Distant Destinations

Make your next big vacation special with the help of a professional. Jillian Gibas, founder of JLJ Travel, crafts personalized trips across the globe for her clients. With insider tips, she helps travelers book everything in advance, provides expertise on dozens of destinations and helps ensure that her clients use their valuable trip time to have fun – not worry about logistics. “While many people will flock to the popular European hotspots, I love working with clients to discover some more unique or off-the-radar destinations,” Gibas says. We asked her to share four of her recommended summer spots here.

Chile

Port Washington

Port Washington’s harbor walk has one of the most striking views in Wisconsin. A stroll along the marina takes you past the Art Deco Breakwater Lighthouse, a spot so scenic there’s even an informal “sunrise club” that stops on clear mornings to take photos. Port Washington’s lakefront, proximity to the Milwaukee River, and placement on the Interurban Trail also make it a prime spot for paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking and biking. You can rent a board at The Board Shack or a kayak at Sherper’s. July kicks off the city’s Upper Lake Park Beer Garden Concert series, with weekly concerts on the park’s bluff. The summer also sees the return of the Farmers Market every Saturday starting June 17. And the Port Washington patio scene provides plenty of dining options. Dockside Deli is the place to go for lunch; Fork and Tap serves a delicious upscale American dinner; and Schooner Pub is a classic spot to kick back and enjoy some drinks. Kids will love Port Washington’s ice cream shops, like The Chocolate Chisel, with its handmade ice cream and artisan chocolates, and Frankie’s, with its outdoor picnic seating. And consider a stop by Locally Inspired or Eclectic Avenue, two shops selling unique gifts by Wisconsin makers. visitportwashington.com

“Summer in the US is actually the winter season in Chile. International tourism drops significantly, so you’ll be able to see more without the crowds. Temperatures are great for hiking, and ski resorts are open in full force.”

Geneva, Switzerland

“While summer is prime tourism time for most European destinations, business-driven Geneva actually slows down since worldwide work conferences held in the city are less frequent in the summer. Accommodation prices drop and the city comes alive with festivals and parties.”

Kenya and Tanzania

“The Great Migration takes place in June, when around 2 million animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. It’s incredible to witness.”

Norway

“Very long summer days mean plenty of time for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, sailing and fishing. The weather is comfortable, and the setting is spectacular.”

Richland Center

Richland Center is smack dab in the middle of one of our state’s most scenic regions – the Driftless Area. The hilly landscape is ideal for a tranquil escape or an outdoor adventure. Explore the Ash Creek Community Forest – at over 350 acres, the county’s largest park. It has 4 miles of secluded, rugged trails, fit for hiking and biking, and a brook trout stream for fishing (if you have your license). For an insider look at the area, book a Ridge and Valley Tour – you’ll get a UTV ride to local farms, see goats, sheep and calves, and enjoy locally sourced food, all with the help of an expert guide. The area is also home to Driftless Music Gardens, an outdoor amphitheater near the Pine River, in the middle of the gently rolling hills of the Driftless Area. Catch one of the many concerts it hosts throughout the summer. For a little nostalgic fun after a long day, swing by the Starlite 14 Drive-In and enjoy a flick and some popcorn from the comfort of your car, or spread a blanket out on the grass. Richland Center also has plenty of delicious dining options. Pearlfield Bistro and Bakehouse serves delicious American cuisine and baked goods, while The Woods Bar & Grill is the place to go for a hearty burger and beer. With all there is to do, you’ll probably want to make a trip to Richland Center an overnight – there are plenty of woodland cabins where you can bed down, such as Little Cabins on the Pine or Mick’s Ridgetop Retreat. greaterrichlandtourism.com