Treat yourself, before or after your time in nature, with a little something special.
ON THE SIDE
Every once in a while, en route to a nature hike, I'll spot something of interest nearby I'd like to check out. Usually it's a coffee or book shop, sometimes both. Maybe a farmer's market, or a custard stand, a flower farm, or a unique historic point of interest. Recently, I've started adding some of these favored stops as side trips to location profiles. I think it's time to give them their own special feature page. So, here I'll be sharing some of the most notable side trips. Just one more way of sharing what delights Wisconsin has to offer. Check back for updates, as new discoveries happen all the time.
IT'S COFFEE TIME
An inviting coffee shop is hard to resist, and usually gets my attention. Here are a few worth your time and taste buds.
An inviting coffee shop is hard to resist, and usually gets my attention. Here are a few worth your time and taste buds.
|
Literatus & Co. Books...and More
After walking through Riverside Park in the snow and cold, we decided to check out local independent book store Literatus & Co. Books...and More. Not only do they have a wide selection of new and used books, the atmosphere in the historic downtown shop is comfy-cozy; and the coffee, teas, and bakery are delicious. It's definitely worth the trip. Location: 401 E. Main Street Watertown, WI 53094 Hours: Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm Sundays: 8am - 4pm |
Mr. Bear will greet you with great book recommendations.
|
What you'll find at Literatus & Co.: A great selection of new and used books, plus great coffees and teas.
|
|
1848 Coffee - New Berlin
Whether you need a pick-me-up before or after a walk through one of New Berlin's local parks or trails, 1848 Coffee can brew up something special for you. This locally-owned and run coffee spot began as a coffee truck in 2018, and quickly grew its business enough to open its first cafe in New Berlin. In October of 2021 they moved to a newly renovated spot at 13575 W. National Avenue. The interior has a slight north woods appeal, with streets signs and art on the walls in homage to New Berlin and the local area. Cozy and casual apply. In summer they host an outdoor patio area, too. In November, 2022, they began roasting all of their own coffees on-site, with new flavors and seasonal specialties added on an ongoing basis. If you're looking for something to snack on with your coffee, they carry delectable fresh-baked goodies from Hatched, a local bakery. Also on-hand is 1848 Coffee merchandise, including handcrafted, ceramic coffee mugs. I got my husband one, and he loves it. |
Locally owned 1848 Coffee in New Berlin is a welcoming spot.
Location: 13575 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am - 3pm Saturday-Sunday, 7am - 12pm |
|
Blum Coffee Garden - Greenfield
Just a few minutes from Pondview Park in Greenfield, is the Blum Coffee Garden. Located within Bluemel's Garden & Landscape Center, it's a year-round cozy, plant-laden coffee shop. Serving Colectivo roasted coffee drinks, and delectable Troubadour Bakery treats, it's a great spot to grab a latte and read a good book, or catch up with a friend. Check out their live music calendar, and enjoy a beverage from their new wine and beer bar. And when summer comes around, be sure to check out their greenhouse, and their workshop schedules, too. Location: 4930 W. Loomis Road, Greenfield, WI Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7am - 6pm Sunday: 8am - 5pm |
Blum's Garden Coffee Shop offers coffee, baked goods, plants, live music, beer, wine, and great atmosphere.
|
|
Kaffeehaus - Germantown, WI
After my walk at Spassland Park, I decided to check out one of the local coffee shops in Germantown. Kaffeehaus is a charming coffee shop in a refurbished, historic one-room schoolhouse, circa 1874. The brick one-room building was slated for demolition back in 2019, when it was purchased by local architect, Greg Nagel. Nagel had a vision of creating a coffee shop that would welcome all members of the community. As stated on their website: Our journey began with a love of coffee, community, and history. We purchased the old schoolhouse, circa 1874, in 2019, to save it from demolition. Researching old records and photographs, we have painstakingly worked to renovate the building in a functional yet sensitive manner, to give it new life and purpose as a comfortable place to enjoy coffee, share ideas, appreciate history, and celebrate life with others. The shop opened in November of 2021, features locally roasted Stone Creek Coffee, and pastries by local Troubadour Bakery. Currently they are in the process of adding a 3-season patio to the cafe. Coming up - the historic inn next door to the coffee shop, will be renovated into a gastropub. Stop in for a cup, or visit their website or Facebook page for ongoing updates and specials. |
Coffee is served in a charming, historic, one-room schoolhouse at Kaffeehaus in Germantown.
Location: W140 N10393 Fond du Lac Ave., Germantown, WI
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am - 6pm Saturday: 7am - 6pm Sunday: 8am - 3pm |
|
The Hub - Social Good Brews
If you're spending time in West Bend, whether hiking the trails at Riverside Park, or enjoying the Riverwalk along the Milwaukee River in downtown West Bend, you can find a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and an array of eats at The Hub. Staffed fully by volunteers, The Hub has a mission to support a multitude of organizations in its community. And build further community connections in the process. The location is also home to the Volunteer Center of Washington County. Food and drink are thoughtfully sourced, with fair trade coffee from local roasters Stone Creek Coffee. Stop in for a freshly made espresso. Bring a friend and relax in the bright and airy cafe. Or place an order to go. Either way, you'll be treating yourself, and doing some good. 303 Water Street West Bend, WI |
Visit The Hub - Social Good Brews in West Bend.
|
|
Grafton Arts Mill
Art, freshly roasted coffee, local craft beer, creative atmosphere. The Grafton Arts Mill has it all. Just a block or so south of Veterans Memorial Park in Grafton, is a historic brick saw mill building. It is now home to North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA), AM Coffee, which brews local Cedarburg Coffee Roastery blends , and The O24 Taproom, a unique craft beer room, which supports local charities. I'm so glad we took the time to visit! The coffee was great, the treats were, too, and the gallery space has amazing art of all kinds. Paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more. Whether your in the mood for a fresh espresso, a cold craft beer, or to enjoy and shop for some locally created art, it's definitely worth a visit. Art is everywhere here. It might even inspire you to sign up for a class or workshop (offerings are available), or to visit one of their upcoming exhibits. Studio and gallery space are for rent, and the third floor is available for event rentals as well. There's an outdoor patio along the Milwaukee River, available in the warmer months. Perfect for sampling some cool craft beers on a beautiful day. |
Art, coffee, craft beer: Grafton Arts Mill has it all.
Grafton Arts Mill
1300 14th Avenue, Grafton, WI |
|
Boxed & Burlap
Coffee Shop, Event Venue On my way to Springs Park in Delavan, I stopped off for a bit of iced coffee, and a snack at Boxed & Burlap. This locally owned cafe' and special event venue (wedding, anyone?), has a comfy yet elegant modern farmhouse vibe. And the coffee and treats are delicious. The coffee shop is located in the main building, with bright and open windows, lots of natural light, and a cozy atmosphere. The baristas are cheerful, and willing to share their knowledge of the area. The one who served up my iced latte knew well of Springs Park, and offered a few tips and impressions, which were most appreciated. There's a charming patio with outdoor seating next to wide open green space, and a large building perfect for hosting weddings and parties. They even have a small greenhouse style building for rental that can host small groups, or serve as a photo-ready dressing area for a bridal party. They have a small retail merchandise area, and recently opened a coffee shop and retail space in downtown Delavan. Something to check out on my next trip back to the area. Location: 2935 State Road 67, Delavan, WI Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6am - 6pm Sunday: 6am - 3pm |
Boxed & Burlap - Coffees, pastries, and weddings...in Delavan.
|
|
Coffee Mill - Village of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake
I stopped in at Coffee Mill after a walk through Hildebrand Nature Conservancy, just across Mill Street. On a brisk January day, a hot brewed beverage was just what I needed. I splurged and bought a tasty chocolate chip cookie as well. The atmosphere in the Coffee Mill is charming. Perfect for a quick stop, or to linger a bit, with a friend, a laptop, or a good book. The staff was welcoming, and the aesthetics charming and cozy. They have a nice outdoor patio for warmer seasons as well. If you're in the area, or you'll be visiting one of the nearby nature preserves, or the Yerkes Observatory, treat yourself and stop by the Coffee Mill. Location: 441 Mill Street, Fontana, WI Hours: Monday-Friday 6am - 5pm Saturday: 7am - 5pm, Sunday: 8am - 3pm |
Coffee Mill, in Fontana. A cozy spot for coffee, tea, and tasty treats.
|
FROZEN TREATS
Ice cream and frozen custard are Wisconsin sweet staples. Always refreshing after a good hike.
Ice cream and frozen custard are Wisconsin sweet staples. Always refreshing after a good hike.
|
Adrian's Frozen Custard
We first visited Adrian's Frozen Custard several years back after a hike at Wadewitz Nature Camp. Their smooth and creamy custard is worth the stop. In fact, I've been known to choose a hike location by proximity to Adrian's. There are quite a few, too. Serving frozen custard since 1974, they have several specialty sundaes, turtle being my favorite. Their twist cones are tasty, shakes delicious, and there's always the flavor of the day. Location: 572 Bridge Street, Burlington, WI Hours: Daily, 11am - 10pm, In Season |
Treat yourself to Adrian's Frozen Custard in Burlington.
|
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
|