Join travel writers Tom and Kristi Flick Manus as they lead you on a journey through their home state of Wisconsin in a quest to find the “weird, wonderful, and obscure.”
Tom and Kristi share their excitement and love of travel with fellow adventure travelers in in Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
The couple share 168 stories of some not-so-common attractions and some popular attractions that will drive road warriors to get out and explore the two-lane roads of Wisconsin.
You will have to read Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure more than once because it contains hundreds of tidbits about Wisconsin. Trivia players will not be disappointed with all the information in this book. There is plenty to add to their repository of knowledge.
Following are some questions, that the book answers.
What is the name of the school Laura Ingalls Wilder and her sisters attended when they returned to Pepin, WI in 1871?
Could this be Laura?
Where is the world’s largest musky fish hatchery located?
Millions of Fish Eggs
In what year did John Schrank shoot President Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee?
The writers also included an additional tidbit of information for each of the 168 stories in the book which in itself is very interesting. For example, on page 110, readers will learn that the map used by Charles Lindbergh to plan his route for the 1927 flight from New York to Paris is located in the rare room at The American Geographic Society Library.
Pro Tips
Each story also includes a helpful summary of information to make visit’s convenience – what, where, and cost – for visitors. Tom and Kristi even share a pro tip with every story. For example, story number 158, A Lake Superior Treasure, the pro tip is Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Bayfield’s motto is, “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers.”
In addition to all the information, the book is filled with many pictures. Plan your trip on the back roads of Wisconsin now. Maybe you will cross paths with Tom and Kristi.
Where Can I Buy Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is one book in the Secret series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 6” x 9” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The book can be purchased through Reedy Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and independent book stores. ISBN 9781681064949
Small Town Plus Size
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your journey, there is something for everyone in Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. For more travel adventures by Tom and Kristi, visit their website, www.smalltownplussize.com. Also follow Tom and Krisiti on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/smalltownplussize.
It is never too late to see the movie, Grumpy Old Men. I am sure it is as funny today as if I had seen it in 1993. I had no idea what to expect as I do not follow celebrities and never thought about seeing until an impromptu visit to Wabasha to visit the National Eagle Center last year for a travel book project I am working on where I heard about the Grumpy Old Men. At that time I had no idea what they were talking about.
A year later and I had the opportunity to attend the 31st Grumpy Old Men festival in Wabasha, Minn.
If you don’t want to experience every a day trip works but I recommend arriving the day before to truly experience the festivities. I feel like we did not which means I will be going again next year.
I must admit it made for the perfect day tour. Tony and I had a great outing plus the weather was perfect for a day trip in the midst of a Midwestern winter. The community made the most out of a lack of snow and ice. It was a great day!
What first stuck out at me which I am glad it was was the red buffalo plaid attire including doggie sweaters.
Precious!
Second, the churches hot dish lunch rated at the top of the list. I live church meals because they are raising fun’s for the community and church. Second, the food is like what my mom made. The cost was $15 a plate and include a selection of 15 hot dishes, roll, drink and dessert plus pickles. So Midwestern.
Since we had never seen the movie we went to watch a free showing of the movie. We laugh and enjoyed popcorn a drink and Tony had a hotdog.
We enjoyed the fires in the barrels. Boy were they hot and made for the perfect source of heat for roasting marshmallows for s’mores. A few seconds the marshmallows was born all around. Yummy!
Growing up on a small Iowa farm whose family raised chickens, you would have thought I would have tasted Poppy Seed Chicken before now, but nope, that is not the case. I have only eaten Poppy Seed Chicken twice in my life. The first was this past September 2023 at the home of an Amish family in Shipshewana, Indiana.
Shipshewana, Indiana, boosts the third-largest Amish community in the United States.
Poppy Seed Chicken is a simple casserole dish that is a creamy chicken dish made with white chicken meat. It is so good that you could easily eat more than one serving.
Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking
Henry and Carolyn Yoder, Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking, graciously open the doors of their beautiful home to visitors. The night I had dinner at the Yoder’s there was a bus group from Wisconsin, two individual travelers, the grandparents, and me.
New Friends
The main course was Poppy Seed Chicken served with mashed potatoes creamed peas, and noodles.
Five-Star Meal
It should come as no surprise that we had pie for dessert. The Amish are well-known for their pies. My favorite is the cream pies.
Yummy, Cream Pie
Everything was delicious, but the Poppy Seed Chicken was out-of-this-world. It seemed to melt in my mouth, and now, I can say with confidence that I really like eating white chicken meat.
After enjoying dinner and friendly conversation, we all went outside to watch the sun set over the lake. Stunning!
To make reservations, call 260-768-3078.
Recipe
If you Google Poppy Seed Chicken recipes, you will find variations, but all contain sour cream and cream of chicken soup. These two ingredients are the key to the creamy white sauce.
Now for the recipe that the Convention & Visitors Bureau shared with me. You will want to try it immediately. There are only six ingredients, and it only takes approximately one hour to make.
Ingredients
2 pounds white boneless chicken, 1-10 oz. can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1 stick butter, and 1 1/2 cup Ritz crackers crushed.
Directions
Cup up the raw and boned chicken meat. Fry the chicken a little and put in 8″ X 8″ baking dish. Mix together the soup and sour cream. Pour over the chicken. Melt the butter and mix with crushed crackers. Put on top of the soup. Generously sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts
Attending a women’s retreat in Spring Grove, Minn., I couldn’t help but mention to anyone that would listen just how delicious Poppy Seed Chicken is.
During the workshop, I was surprised to learn that a popular restaurant, The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts, in Caledonia, Minn. serves Poppy Seed Chicken. Their menu changes weekly, so I started to follow them on Facebook, and it wasn’t long before Poppy Seed Chicken was on the menu. It tasted the same and was as good as the Poppy Seed Chicken I enjoyed in Shipshewana.
Five Star Lunch
At The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts, the mouth-watering entrée comes with a fresh green salad, burgundy poppy seed salad dressing made in-house, and a freshly made oat bun can’t be beat.
A popular feature is the gift shop on the second floor of this quaint restored farmhouse. The inventory changes according to the season.
Another Caledonia Hot-Air Balloon Rally is in the bag! The 2023 rally took place the third weekend in October. Ten balloons from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota were scheduled to fly over the weekend. Nine balloons flew from the field behind Caledonia High School on Friday afternoon and again on Sunday morning. The fights on Saturday were canceled due to high winds. This is the most balloons, I have seen fly in Caledonia over the past 10 years.
Safety First
Organizer Marian Gavin
Each year, the town hosts a hot-air balloon rally in October, the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn. There are years when the weather does not cooperate and the balloons do not get to fly or even stand-up. Organizers stress that balloon flights are weather-dependent, and that safety always comes first. Whether balloons fly or not is at the pilot’s discretion.
Keep a watchful eye on the Caledonia Balloon Rally Facebook page for up-to-date information prior to the event and during the rally. The organizers do an outstanding job posting notifications.
2023 Pilots
The Red, White, and Blue
2023 participating pilots include Russ Lucas, Dodge Center, Minn.; Lynn Huppert, Ellsworth, Wisc.; Chris Keefe, Cross Plains, Wisc.; Rodney Newkirk, Rochester, Minn.; Tim Cloyd, Runnells, Iowa; John Parezo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Jeff Trzebiatowski, Appleton, Wisc.; Terry Dorshorst, West Salem, Wisc.; Sean Eakin, Tomah, Wisc.; and Kevin Kamp, Marion, Iowa.
Balloonmeister
Tom Cloyd from Runnells, Iowa, was the 2023 balloonmeister. The balloonmeister is in charge of and coordinates all the balloon activities at a balloon event. He/she ensures the pilots meet all the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
Smile!
Photo Op!
Two balloons inflating
Balloon rallies are the perfect opportunity to take photos. Bring your camera to capture the balloons as they inflate, lift off, and fill the blue sky with a rainbow of colors. It is also fun to take pictures of the kids jumping up and down and yelling, “There’s a balloon. There’s a balloon. This is also the perfect time to record short videos of all the oohs and aahs and beaming smiles as attendees watch the balloons inflate and take-off. Don’t forget to wave. #caledoniamnballoonrally
Say Yes!
Riders waving goodbye!
If you are asked to chase or go for a ride, don’t hesitate, say yes!
If you are passing through Shipshewana, Indiana and only have one night and one day to spend, this itinerary is for you.
Warning: after a short stay in Shipshewana you will want to extend your stay or schedule a return visit. There is so much to experience in Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside.
Think of this itinerary as an introduction into the Amish culture. Visitors will enjoy delicious Amish food, conversation with community members, an evening at the theater, a good night’s rest, and a shopping experience at the community’s decade-old flea market which started in the 1940s with people selling their wares out of the trunk of their cars.
Blue Gate Garden Inn & Conference Center
4.6-Star Resort Hotel
The first stop is the Blue Gate Garden Inn. No matter the season, the colorful and whimsical decorations placed strategically around the property create a warm and an inviting atmosphere.
The lobby’s centerpiece is a warm golden brown wooden staircase and a comfortable sitting area at the base of the staircase. There was a stunning harvest display depicting Shipshewana’s rich farming community when I visited in the fall.
The hotel sleeping room was equipped with a small refreshment bar that includes a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, sink, cupboards, and plenty of counter space for preparing a quick snack or a four-course meal.
The spacious and well-lit bathroom contained all the amenities one would expect in a 4.6-star hotel. (Source: Travelocity.com)
The spacious room has a large window that looks out over the town and a couch for relaxing. The room decorations reflect the community’s farming industry. Left on the table was a bottle of water, perfect after a long-day drive. A new bottle appeared every day.
Tonight’s highlights are dinner and an evening at the theatre.
After returning from the theatre, the queen-sized bed was inviting and made for a restful night. I love all the fluffy pillows!
After an evening at the theatre and a good night’s sleep, the following day started with a down-home breakfast at the restaurant’s buffet, which is included in the room fee. The breakfast buffet included a made-to-order omelet station, freshly baked goods from The Blue Gate Bakery, and locally made yogurt and granola.
The tables in the restaurant are covered with 50-60’s style oil tablecloths, and the walls are decorated with barn quilts and farm-inspired decorations.
The service is helpful and eager to help and answer questions.
Diners have two choices: stay upstairs and order off the menu, or go downstairs and enjoy a buffet dinner. I decided to go downstairs and enjoy the buffet as I wanted to sample everything.
The country style buffet consists of three food stations. One features a large selection of desserts, including various fruit pies, which the Amish are known for. There is a salad bar and o bar featuring main dishes. Try the noodles, a mainstay of every Amish meal. The fried chicken was my favorite.
I noticed that the tables were covered with decorative oil cloths reminiscing of the 50s and 60s era. Diners are waited on by women dressed in blue Amish-style dresses, white aprons, and comfortable-looking chunky black shoes.
There are so many tasty options to choose from. It was hard to choose. Dig in!
Blue Gate Theatre
The Best Greeter!
After a delicious dinner at The Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, it was upstairs to The Blue Gate Theatre for a first-class performance of ‘Home Game’. A story about an Amish boy, his love for baseball, and life as a professional ball player in Sin City, Las Vegas, Nevada. Baseball is a favorite sport of Amish kids. There seemed to be a ball diamond at every Amish school.
The performance is as entertaining as any I have seen on Broadway or in Las Vegas, Nevada; Branson, Missouri; or London, England.
The 300-seat theatre guarantees everyone a perfect seat. Being up close to the stage makes it much more personal, as if the actors are talking just to you.
Upcoming performances include: The Christmas Candy Caper, Blackberry Smoke, Three Dog Night, Doug Church: Elvis Beyond ’77, The Return Of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gatlin Brothers Christmas, Wheel of Fortune Live, Daniel O’Donnell Christmas, Kenny G, Sawyer Brown, Celtic Angels Christmas. Visit for an up-to-date schedule, https://www.thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/schedule/
Theatre goers will not be disappointed.
Shipshewana Flea Market
Looking for a sign? Look no farther.
The Shipshewana Flea Market is billed as “Midwest’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market.”
It is an experience that should not be missed. With 40 acres and 700 open-air booths, you will need a plan as there is no way to visit all 700 booths in one day, much less a week.
Pick up a map at the Visitor Center located near the entrance. The flea market is open May through September from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The 2024 season opens on April 30.
The greeters at the onsite visitor center are super informed. One of the greeters is a former vendor.
Next to the visitors center is a people mover shop where visitors can rent shopping carts, wagons, and electric scooters.
One of the first shops sells licorice, perfect for snacking on while you shop. In addition to black licorice, they also sell a variety of flavors, including strawberry and cherry. Besides being delicious tasting, the licorice does not stick to your teeth.
There is something for everyone at the flea market: metal signs, crafts, Amish jellies, antiques, kitchen utensils, wood crafts, clothing, plus more.
If you are visiting on a Wednesday, check out the antique auction from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year-round. If you plan on bidding, pay attention, as there are anywhere from 6-10 auctioneers chanting simultaneously. The auction moves fast!
Hungry? There are a variety of food vendors on site. For an authentic Amish experience, enjoy a Fried Pie or a tasty pretzel from Ben’s Soft Pretzels.
