Small-Town Getaways in Wisconsin
Experience the charm of Wisconsin's small towns, which offer distinctive restaurants, lodging and attractions.
New Glarus/Monticello guide
WHERE TO START
Green County Tourism (888/222-9111; greencounty.org).
WHAT TO DO
New Glarus Brewing Company While you can tour the production area, the real attraction is sampling the excellent brews (Belgian Red, Fat Squirrel) in the hilltop beer garden. Note that this New Glarus brewery closes at 4 p.m. (608/527-5850; newglarusbrewing.com).
Badger State Trail This path links to the Sugar River Trail and follows a former railroad bed. Bring a flashlight for the curving, 1,200-foot Stewart Tunnel (608/527-2335; wiparks.net).
Ruef's Meat Market For a half-century, Ruef's has sold authentic Swiss sausage and meats from a tiny storefront in downtown New Glarus. Staff can walk you through the subtle differences between schublig, cervelas and mettwurst (608/527-2554; ruefsmeatmarket.com).
Sugar River State Trail Part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, this 23-mile route links New Glarus to Brodhead (608/527-2335; dnr.state.wi.us).
WHERE TO EAT
Deininger's Restaurant and Bistro Bar Enjoy traditional European country-style cuisine in a hilltop Victorian in the heart of New Glarus. The tapioca with fresh mango is especially memorable (608/527-2012; deiningers.net).
The Dining Room at 209 Main An eclectic menu with international flair lures food-lovers to this upscale restaurant in Monticello (608/938-2200; 209main.com).
Glarner Stube In-the-know visitors and locals choose this spot in New Glarus for authentic Swiss fare, including Swiss meatballs, veal steaks, pork schnitzel sandwiches and steaming cheese fondue (608/527-2216; glarnerstube.com).
New Glarus Bakery This charming bakery sells cookies, bread and other old-fashioned treats (many made following traditional Swiss recipes). Try spiced honey bars, anise-flavor pressed cookies and (our favorite) walnut-filled nut horns (608/527-2916; newglarusbakery.com).
WHERE TO STAY
Chalet Landhaus Inn The Sugar River Trail runs past this Swiss-theme inn, an easy walk to New Glarus restaurants and shops. From $119 (800/944-1716; chaletlandhaus.com).
Little Sugar River Farm Ideal for cyclists and those looking for a retreat, this DIY guesthouse near Monticello sits secluded barely a quarter-mile from the Sugar River Trail. The beautiful, fully equipped home has handmade furniture, a fireplace and a tub big enough for two. From $200 (608/214-3817; littlesugarriverfarm.com).
Comments (0)