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  • Special Features
    • What's New
    • For Love Of Lavender
    • Peony Perfection - 2025
    • Nature Is For Every Body
    • Wisconsin Astronomy Observatories
    • 30 Easy, Scenic Nature Walks
    • Gone Fishing
    • Birding Local
    • Sparkle In The Parks & More 2024
    • Fabulous In Fall
    • Hiking Safely During Hunting Season - 2024 Edition
    • Blooms Galore 2024: U-Pick Sunflowers, Cut Flowers and Lavender Fields
    • A Walk On The Beach
    • On The Bookshelf
    • There's A Camera In My Pocket
    • It's Garden Party Time
    • Exploring Door County
    • Tasting Door County
    • Local Waterfalls Are Calling
    • On The Side
    • Beauty On The Escarpment
    • Sacred Ground & Effigy Mounds Of Wisconsin
    • Legacies Of Nature
    • Escape To The Woods
    • Snapshots
    • Migration Song - The Magic of Bird Migration
    • Dog Days In The Park
    • Gift Ideas For The Nature Lover
    • Winter in Wisconsin
  • Let's Explore
    • Nature Trails >
      • 116th Street - Oak Leaf Trail - West Allis, WI
      • Bald Bluff Nature Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Belle Reynolds Nature Trail - Oakfield, WI
      • Black River Trails - Sheboygan, WI
      • Eagle Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Emma Carlin Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Glacial Drumlin State Trail - Lake Mills, WI
      • Ice Age Visitor Center Nature Trail - Campbellsport, WI
      • Kettle Moraine Low Prairie Natural Area - Eagle, WI
      • W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway - Milwaukee, WI
      • Kohl Park Hiking Trail - Milwaukee, WI
      • Paradise Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Rice Lake Nature Trail - Whitewater, WI
      • Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Seminary Woods - St. Francis, WI
      • Stony Ridge Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Stute Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Washington Avenue Nature Trail - Sheboygan, WI
      • White River State Trail - Elkhorn to Dover, WI
      • Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Riverwalk - Delafield, WI
    • Local Parks >
      • Akakawaa Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Alt Bauer Park - Germantown, WI
      • Anclam Park - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • Astico County Park - Columbus, WI
      • Asylum Point Park & Lighthouse - Oshkosh, WI
      • Aurelian Springs Village Park - Palmyra, WI
      • Beckman Mill County Park - Beloit, WI
      • Big Hill Park - Beloit, WI
      • Biwer Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Bluhm Farm Park - Muskego, WI
      • Brown Deer Park - Brown Deer, WI
      • Calhoun Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Carlin-Weld Park - Palmyra, WI
      • Dorothy Carnes Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Carver-Roehl County Park - Clinton, WI
      • Case Eagle Park - Burlington, WI
      • Cave Point County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Cherney Maribel Caves County Park - Maribel, WI
      • Cliffside Park - Caledonia, WI
      • Copernicus Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Creekwood Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Cudahy Woods - Cudahy, WI
      • Dave's Falls County Park - Amberg, WI
      • Denoon Park - Muskego, WI
      • Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum - Brookfield, WI
      • Downtown Waupaca Parks - Waupaca, WI
      • Doyne Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Ellison Bay Bluff County Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Elm Grove Village Park - Elm Grove, WI
      • Endicott Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Estabrook Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Euclid Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Falk Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Firefighters Memorial Bluff - West Bend, WI
      • Frame Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Franklin Woods - Franklin, WI
      • Froemming Park - Franklin, WI
      • Frontier Park - Butler, WI
      • George K. Pinney County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI -
      • Glacier Hills County Park - Hubertus, WI
      • Goodman County Park, Strong Falls - Athelstane, WI Falls -
      • Grant Park - South Milwaukee
      • Greenfield Park - West Allis
      • Grobschmidt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hales Corners Park, Ben Hunt Prairie and Cabin, Seneca Hale Summer Kitchen, Cobb Park - Hales Corners, WI
      • Harnischfeger Park - Ixonia, WI
      • Hart Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hartbrook Park - Hartland, WI
      • Hartung Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hidden Lake Park - Brookfield, WI
      • High Grove Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Hika Bay Park - Cleveland, WI
      • Hobbs Woods Nature Area - Fond Du Lac, WI
      • Homestead Hollow County Park - Germantown, WI
      • Honey Creek Park - West Allis, WI
      • Hoyt Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Humboldt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Idle Isle Park - Muskego, WI
      • Indian Mounds County Park - Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds and Trail - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Indianhead Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Jackson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Jacobus Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Johnstone Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Kelly Lake Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Kiekhaefer Park - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Kinsey Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kocziuszko Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • H.C. Koepp Village Park - Pewaukee, WI
      • Konkel Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Korth Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Krueger Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kurth Park - Muskego, WI
      • Alan Kulwicki Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Ledge County Park - Horicon, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Grafton, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Lincoln Park - Glendale, WI
      • Lions Legend Park I & II - Franklin, WI
      • Lion's Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Lisbon Community Park - Hartland, WI
      • Lyons Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Magnolia Bluff County Park - Evansville, WI
      • Malone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Manchester Hill Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mangan Woods - Greendale, WI
      • Mary Knoll Park - Brookfield, WI
      • McCarty Park - West Allis, WI
      • Menominee River Park - Wausaukee, WI
      • Mitchell Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Monarch Trail / County Grounds Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Moorewood Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Moorland Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mound Zion Park - Brookfield, WI
      • John Muir Memorial County Park - Town of Buffalo, WI
      • Mukwonago Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Mush Ko Se Day Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - Muskego, WI
      • Muskego Park - Muskego, WI
      • Nashotah Park - Nashotah, WI
      • Natureland County Park - Whitewater, WI
      • New Berlin Historical Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Nitschke Mounds County Park - Burnett, WI
      • Nixon Park - Hartland, WI
      • North Point Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Oerding Park - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Petrifying Springs Park - Kenosha, WI
      • Picnic Point Park - Oshkosh, WI
      • Pleasant Valley Parks & Trails - Town of Cedarburg, WI
      • Pondview Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Prairie Springs Park - Pleasant Prairie, WI
      • ProHealth Care Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Pulaski Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Regner Park - West Bend, WI
      • Richfield Historical Park - Richfield, WI
      • Ridge Run Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rivers Edge Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Riverside Park - Watertown, WI
      • Riverside Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rock River Heritage County Park - Janesville, WI
      • Rolling Meadows Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Rotary Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Sandy Knoll County Park - Town of Trenton, WI
      • Saveland Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Schoen Laufen Park - Germantown, WI
      • Schoetz Park - Village of Hales Corners, WI
      • Schoolhouse Beach - Washington Island, WI
      • Scout Lake Park - Greendale, WI
      • Sheboygan Indian Mound Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Simmons Woods Park - Pewaukee, WI
      • South Shore Park - Bayview, WI
      • Spassland Park - Germantown, WI
      • Springs Park - Delavan, WI
      • Sunset Beach County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Swan Park - Beaver Dam, WI
      • Three Bridges Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Thunder Mountain Overlook Park - Crivitz, WI
      • Turtle Creek Parkway / Tiffany Bridge - Clinton, WI
      • Tyranena Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Valley View Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Veterans Memorial Park - Grafton, WI
      • Viking County Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Virmond Park - Mequon, WI
      • Warnimont Park - Cudahy, WI
      • Washington Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Weatherstone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Wequiock Falls Park - Green Bay, WI
      • Weston Antique Apple Orchard & Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail - New Berlin, WI
      • White River County Park - Walworth County
      • Whitnall Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wilson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Wind Point Lighthouse - Racine, WI
      • Ken Windl Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wirth Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Xenobia Springs Park - Palmyra, WI
    • Nature Preserves >
      • Adam Birding Conservancy - Whitewater, WI
      • Badertscher Preserve - Muskego, WI
      • Joyce M. Baer & George J. Socha Conservancy - Marshall, WI
      • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary - Green Bay, WI
      • Beulah Bluff Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Beulah Bog - East Troy, WI
      • Blue Heron Wildlife Sanctuary - Saukville, WI
      • Bratt Woods - Grafton, WI
      • Burlington School Forest - Burlington, WI
      • Calhoun Creek Prairie - New Berlin, WI
      • Cedarburg Bog - Saukville, WI
      • Chiwaukee Prairie - Kenosha, WI
      • Conservancy For Healing And Heritage - Franklin, WI
      • Robert O Cook Arboretum - Janesville, WI
      • Crooked Creek Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Crossroads At Big Creek - Sturgeon Bay
      • Deer Creek Sanctuary - New Berlin, WI
      • Delavan Memorial Arboretum - Delavan, WI
      • Donges Bay Gorge - Mequon, WI
      • Emerald Preserve - Oak Creek, WI
      • Engel Conservation Area - Muskego, WI
      • Faville Grove Sanctuary - Lake Mills, WI
      • Fellenz Woods - West Bend, WI
      • Flowing Well - Whitewater, WI
      • Forest Beach Migratory Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Forest Exploration Center - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Fox River Sanctuary - Waukesha, WI
      • John S. Garman Nature Preserve - Waterloo, WI
      • Garrison's Glen - Mequon, WI
      • Genesee Oak Opening and Fen - Mukwonago, North Prairie WI
      • Gordon Tabor Memorial Woods - Caledonia, WI
      • Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grasslyn Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Greenway Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grootemaat Nature Preserve - Greendale, WI
      • Hartland Marsh Preserve - Village of Hartland, WI
      • Hawthorn Glen - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum - Kenosha, WI
      • Heckrodt Wetland Reserve - Menasha, WI
      • Hermansen Woods - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Highland Woods - Mequon, WI
      • Hildebrand Nature Conservancy - Village of Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI
      • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon, WI
      • Huiras Lake Natural Area - Fredonia, WI
      • Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - Williams Bay, WI
      • Kurtz Woods State Natural Area - Grafton, WI
      • Lac Lawrann Conservancy - West Bend, WI
      • Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Madison, WI
      • Ledge View Nature Center - Chilton, WI
      • Lion's Den Nature Preserve - Grafton, WI
      • Lois Jensen Nature Preserve - Delafield, WI
      • Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area - Burlington, WI
      • Maywood Environmental Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha, WI
      • Mequon Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Mill House Native Plant Preserve - Village of Fontana, WI-
      • Moely Prairie - Prairie Du Sac, WI
      • Nature Hill Nature Center - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy - Delavan, WI
      • Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve - Eagle, WI
      • Nicholson Wildlife Refuge - Franksville, WI
      • Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area - Oakfield, WI
      • Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park - Merton, WI
      • Parry Spring - Dousman, WI
      • Pavcek Preserve - Hartford, WI
      • Petersen Island Woods Preserve - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy - Middleton, WI
      • Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Pope Farm Conservancy - Verona, WI
      • Price Park Conservancy - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pukaite Woods Nature Preserve / Mequon Rotary Park - Mequon, WI
      • Retzer Nature Center - Waukesha, WI
      • The Ridges Sanctuary - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • River Bend Nature Center - Racine, WI
      • Riveredge Nature Center - Saukville, WI
      • Helen Rohner Children's Fishing Park - Williams Bay, WI-
      • Saller Woods - Rochester, WI
      • Sanctuary Woods - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Schlitz Audubon Nature Center - Milwaukee, WI
      • Schmeekle Reserve - Stevens Point, WI
      • Seno Woodland Center - Burlington, WI
      • Spirit Lake Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Spruce Lake Bog - Campbellsport, WI
      • Stigler Nature Preserve - New Berlin, WI
      • Towering Woods Nature Area - Greenfield, WI
      • Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Mequon, WI
      • UW-Waukesha Field Station - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Van der Brohe Arboretum - Two Rivers, WI
      • Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area - Mukwonago, WI
      • Vernon Wildlife Area - Waterford, WI
      • Wadewitz Nature Camp - Village of Rochester, WI
      • Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve - Burlington, WI
      • Wehr Nature Center - Franklin, WI
      • Whitnall School Forest - Greenfield, WI
      • Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve - Two Rivers, WI
      • Zeloski Marsh - Cambridge, WI
    • State Parks >
      • Aztalan State Park - Aztalan, WI
      • Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area - Sauk City, WI
      • Big Foot Beach State Park - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Bong State Recreation Area - Kansasville, WI
      • C. D. Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area - Kewaunee, WI
      • Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area - New Glarus, WI
      • Copper Culture State Park - Oconto, WI
      • Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI
      • Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium, WI
      • Hartman Creek State Park - Waupaca, WI
      • Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee, WI
      • High Cliff State Park - Sherwood, WI
      • Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • La Budde State Natural Area - Ice Age Trail Segment - Plymouth, WI
      • Lake Kegonsa State Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Lakeshore State Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Lapham Peak State Park - Delafield, WI
      • Lizard Mound State Park - Farmington, WI
      • Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area - Campbellsport, WI
      • Mukwonago River Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mukwonago, WI
      • Natural Bridge State Park - North Freedom, WI
      • Newport State Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek, WI
      • Pike Lake State Park - Hartford, WI
      • Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers, WI
      • Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
    • Sculpture Gardens, Conservancies & Observatories >
      • Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden - Colgate, WI
      • Boerner Botanical Gardens - Hales Corners, WI
      • Nick Engelbert's Grandview - Hollandale, WI
      • Franconia Sculpture Park - Shafer, MN
      • The Garden Door - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Greendale Children's Garden - Greendale, WI
      • Harmony Arboretum & Gardens - Peshtigo, WI
      • Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture - West Bend, WI
      • Margie's Garden - Hales Corners, WI
      • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy - Milwaukee, WI
      • Modine-Benstead Observatory - Union Grove, WI
      • New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm - Baraboo, WI
      • Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Madison, WI
      • M. Schettl Sales - Sculpture and Oddities
      • Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville, WI
      • Sisson's Peony Garden - Rosendale, WI
      • Stavkirke - Washington Island, WI
      • Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Stevens Point, WI
      • James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Town of Wilson, WI
      • West Of The Lake Gardens - Manitowoc, WI
      • Yerkes Observatory - Williams Bay, WI
    • Cemeteries >
      • Calvary Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Forest Home Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Highland Memorial Park Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • La Belle Cemetery - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Mount Olivet Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Berlin Center Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • Oak Hill Cemetery - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Riverside Cemetery - Oshkosh, WI
      • St. Adalbert Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
  • Gardening for Wildlife
    • The Eco-Friendly Lawn
    • Welcome to the Firefly Show
    • Birdbaths in the Habitat
  • Detours, Links & More
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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.

​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
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Mr. Bear will greet you with great book recommendations.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 
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Visit The Hub - Social Good Brews in West Bend.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7am - 2pm
Sunday: 9am - 2pm  Monday: Closed
​www.socialgoodbrews.org

​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.
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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
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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
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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.

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
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Treat yourself to Adrian's Frozen Custard in Burlington.

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All photos, blog posts, and content are
copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski,
​unless otherwise noted.

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  • THE MAGAZINE
  • Celebrating 10 Years
  • Blog
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  • Achievements / Press
  • Art for Your Walls & More
  • Special Features
    • What's New
    • For Love Of Lavender
    • Peony Perfection - 2025
    • Nature Is For Every Body
    • Wisconsin Astronomy Observatories
    • 30 Easy, Scenic Nature Walks
    • Gone Fishing
    • Birding Local
    • Sparkle In The Parks & More 2024
    • Fabulous In Fall
    • Hiking Safely During Hunting Season - 2024 Edition
    • Blooms Galore 2024: U-Pick Sunflowers, Cut Flowers and Lavender Fields
    • A Walk On The Beach
    • On The Bookshelf
    • There's A Camera In My Pocket
    • It's Garden Party Time
    • Exploring Door County
    • Tasting Door County
    • Local Waterfalls Are Calling
    • On The Side
    • Beauty On The Escarpment
    • Sacred Ground & Effigy Mounds Of Wisconsin
    • Legacies Of Nature
    • Escape To The Woods
    • Snapshots
    • Migration Song - The Magic of Bird Migration
    • Dog Days In The Park
    • Gift Ideas For The Nature Lover
    • Winter in Wisconsin
  • Let's Explore
    • Nature Trails >
      • 116th Street - Oak Leaf Trail - West Allis, WI
      • Bald Bluff Nature Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Belle Reynolds Nature Trail - Oakfield, WI
      • Black River Trails - Sheboygan, WI
      • Eagle Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Emma Carlin Trail - Palmyra, WI
      • Glacial Drumlin State Trail - Lake Mills, WI
      • Ice Age Visitor Center Nature Trail - Campbellsport, WI
      • Kettle Moraine Low Prairie Natural Area - Eagle, WI
      • W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway - Milwaukee, WI
      • Kohl Park Hiking Trail - Milwaukee, WI
      • Paradise Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Rice Lake Nature Trail - Whitewater, WI
      • Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Seminary Woods - St. Francis, WI
      • Stony Ridge Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Stute Springs Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
      • Washington Avenue Nature Trail - Sheboygan, WI
      • White River State Trail - Elkhorn to Dover, WI
      • Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Riverwalk - Delafield, WI
    • Local Parks >
      • Akakawaa Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Alt Bauer Park - Germantown, WI
      • Anclam Park - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • Astico County Park - Columbus, WI
      • Asylum Point Park & Lighthouse - Oshkosh, WI
      • Aurelian Springs Village Park - Palmyra, WI
      • Beckman Mill County Park - Beloit, WI
      • Big Hill Park - Beloit, WI
      • Biwer Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Bluhm Farm Park - Muskego, WI
      • Brown Deer Park - Brown Deer, WI
      • Calhoun Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Carlin-Weld Park - Palmyra, WI
      • Dorothy Carnes Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Carver-Roehl County Park - Clinton, WI
      • Case Eagle Park - Burlington, WI
      • Cave Point County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Cherney Maribel Caves County Park - Maribel, WI
      • Cliffside Park - Caledonia, WI
      • Copernicus Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Creekwood Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Cudahy Woods - Cudahy, WI
      • Dave's Falls County Park - Amberg, WI
      • Denoon Park - Muskego, WI
      • Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum - Brookfield, WI
      • Downtown Waupaca Parks - Waupaca, WI
      • Doyne Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Ellison Bay Bluff County Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Elm Grove Village Park - Elm Grove, WI
      • Endicott Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Estabrook Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Euclid Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Falk Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Firefighters Memorial Bluff - West Bend, WI
      • Frame Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Franklin Woods - Franklin, WI
      • Froemming Park - Franklin, WI
      • Frontier Park - Butler, WI
      • George K. Pinney County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI -
      • Glacier Hills County Park - Hubertus, WI
      • Goodman County Park, Strong Falls - Athelstane, WI Falls -
      • Grant Park - South Milwaukee
      • Greenfield Park - West Allis
      • Grobschmidt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hales Corners Park, Ben Hunt Prairie and Cabin, Seneca Hale Summer Kitchen, Cobb Park - Hales Corners, WI
      • Harnischfeger Park - Ixonia, WI
      • Hart Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hartbrook Park - Hartland, WI
      • Hartung Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Hidden Lake Park - Brookfield, WI
      • High Grove Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Hika Bay Park - Cleveland, WI
      • Hobbs Woods Nature Area - Fond Du Lac, WI
      • Homestead Hollow County Park - Germantown, WI
      • Honey Creek Park - West Allis, WI
      • Hoyt Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Humboldt Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Idle Isle Park - Muskego, WI
      • Indian Mounds County Park - Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds and Trail - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Indianhead Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Jackson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Jacobus Park - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Johnstone Park - Oak Creek, WI
      • Kelly Lake Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Kiekhaefer Park - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Kinsey Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kocziuszko Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • H.C. Koepp Village Park - Pewaukee, WI
      • Konkel Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Korth Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Krueger Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Kurth Park - Muskego, WI
      • Alan Kulwicki Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Ledge County Park - Horicon, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Grafton, WI
      • Lime Kiln Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Lincoln Park - Glendale, WI
      • Lions Legend Park I & II - Franklin, WI
      • Lion's Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Lisbon Community Park - Hartland, WI
      • Lyons Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Magnolia Bluff County Park - Evansville, WI
      • Malone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Manchester Hill Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mangan Woods - Greendale, WI
      • Mary Knoll Park - Brookfield, WI
      • McCarty Park - West Allis, WI
      • Menominee River Park - Wausaukee, WI
      • Mitchell Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Monarch Trail / County Grounds Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Moorewood Park - Waukesha, WI
      • Moorland Park - Muskego, WI
      • Mound Zion Park - Brookfield, WI
      • John Muir Memorial County Park - Town of Buffalo, WI
      • Mukwonago Park - Mukwonago, WI
      • Mush Ko Se Day Park - Fort Atkinson, WI
      • Muskego Boardwalk Nature Trail - Muskego, WI
      • Muskego Park - Muskego, WI
      • Nashotah Park - Nashotah, WI
      • Natureland County Park - Whitewater, WI
      • New Berlin Historical Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Nitschke Mounds County Park - Burnett, WI
      • Nixon Park - Hartland, WI
      • North Point Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Oerding Park - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Petrifying Springs Park - Kenosha, WI
      • Picnic Point Park - Oshkosh, WI
      • Pleasant Valley Parks & Trails - Town of Cedarburg, WI
      • Pondview Park - Greenfield, WI
      • Prairie Springs Park - Pleasant Prairie, WI
      • ProHealth Care Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Pulaski Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Regner Park - West Bend, WI
      • Richfield Historical Park - Richfield, WI
      • Ridge Run Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rivers Edge Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Riverside Park - Watertown, WI
      • Riverside Park - West Bend, WI
      • Rock River Heritage County Park - Janesville, WI
      • Rolling Meadows Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Rotary Park - Menomonee Falls, WI
      • Sandy Knoll County Park - Town of Trenton, WI
      • Saveland Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Schoen Laufen Park - Germantown, WI
      • Schoetz Park - Village of Hales Corners, WI
      • Schoolhouse Beach - Washington Island, WI
      • Scout Lake Park - Greendale, WI
      • Sheboygan Indian Mound Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Simmons Woods Park - Pewaukee, WI
      • South Shore Park - Bayview, WI
      • Spassland Park - Germantown, WI
      • Springs Park - Delavan, WI
      • Sunset Beach County Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Swan Park - Beaver Dam, WI
      • Three Bridges Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Thunder Mountain Overlook Park - Crivitz, WI
      • Turtle Creek Parkway / Tiffany Bridge - Clinton, WI
      • Tyranena Park - Lake Mills, WI
      • Valley View Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Veterans Memorial Park - Grafton, WI
      • Viking County Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Virmond Park - Mequon, WI
      • Warnimont Park - Cudahy, WI
      • Washington Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Weatherstone Park - New Berlin, WI
      • Wequiock Falls Park - Green Bay, WI
      • Weston Antique Apple Orchard & Isabelle Weston Memorial Trail - New Berlin, WI
      • White River County Park - Walworth County
      • Whitnall Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wilson Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Wind Point Lighthouse - Racine, WI
      • Ken Windl Park - Franklin, WI
      • Wirth Park - Brookfield, WI
      • Xenobia Springs Park - Palmyra, WI
    • Nature Preserves >
      • Adam Birding Conservancy - Whitewater, WI
      • Badertscher Preserve - Muskego, WI
      • Joyce M. Baer & George J. Socha Conservancy - Marshall, WI
      • Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary - Green Bay, WI
      • Beulah Bluff Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Beulah Bog - East Troy, WI
      • Blue Heron Wildlife Sanctuary - Saukville, WI
      • Bratt Woods - Grafton, WI
      • Burlington School Forest - Burlington, WI
      • Calhoun Creek Prairie - New Berlin, WI
      • Cedarburg Bog - Saukville, WI
      • Chiwaukee Prairie - Kenosha, WI
      • Conservancy For Healing And Heritage - Franklin, WI
      • Robert O Cook Arboretum - Janesville, WI
      • Crooked Creek Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Crossroads At Big Creek - Sturgeon Bay
      • Deer Creek Sanctuary - New Berlin, WI
      • Delavan Memorial Arboretum - Delavan, WI
      • Donges Bay Gorge - Mequon, WI
      • Emerald Preserve - Oak Creek, WI
      • Engel Conservation Area - Muskego, WI
      • Faville Grove Sanctuary - Lake Mills, WI
      • Fellenz Woods - West Bend, WI
      • Flowing Well - Whitewater, WI
      • Forest Beach Migratory Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Forest Exploration Center - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Fox River Sanctuary - Waukesha, WI
      • John S. Garman Nature Preserve - Waterloo, WI
      • Garrison's Glen - Mequon, WI
      • Genesee Oak Opening and Fen - Mukwonago, North Prairie WI
      • Gordon Tabor Memorial Woods - Caledonia, WI
      • Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grasslyn Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Greenway Arboretum - Fond du Lac, WI
      • Grootemaat Nature Preserve - Greendale, WI
      • Hartland Marsh Preserve - Village of Hartland, WI
      • Hawthorn Glen - Milwaukee, WI
      • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum - Kenosha, WI
      • Heckrodt Wetland Reserve - Menasha, WI
      • Hermansen Woods - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Highland Woods - Mequon, WI
      • Hildebrand Nature Conservancy - Village of Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI
      • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon, WI
      • Huiras Lake Natural Area - Fredonia, WI
      • Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy - Williams Bay, WI
      • Kurtz Woods State Natural Area - Grafton, WI
      • Lac Lawrann Conservancy - West Bend, WI
      • Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Madison, WI
      • Ledge View Nature Center - Chilton, WI
      • Lion's Den Nature Preserve - Grafton, WI
      • Lois Jensen Nature Preserve - Delafield, WI
      • Lulu Lake Nature Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area - Burlington, WI
      • Maywood Environmental Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • Jean McGraw Memorial Nature Preserve - Kenosha, WI
      • Mequon Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Mill House Native Plant Preserve - Village of Fontana, WI-
      • Moely Prairie - Prairie Du Sac, WI
      • Nature Hill Nature Center - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy - Delavan, WI
      • Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve - Eagle, WI
      • Nicholson Wildlife Refuge - Franksville, WI
      • Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area - Oakfield, WI
      • Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park - Merton, WI
      • Parry Spring - Dousman, WI
      • Pavcek Preserve - Hartford, WI
      • Petersen Island Woods Preserve - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy - Middleton, WI
      • Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve - East Troy, WI
      • Pope Farm Conservancy - Verona, WI
      • Price Park Conservancy - Elkhorn, WI
      • Pukaite Woods Nature Preserve / Mequon Rotary Park - Mequon, WI
      • Retzer Nature Center - Waukesha, WI
      • The Ridges Sanctuary - Baileys Harbor, WI
      • River Bend Nature Center - Racine, WI
      • Riveredge Nature Center - Saukville, WI
      • Helen Rohner Children's Fishing Park - Williams Bay, WI-
      • Saller Woods - Rochester, WI
      • Sanctuary Woods - Wauwatosa, WI
      • Sauk Creek Nature Preserve - Port Washington, WI
      • Schlitz Audubon Nature Center - Milwaukee, WI
      • Schmeekle Reserve - Stevens Point, WI
      • Seno Woodland Center - Burlington, WI
      • Spirit Lake Nature Preserve - Mequon, WI
      • Spruce Lake Bog - Campbellsport, WI
      • Stigler Nature Preserve - New Berlin, WI
      • Towering Woods Nature Area - Greenfield, WI
      • Trinity Creek Wetland Habitat - Mequon, WI
      • UW-Waukesha Field Station - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Van der Brohe Arboretum - Two Rivers, WI
      • Vernon Marsh Wildlife Area - Mukwonago, WI
      • Vernon Wildlife Area - Waterford, WI
      • Wadewitz Nature Camp - Village of Rochester, WI
      • Wehmhoff Woodland Preserve - Burlington, WI
      • Wehr Nature Center - Franklin, WI
      • Whitnall School Forest - Greenfield, WI
      • Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve - Two Rivers, WI
      • Zeloski Marsh - Cambridge, WI
    • State Parks >
      • Aztalan State Park - Aztalan, WI
      • Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area - Sauk City, WI
      • Big Foot Beach State Park - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Bong State Recreation Area - Kansasville, WI
      • C. D. Besadny Fish and Wildlife Area - Kewaunee, WI
      • Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area - New Glarus, WI
      • Copper Culture State Park - Oconto, WI
      • Devil's Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI
      • Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium, WI
      • Hartman Creek State Park - Waupaca, WI
      • Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee, WI
      • High Cliff State Park - Sherwood, WI
      • Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, WI
      • La Budde State Natural Area - Ice Age Trail Segment - Plymouth, WI
      • Lake Kegonsa State Park - Stoughton, WI
      • Lakeshore State Park - Milwaukee, WI
      • Lapham Peak State Park - Delafield, WI
      • Lizard Mound State Park - Farmington, WI
      • Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area - Campbellsport, WI
      • Mukwonago River Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mukwonago, WI
      • Natural Bridge State Park - North Freedom, WI
      • Newport State Park - Ellison Bay, WI
      • Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek, WI
      • Pike Lake State Park - Hartford, WI
      • Point Beach State Forest - Two Rivers, WI
      • Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
    • Sculpture Gardens, Conservancies & Observatories >
      • Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden - Colgate, WI
      • Boerner Botanical Gardens - Hales Corners, WI
      • Nick Engelbert's Grandview - Hollandale, WI
      • Franconia Sculpture Park - Shafer, MN
      • The Garden Door - Sturgeon Bay, WI
      • Greendale Children's Garden - Greendale, WI
      • Harmony Arboretum & Gardens - Peshtigo, WI
      • Labyrinth Garden Earth Sculpture - West Bend, WI
      • Margie's Garden - Hales Corners, WI
      • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy - Milwaukee, WI
      • Modine-Benstead Observatory - Union Grove, WI
      • New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm - Baraboo, WI
      • Olbrich Botanical Gardens - Madison, WI
      • M. Schettl Sales - Sculpture and Oddities
      • Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville, WI
      • Sisson's Peony Garden - Rosendale, WI
      • Stavkirke - Washington Island, WI
      • Stevens Point Sculpture Park - Stevens Point, WI
      • James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden - Town of Wilson, WI
      • West Of The Lake Gardens - Manitowoc, WI
      • Yerkes Observatory - Williams Bay, WI
    • Cemeteries >
      • Calvary Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Forest Home Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • Highland Memorial Park Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • La Belle Cemetery - Oconomowoc, WI
      • Mount Olivet Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
      • New Berlin Center Cemetery - New Berlin, WI
      • Oak Hill Cemetery - Lake Geneva, WI
      • Riverside Cemetery - Oshkosh, WI
      • St. Adalbert Cemetery - Milwaukee, WI
  • Gardening for Wildlife
    • The Eco-Friendly Lawn
    • Welcome to the Firefly Show
    • Birdbaths in the Habitat
  • Detours, Links & More