The Trail - Fall 2010 by Joe Tamborello

trail

Fall 2010

cuisine

the

autumn activities

lodging

A product of

Come on in... the door is open!

Freeport/Stephenson County, Illinois

Through our doors in Northwestern Illinois, there is something and somewhere of interest to everyone, including: • Wine • Cheese • Museums • Historic Parks • Bike & Water Trails • Family Dining

• Golf Courses • Antique & Gift Shops • Fine Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Camping • And More!

Let us help plan your trip on the trails of Northwest Illinois. Stop at the Visitors Center, conveniently located on U.S. 20, just east of Freeport. We offer: • Brochures • Gifts • Maps • Displays • Restrooms

• Vending & Snacks • ATM • Friendly & Helpful Staff

Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau 4596 U.S. Highway 20 East, Freeport, IL 61032 815-233-1357 • 800-369-2955

Visit Us Online at www.stephenson-county-il.org

Introduction The Trail is a product of The Journal-Standard, a

GateHouse Media newspaper, located at 27 S. State Ave., Freeport, Ill. The J-S editor is Eric Petermann.

Publisher

Advertising Manager

Steve Trosley (815) 232-0121

Ann Young (815) 232-0162

Editor

Advertising Staff

Eric Petermann epetermann@ journalstandard.com

Design

Dutch Bamberg (815) 232-0134 Linda Conder (815) 232-0150

bstrunk@journalstandard.com

Mike Cowan (815) 232-0177

Andrea Barthel

Leah Dixon (815) 232-0171

Bethany Strunk

andrea.barthel @journalstandard.com

Colleen Groves (815) 232-0191

Welcome to the Trail

all is in the air. As the leaves start to turn and the summer heat fades away, the outdoors are calling. There’s so much going on in the autumn, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Well, we’ve picked out some of the best northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin have to offer. Hit the trails to discover the tasty and varied cuisine this region is known for. Take in the changing leaves while enjoying a plethora of Autumn Activities. And why not make a weekend of it by staying in our choice LODGINGS. Of course, no fall excursion would be complete without doing a little SHOPPING. Happy traveling!

Open EVER Y day EVERY day until until Nov November 15th Monday y 10am Monday-Saturda urday 10am to to 4pm Sunday Sunday 1 to to 4 pm $5. $5.00 Pr Preserva ervation Fee Fee for for all visitor visitorss ov over 12

• Guided Tour Tourss of of the Home • 4 Room Room Pr Presidential sidential Timeline Timeline and video in Visit or Cent Visitor Center • 2 Room Gift Gift Shop

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Tastes

Cuisine

the

of Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties By jae hezlep

ood and wine are vital components of the tourism experience and are increasingly being seen as prime travel motivators in their own right. The number of cuisine-based tourism experiences around the world has never been greater, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to travel out of the country, or even out of state, to find tasty spots that craft goodies made from scratch. And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better time than fall, as leaves are turning colors and patches are filling with pumpkins, to explore the bountiful countryside in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties. Here are highlights of some places to explore as you enjoy the unique offerings of Northwest Illinois. a

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A Taste of Midwest Wines

Cuisine

Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery located at 395 W. Cedarville Road in Freeport is a relative newcomer to the area. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Fridays. Vines were planted in 2004 on the hillsides of the 22-acre farm, and the winery was built in 2007. A stream meanders through the farm attracting birds and wildlife throughout the year. Famous Fossil wines are made from cold climate grape varieties, having distinct characteristics that reflect the climate, the soils, and the culture of the Midwest. This is called terroir in France. When you taste Famous Fossil wines you taste the Midwest. Owned by Ken and Pam Rosemann, the vineyard was certified biodynamic by Demeter Association in 2008. Ken farmed in Iowa for many years, certifying as organic in 1987, where some of his crops were used to make organic tofu in Japan. He began studying under winemakers and making wine in earnest 13 years ago. Pam, currently in her third career as chief wine taster, manages the tasting and events rooms. They met in Iowa when Pam directed the Organic Agriculture Program and have been married for 10 years. Featured wines include Fossil Rock Red, a rich fruity red made from a blend of Frontenac grapes and several of their experimental varieties; Fossil Creek Red, a dry robust wine with an earthy scent and mouth feel; Make Me Blush with a hint of sweet and a crisp finish; and Crescent Moon White, a dry wine with plenty of zip. The vineyard offers frequent events, one of which is a Halloween celebration on Oct. 30 and 31, with tastings and special discounts for anyone in costume. On Nov. 20 through 21, they will host tastings of new wines, pairings, and lessons in cooking with wine. Lunch is available some weekends and by appointment, as are custom wine pairings. After business hours, the whole winery is available to rent for private parties. For more information, call (815) 563-4665 or visit www.famousfossilwinery.com.

Nearly 90 Years of Tradition Cannova’s was founded in Freeport in 1921 by Anthony Cannova, a native of Sicily, as a grocery store in the front and a pizzeria-tavern in the rear. Moved from it’s original location in 1964 to 1101 W. Empire St., the business has expanded into a full-service, white tablecloth restaurant offering a wide variety of Italian dishes, mostly Sicilianbased, with breads, doughs and sauces made from scratch daily by Patrick Beckman, present owner, with his wife, Linda, granddaughter of the founder. For decades it’s been the place for locals to hangout and to celebrate family milestones. Pat Bruno, restaurant reviewer for the Chicago Sun Times has selected Cannova’s one of Ten Places Worth a Drive, and it’s been named one of the top 100 independent pizzerias in the United States. Signature items are several pizzas, the Alfredo sauce, which includes Asiago, Romano and Parmesan cheeses, and the creamy Italian House Salad Dressing. In 2005, Restaurant Critics selected Cannova’s Chicken Tuscany Pizza as one of four finalists in an International Competition sponsored by Pizza Today Magazine. This recipe, developed by Pat, features olive oil and a mixture of mayonnaise and honey mustard on the crust, fresh garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken breast, fire-roasted red peppers, sliced red onions and Ricotta cheese, topped with balsamic vinegar and oregano. According to Pat, one of the secrets of Cannova’s award-winning recipes is the fact that they use Wisconsin cheese for their blends, which are hand-mixed and hand-ground daily. Open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Cannova’s offers seasonal specials nightly, in addition to their full menu. For more information or to make a reservation, call (815) 233-0032, or visit the website at www.canovaspizzeria.com. The family also operates Cannova’s restaurants in Galena and Neenah, Wis.

Stefanie Weiss / The Journal-Standard

The Best Chips On Earth During the depression years, there were two potato chip factories in Freeport — Always Fresh and Keep Krisp. They merged in the 1940s, and in 1971 Butch Mordick purchased the company, then known as Mrs. Mike’s — Always Fresh, so named because the former owner was Mike and his Mrs. helped in the business. Mordick kept the name and the integrity of the product. Mrs. Mikes makes old-fashioned, open kettle style potato chips that are cooked in vegetable shortening with no cholesterol to provide a great potato taste. According to Mordick, the secret is in the vegetable shortening and the hand-cooking process. The company (also known as Altona Company) goes through some 2,500 pounds of potatoes a day using local potatoes from Savanna and Thomson in the summer and North Dakota tubers grown to be put in storage, during the winter months. Freeporters are crazy about the chips which come in white bags with red, green, and yellow lettering: Mrs. Mike’s, Always Fresh Potato Chips, “fresh as a daisy.” Former residents yearn for the snack and drive hours to replenish their supply. Out-of-town fans post compliments on the web. The product is sold within a 30-mile radius of Freeport in grocery, supermarkets, and convenience stores, gas stations; and at the factory located at 70 E. Monterey St. in Freeport which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Another product produced by Mrs. Mike’s is Cheddar cheese popcorn, and two years ago Mordick acquired the Freeport Pretzel Company. These products are also available locally in retail stores and at the factory. All are also sold by mail order. For more information, call (815) 232-7819. a www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Cuisine

An Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor

Alber Ice Cream Parlor at the Union Dairy has been scooping up memories for generations of Freeporters and nearby rural residents since 1914. Located at 126 E. Douglas St. in downtown Freeport, right next door to the historical Lincoln-Douglas Debate site, it reflects a simpler time that many would refer to as “the good ol’ days.” Original wall murals of cows have been preserved, and the soda fountain still sports red stools, reminiscent of the time Stephenson County held the largest number of creameries in the state. Now co-owned by Jodi and Randy Miller, Pete and Linda Alber and Willy and Jean Alber, the ice cream establishment attracts people of all ages who come for cones, sundaes, splits, sodas, shakes, floats and 51 flavor choices of ice cream, always changing. Vanilla is their biggest seller because it’s the base of so many ice cream treats, with Butter Pecan and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough the next. Here one can also find Orange Pudding, a flavor not found everywhere. The hot fudge, made in Nebraska since 1879, is J. Hungerford Smith’s. Pretzel City is the name of one popular sundae, which features three dips of vanilla ice cream layered with strawberry topping, crushed pretzels, whipped cream and a pretzel rod. Custom ice cream cakes can be ordered in 51 flavors with 24-hour notice. In addition to ice cream, there are some 16 different burgers on the menu, all hand-formed from beef ground fresh from Harbach’s, a local farm. The cheese is from Springbrook, and the potato chips are Mrs. Mikes’. The dogs are Vienna Beef, Chicago-style, and there’s also Johnsonville brats and barbecued pulled pork. Grilled cheese and a chicken breast round out the sandwich menu. The grill closes at 8 p.m. and is not open on Sundays. During September and October, the restaurant hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and it reopens in March. For more information, call (815) 232-7099 or visit www.albericecreamparlor.com. a

Opening Labor Day Weekend

The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, Inc. proudly presents the

40th Annual OLD-FASHIONED THRESHING SHOW AND ANTIQUE DISPLAY

“THE FREEPORT SHOW”

Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Sept. 17, 18 & 19, 2010 Gates Open: Friday & Saturday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds (1 mile south of Freeport, IL)

Friday ONLY - Senior Citizens Day (age 60 yr. and up) - $10.00 includes Show admission, Train Ride & Museum Tour

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SHOW FEATURE Ford, Ferguson Ford & Fordson Equipment HUGE PARADE DAILY - 1 P.M. LARGE FLEA MARKET Dealers by Advanced Registration Only Les Nielsen 815-990-0161 - evenings only

LARGE DISPLAY BUILDING Open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Home antiques, crafts, demonstrations, old-time music, farm miniatures

MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIP ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL

HONEY HILL

ORCHARD 7469 W. McConnell Rd

McConnell IL • 815.369.5119 1.5 mi west of McConnell on southside of McConnell Rd Thursday - Sunday 10 am-5 pm

The Trail

Stefanie Weiss

Larry Lartz - 815-865-5952

Honey Crisp Other Apple Varieties Cider Donuts Cider Apple Bread Apple Butter Honey Caramel Apples Jams/Salsa Apple Carmel Pie Bumbleberry Pie Pumpkins Gourds • Squash

An Alber’s Ice Cream Parlor sundae.

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(170) Tractors competing using (2) mechanical sleds

Friday - 6 p.m. • Saturday - 4 p.m. Call Club - 815-235-2198

HORSES & HORSE- POWERED EQUIPMENT 12-HORSE SWEEP POWERED Case thresher, Treadmill, drag saw, baler

FARMER’S HITCH CLASS HORSE PULL Saturday - 1/2 hr. after tractor pulls are finished Spencer Yeoman 815-297-3866 Ruth Yeoman 815-297-4002

SILVERCREEK MUSEUM COOPER-CORLESS ENGINE (120 Ton) $3.00 Admission for adults children under 12 admitted free

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE Non-denominational Service at 8:30 a.m.

RIVER RATS LAWN MOWER RACES Sunday - 3:00 PM at Grandstands

GASOLINE ALLEY FEATURE Fairbanks Morse Engines Contact: Rich Brubaker at 815-362-2015

SILVER CREEK & STEPHENSON RAILROAD 4 mile steam train rides Adults - $6 • Children under 12 - $3 Civil War Encampment at Railroad complex Camping available Contact: Ed Keech at 815-266-7280

GOOD FOOD BREAKFAST................................7 - 9:30AM NOON MEAL.........................11 AM - 1PM FOOD STANDS ................................DAILY Large and small steam engines in operation, plus over 300 antique gas tractors. Belt driven dynamometer, sawmill, stave mill, and blacksmith shop all running. Threshing with steam and gas tractors daily. Gas engines, farm machinery, antique cars and trucks. Souvenirs, shade and parking space. Lots of activities to please everyone. Working demonstrations all over the grounds.

For Further Information:

Call 815-232-2306, 815-235-7329 Show Grounds 815-235-2198 Freeport/Stephenson County CVB 1-800-369-2955 Club Mailing Address: 2954 S. Walnut Rd., Freeport, Illinois 61032 www.thefreeportshow.com The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club is a not-for-profit organization. Neither owner nor operator is paid for his services. All proceeds go into new buildings, equipment & attractions for the betterment of the Club and the viewing pleasure of the public.

Cuisine

No Blarney, Just Popcorn and Gifts Located in Carroll County, in neighboring Shannon, is Tee Lee Popcorn, producers of quality, hulless popcorn locally grown in the heart of the corn belt since 1944. Their popcorn is known to pop to a full, lush, crisp and delicious flavor, is Kosher Certified, and sold nationally under several brand names including Primetime microwave popcorn. Tee Lee has partnered with Blarney Stone Popcorn and Gifts (located at 2 W. Market St. in downtown Shannon) and provides them with unpopped kernels which they then cook up into some 20 different flavors of popcorn. Using true recipes, not pre-made mixes, the corn is popped and mixed with sugar, brown sugar and some flavoring. Caramel is their best selling flavor, turtle — caramel corn and pecans drizzled with chocolate — is no. 2; three is Blarney — mint popcorn with chocolate drizzle, followed by Cheddar cheese. Also popular are Caramel Apple, Caramel Deluxe and Chicago Mix. The latter is a mix of equal parts of sweet crunchy caramel and salty Cheddar cheese popcorn a la Garrett Popcorn Shops in Chicago, a favorite since 1949. The popcorn is available in small and large bags, tubs and tins which can be refilled at a cost savings. Gift baskets are also featured as is Tee Lee unpopped gourmet yellow or white popcorn and six flavors of Primetime Microwave Popcorn. The Blarney Stone also carries local meats, Torkelson cheeses, flavored coffees and teas, as well as sauces, salsas, pastas, kitchen gadgets, local artwork and candies. Store hours through December are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information and to order popcorn online, call (815) 864-2100 or visit www. blarneystonepopcorn. com. a

The Finest in Estate and Antique Jewelry Come in and browse!

Your Trusted Family Jeweler Since 1921

10 E. Main St., Downtown Freeport 815.233.0013 On the Square, Downtown Monroe 608.325.2600

10 1/2 E. Main St. (Downtown) Freeport IL

815.233.0021

MULTI-DEALER MALL Finest collection of antiques and collectibles. Browse through our 1892 Antique Blust Building with a charming turn of the century atrium. Special section of jewelry. Also books, glassware, toys, kitchenware, furniture, silver, china, picture frames & tools.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sun 12:30-5, Mon-Sat 10-5 www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Cuisine

Home-Grown Apples It just Wouldn’t be Autumn Without ‘Em For more than 20 years, Honey Hill Orchard in McConnell has offered all things apple. Gudrun and Gary Frank and their family happily share the fruits of their four-acre apple orchard which produces Paula Red, Macintosh, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonagold and Cortland varieties. Their apples grow on a trellis system, similar to the way grapes are usually planted. The trellises are about six feet high and provide more sunlight and air to the apples than traditional tree-grown apples. Visitors can enjoy a walk thru the orchard and cross the creek on the bridges into a wooded area. Open Labor Day through the last Sunday in November; the Honey Hill retail store is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Besides the above mentioned varieties of apples, Honey Crisp, Braeburn and Fiji apples are also available, along with cider, home-made cider donuts, apple bread and apple oatmeal cookies with caramel. Jams and apple butter — all pure fruit, with and without sugar — honey and Amish salsas including peach, apple, black bean and pineapple are other delicious offerings. The Caramel Apple and Bumbleberry pies are other favorites of the returning families who have made a Honey Hill outing an annual tradition. Honey Hill Orchard is located at 7469 W. McConnell Road, 1-1/2-miles west of McConnell and 1-1/2-miles east of Illinois 73. For more information, call (815) 369-5119 and leave a message. a photo by Stefanie Weiss

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Cuisine Oh My, Karen’s Pie Homemade is what Karen’s Kitchen and Catering does best. The restaurant, located on the corner at 100 N. Main St. in downtown Stockton in a restored historic building with an original tin ceiling, is a morning and mid-day gathering place for locals and tourists, many on their way to country houses in Galena. Scrumptious homemade breakfasts and blue-plate specials with mashed potatoes and gravy, like your grandma used to make, are menu mainstays, but in the end, it’s all about the pie. The family-owned restaurant is known for Karen’s delicious, hand-crafted, “made from scratch” pie selections available with myriad fillings — fresh fruits, velvety crèmes and custards — nestled in flaky crust. A recent grandmother, Karen Clay has been making pies since she was 11, when her grandfather asked her if she would bake him a pie if he bought her a rolling pin. “You bet!” she replied, and she’s been rolling out her famous pie crust ever since. In addition to buying pie by the slice or a whole pie, now there’s a Pie Club. When you’ve bought 10 pies (with 24 to 48-hour-notice), the 11th is free. To join the club, or just place an order, call (815) 947-2080 or visit www.karenspies.com. There are 44 filling choices ranging from Dutch apple, cherry crumb, lemon meringue, raisin cream, Mounds bar, and pumpkin to coconut or chocolate cream, blackberry peach, strawberry, oatmeal pecan and Tollhouse. And for those who have a pie in mind that is not listed, just ask, and Karen will make it for you.

Glorious Cheese!

This area has a long history of cheesemaking, including being the place where J.L.Kraft started his cheese empire. Today in Lena, the Torkelson Cheese Company continues the tradition of manufacturing high quality cheeses, including Brick, Muenster, Quesadilla and Asadero. They purchase milk from local farmers and produce some 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of cheese per day. Since 1986, Torkelson Cheese Company has won 12 World Champion Cheese Awards, achieving gold for their Muenster, Brick and Quesadilla cheeses, as well as several other silver and bronze medals. Apple Jack, a semi-soft cheese that has a smooth and supple texture, is another favored variety. Its flavor is mild and sweet and its already savory, creamy taste gets even better with age. Within the factory complex, originally built in 1973, there is a cheese shop that carries the aforementioned cheeses along with an additional 45 varieties. It is located at 9453 W. Louisa Road, one mile north of Lena, right off of Illinois 73, and the store hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (815) 369-4265 or visit www.torkelsoncheese.com.

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Karen’s Kitchen is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, there’s an allyou-can-eat breakfast buffet from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Salt Of The Earth? No, From The Sea Never have so many American home cooks had so much interest in sea salt. It’s a topic of conversation as well as a tasting party theme among gourmets, and a regular seasoning choice for everyday cooks. So what are some reasons folks tend to prefer sea salt? From a cooking perspective the main difference is texture. Table salt is very fine which makes it easy to dissolve, a decided plus when baking. Table salt is mined from underground salt deposits, includes a small portion of calcium silicate to prevent caking, and often has had Iodine added for health reasons. Sea salt is harvested from evaporated seawater and receives little or no processing; leaving in tact the minerals from the water it came from. These insignificant amounts of minerals add flavor and color to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels. Sea salts lose their unique flavor when cooked or dissolved so they are best used for finishing. Matt Stahl, a principal with Laszlo Marton, in Galena Garlic Company located at 311 S. Main St. in Galena, also points out that there’s a lot less of a carbon footprint with sea salt than table salt. Shoppers will find some 75 artisan sea salts to choose from as well as advice as to what to foods to pair them with. For example, Himalayan Pink, high in iron, is a universal salt that can be added to just about everything. Hawaii Black is a finishing salt that leaves an attractive polka dot garnish to food dishes. Aguni from Japan is best for Sushi. Fleur de Sel, a gourmet French sea salt which translated means “flower of the sea,” is considered “the caviar of salts.”

There are also 120 sea salt blends and fusions providing a convenient pre-mix of seasonings — everything in one packet. Infusion is a process by which essential oils are added to pure sea salt. One example is their Ghost Pepper, to which Bhut Jolokia, the world’s hottest pepper from India, has been added. Less spicy, but just as flavorful is their Lime Fresco suggested as an addition to salads, chicken, fish and margaritas. Galena Garlic Blend, the no. 2 seller, is for use on fries, popcorn, pizza, salads, pasta, bread and as an all purpose seasoning. Coffee Barbecue is their best selling blend with Greek Seasoning with dried Feta cheese no. 3. As you might suspect, Galena Garlic Company is also about garlic. Theirs is grown locally in nearby Woodbine and naturally, without chemicals or pesticides, where they harvest four varieties: German Roasting, Muzic, German Red, and Ukrainian. Barbecue rubs, vinegars, overseen by Kim Lavelle also known as the Balsamic Bartender, and Italian virgin olive oils from Modena, Italy, are other items available at the store. Even novice cooks will find a visit here an interesting adventure and fun. The staff ’s enthusiasm is pervasive, and they are willing to take whatever time their customers want to explain the nuances of their unique and flavorful products. Galena Garlic Company is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and later on Fridays. For more information call (815) 777-9625 or visit www. galenagarlic.com where one can also order online. The company has also just opened a second store in Geneva. a

Cuisine Chocolate Decadence A luscious, sweet ending to this tour is a stop at Chocolat’, a boutique of artisan chocolates from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Venezuela, and the United States with some confections made right on the premises. Located at 229 S. Main St. in Galena, Chocolat’ is owned by longtime Galena merchant, Bonnie Bellendier who has assembled a collection of temptations so decadent she calls them “The eighth deadly sin.” With its sleek chrome black tile and mirror décor, Chocolat’ evokes the deco style befitting European ambience. Over 225 flavors of chocolates are featured, each worthy of the gallery presentation as a work of art. Flavors range from espresso, black currant, Chai, chili, curry, violet and honey to tiramisu, orange caramel, burning passion, almond haystack, pomegranate, banana and chocolate mousse. Spirits are also represented as fillings in the chocolates: Grand Marnier, Scotch, Cognac, Baileys, Kahlua and Irish Coffee; as are wines including Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet, Bordeaux, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Champagne. There are Belgian sugar-free and vegan chocolates, too. Biggest sellers are a plain piece of dark chocolate, and the French sea salt and caramel combination. There’s really creamy fudge made with Swiss chocolate and

strawberries hand-dipped in Swiss chocolate and ice cream creations. To quench a thirst, malts in chocolate, vanilla, as well as raspberry and strawberry — made with real fruit, not syrups — hot chocolate and Kona and flavored Columbian Coffees are featured. Chocolat’ sells its candy by the piece, pre-selected assortment, and custom packaging. Store hours through the end of October are Sunday through Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. During the winter months the store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to order, call (815) 776-7777 or shop online at www. letustemptyouwithchocolat.com. r

Polish Pottery... We’re closer than you think

526 First Street, New Glarus WI 608-558-8366 • www.thebramblepatch.biz ~ Shipping Available ~ www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Cuisine 4

2 1

3 Class is now in session 1. Chef Patricia Lehnhardt of the Great Galena Cookery works in the Learn Great Foods Outdoor Kitchen in Mount Carroll. 2. Windmills, cheese curing caves, and solar power are all part of the Cheese Tour in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. 3. During a tour at Famous Fossil Winery in Cedarville, Ken Rosmann shows the vines to guests. 4. The autumn harvest provides plenty of subject matter for Learn Great Foods courses.

photos provided

Give yourself a gift and

Learn Great Foods

he seeds for Learn Great Foods Company were planted on Earth Day 1970 — long before going green was fashionable — when Ann Dougherty, then age 10 and now president of the agriculinary company, became committed to the environment. Learn Great Foods is a Midwestern touring company with headquarters at the recently restored Kraft building in Mount Carroll that introduces individuals and families to healthy and sustainable living through: Private farm tours with food artisans and growers of all kinds, paired with dynamic cooking classes and delicious dining Fun and informative retreat weekends with themes like 2 Busy 2 Cook and Go Fish! A University of Michigan graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, Dougherty began her business career in California working as a consultant to clean up industrial waste. Her next move was to Skokie, where she worked at Portland Cement Association doing life-cycle assessments for the construction industry. In 2003, she saw that the next big environmental issues after energy would be food and water, and she wanted to help

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Story By Jae Hezlep

“Be a regular, dependable customer of your local farm friends. Good eating and good touring!” — Ann Dougherty get the American everywoman ready to deal with these issues. In 2004, she changed her emphasis to food when she visited Mount Carroll with friends and fell in love with both the town and the Driftless Area in the midst of its peculiar terrain due to having escaped glaciation during the last glacial period. The term “driftless” indicates a lack of glacial drift: the material left behind by retreating continental glaciers (silt, clay, sand, gravel and boulders). Specifically, Learn Great Foods teaches about the natural link among sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment. Tours are offered in three regions: 1) northern lower Michigan, the U.P., and southeast Missouri; 2) along the Mississippi River, Kentucky and southern Illinois; and a

Ann Dougherty, president of Learn Great Foods, encourages people to take the next step on the farm-food continuum by buying local and organic foods, visiting a farmers market, befriending a farmer, touring a farm, and becoming a Community Supported Agriculture member.

Cuisine

Learn Great Foods tour stop at Bombfire Pizza in Sabula, Iowa, includes experiences such as baking a pizza in the wood fire oven.

3) right here in our backyard, northwest Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Guests meet compelling farmers, learn about their businesses, and pick up foods to cook with their chef at the end of the day. It’s education, and it’s fun. Local tours and connections include Rogers Creek Grist Mill in Milledgeville featuring rehabbed flour grinding equipment led by Bonnie and Roger Bork; a health and livestock tour with Bill Giddings of Evergreen Hill Farm in Sabula, Iowa; a sustainability tour with organic cheese-maker, Willi Lehner of Bleu Mont Dairy, in Blue Mounds, Wis.; a visit to Ken and Pam Rosmann’s Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery (certified biodynamic) in Cedarville; Brightflower Nursery in Stockton where Jeanie McKewan is an organic producer of herbs, vegetables and edible and ornamental flowers; and Don Weidman’s Asparagus Farm in Mount Carroll. Local chefs provide cooking demonstrations, classes and recipes for Learn Great Foods. Some of the “top 10” include Patricia Lehnhardt of Great Galena Cookery in Galena; Michael Staver, instructor at Kendall College in Chicago and co-owner of Brightflower Nursery; Wave Kasprzak, co-owner with his wife and wine expert, Jane Sybers, of The Dining Room in Monticello, Wis.; and Donna Duvall of Food Fancies in Spragueville, Iowa. These local chefs are also among the contributors to the FoodBooks series introduced in 2008. There are now some two dozen titles ranging from Herbs, Bison and Asparagus to Blueberries, Potatoes, Pumpkins and Winter Squash. Each 16-page, full-color booklet contains delicious recipes, explains the unique benefits of each ingredient, and features entertaining interviews with farmers, chefs and food artisans. Health information and how to preserve the ingredient after the season is also included. For example, the Eggplant FoodBook describes how eggplant helps the immune system. Single copies of the books are priced at $2.45 and are available in Mount Carroll at the Learn Great Food Kitchen at 320 N. Main St., as well as at the locations of a

Chef Donna Duvall is a Learn Great Foods chef and author of several of FoodBooks including “Bison” which is an introduction to “the other red meat” — low in fat and high in iron.

Italian cuisine since 1921

sip, savor & socialize stop in for great pasta, delicious seafood and award-winning pizza! Live Piano Music Friday & Saturday Freeport & Neenah Est. 1921

Est. 1994

Est. 2005

1101 W. Empire St. FREEPORT, IL

247 N. Main GALENA, IL

113 Wisconsin Ave. NEENAH, WI

815-233-0032

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

815-777-3735

920-886-0325

Cuisine

participating farms and chefs. They also are available online at www.learngreatfoods.com where they can also be purchased in quantity. Edgebrook Farmers Market (held Wednesdays, in season) at 1601 N. Alpine Road in Rockford is giving away these books at their cooking demonstrations on Sept. 8 and 15 and Oct. 6 and 13. Prices for Learn Great Food activities range from $225 per person for a Culinary Retreat (two cooking classes, tours of organic farms and gourmet food stops, and five meals), to Culinary Escape one-day tours priced at $105, and $50 each for Culinary Farm Tours and City Food Tours. Custom tours and activities for corporate groups and family parties are encouraged. Week-long, international trips during 2011 are planned for the Yucatan Peninsula in March and for Mendoza, Argentina, in January through March. Upcoming culinary adventures scheduled for September and October include 2 Busy 2 Cook on Sept. 23-25, and a Culinary Escape Weekend Retreat on Oct. 22 -24. Both weekends feature activities in Mount Carroll and Galena and cost $225 per person. One-day tours include a Cheese Tour to Mount Horeb and travel to Monticello, Wis., on Sunday, Sept. 19 ($105) and Galena City Tour, Saturday, Oct. 16 ($50). Custom tours are available during November, December and January and are priced from $35 to $95 per person. For details, call (866) 240-1650 or visit www. learngreatfoods.com. Whether you are a “foodie,” concerned about the environment, like to eat delicious, healthy food, or all of the above, Learn Great Foods provides interesting adventures and fun while encouraging the farm-food continuum. It’s also a chance to meet others who share a passion for pure food, culinary excellence, and the “taste of place.” r

• Unique clothing boutique, sandals and handbags • An eclectic selection of gifts, garden items and candles • Shop the oldest commercial structure in Shullsburg • This historic property dates back to 1842! • An irresistible offering of Annaleece Swarovski crystal jewelry

www.risken-leeholidayhouse.com

608-965-3088 Open Tuesday-Sunday 10-5 16

The Trail

FAll 2010

a Recipe for you

Slow-braised eggplant stuffed with tomatoes Recipe by Nancy Krcek Allen, Chef Educator for Learn Great Foods Ingredients: m 4 small garden fresh tomatoes, cored m 4 medium-small long Asian eggplants, stems trimmed m 1-2 teaspoons salt m 1 tablespoon fresh herb leaves such as torn basil or oregano, thyme or rosemary m 2-3 tablespoons olive oil m 8-12 green olives, pitted and sliced in half (optional)

Serves 4

Directions: Slice each tomato from stem end to bottom into four even slices. Cut each eggplant lengthwise from stem end to bottom end halfway through. Season inside each cut with salt and herbs. Fit three to four slices of tomato inside each eggplant. Place eggplant into a heavy pot or braising pan that will hold them tightly. Drizzle eggplant with oil. Dice and scatter any remaining tomatoes over eggplant. Cover pan and cook over low heat until eggplant is very tender, 30 minutes. Sprinkle with olives and serve warm or at room temperature.

Autumn Activities

Venture deep into the woods

Story and photos By PJ Francis

ocated three miles south of Oregon on 2,291 wooded acres, the Lowden/Miller State Forest features 120-foot bluffs, riverfront, hardwood and pine. Frank Lowden (1861 – 1943) was Illinois governor from 1917 to 1921. He ardently embraced proper land use and strongly believed in reforestation as a way to retard soil erosion. Over several decades an estimated 500,000 trees were seeded by him or under his supervision. a

GET YOUR REUBEN FIX AT

608-965-4618 Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 135 W. Water Street Shullsburg, WI 53586 www.coughlinshops.com www.shullsburgwisconsin.com

PUB • EATERY • LODGING Site of the 1925 Bank Robbery Best Burgers East of the Mississippi!!!

Cozy • Delicious • Friendly Cooking with fresh local ingredients

202 W. Water Street, Shullsburg, Wisconsin Pub & Eatery: 608.965.3228 Lodging: 608.482.3286 www.waterstreetplace.com Visit our blog for special offers! Hours: Wed-Thu 11-8 pm; Fri-Sat 11-10 pm; Sun 11-3 pm Dine-in or carry-out www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Bridal Gowns Tuxedo Rental Mother’s Bridesmaid’s Flowergirl Party Dresses Prom First Communion Baptism Gowns Accessories Hand Painted Centerpieces Wedding Planner www.IDOBRIDALLLC.com 815-777-2507 201. N. Commerce St., Galena

Follow the trail to the Quiet House DODGEVILLE IS A PLEASURE IN ANY SEASON

WELCOME TO THE RIVER CITY OF GALENA

Stay at our Best Western Quiet House Hotel in Dodgeville, Wisconsin and relax with the scenic beauty.

Stay at our Best Western Quiet House Hotel in Galena, Illinois and tour historic downtown Galena, which is listed on the National Historic Registry.

Historic Dodgeville, headquarters of Lands’ End, is the hub of south central Wisconsin — with scenic beauty, and close to many attractions. The House on the Rock, Tyrol Basin Ski Resort, Cave of the Mounds, Governor Dodge State Park, Spring Green’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, and the American Players’ theatre, as well as Historic Mineral Point, are not to be missed.

The river city of Galena is an exquisite architectural treasure with numerous historical sites, President Grant’s Home, ﬁne restaurants and many antique shops. Also enjoy golﬁng, downhill skiing at Chestnut Ski Resort, and The Diamond Joe River boat Casino on the Mississippi River.

Hwy 18 1130 N. Johns St. • 608 935-7739

9923 US 20 West • 815 777-2577

• Best Quality: Top percentage of all Best Westerns in North America • Best Rooms: All large rooms with living room area, refrigerator and microwave, unique decor • Best Selection: Of suites, whirlpool suites, theme suites, ﬁreplace suites private balconies • Best Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool, swim-thru open all year, whirlpool, ﬁtness center, coffee makers, hair dryers, iron boards • Best Business Services: FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET, voicemail, copy/fax services, free local calls

Reservations 1-800-WESTERN www.quiethouse.com

Join your friends!

To get to Lowden Miller State Forest take Route 64 east out of Oregon. Cross the Rock River and turn right (south) on to Daysville Road. After a short distance continue right on to Lowden Road and the destination is on your right.

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

a casual gathering place

Autumn Activities

The area was known to the governor and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, as Sinnissippi Forest. The name was derived from the Native American terms meaning “rocky river” or “troubled waters”. Since 1992 the tract has been known as Lowden-Miller State Forest. The forest was part of a large and diverse farming operation that incorporated not only native hardwoods but pasture and sandy farmland. The soil was of limited use for crops and Lowden experimentally planted white pines and other species to see what would grow. The pre-1910 planting of white pines are believed to be the oldest in the state. Frank Lowden possessed a love of the land. In his 1916 political campaign he insisted he wanted to serve only one term as governor as he preferred to return to his farm and forest. He envisioned the area being enjoyed and valued by his offspring for generations to come. The family’s Sinnissippi forest Christmas tree wholesale and retail business began providing high quality firs and pines for the holidays in 1948. The operation continues today on land owned and leased by Sinnissippi Forest Inc. In 1955 Sinnissippi Forest was designated the first Illinois tree farm. The Tree Farm System mission is to promote the growing of renewable forest resources on private lands while protecting environmental benefits and increasing public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry. The strategy is to increase the number certified tree farms in the state through land owner outreach programs sponsored by the state executive committee and its regional committees. Also to educate the general public of the ecological and economical benefits tree farms provide for the local communities. There are now 1,095 certified tree farms consisting of 96,184 acres in Illinois. In June 1992 the state of Illinois purchased a 1,186 acre parcel of the forest from Warren P. Miller, a grandson of the Lowdens. Warren’s brother Phillip Lowden — Miller sold an additional 1,039 acres to the state in 1993. The brothers felt they were helping fulfill Frank Lowden’s dream of keeping the area an actively managed forest and preserving the beauty for future generations. In offering their land for sale to the state they were avoiding the possibility of seeing it subdivided or rezoned for development. Lowden Miller State Forest now totals 2,291 acres. It is managed by the Department of Natural Resources and is located across the Rock River from another DNR property — Castle Rock State Park. r

try our Award-Winning

2010

VOTED “Best OF THE Region” • Appetizers • Steaks • Salads • Chicken • Sandwiches • Seafood

A Casual Gathering Place

815-235-8100 1121 West Empire Empire Freeport

Trail Map

trail

Sauk City

the

Cross Plains

Mineral Point

Oregon Belleville

151

Benton Hazel Green

Galena

Warren

Monroe

Winslow

McConnell Orangeville

Cedarville

Dakota

P SI SSIS MI

Davis

Roscoe

Machesney Park

Pecatonica Winnebago

German Valley

Lake Carroll

Shannon Mt Carroll

Rockton

Durand

Pearl City

Savanna

South Beloit

Loves Park Freeport

Massbach

Beloit

Elizabeth

RI V

Lake Summerset

26 Lena

Hanover

39 81

Nora

Stockton

Janesville

Oxfordville

Juda

Canyon Lake

11 Brodhead

South Wayne Apple River Scales Mound Apple

Browntown

Gratiot

Shullsburg

Albany

Cuba City

to Dubuque, IA

Evansville

Argyle

Darlington

Edgerton

Monticello

Platteville Belmont

Stoughton

Brooklyn

New Glarus

Blanchardville

Cambridge

Fitchburg

Deerfield

McFarland

18 Verona

Cottage Grove

Madison

Mt Horeb

Dodgeville Linden

Marshall

Middleton

Waterloo

Sun Prairie

Black Earth

Barnevald

Windsor

Waunakee

Mazomanie

Forreston

64 Lanark 64

Byron

Stillman Valley

Mt Morris

Chadwick

Cherry Valley

Leaf River

Davis Junction

Oregon Polo

Milledgeville

to Belvidere

Rockford

Thomson Rochelle

26 Fulton to Clinton, IA Morrison

Autumn Activities

ATV Trails 20

The Trail

FAll 2010

Ashton

Dixon

Franklin Grove

Sterling

Lodging

Cuisine & Spirits

Bike/Walking Trails

Steward

Shopping Index Autumn Activities Apple River Fort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Blackhawk Waterway Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . 30 Brodhead Autumn Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Buck’s Toy Train Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Darlington Chamber of Commerce . . . 48 Dubuque River Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Elizabeth Craft Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Freeport Park District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Green County Railroaders . . . . . . . . . . 55 Green County Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Monroe Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 National Historic Cheesemaking Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 New Glarus Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . 24 New Glarus Oktoberfest . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home . . . . . . . 5 Shullsburg CDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Stephenson County Antique Engine . . . . 8 Stephenson County Barn Tour . . . . . . . 63 Stephenson County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau . . . . . . 3 Swiss Historical Village Harvest Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 VisitGalena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Warren Pumpkin Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Cheese Stores Alp & Dell Cheese Store . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Decatur Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Maple Leaf Cheese, Juda . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Maple Leaf Cheese & Chocolate . . . . . 25 Roelli Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Shullsburg Creamery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Swiss Colony Outlet Center . . . . . . . . . 61

Cuisine 9 East Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Baumgartner’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Brewster House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Bridges Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Cannova’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Culver’s, New Glarus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Conover Coffees & Chocolates Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Dairy Queen, Freeport . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Deininger’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fieldstone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Harvest Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Higher Grounds Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Hixster’s Upper Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Mrs. Mike’s Potato Chips . . . . . . . . . . . 27 New Glarus Hotel Restaurant . . . . . . . . 24 O’Maddy’s Grill & Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Old Hotel Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 One Eleven Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Puempel’s Olde Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Sportsman’s Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Toffler’s Pub & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Turner Hall-Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Union Dairy Ice Cream Parlor . . . . . . . 27 Vinny Vanucchi’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Water Street Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wheel Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Golf Courses Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course . . . . . . 26 Park Hills Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Lodging AmericInn of Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Chalet Landhaus Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 DeSoto House Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Best Western Quiet House, Galena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Best Western Quiet House, Dodgeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Country Inn & Suites of Freeport . . . . . 80 Gasthaus Motel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Hampton Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Irish Cottage Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Ludlow Mansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Risken-Lee Holiday House . . . . . . . . . . 16 Super 8 Motel, Darlington . . . . . . . . . . 50 Super 8 Motel, Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Swiss Aire Motel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Old Darlington Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Trailview Cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Orchards Curran’s Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Edwards Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Honey Hill Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ten Eyck Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Retail Shops Angela’s Attic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Basket Beginnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bramble Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Brenda’s Blumenladen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Chateau Floral & Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Clothes Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Conover Square Merchants . . . . . . . . . 28 Coughlin’s Christmas Store . . . . . . . . . 17 Cub Hollow Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Down the Street Boutique . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Frank Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From Head to Toe Sportswear . . . . . . . 39 Houston Hen House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 I Do Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Lena, IL Merchants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Luecke’s Diamond Center . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Luecke Antique Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Lulu’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lynch Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Marilyn’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers . . . . . . 36 Mystical Mountain Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . 29 Nancy’s Ladies Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Piggly Wiggly, Brodhead . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pilgrim’s Pantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Pinnow Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Risken-Lee Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Roberts Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Roscoe Antique Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Sequel’s Fine Interior Consignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Sisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Cook’s Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Green Door Home Decor & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 The Mill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Whitford Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Wild Birds Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wooden Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Service Businesses Apple River State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 BBR Bike Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Bank of Brodhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 First Community Bank of Galena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 JK Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Mike’s Engine Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 State Bank, Freeport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Spirits Famous Fossil Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Great River Wine Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 New Glarus Brewing Company . . . . . . . 67 New Glarus Primrose Winery . . . . . . . . 66 Rocky Waters Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Autumn Activities

Welcome to the

Galena Country Fair Story By mike cowan

istoric Galena rises majestically on the hills along the Galena River. Across the lazy river, Grant Park glistens in the early morning sun with trees anxious to show off their newfound autumn splendor. Arriving visitors are abuzz with excitement. It’s time for the annual Galena Country Fair — a Columbus Day weekend getaway experience like none other. Its dual themes, “Original and Handmade,” are aptly carried out by more than 150 vendors of juried arts, crafts and fine art from states across America. Thousands will gather Oct. 9-10 for a sensory treat. A cornucopia of treasure is displayed from artisans working in virtually every medium imaginable. “You will see creations in wood, metals, fabrics, yarns, stained glass, custom glassware, ceramics and artwork in oils, watercolors, pencil, acrylics, photography and etchings,” Galena Country Fair Board Chairman, Ron Smith said. The Country Fair, surprisingly, is as much about original and handmade food as it is the crafts. “No one goes hungry at the fair,” Smith said. “We have many not-for-profit organizations with food booths offering favorites such as loaded baked potatoes, walking tacos, delicious sandwiches, caramel apples, funnel cakes, home-baked breads, pies, pastries and a local farmer’s market fresh from harvest.” Take home bottles of pure maple syrup, honey a 22

The Trail

FAll 2010

“No one goes hungry at the fair.”

and crisp locally grown apples, pumpkins, squash and gourds. Save room to take along a generous package of heavenly delights from the Country Bake Shop. Kick back throughout the day — enter a raffle for $1,000 or take part in the silent auction. Relax with live band entertainment and perhaps a taste of grape or fruit wine from award-winning Galena Cellars vineyards. Irish dancers will step lively to traditional Gaelic melodies and a tribute to our military men and women will be presented on both days. “Many visitors flock to the fair to begin their Christmas shopping,” Publicity Chairman Tracy Furlong said. “They return year after year looking for favorite vendors of collectibles, jewelry, paintings, home décor, baskets, woodcrafts and so much more. Certain vendors will even customize their products while you wait. There are ample choices for every taste and pocketbook.” A wonderful spirit of selflessness and goodwill spreads throughout the Galena Country Fair. The fair is a totally volunteer project under the direction of Jo Daviess County Country Fair Charities Inc. All proceeds, after expenses, are provided as grants to assist Jo Daviess County organizations such as police, fire and ambulance units, libraries and food pantries among others. Throughout the past six years, nearly a

Music and dance

Autumn Activities

A 30,000 square foot historic factory lovingly converted into large rooms of antiques & collectibles. Just some of our items include:

Fenton Glass Depression Glass World War II Memorabilia Home Decor One of a Kind Items Primitives and much more...

Angela’s Attic

1020 Gardner Street • South Beloit, IL 815-389-1679 • angelas-attic.com www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Your favorite Swiss Store!

European Imports

We specialize in Swiss, German & Austrian Imports • Swiss Cow Bells • Cuckoo Clocks • Victorinox Knives

Season Spend the

America’s Little Switzerland! in

SEPTEMBER 3-5 11 24-26 26

Wilhelm Tell Festival Schuetzen Fest Oktoberfest Antique Tractor Pull

OCTOBER 10

• Fondue Supplies

Harvest Fest at the Swiss Historical Village

NOVEMBER

• Br¨azeli Irons

• Linens

Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree

DECEMBER

• Raclette Grills

...Plus much more!

St. Nicholas Day - Holiday Shopping Specials & Christmas Cookie Sale

Stop by or visit our internet catalog at www.shopswiss.com 102 5th Ave, New Glarus WI • 608.527.2417 WEEKDAY PACKAGES:

Your our Swiss Country Home in New Glarus, WI... Y

lf Brewery • Go Biking

Whirlpool Suites available • Wireless Internet Service • Indoor Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Steam & Fitness Rooms Conference & Meeting Rooms • On the Sugar River State Bike Trail • Alpine Restaurant • Special Group Rates

801 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 53574 • 800.944.1716 or 608.527.5234 Fax 608.527.2365 • info@chaletlandhaus.com • www.chaletlandhaus.com

Enjoy a Taste of Switzerland in New Glarus, Wisconsin! • Authentic Swiss specialties served daily for lunch & dinner • Dine & Dance every Friday & Saturday evening to the music of a traditional Polka Band! • Enjoy the newly remodeled Ticino Pizzeria below the Hotel Balcony, open daily at 4 p.m. 100 6th Ave, New Glarus WI • 800.727.9477 608.527.5244 • www.newglarushotel.com

B us & Group Tours Welcome!

New Glarus’ Finest Cheese and Chocolate Shop The finest 100 Local & Imported Cheeses, Fine Wines and Sausages Old Fashioned Bulk Candy • Unique Flavors of Homemade Fudge Gourmet Treats from Around the World

Home of Schocoladen Confections 554 First Street, New Glarus, Wisconsin • 608.527.2000 Toll Free 1-888-624-1234 • Open Daily 10 am-5 pm www.mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com

Department 56 • Heritage Lace • Seiko Clocks Jim Shore • Jewelry • Peggy Karr Glass 600 1st St, New Glarus • 608.527.5106 • www.lynchgifts.com Monday-Thursday 10-5 • Friday 9-8 • Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 10-5

Autumn Activities $500,000 has been distributed to organizations with specific needs which provide vital social services in their communities. “Without the help of state, county and local law enforcement and emergency personnel, plus hundreds of dedicated volunteers from county churches and community organizations, the Galena Country Fair would not happen,” Smith explained. “Our volunteers, vendors and local businesses have become like a close-knit family banded together to help very deserving causes.” Before heading to the fair, be sure to call ahead for lodging in the tri-state area. Shuttle buses are provided from convenient points in Galena. For complete details and information, visit www. galenacountryfair.org. If time allows, hikers and bikers can enjoy autumn colors along the scenic Galena River Trail. The 3.4 mile forested trail begins at Depot Park winding south to Galena Junction and the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Check out www.visitgalena.org for even more Galena attractions. r

Galena Country Fair October 9 to 10

Planning ahead? The Galena Country Fair is a great place to get an early jump on Christmas shopping. Be sure to save the date.

Golf the Canyon

Gourmet Quiche, Soups & Sandwiches for LUNCH

BREAKFAST BREAK? Try one of our Pastries or Scones

• • • •

Espresso • Latte Frozen Blended Drinks Specialty Coffees & Teas Cappuccino

18 holes with cart

Reloadable � Mon.-Fri. 6:30am - 5pm Gift Cards! � Saturday 8am - 3pm � Sunday 9am - 1pm

1709 S. West Ave., Freeport 815-297-9441 www.highergroundsfreeport.com

The Trail

Fall 2010

Call for T times! 815-492-2477

Must present ad. Good thru 2010 season.

Convenient Drive-Up Window! WIRELESS INTERNET

14A200 E. Apple Canyon Road • Apple River 815-492-2477 • applecanyonlake.org

JS/TR

Autumn Activities

October 9-10 in

Elizabeth:

Story By mike cowan

Extraordinaire!

iver Ridge High School rests like a crown jewel among the beautiful hills and valleys of scenic northwest Illinois. The school’s spacious auditorium and adjoining food court will be the venue for the 18th annual Elizabeth Craft Fair over the Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 9-10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. “We complement the Galena Country Fair which is held the same weekend,” according to Carrie Haas, Marketing Chairman for the event. “Our juried fair attracts about 3,000 visitors, many of which have come to know the Elizabeth Craft Fair

Fall in love with this Freeport tradition...

Union Dairy Burgers and cool ice cream treats!!!

Try an Ice Cream Cake or Ice Cream Sandwich!

over the years as an enjoyable family event.” More than 90 crafters and artisans display a creative bounty of items for home décor, outdoor garden or patio accessories, wood and metal art, paintings, jewelry, quilts, pottery, kitchenware – even aprons and Christmas ornaments personalized for eager customers on the spot. The possibilities for early, affordable holiday shopping are endless A majority of the exhibitor booths are found all on one level with a few requiring larger space placed outside the school’s main entrance. “People appreciate the indoor a

Treat yourself to

A Freeport Favorite since 1929

Call to order your personalized cake today!

Try our NEW Salt & Vinegar Chips Only available at the plant!

126 East Douglas Street Freeport IL • 815.232.7099 www.theuniondairy.com

Alber Ice Cream Parlor

Open Daily 11 am-9 pm through October 31st No Grill Sundays • Grill closes at 8 pm

70 E. Monterey, Freeport IL 815.232.7819 • www.mrsmikes.com

Monday-Friday 9 am-5pm • Saturday 9 am-2pm Available at most area grocers or direct from the plant!

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Conover Square A unique shopping village in

the old piano factory

Conover Square Mall is an eclectic mix of over 30 owneroperated shops and services in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere.

Conover is also home to: Eagle’s Nest Art Club - A large group of mostly local artists with a small gallery and interesting art classes.

Billy Barnhart Museum - Featuring rooms of vintage toys, collectibles, sleighs, farm equipment, and relics of the past.

For the Cook, Kitchen, & Home

Black Hawk Railroad Club - A large model train & railroad exhibit that every age will enjoy.

40 annual Autumn On Parade, October 2-3 th

Kitchen Tools

Arts & Crafts Farmer’s Market on the town square with more than 150 crafters & artisans. www.autumnonparade.org

Amish Made Jams & Jellies

Dolls, Toys & Accessories - Joanne’s Dolls 815-234-8332

Homemade Fudge

Gourmet Foods Yankee Candles Window Treatments & more

Doll Show & Sale, October 2-3 10am-4pm

815-732-2926

24th Annual Candlelight Walk, November 27 5-9 pm Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Christmas, and the beauty of 100’s of luminaries, horse drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, musical entertainment & Conover Square’s “Festival of Trees“.

Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-5:30pm Sat. 9:30am-5pm Sun. 12-5pm

by Park Designs

Other Local Attractions:

Decorative Accessories

Lorado Taft’s Black Hawk Statue, Lowden, Castle Rock and White Pines State Parks, Oregon Sculpture Trail.

Greeting Cards Unique Gifts

201 N. 3rd Street • Oregon, IL 61061 815.732.3950 • www.conoversquare.com

www.thecookscollection.com

SHOPPING: Basket Beginings Cook’s Collection Dynamic Horizons Houston’s Hen House and The Crow’s Nest

Lifeline Resale Shop Mystical Mountain Jewelry Neighbor’s Antiques & Collectibles Slip and Slurry Pottery

FOOD: Conover Bakery Conover Coffee’s & Chocolates

Split Decision’s Vanasey’s Blackhawk Coin Shop Mona Lisa’s Boutique Music & More

SERVICES: Hair Expressions Footworks Reflexology

Basket Beginnings Learn to Weave a Basket or shop for gifts... �

Linda Hinkelmann Owner/Weaver

�

Baskets Basket Making Supplies & Accessories

Gemstone Beaded Jewelry Fine Jewelry Jewelry Repair

silver, platinum & gold

Watch Batteries Jewelry Making Supplies Jewelry Cleaning & Repolishing � �

Mon-Sat 9:30-5 Sun 12-3 Evenings by appt.

�

Yarn by the Pound Crochet Cottons Consignment Crafters

201 N. Third St., Oregon, IL 815-732-7181

Restringing Custom Work

WE BUY PRECIOUS METALS

Mystical Mountain J e welry & More 201 N. 3rd St., Oregon, IL Located in the Conover Square Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm • Sun. 12-3pm Shopping Village

www.basketbeginning.com

Locally Roasted Coffee Coffee -N- Chocolate Gift Baskets

Breakfast • Lunch • Afternoon Tea • Desserts Mon.-Fri. 7am-5:30pm Sat. 8:30am-5:30pm • Sun. Noon-5:00pm

INDOOR FLEA MARKET - FIRST WEEKEND OF THE MONTH

Main Floor - North Entrance Conover Square, Suite 123, 201 N. 3rd Street, Oregon, IL 815-732-7017 • www.conovercoffees.com

Over 18,000 sq. ft. LARGEST ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE SHOP IN OGLE COUNTY Train & Buggy Museums • Antiques Collectibles • Coins

201 N. 3rd Street, Oregon 815-713-7730 • 815-732-3250 www.houstonshenhouse.com Tues.-Sat. 11-4:30 & Sun. 12-4 Dealer space available - No working hours required

Autumn Activities

atmosphere without concern for inclement weather and the convenient up-close parking,” Haas explained. “The fair has become an entertainment and country cuisine destination as well.” “Folks rave about an Elizabeth Craft Fair tradition – turkey and dressing sandwiches, made from scratch, by our local Methodist Church ladies,” Haas said. “Some come to the fair, take out their sandwiches and return later for the exhibits. Fresh pumpkin rolls, mouth-watering homemade pies and baked goods, hand-dipped caramel apples, grilled brats, tacos and more are prepared throughout the day by several volunteer crews.” If you’re a fan of relaxing solo piano music while dining, the Food Court Commons is the place to be. Renowned pianist and singer, Jim McDonough, at the Steinway grand piano, provides smooth renditions of popular favorites, show tunes, classic country, movie themes and love songs. All of the proceeds from the fair, after expenses, are allocated by the River Ridge PTO for specific school needs. “In past years, computers, field trips, sports and college scholarships, athletic equipment, band and chorus uniforms have been provided,” Haas said. “It could not happen without our volunteers that put in so many hours of planning and labor for this worthwhile cause.” r

The Trail

Fall 2010

You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list at the craft booths. Then you can reward yourself with a slice of cake or a yummy caramel apple.

Autumn Activities

Oktoberfest: Gemütlichkeit! Story By mike cowan

emütlichkeit! (def.: “…a warm friendliness, congeniality, often experienced with a mixture of music, food, and drink.”). Ready for a little gemütlichkeit? Think Oktoberfest! Why travel to Germany for Oktoberfest when you can enjoy much of the same rollicking music, great food and locally brewed beer on two consecutive weekends — just a short driving distance apart. a

...a t rue classic manicures ~ pedicures ~ acrylic nails ~ hair styling

Meadows Shopping Center

815.235.1090

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Twice the shopping, Twice the selection...

Come to the

Orchard!

Twice the FUN!!!

Two great locations in downtown Brodhead.

OVER 50 APPLE VARIETIES!!!

Two great places to shop for collectible gifts & home accents, including:

New,Traditional and Antique

Women’s Accessories WoodWick Candles Willow Tree Angels Frames • Hallmark Custom Framing Fenton Glass Jim Shore Collectibles

Honeycrisp Apples available after Labor Day! Open daily into November

1001 1st Center Ave • 608-897-4694

Tue-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-3

TEN EYCK ORCHARD Our Family Farm Since 1839

1028 1st Center Ave • 608.897.2595

Hwy 11 & 81, Brodhead, WI • 608.897.4014

Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-3

Autumn Fest 2010 Saturday, September 25

Enjoy the small town hospitality of Brodhead, Wisconsin and its annual Autumn Fest celebration. Crafts, food stands, beer tent and entertainment will be available for you to experience!

All Day

Poopapalooza/Cow Pie Bingo on the Square (3-4 times through day)

10am-12pm Trick or Treating at participating businesses

7am-3pm

9th Annual Optimist Sugar River Bike Tour 50 mi & Centry Ride

10am-3pm

Food Stands

11am-3pm

Chili Contest

9am-3pm

Farmers/Craft Market Vote For Your Favorite Scarecrow Inflatable Jumper Pumpkin Bowling and Other Children's Games Children's Activity Table/ Coloring Contest Pumpkin Decorating & Carving Contest for Adults & Children Fall Bake-Off

public participation voting

Beer Tent Hayrides Through Brodhead Stateline Playboys classic rock • classic country • polkas

Noon

Costume Parade Starting in the Square at the gazebo Receive a free pumpkin afterwards

For more information, contact Patti at 608.897.4694

Bank of Brodhead 1604 1st Center Ave • 608-897-2105

Come Home for the Holidays December 3rdrd & 4thth

806 E. Exchange St • 608.897.2121 www.bankofbrodhead.com Member FDIC

Friday at 5 pm

Lighted Parade & Carriage Rides

Saturday, starting at 9 am

Christmas Walk Specials with downtown retailers

Autumn Activities

Head out to New Glarus, Wis. — Swisstown USA — for an authentic Swiss Oktoberfest, Sept. 24-26. The following weekend, go southwest a few miles to Galena for traditional German Oktoberfest, Oct. 1-2. Each celebration is unique and brings the ambience of two amazing Midwest villages.

The New a Glarus Brewing Co. will be on hand to tap of keg of their awardwinning brew.

New Glarus Oktoberfest The beautiful rolling hills, farms and woodland pastures surrounding New Glarus reminded early Swiss settlers of the Alpine valleys and foothills near Glarus, Switzerland. The friendly Swiss heritage has been carefully maintained to this day. Immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of the old country. You will hear traces of German-Swiss accents as you browse the many quaint shops, excellent restaurants and lodging facilities. Oktoberfest in New Glarus begins Friday evening with a bang and a tap. Gather with the crowds under the big downtown tent for a festival tradition. A brewmaster from New Glarus Brewing Company will tap a keg of award-winning Staghorn Oktoberfest. Lift a stein of “Wisconsin’s Real Red” to the a

Village of Lena 2009

discover discover the the Busy "B" Embroidery & Flowers

Flowers & Custom Embroidery

Florist

216 W. Main St. • 815-369-5549 devoefloral.com

Lena Sign Shop

Signs, Clothing, Digital Printing

300 E. Main St. 815-369-2571 www.busybembroidery.com

Engel's Jewelry & Gifts

109 W. Railroad St. 815-369-9090 www.lenasignshop.com

Baby Talk Blankets

136 W. Main St. 815-369-2212

Lily Pad Gardens Nursery & Gifts

Leamon’s Funeral Home

6318 North Lake Rd. 815-369-9111 www.lilypadgardens.com

Baby Clothes

2398 North Crossroads Rd. 815-238-2261 babytalkblankets.com

Country Windmill Gifts & Card Shop Gift Shop

406 S. Schuyler St. 815-369-4567 www.countrywindmill.net

Devoe Floral

The Trail

Fall 2010

Jewelry & Gifts

Funeral Parlor

201 W. Main St. 815-369-4512 www.leamonfh.com

Lena Mercantile Company Antiques & Eatery

101 W. Railroad St. 815-369-9955 www.lenamercantile.com

Nursery & Gifts

Calow's Lena Hardware & Rental Hardware Store

145 W. Railroad St. 815-369-5542 www.hardwarehank.com

Autumn Activities

light of a harvest moon. The weekend is filled with live music, plenty of tasty cheeses made by local cheese plants, traditional Wisconsin brats and restaurants which serve delicious specialty German and Swiss cuisine. Bring the kids to watch a Saturday afternoon chainsaw woodcarving demonstration. All ages will enjoy a town tour aboard an authentic farm wagon. On Sunday, master chef, Mike Nevil, and master cheese maker, Bruce Workman, melt up a big pot of their famous Cheese Fondue. Tour the magnificent New Glarus Brewery on a hilltop overlooking the quaint village below. Taste handcrafted, worldclass beers with colorful names such as Totally Naked, Spotted Cow, Fat Squirrel and Dancing Man Wheat. “Alles Gute!”

Galena Oktoberfest Galena is the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and later 18th President of the United States. It seems that every home and building in Galena should be on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Actually, 85 percent of the Historic District buildings are on the list. Start your Oktoberfest weekend on Friday, Oct. 1, in Galena by visiting the sights and shops in and around the downtown area. That evening, you might stop at Gobbie’s Sports Bar & Grill on Main Street for a pre-Oktoberfest beer garden party that a

SHOP&DINE

Our Barn Doors 7 Days are Open... a Week 9416 W. Wagner Rd., Lena 815-367-5300

9426 W. Wagner Rd., Lena 815-367-5330

9426 W. Wagner Dr., Lena 815-367-5322

Just off Route 20 at the begining of the Historical Stage Coach Trail www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Autumn Activities

benefits the Galena Lions Club. The one-day Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday is organized by the Galena Lions. Biking enthusiasts can get an early start on the day as guests of the Goats Bicycling Club. For complete details visit www.goatscycling.com. Oktoberfest events officially begin at noon with a blast of the Civil War cannon and a ceremonial tapping of the keg by a brew master from Wisconsin’s Potosi Brewery. Like to polka or want to learn? Dance master Jennifer Mulcahey will get you twirling to the “oom-pah” sounds of the Jim Busta or Goodtime Dutchman bands. An entertaining highlight for the whole family will be to root for your favorites in the afternoon Wiener Dog Races. There are prizes for the best-dressed and heat races for the smallest, longest and heaviest wiener dogs. If you have ever lifted a stein or two, line up for the Beer Stein Endurance Contest. Not a drinking competition, the contest winner is determined by who can hold a filled stein at arm’s length the longest. Less stressful is the Bean Bag Contest. Prizes galore … a free raffle drawing every hour … a bounce house and games for the kids make this Oktoberfest very family friendly. Finally, dance the night away to popular melodies by the Sunshine Band. “Our mission is for everyone to have a good time and to use the proceeds to help the community — especially those with sight and hearing needs,” according to Galena Lions Club vice-president, Lisa Schoenrock. “Our major raffle prize, awarded at 8:30 p.m., offers four choices to the top winner — a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest, a Caribbean trip, $6,000 in cash or the same amount toward the purchase of a HarleyDavidson,” Schoenrock explained. “Odds are excellent as we only print 1,000 tickets. Additional cash prizes will go to second through sixth places.” For event details and ticket information, visit www. galenaoktoberfest.com. For lodging and other Galena attractions, visit www.visitgalena.org. r

MERLIN’S FLOWERS & THE OTHER SIDE

Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-3pm

Serving Ogle County for 39 years

300 Mix Street, Oregon, IL • 815-732-2969

Your Full service florist and gift store here to serve you Check out both stores overflowing with custom silks, jewelry, purses, and many other extensive lines of unique gift items.

2 DAY EVENT FALL OPEN HOUSE STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS

Sept. 10 & 11 9am-5pm

www.merlinsgreenhouseandflowers.com 36

The Trail

FAll 2010

Going to Oktoberfest Where to go: Eastside Riverfront, Galena Date: Saturday, Oct. 2 Time: Noon to 11 p.m.

2010 Fireball Run By mike cowan

here is an attractive added reason to attend Oktoberfest in Galena this year. The glamorous Fireball Run will finish its 2010 Transcontinental Rally at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. This spectacular 10-day event begins Sept. 23, spanning 3,500 miles from Henderson-Las Vegas Lake, Nev. (20 minutes southeast of Las Vegas), and visits 18 cities en route to Galena Oct. 2nd. The Fireball Run is an interactive game that takes place on the road. Think Amazing Race meets motorsports! The Fireball Run mission is to help recover America’s missing or abducted children. The project has been instrumental in the signing of Megan’s Law and the creation of the Amber Alert system. The campaign to date has aided in the recovery of an unprecedented 32 missing children. Galena will be abuzz during Oktoberfest with celebrity watchers and paparazzi who want to hobnob with the rich and famous. The rally is limited to 75 teams with entry fees ranging from $8,000 to $28,000 depending on owner category. Vehicle enthusiasts will enjoy seeing luxury and sport vehicles by Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, custom movie and muscle cars — even a $1 million motor home. There is still time to sign up to enter the race. For more information, visit www.fireballrun.com. By the way, it helps if you have a net worth over $3.5 million! r

Stone Cliff Winery 600 Star Brewery Dr., Dubuque, IA 563-583-6100 • www.stonecliffwinery.com

Park Farm Winery 15159 Thielen Rd., Bankston, IA 563-557-3727 • www.parkfarmwinery.com

Discover the Great River Wine Trail… Discover the natural beauty and splendor of the scenic Great River Wine Trail. Visit all nine wineries located in the tri-state region of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Sample award-winning wines along the trail; featuring red, white and local fruit varities. If you would like to contact us, please call 319-930-3185 or email us at greatriverwinetrail@gmail.com.

Sinnipee Valley Vineyard 4547 Timberlane, Keiler, WI 608-568-3212

Whispering Winds Winery 13541 Blue School Rd., Fennimore, WI 608-943-9941

Massbach Ridge Winery 8837 South Massbach Rd., Elizabeth, IL 815-291-6700 • www.massbachridge.com

Rocky Waters Vineyard 2003 W Hanover Rd., Hanover, IL 815-591-9708 • www.rockywaters.us

Galena Cellars 515 S Main St., Galena, IL 800-379-WINE • www.galenacellars.com

Brush Creek Winery 16415 298th Ave., Bellevue, IA 563-672-3481 • www.brushcreekwinery.com

Bauer Kearns Winery 19245 W Mound Rd., Platteville, WI 608-348-7700 • bauerkearnswinery.com

Fill your wine rack with a bottle sticker from each winery and receive a complimentary t-shirt.

Autumn Activities

By: Noreen Rueckert, Cheese Days Coordinator

It takes a community to make Green County Cheese Days festival a success

ack when “buy local” was really the only option if you wanted to eat (and not a marketing mantra), and long before “foodie tourism” was a buzzword term, the people of Green County, Wis., created a festival based on local cheese. Visitors traveled by train, horse and carriage, and Model T Ford to attend the first Green County Cheese Days festival in 1914. a

Down the Street Boutique Clothing & Gifts 127 S. Main St., Galena 815.777.2555 www.lulusgalena.com

The Trail

Fall 2010

Miche Bags, Switch Flops & Ladies Accessories

310 S. Main St., Galena, IL

Long prior to the days of radio, television and social media; publicity for the event was simple: committee members drove a roadster around ahead of time with signs on it, and the local newspaper printed some articles. Despite the lack of Twitter, Facebook and text messaging, it was reported that 3,000 people attended the celebration. Nearly a century later, the festivities continue on Monroe’s Historic Courthouse Square this year on Sept. 17 – 19, with an entire weekend packed full of Swiss entertainment, live music, fun for kids and families, great food and cheese, of course. The goal of the festival is to promote the cheese and dairy farming heritage of the area. Green County is home to 13 cheese plants, 1500 farms and more than 31,000 dairy animals. The festival also honors Swiss heritage and traditions. A 22-member board of directors, plus more than two dozen committee chairs and hundreds of volunteers are collectively responsible for organizing a weekend that brings more than 100,000 people to the Green County area. Visitors include regional, national and international guests, with many staying in hotels as far away as Rockford and Milwaukee. By bringing in so many visitors, hosting the Cheese Days festival creates a great deal of economic impact for Monroe and the Green County area. Also, as a consumer

Autumn Activities Tradition Nearly a century after the first festival was organized, Cheese Days is still going strong. Cheese Days 2010 When: Sept. 17 to 19 Where: Historic Courthouse Square, Monroe, Wis. More: www. cheesedays.com of goods and services itself, the festival tries to buy locally whenever possible. The festival generates a considerable amount of goodwill for the city and the county through the many positive impressions created with visitors. Also beneficial is the media coverage, with ongoing attention to Green County as a quality destination for visitors at any time — not just during the festival. A behind the scenes look at the festival reveals months of planning and hours of volunteer time, all dedicated to ensuring that the event will be educational, entertaining, family friendly and safe. Activities like Dairy Farm Tours, Family

Farm Adventure Tent, Old Time Copper Kettle Cheesemaking Demonstration and the Cow Milking Contest are important aspects of the agricultural education component of the festival. A new Family Rest Area and Kid’s Arts and Imagination Station will be provided this year courtesy of the Monroe Theatre Guild. Three free entertainment stages keep the crowd engaged with music and demonstrations throughout the weekend. On Saturday there will be activities just for the younger crowd on a designated “Kid’s Street,” and Sunday’s “The Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade” offers fun for all ages. a

Check out our NEW location! 302 South Main Street, Galena, IL

• • • •

Men & Women’s Apparel Outerwear & Rainwear Swimwear & Accessories Hats, Scarves & Gloves

• • • •

Shoes for Men & Women Sandals, Socks & Belts Novelty Items & Soaps Children’s Apparel

Accessories are the SIZZLE, the energy, the real creativity. Accessories are those wonderful little essential that make the BIG difference... and the perfect gift.

122 N. Main Street, Galena, IL 815-777-3640 Open Daily 11 to 5

302 South Main Street Galena, IL • 815/777-2802 www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

�� CHEESE LOVERS IN PARADISE

PERFECT PAIRINGS: CHEESE AND BEER

Paved back roads where the only “rush hour” you are likely to encounter is the occasional herd of dairy cattle crossing over to pasture. Trails over bridges, through dark and cavernous tunnels, and nearby to award-winning cheese factories. Routes leading to parks and downtown shopping districts. Motels with overnight bike storage. Incentive programs and scavenger hunts for trail explorers. Pair of wheels + Green County = Paradise!

Swiss Amber Ale with Aged Cheddar. Fat Squirrel with Smoked Gouda. Mountain Creek with Limburger. Combine local cheese with local brews – the possibilities are endlessly delicious! Learn the origins of Green County’s cheese heritage at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe, and walk in on weekday mornings to see cheese being made at Alp and Dell. Discover your favorite brews in the tasting room after touring New Glarus Brewing Company, or Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe.

CHEESE COUNTRY TRAIL The only ATV trail in Southern Wisconsin starts right in Monroe, where trail enthusiasts are welcomed with easy access to lodging and dining on specially designated routes throughout the city.

�� CHEESE LOVERS IN PARADISE Swiss heritage, Swiss architecture, Swiss cuisine...you’ll ﬁnd it all in New Glarus, a community bursting with Swiss pride for more than 150 years. Discover the art of yodeling. Step back in time at the Swiss Historical Village. Taste specialties like fondue, sausages created with recipes handed down through the generations, and cheese crafted exclusively from the milk of a nearby herd of Brown Swiss cows.

��

CHEESE LOVERS IN PARADISE You’ll love our small town hospitality: Albany (start your tubing or canoe adventure here on the Sugar River), Belleville (bike the Badger Trail and explore Wisconsin’s darkest trail tunnel), Brodhead (bike the Sugar River Trail to the covered bridge), Brooklyn (picnic in the gazebo), Monroe (shop the downtown historic courthouse square), Monticello (stroll through Montesian Gardens), and New Glarus (immerse yourself in the ﬂavors of Switzerland).

www.greencounty.org 888-222-9111

208 N Main St | Galena, IL 61036 | 815-777-0335 | www.woodenwardrobegalena.com

TROLLBEADS

Trunk Shows

September 10th, 11th & 12th October 8th, 9th & 10th December 3rd, 4th & 5th March 25th, 26th & 27th

polish pottery fine woodworking clothing accessories

Autumn Activities

Community partners include Green County EMS and Green County Courthouse Maintenance, and various departments within the city of Monroe – including Police, Fire, Streets, Parks and Recreation, as well as the marketing partnership provided through the city’s Visitor and Promotion board. “It truly DOES take a village,” says Cheese Days president Diane Phillips, “and we are fortunate to have the support of the city, the county and all the volunteers.” Many different groups and individuals are involved with the festival in different ways. Organizations like Monroe Optimists, Boy Scouts, Green County Ag Chest and Green County Farm Bureau operate food stands as fund raisers to make money for their own projects. Non-profits promote their groups and causes with floats in the parade. Crafters and artisans showcase their talents and sell hand-crafted goods at Arts and Crafts Fair. New this year is a designated area for commercial vendors — where festival goers can shop for candles, cosmetics, grills, cell phone accessories, leather goods, resort services, home improvement services and more. In addition to a winning combination of leadership, volunteers and community support, the success of the Green County Cheese Days Festival is contingent upon the cash and in-kind contributions from sponsors. Without these sponsors, the festival would not be able to afford all of the expenses that are associated — like bands, tents, porta-potties, sound systems and insurance. Purchase your Cheese Days T-shirts and other souvenirs ahead of time at the Cheese Days store, located in the Green County Courthouse Basement in downtown Monroe. The store is generally open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday — please call ahead for hours. The store will be open daily beginning in September. Please visit the website www. cheesedays.com for a complete schedule, or call toll free (800) 307-7208 to request a brochure by mail. o

A little slice (or cube) of heaven

2010

CONEY DOGS MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

CHECK OUT OUR SWEET DEAL MENU! Great Food at Bargain Prices! 651 651 West West South South Street Street •• Freeport Freeport •• 815-232-1235 815-232-1235

Fall Fall Clip Clip & & Save Save Offer!! Offer!!

Peanut Buster

Parfait

buy one, get one

Grilled, battered, cubed or with a glass of beer on the side — there are so many ways to enjoy the cheeses of Green County! Meet the cheesemakers and discover hundreds of varieties in the Cheese Tent, attend a cheese and beer pairing seminar in the Hospitality Tent, and don’t miss your chance to try the Monroe Optimist handbattered cheese curds — a little nugget of heaven straight from the deep fryer.

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

• Freeport Dairy Queen • Coupon cannot be combined with any other offers. • Must present coupon • Limit 4 per customer • Offer expires 11/15/10

Autumn Activities

History lives on in picturesque

Oregon

Story and photos By PJ Francis arcia Heuer is the executive director of the Oregon area chamber of commerce; she also sits on the Ogle County Board. “This old courthouse is on the National Historic Registry,” she explained while standing near the 1890 building in the center of Oregon. “Back in the ’90s we restored the copula because it was rotting. The interior of the courthouse has been completely gutted and renovated.” Forty-three geothermal borings were carried out to heat the building. “We are trying to go green,” Marcia said. New windows have also contributed to the heating and cooling efficiency of the building. “The exterior stayed intact and there is a new ramp,” Marcia

Oregon’s historic courthouse

Deininger’s Restaurant & Bistro Bar

~ A warm & inviting atmosphere ~ Veranda dining available during summer months

continued. “The work started early in 2009 and was finish in time for the 2010 tourist season. The administration offices for the county came back from Mount Morris where they were temporarily housed.” The Old Courthouse was used for administration offices and also courts until the new judicial center was built six years ago. At that time all the court and supporting system including probation, states attorney and circuit clerk went to the Judicial Building and administration was left in the courthouse “Because we have fees from a landfill which is in a restricted capital improvement fund we had the ability to remodel and restore the old courthouse,” Marcia explained. “It is a gorgeous building. We did a

Harvest Fest Swiss Historical Village

Sunday, October 10 • 10 am-4 pm Come and enjoy: • Old-time craft demonstrations • Cheesemaking in our 1890’s era cheese factory • Sausage maker in our sausage shop • Special foods

Traditional European Country Style Cuisine 119 Fifth Ave, New Glarus WI • 608.527.2012 Thu 4:30-8 pm; Fri 4:30-9 pm; Sat 11:30-2 pm, 4:30-9 pm Sun 11:30-2 pm, 4:30-8 pm; Mon 11:30-2 pm, 4:30-8 pm 44

The Trail

Fall 2010

• Stroll the grounds and buildings at your leisure & chat with our guides about the unique history of New Glarus

Swiss Historical Village • 612 7th Ave, New Glarus WI 608.527.2317 • www.swisshistoricalvillage.org

an analysis on what it would cost to demolish it and put up a new one and it would be more expensive because of the stability of the structure. There used to be a two-story courtroom which was also the county board room. There is an interior wall called the Wall of Honor with the names of everyone who served in previous wars before that wall was dedicated. That has been preserved. The ceiling has been be redone, not to the original stenciling, but pretty close to it to accommodate the new room size.” From the cupola, which only was used for storage, one can see the Blackhawk statue on the banks of the Rock River. It is also possible to enjoy this view from the top of the stairway, with the ring of windows, on the new judicial center located across the street at the rear of the courthouse. “We had a grand celebration for the opening on Aug. 20,” Marcia said recalling when the Old Courthouse was dedicated in 1891 there were approximately 4,000 people in town. “This was always the county seat,” she said. “This is the third building. There were two wooden ones before it.” One of the wooden courthouses once burned to the ground. Ogle County was organized on Jan. 16, 1836 and is named after Lt. Joseph Ogle, first Methodist layman in Illinois and captain of the territorial militia. “It was paired with Lee County and Lee

Autumn Activities

split off in 1839,” explained Marcia. “It has a population of about 51,000 and we have remained stable. I have over 250 businesses and organizations in my chamber. It is very picturesque; I don’t have any trouble selling Oregon.” The Blackhawk statue was featured in 1912, 1916 and 1925 Lincoln Highway brochures as a tourist destination. The new Oregon gazebo was dedicated during candlelight walk celebration Saturday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. It is one of 16 interpretive gazebos to commemorate “the most famous road in America” being built by the Lincoln Highway Coalition. Oregon is located at the busy intersection of Route 2 and Route 64 on the Rock River. (A staggering 15,000 vehicles pass that junction every day.) r

ABOVE: A monument to J.F.K. sits in front of the Oregon courthouse. LEFT: This canon bears an inscription to the soldiers of Ogle County.

For further information call (815) 732–2100.

Treat Yourself... Full Service for Lunch, Dinner or Dessert! Bicycle Repair Full menu available

Any Brand, Any Model • Adjacent to Sugar River Trail 10 min. from Badger State Trail

• Bike Rentals

1405 Hwy 69, New Glarus WI 608.527.5690 • www.culvers.com

• Trail passes available

Sunday-Thursday 10-10, Saturday 10-11

Buy 1 Double Butterburger Deluxe (sandwich only) 19 5 Ave, New Glarus WI 608.636.2300 basicbikerepair@gmail.com www.basicbikerepair.com th

Get 1 FREE* Valid only at New Glarus location thru 11.30.10 *must present ad for savings

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Autumn Activities A tale from beyond:

By pj francis

t was January in the Northwoods and nature was doing her best to make life miserable for the residents of a lonesome logging town. A blizzard was sweeping across the night that would freeze any man or animal if they stood still for a minute. There was no mistaking who or what had the upper hand in the midst of the northern winter. Most of the residents were seeking sanctuary and company in Ned’s Tavern. There wasn’t much else to do in that godforsaken place where men swore they would not spend another winter. The only men who kept that promise made it only to themselves. They spent nights like this huddled in drafty rooms of ramshackle buildings. Buildings thrown together with little care and even less skill. Buildings that seemed adequate in summer groaned, creaked and swayed under the force of the blizzard. The men who kept their promise also kept their hard earned money. They knew the price of companionship at Ned’s Tavern was the loss of their money. It wasn’t only what they spent on beer and whiskey, either. Men fell asleep in corridors, outhouses and, sometimes, where they sat … and woke up penniless. There were no keepers of law in that place. In fact, the only residents who were not loggers were Ned, the tavern keeper, and Ned’s wife, Rebecca, who ran the general store. There was no place to go when you were robbed but back to work to earn more money. Yes, the wise men stayed away from Ned’s Tavern and left that unfortunate place of back-breaking labor, horrible accidents and loneliness. They took the fortune for which they had toiled and bought the farm, returned to the old country or, sometimes, squandered it in more pleasant surroundings. It cannot be denied that on the night in question all the residents of the place were somewhat uneasy. The blizzard was definitely the worst in living memory. Even Jack Zimmermann, a trapper who settled there before there was a town, could not recall a worse one. The wise men stayed where they were, leaving their future to whatever god they prayed to. On that night every last one of them had a god. It was no different than the risks they took every day as they worked a little harder, a little faster, and took a few more risks than their less ambitious companions. The men in the tavern feigned a lack of worry which became easier to do with each drink consumed. Ned could not help but notice how customers were switching their choice of poison to the more potent type. He was reaching to the top shelf with great frequency. When the door swung open and a great gust of wind filled the room people assumed one of the wise men had decided to abandon his nest. When a tall stranger entered and pushed the door closed against the wind conversation ceased. The stranger, dressed in some sort of long coat, strode to the bar leaving a trail of snow in his wake. “I’ll have a wee dram, Barkeeper,” he stated in a distinctly Scottish Highlands accent. Ned silently fulfilled the strangers request placing the glass within reach of his outstretched hand. When he proceeded to produce a bottle of water with which to dilute the whisky a

The Trail

Fall 2010

Autumn Activities on By PJ Francis

he fourth annual 4-K and one-mile run will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3, in Oregon during the “Autumn on Parade” festival. The festival is held to coincide with the thousands of visitors that converge on the area to view the autumn colors. The 5K runners start off at 8:30 a.m. They head towards the downtown festival area, then run through the park and finish on the Oregon high school track. Plenty of parking is available at Oregon High School and Blackhawk Center. Strollers will be allowed on the race course but must start after all runners. No pets, bicycles or scooters will be allowed on the course. Oregon High School and Blackhawk Center are located just off of Route 64 and 10th Street. From East/South — take I-88 to I-39/51 North to Route 64 West to 10th Street South. From North — take I-39/51 South to Route 64 West to 10th Street South. From West — take I-88 East to Highway 52 North to Route 2 North to Route 64 West to 10 Street South. The 1-Mile Fun Run course will run the perimeter of the high school starting at Jefferson and Hawk Drive to 10th Street to Adams and back to Hawk Drive to finish. In addition, there will be special events at Stronghold Conference Center, Oregon Park East, the Oregon Coliseum and on the Riverfront. People will enjoy free entertainment and a variety of family-oriented events and activities.

Auto show part of Autumn on Parade This year’s auto show will be Saturday, Oct. 2 at Oregon Park East, just across River Road, east of Oregon, in conjunction with the Tractor Classic. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until noon. Registrations received by Sept. 18 are $10. All entries received after that date and the day of the event are $12. More than 200 classic vehicles are expected. The shuttle bus will run to the Auto Classic from downtown Oregon every hour on the half hour. Parking is available, so feel free to leave your car and ride the shuttle to and from town. For more information, please call “Autumn on Parade” at (815) 732-3465, or click info@ AutumnonParade.org to download a registration form. r Need Information? During the festival, stop by the Autumn on Parade Information Booth located on the northeast corner of the Ogle County Courthouse Square (intersection of Illinois 64 and Illinois 2). Before the festival, call (815) 732-3465

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Fall 2010

Handicap Parking: Nash Lot, corner of Fifth & Madison Streets First Aid Tent: Courthouse Square, Jefferson Street Autumn on Parade PO Box 234 Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-3465 info@AutumnonParade.org

2010 Schedule Of Events Friday, Oct. 1 m 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Vendor Registration Open — Information Tent Saturday, Oct. 2 m 5 to 7 a.m. Vendor Registration Open — Information Tent m 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. AOP Information Tent Open — Courthouse Square m 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts and Crafts Farmers’ Market, 170-plus vendors offering homemade, homegrown and collectible items — Courthouse Square surrounding area m 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chain Saw Carver — Oregon Coliseum m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fine Arts Show — Jefferson Street between Third and Fourth Streets. m 8 a.m. to Noon Registration — Auto/Tractor Classic — Park East m 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ogle County Historical Museum Bake Sale — North Sixth Street m 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book Sale — Oregon Public Library Lawn m 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pictorial Stamp Cancellation — Post Office m 9 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony, Boy Scouts — Courthouse Lawn m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food Court Open — Jefferson Street m 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stronghold’s Olde English Faire featuring castle tours, madrigal singers, strolling musicians, storytellers, crafts, an International Gift Shop and hayrides. Admission fee — Stronghold Center m 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Auto/Tractor Classic — Park East m 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Autumn on Parade Photo Timeline — Conover Square m 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chana School Tours — Park East m 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oregon Depot Tours — Collins Ave. m 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment — Strolling & Courthouse Square m 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fun Zone Open — Rock wall, inflatables, games — Fifth Street Parking Lot m 1 to 3 p.m. Eagle’s Nest Art Gallery open — Oregon Library m 4 to 7 p.m. Spaghetti Supper — Oregon Fire Station Sunday, Oct. 3 m 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. AOP 5K Run/Walk Registration — Blackhawk Center m 8 a.m. AOP 5K Run/Walk Blackhawk Center/Park West AOP Information Tent opens — Courthouse Square m 8:45 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony, Girl Scouts — Courthouse Square m 9 a.m. Community Church Service — 5th & Jefferson St. m 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stronghold’s Olde English Faire — Stronghold Center m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts & Crafts Farmers’ Market — Courthouse Square m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chain Saw Carver — Oregon Coliseum m 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food Court open — Jefferson Street m 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. AOP Photo Timeline — Conover Square m 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fun Zone Open — N. Fifth Street Parking Lot m Noon to 12:30 p.m. Pre-Parade — TBA m 1 p.m. Harvest Time Parade m 3:30 p.m. Duck Dash — Franklin Street by Conover Square

Autumn Activities

Base ball: a gentleman’s game One of the many events one may come upon at the park where Chana School is located is a vintage base ball game (yes, two words). In the 1880s gloves were for sissies, base ball was a gentleman’s game and pitching was underhand. “No game in the world is as tidy and dramatically neat as baseball, with cause and effect, crime and punishment, motive and result, so cleanly defined,” said sports-writer Paul Gallico (1897 - 1976). Albert G. Spalding (1850 - 1950) came from Byron just up the road from Oregon. On retiring from the sport he opened a sporting goods store in Philadelphia which grew into the Spalding Sporting Goods company of today. r by P.J. FRANCIS

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LATINO FESTIVAL

DARLINGTON CANOE FESTIVAL

Hispanic festival showcasing the Latin culture, featuring food, music, games, soccer & basketball tournaments.

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September 19, 2010

May 7, 2011

December 4, 2010

June 9-12, 2011

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Autumn Activities

A town for all

seasons Story By Mike Cowan

J Joshua Darling

Photos: Darlington Chamber/Main Street Program

oshua Darling never knew what he missed. In the mid-1800s, Darling, a wealthy investor and banker from Warsaw, N.Y., learned that the southwest region of Wisconsin was in the midst of a roaring lead mining land boom. Darling sent his agents to purchase land that could eventually be developed into a village that would serve the flood of European miners and their families drawn by the prospect of potential riches. In 1850, valuable land adjacent to the scenic Pecatonica River was purchased by Darling’s agents, but no record exists that Darling ever visited the site of his investment. a

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The Trail

Fall 2010

Autumn Activities

Joshua Darling’s legacy is now the county seat of Lafayette County. Darlington has enjoyed a rich and colorful history in the heart of the beautiful hills and valleys of southwest Wisconsin. In 1879, two brothers, Joe and Albert Parson, organized a small circus and museum that traveled to nearby towns. They hired a young man working as a harness maker in Darlington and soon discovered that he was also an accomplished juggler and a skilled entertainer. The eldest of five brothers, the young man’s name was Al Ringling. In short order all the brothers were bitten by the circus bug as the golden age of American circus history entered full bloom. In 1907 the Ringling brothers purchased the larger and older Barnum and Bailey Circus and the rest, as they say, is history. “We have fun all year around in Darlington,” according to Sue Osterday, director of the Darlington Chamber of Commerce. “There is a treasure of outdoor activities waiting for families and people of all ages. Just a few include camping, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, plus ATV, biking or snowmobiling on the 47-mile multipurpose Cheese Country Trail.” a

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Autumn Activities Spring

Fall

Latino Festival: A touch and taste of old Mexico heats up in Darlington annually on the first Saturday of May. The vibrant local Hispanic community leads the way with Mariachi bands, dancers in authentic costumes, piñatas and games for the kids. Traditional American festival fare is served along with fabulous, homemade Mexican delicacies. Fun for the whole family!

Harvest Festival: An early autumn party is welcomed in Darlington on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. Hop aboard with family and friends for a country hay ride, bonfires, bluegrass and country music vendors, presentations and much more.

Summer

Winter Canoe Festival: For four days, over the second full weekend of June, Darlington goes a little crazy. The Canoe Festival is a summer party that packs in more than 35 events from stock car races, softball and volleyball tournaments, to kid’s shows, parade, fireworks and a memorable canoe race down the Pecatonica River. In between, find gymnastic and martial arts demonstrations, road runs, duck races, a talent show, teen dance, carnival, plenty of fair food and even an ATV pull. The 45th festival anniversary will be held next year, June 9-12.

Christmas Festival: Saturday evening, Dec. 4, 2010 is a must-see in Darlington when Christmas comes alive during the brilliantly lighted downtown parade. Head down to the banks of the Pecatonica River and get your cameras ready for a most unusual Darlington tradition — sparkling lighted Christmas trees are carefully set to float in-line down the Pecatonica!

“Trail riders can rent ATVs adjacent to the trail and you’ll find full campground hookup facilities at Pecatonica River Trails Park,” Osterday said. “Stay overnight at the Super 8 Hotel, The Old Darlington Hotel, the Darlington Dreamz Motel or Trailview Cabins.” The Lafayette County Speedway in Darlington is a popular destination for

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Fall 2010

stock car fans, drawing hundreds of spectators every Friday night April through September. Darlington also offers excellent restaurants and unique, locally owned shops. Its bustling downtown boulevard is on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more at www.darlingtonwi.org or call the Chamber of Commerce, (608) 776-3067. Joshua Darling would be amazed today to visit Darlington — a town for all seasons. r

Historical credit: Thomas A. Osterday, “Around Towne: Tales of Darlington”

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Autumn Activities whisky the stranger covered the glass. “Nay,” he said quietly. “Water is for bathing.” With that he raised the glass and gulped the contents in one go. Returning the empty glass to the counter he indicated a refill would be appreciated. He also placed a quantity of money sufficient to pay for several drinks on the counter as an indication to Ned he was good for his demands. Tom Burke, an Irishman whose appetite for drink usually exceeded his ability to pay, sidled up to the stranger. “Don’t be bothering the customers, Tom, or I will have no hesitation in landing you outside in the street whatever the weather is doing,” Ned warned being familiar with the habits of one of his most regular customers. “That’s all right,” stated the stranger. “Give the man a drink on this terrible night.” “Thank you, sir,” said Tom earnestly thinking secretly the last man with a Scottish accent he had encountered was a landlord who had caused him to leave his native County Clare in Ireland. There was no point living in a past about which nothing could be done, he thought, as he leaned on the counter beside the

benevolent stranger. “You’re not from these parts, sir?” Tom eventually asked allowing his sense of curiosity, which was as strong as his fondness for liquor, to get the better of him. He had found people sometimes exuded generosity when they had an ear to listen to them. “I used to be an engineer on the Bolton Line,” the stranger answered in a matterof-fact way. His answer caused another break in the conversation that had begun to pick up pace. “The … the Bolton Line hasn’t run for the best part of 10 years,” Tom stuttered. “I know,” uttered the stranger before ordering two more drinks. People started to talk about the railway line that served the logging town and the lead mine some thirty miles away. The steam locomotive carried loads of lead to the river where it was loaded into barges. It provided convenient transportation for any logger who wished to visit the mining town for a change of scene, to attain female companionship or, on some occasions, to secure a career change. Tom maintained a silence for some a

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Autumn Activities time not wishing to offend his new-found drinking partner. He was particularly appreciative of the fact the partner was seemingly unaware of the saying “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” The scratching was unrequited on this night, which suited Tom just fine. Even the stranger could not help but notice the liquor-fuelled conversation had completely turned to sad reminiscences about the old lead railway. “The track is still there as good as the day it was last used,” said a large man known only as The Bear. “It was before my time,” intoned Hefty the Swiss man. “But I have heard the people say it happened on a night as bad as this. “It was and worse,” interjected Hans Hoffkreg. “I’ll never forget the night the entire train went into Mull’s Ravine. They had no business being out in that weather.” “The word was the company was pushing the gangers to get finished,” explained The Bear. “It was the last load

By pj francis

Northwest Illinois invites you to travel the spooktacular Trail of Terror. The trail will thrill and delight you as you travel from one haunted happening to another. For a free visitors guide and more information on all there is to do in Northern Illinois call (800) 678–2108 or (800) 369–2955. Visit www.trail-of-terror.com Old Haunted Mill, Orangeville Embark on your ghoulish tour from the fire station. Seven levels will scare you. There will be two big slides and many hair-curling scares. New frights every night. Visit if you dare. Voted #1 Haunted Mill in Northern Illinois. This is not recommended for those under 10 years of age. When: Fridays and Saturdays in Oc-

The Trail

Fall 2010

they were taking out because the mine was used up. It was to be the last crossing of the bridge.” “It was, too,” remarked Hoffkreg. “But not the way they planned it.” At the bar Tom Burke was aware his drink needed replenishing. “Tom Burke’s the name,” he stated proffering his hand to the stranger. “Who do I have the pleasure of drinkin’ with tonight?” The stranger beckoned Ned with a folded bill. Ned reached for the whisky bottle as the screaming of a train whistle filled the smoky bar-room. The shock caused him to loose his grip of the half-empty bottle sending it crashing to the ground in a thousand pieces. “Open another one,” the stranger shouted in an attempt to be heard above the sound of pressurized steam being released. Ned reached shakily for a fresh bottle of whisky and carefully removed the cork. There was not a movement in the room

as some men paused with half-raised glasses. The stranger accepted Ned’s hand that had remained outstretched for what seemed an age. “McDougall’s the name,” he said. “Andrew McDougall.” Both Tom and Ned uttered shocked expletives in unison. Andrew McDougall was the name of the railway engineer who had never been seen since the night of the wreck. Before anyone in the place could speak the stranger laid a wad of notes on the counter. “Keep your money in your pockets tonight,” he called. “It is hard to come by and easy to loose. Like life itself.” With that he strode out into the night to the sound of escaping steam, steel wheels on steel tracks, and the piercing sound of a train whistle. By the time someone was brave enough, or curious enough, to peer outside into the night there was nothing to be seen but the driving snow. r

tober, starting Oct. 8, 7 to 10 p.m. Cost: $8. Children under 8 must be escorted. Tickets: Purchase tickets at the Firestation, 306 W. High St., Orangeville. Contact: (815) 789–4706 www.oldhauntedmill.org info@OldHauntedMill.com The Haunted Barns of Lena The thrills and chills of the award winning Haunted Barns of Lena return for another spine-tingling season. Creep through seven levels of darkness, fear and illusion in two large old barns on a self guided tour. Not recommended for the very young, those that are pregnant, have heart conditions or are subject to BOO wetting. When: Every Friday and Saturday in October, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: Friday $10; Saturday $12. Tickets: Purchase tickets at Lions Park, S. Schiler, Lena and board the bus to the barns.

Contact: (800) 369–2955 www.hauntedbarns.home.mchsi.com Train of Terror, Freeport Board the Train of Terror at 2954 South Walnut Road, Freeport. Four miles of spine tingling scenes on both sides of the tracks at various intervals, decorated flat cars, caboose and also Freight House Gift Shop, depot and lunch stand. When: Oct. 9, 16 and 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $7. Contact: (815) 235–2197 City of Savanna Come to Savannah and visit their Haunted Forest and the Tunnel of Terror. A wagon ride through the tunnel will have you on your seat. Contact: (815) 273–2251 (815) 273-2722 www.savannail.com

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...a bit of yesteryear!

2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wheel In

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AN OLD-FASHIONED JULY 4TH CELEBRATION July 1st - 4th – 608-965-3128 (Carol Korn)

MUSIC IN THE PARK July 15 - The Fever River String Band July 22 - Jordan Danielson July 29 - The Wundos Aug. 5 - The Council Hill Station Band Food & Refreshments, 6 pm • Music 7pm Bring your lawn chairs 608-214-8836 (Barbara Sue Schubert)

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Autumn Activities

Story By pj francis

all about

T lpacas

he near extinction of the North American Bison has been well documented. On first sight of those wonderful animals, particularly in the wild, people realize what a great loss to the world their disappearance would have been. A few hundred years before the bison eradication by European settlers the alpacas in South America suffered a similar fate. The alpaca population was brought to the brink of extinction. If it was not for the native people who hid a few alpacas in remote places, they would have gone the way of the dinosaur. a

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Fall 2010

608.934.1237 Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 10-4

National Museum of Historic Cheesemaking Green County Welcome Center Milk House Gift Shop 2108 6th Ave, Monroe • 608.325.4636 info@greencountywelcomecenter.org www.nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org • cheese@nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org

In the early 1970s drought and indiscriminate killing again reduced the alpaca population. Alpacas have been domesticated for 6,000 years. In the Inca society Alpaca fiber was treasured and worn only by royalty. Alpacas were first brought to the U.S. in 1984. At the present time the alpaca industry is a breeders market. The animals are more valuable than their fleece. According to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association alpacas are “mildtempered, gregarious animals with an inquisitive nature and a penchant for bringing great delight to their owners.” They are very docile and herd-oriented. It’s all about the fleece, is the mantra of alpaca owners. That fleece is earth tones — soft brown, chocolate, deep black, creamy white, tan. The fleece is warmer than wool and is hypoallergenic. Apart from their practical characteristics alpacas are just the cutest animals you have ever seen. People have fallen in love with them. People, who had no interest in farming, have altered their lives to raise alpacas. They invariably tell it was the most wonderful thing they ever did. People who have no former experience with livestock are successfully raising alpacas all over the U.S. Perhaps coming into that particular farming niche with no preconceived ideas or opinions is beneficial.

Alpacas are intelligent and are easy for children to handle because of their size and calm temperament. Raising alpacas can involve all members of a family. They do not require a large amount of land. They thrive on low protein grass hay and need only annual vaccinations and occasional worm medicine. Alpacas prefer open shelters that protect them from the wind and rain in the winter and the hot sun in the summer. Elaborate barns are not needed. Remember, these animals had to be hardy to survive extremes of temperatures in South America. They are members of the camelid family, which also includes camels, llamas, vicunas and guanacos. They are disease resistant easy keepers and are gentle on the land. There are two types of alpacas - suri and huacaya. The fleece of the suri hangs in pencil locks, while huacaya fleece is more like sheep’s fleece without the lanolin. The life span of an alpaca is 20 to 25 years. Females can be bred when they weigh 95 pounds, which generally occurs between 14 and 18 months of age, and they can be bred year around. Males usually begin breeding when they are two years old. The gestation period is eleven and a half months. The young alpaca is called a cria which comes from the Spanish word for baby. Adult alpacas usually weigh between 125 and 200 pounds and yield 5 to 8 pounds a

Autumn Activities

PJ Francis

A young alpaca rests near its mother.

Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association, Inc. 5000 Linbar Drive, Suite 297 Nashville, TN 37211 Phone: (615) 834-4195 Fax: (615) 834-4196 Email: member@aobamail.com

Cheese!

Say

Watch cheese being made Monday-Friday ~ Call ahead for group tours ~

Over 100 varieties of Alp & Dell and other fine cheeses. Sample some today! Check out our brimming

Bargain Bin! Cheese Trays Available We ship cheese!!!

NEW!!!

Don’t forget to pick up your local wine & beer!!!

657 2nd Street, Monroe WI (on Hwy 69, near 81/11 exit)

CHEESE STORE

608.328.3355 Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • Sun 10-5 www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

h Come to Elizaebaert a ...to see and h story great frontier

THE AUTHORIZED RETAILER

IZZY Our Greeter

“Free Yourself From The Ordinary”

Apple River Fort

Your Life. Your Style.

FROM daytime... TO date night... TO dazzling... Create your look for any occasion. (Freeport Location Only) Photo by Janice

Erin London • City Girl • Multiples

Myelle

Fun jackets with GREAT Style

You will “FALL” in love with our PURSES • ACCESSORIES • SHOES JEWELRY • And Much More TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 148 N. Main, Elizabeth, IL 815-858-3714

11 E. Stephenson, Freeport, IL 815-235-1168

Photos by Jay Chochale

www.appleriverfort.org • 815-858-2028

2010

Autumn Craft Fair

Sat., Oct. 9 • 9am-5pm Sun., Oct. 10 • 9am-4pm featuring over 90 Artisans HANDMADE Crafts FOOD COURT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT River Ridge School • Hanover, IL Admission $2 • FREE Onsite Parking

SIX LOCATIONS - ONE BANK!

Apple River

103 N. Main (815) 594-2351

Scales Mound 510 N. Main (815) 845-2900

Warren

135 E. Main (815) 745-2194

www.appleriverstatebank.com

Elizabeth

112 N. Main St. (815) 858-2225

Hanover

215 Jefferson St. (815) 591-2201

www.communitybankgalena.com

Galena First Community Bank 101 Exchange St. (815) 777-6300

Member FDIC

of fleece annually. Shearing is done in the spring to keep the alpaca comfortable during the summer months. Alpacas live for 15-25 years and beyond. Alpacas are considered to be an excellent livestock investment. This is because of their luxurious, quality fleece as well as the strong market for the sale of their offspring. There are tax advantages and the animals are easily insured. The sale of fleece can cover much of the cost of owning an alpaca. Many owners and breeders sell products from the fiber. A national Alpaca Fiber Co-op was set up in 1998. The co-op provides an outlet for members’ fiber and has also developed a wholesale line of garments, accessories and yarn in natural and dyed colors. People sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between alpacas and llamas. Llamas are considerably bigger. Llamas ears are curved like a banana and alpacas are straight. It has become a fall tradition for many alpaca owners to make a pilgrimage to the Alpaca Extravaganza. This year’s event will be held at the Lake County Fairgrounds: 1060 Peterson Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Office (847) 223-2204 Fax (847) 223-2260 E-Mail lcfair@msn.com www.lakecountyfairassoc.com a

Autumn Activities

Alpaca Fiber Cooperative Incorporated in 1998, The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America, Inc. (AFCNA) is an agricultural cooperative formed and wholly owned by North American alpaca fiber producers. To become an AFCNA shareholder, one must be an alpaca owner and purchase one share of voting common stock. AFCNA is headquartered in Decatur, Tennessee and has over 1,500 shareholders. All North American alpaca owners are welcome to join. The world is a richer place that alpacas have survived. Their future is now guaranteed.

Image provided by Alpaca owners and breeders association

STEPHENSON COUNTY

B R E A K FA S T • L U N C H • D I N N E R

DAILY SPECIALS: Wednesday - All You Can Eat FRIED CHICKEN Thursday - All You Can Eat BBQ RIBS Friday - All You Can Eat BAKED /FRIED COD Saturday & Sunday - PRIME RIB Serving Breakfast All Day including F R I T TATA S & B E N E D I C T S !

Hours: Sun-Thurs 6am-9pm; Fri-Sat 6am-10pm

815-239-1119

14449 W. State Rd. • Pecatonica, IL 61063

Spend a leisurely fall afternoon in the country exploring five of Stephenson County’s unique barns and learning the stories behind their distinctive charm.

Sunday, October 10 • 1-5 pm a self-guided tour ~ kids activities available

10 Adults ($15 day of the event) $ 20 Family ($25 day of the event) $

For tickets & information, contact CAP at 815.235.2165 Tickets can be purchased at Stephenson County Visitors Center or the Stephenson County Farm Bureau The Stephenson County Barn Tour is sponsored by CAP Conservation and Agricultural Partners Foundation, Inc

www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Autumn Activities

Alpaca places Willow Bend Alpaca Farms, LLC www.willowbendalpaca.com 11971 West East Road, Forreston (815) 482-1298 Europa Gift and Lace Shop www.europamonroe.com 1017 16th Avenue, Monroe, Wis. (608) 325-6699 Mystic Ridge Alpacas mysticridgealpacas.com 7573 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley (815) 963-1176

pj francis photo

Alpacas are on display at the Alpaca Extravaganza

Getting there Directions to Lake County Fairgrounds: From the North: Take US 94 south into Illinois, exit at Route 137 (Buckley Road) heading west. Continue on Buckley Road approximately 8 miles, watch for signs to Peterson Road. Follow Peterson Road signs. The Fairgrounds are on the north side of Peterson Road approximately 1 mile from Buckley Road.

Alpaca milestones m The first Annual National Alpaca Farm Day open house was held throughoutt the country on Sept. 29 and 30, 2007.

The Trail

Fall 2010

Dougherty Creek Alpacas Prairie View Road, Argyle, Wis. (608) 543-375 Forest Academy Alpacas 7403 North Wilder Road, Evansville, Wis.

m In 2006, the 100,000th alpaca was registered in North America

Illinois Wool and Fiber Mill 10828 Caledonia Road, Belvidere (815) 544-9582‎

m In the fall of 2000, AOBA formally adopted it own Alpaca Certified Show system, independent of the Alpaca & Llama Show Association. It created its own Show System, effective Jan. 1, 2001.

Picasso Farm Owners: Jeanne Griffin Winnebago County (630) 969-2213 Weeping Willow Farm Alpacas Owners: Jack and Angela O’Callaghan Winnebago County Phone: (847) 372-2526

From the South: Take 294 or 94 north into Illinois, exit at Route 137 (Buckley Road) heading west. Continue on Buckley Road approximately 8 miles, watch for signs to Peterson Road. Follow Peterson Road signs. The Fairgrounds are on the north side of Peterson Road approximately 1 mile from Buckley Road. From the West: Take US 90 to Route 53. Head north on 53 until it ends at Lake Cook Road. Go East on Lake Cook Road to Arlington Heights Road. North on Arlington Heights Road to Route 83. North on Route 83. Route 83 merges with Route 45. Continue north to Peterson Road. Turn left on Peterson Road. Fairgrounds are located on the north side of the street approximately ½ mile. a

Turner Alpaca Farm County Highway CC, Monticello, Wis. (608) 938-4515‎

Rooster Creek Owners: Neil & Barbara Faulkener Ogle County (815) 978-2107 Dreamswept Alpacas Owners: Paul & Michele Goetzka Ogle County (815) 954-6210 Deitrick’s Alpaca Ranch Owners: Dwight and Wanda Deitrick Whiteside County (309)659-2309

Alpaca owners and breeders association

Cedarhill Creek Farm Owners: Glenn & Julie Smith Stephenson County (815) 233-5250

Autumn Activities

There’s nothing quite like Alpaca fiber The international interest in alpacas has guaranteed the future survival of the animals despite the past efforts to eradicate them. Frances Francis, a renowned and accomplished alpaca fiber artisan, visited the Alpaca Extravaganza in 2004. In her native Ireland she worked with the late AnnaMay (Driscoll) Dyar who traveled throughout the world to observe and purchase the best possible alpacas. Damien Dyar continues to breed alpacas and heads the Alpaca Association of Ireland from his farm at Murrough, County Clare. Frances had the pleasure of working on an Australian made machine during her visit courtesy of a Wisconsin alpaca owner. The gentle, friendly, and useful animal has brought people from many parts of the world together for a common interest. There will be visitors from many states and countries in attendance at the 2010 Alpaca Extravaganza. They will include enthusiastic owners and breeders, manufacturers of alpaca related items, people who provide services to owners, potential alpaca owners, and curious members of the public. Be careful — alpacas have a way of pulling at your heart strings. Once hooked on alpacas there is no cure for the addiction. Most owners will tell you if you told them they would be caring for these animals in their future they would dismiss your comments. Fortunately, one is very unlikely to meet an alpaca owner who regrets getting involved with the animals. r

PJ francis

places to stay Going to the Alpaca Extravaganza? There are plenty of places to stay near the Lake County Fairgrounds: The host hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites: 2061 Shell Drive, Libertyville, Illinois 60048. (SE corner of Peterson Road and Route 45) Telephone (847) 680-8828 Full continental breakfast in the mornings. 3/4 miles east of the Lake County Fairgrounds. Ask for the Northern Illinois Alpaca Extravaganza rate when making reservations. Other hotels within 6 miles are as follows: Candlewood Suites 1100 North Route 45 Libertyville, IL 60048 Telephone (800) 225-1237 (3 miles south of the fair grounds) Crowne Plaza 510 E. Route 83 Mudelein, IL 60060 (6 miles south of the fair grounds) Holiday Inn Express 77 Buckley Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Telephone (847) 549-7878 (3 miles east of the fair grounds)

Roscoe Antique Mall The

of South Beloit

QUALITY ANTIQUES No Crafts or Reproductions

22,000 sq. ft. OVER 400 Booths & Showcases

Great merchandise from the 1800’s thru the 1960’s DEFINITELY WORTH THE TRIP!

1019 Gardner Street, South Beloit 1 mile west of I90 - IL exit #1 - at Rte 75 & Hwy 251

FOR MAP & PREVIEW www.roscoeantiquemall.com OPEN DAILY 10am TO 5pm • 815-389-8800 Sept. 4th-5th-6th Labor Day Sale Tues. Evenings in Oct. 5th 12th 19th 26th Antique classes thru RVC. Call for info. Nov. 26th-27th-28th Christmas Open House Special Sales & Appreciation Gifts www.journalstandard.com/The_Trail

Puempel ’ s Olde Tavern Olde Tavern

• Best burgers in Green County • Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials • Friday Fish Fry • Saturday Prime Rib • Breakfast on Sunday

Step back in time... Visit one of the oldest taverns in New Glarus! Original Back Bar & Ice Box • Enjoy our Beer Garden See our Folk art wall murals painted in 1913 Featuring New Glarus Brewery beers

Soup & Sandwiches We accept Visa, MasterCard, & Discover

• Air-conditioned, non-smoking dining • New Glarus beer on tap • Outdoor patio and beer garden • Live Music • Fully Accessible

18 6th Ave, Downtown New Glarus Visit our website: www.puempels.com ~ Established in 1893 ~

Bar & Grill Families Welcome! Extensive Menu

You’ll love our Autumn, Apfelmost & Holiday wines! www.newglarusprimrosewinery.com

• Wine Sampling - Take home your favorite! • Ask about our customized wine labels • Stop in and enjoy wine by the glass • Taste our “Chocolate Cherry” • Buses and Groups welcome 500 First Street New Glarus, WI 53574 608.527.5053 primrosewinery@charter.net Will UPS All Wines MasterCard & Visa Accepted

Daily Specials • Carry-outs Homebaked Bread Homemade Pizza over 1 lb cheese on a 14” pizza

Serving locally raised Choice Certified Black Angus beef Always a home-baked cookie for dessert with pizza, baskets and sandwiches

Grill open daily until 1 am Friday & Saturday until 1:30 am Four New Glarus Brewery beers on tap... PLUS competitive carryout prices! Mix & Match 6-packs or cases from our New Glarus Brewery in-house display

Custom pool cues for sale - over 300 on hand!

506 First Street, New Glarus Wisconsin 888.814.6275 • 608.527.2225

Come and enjoy New Glarus’ lively, fun-filled

Oktoberfest