauwatosa and Mullins Cheese in Mosinee feature select wines to go with various cheeses. This is just a partial list, check out the full episode for the recommendations – and feel free to add comments or DM us with more as there will probably be a part 2 of this one! Inside SponsorsJefferson County: https://bit.ly/3gt0NauGroup Health Trust: https://bit.ly/3JMizCX