Category: Small Town

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The Art of Exploring Bluff Country

One-of-a-kind art galleries can be found in all corners of bluff country. Visitors will experience not only first-class art galleries, but they will be able to meet bluff country artists and purchase their work. In addition, visitors will also enjoy the drive through the picturesque farmlands, bluffs, along streams, and quaint Midwestern towns that inspire Bluff County artists to create. The range of work visitors will find ranges from jewelry, clothing, oil and watercolor paintings, woodwork, fiber arts, sculptures, and glass to name a few.

For up-to-date hours, check the gallery website, Google listing, or Facebook page.

Enjoy your year-round Bluff Country art tour!

Art Bitz

Art Bitz, a gallery run by Chatfield’s two glitz gals, June and Alice. Visitors will find two former buildings filled with framed glass art, individualized gnomes, jewelry, glassware, colorful couch pillows, and bling cover flamingos. The gallery is located at 204 Main Street, Chatfield, MN 55923. June and Alice can be reached at (507)-254-8105. The gallery is open Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sunday through Wednesday. Follow Art Bitz on Facebook.

Lanesboro Arts Galleries

Not one gallery but two galleries, Exhibition Gallery and the Juried Sales Gallery! The Exhibition Gallery features five exhibits annually and visitors will enjoy purchasing artwork from over 90 regional artists located in the Juried Sales Gallery. Every other year, Lanesboro Arts sponsor an emerging artist exhibition. Lanesboro Arts can be reached at (507) 467-2446. Hours: September through April Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday and Monday closed; May through August Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and Monday closed. Visit lanesboroarts.org for current information.

The Bluff Country Artists Gallery

A 501(c)(3) collaborative, operated by volunteers, represents the talented creations of 70 artists from the bluff country region. The gallery is located at 111 W. Main St, Spring Grove, MN. The gallery can be reached at (507) 498-2787 and is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. and  Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check out the gallery on Facebook.

The Caledonia Gallery

Bluff Country’s newest art gallery is in a recently renovated limestone building built after the Civil War ended in quaint downtown Caledonia. The gallery features the work of artists from La Crosse, WI to Caledonia. The gallery is located in historic Caledonia at 115 East Main Street. The five-star gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit www.caledoniagallery.com.

International Owl Center

Children from around the world have entered artwork featuring owls in the Center’s annual competition. Those pieces are exhibited throughout the year in the center’s gallery. 126 E. Cedar St., Houston, MN 55943 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (507) 896-6957 www.internationalowlcenter.org

ArtHaus

ArtHaus is known for its workshop and classes, but it is also home to the Doyle G. Heyveld Gallery which features a new exhibit each month. 107 W. Broadway St, Decorah, IA 52101. (563) 382-5440. Open 1-7:00 p.m. weekdays and 10-5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday. www.Arthausdecorah.org

Agora Arts

A staple of downtown Decorah for 31 years, owner Gail Bolson-Magnuson hand selects each piece and carries the finest in handcrafted arts from over 250 artists. 102 West Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101. (563) 382-8786. Open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.agoraarts.com

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Salud! Little Miami in Minnesota

This month, Just Around the Bend Travel is featuring Little Miami, 5349 County 49, located in the village of Freeburg, MN. Another five-star small-town bar-restaurant combo. The first question that comes to mind of first-time visitors. A Cuban-style restaurant in Minnesota?

The upper Midwestern style menu is reason enough to visit, but there is so much more to experience.

Location, location, location

Your first visit to Freeburg might leave you with the impression that the town is in the middle of nowhere, but it really isn’t. Freeburg is located just 12 minutes southeast of Caledonia, Minnesota on Houston County Hwy. 249, anywhere from 30 to 41 minutes from La Crosse, Wisconsin depending on the route you take, and 12 minutes from Brownsville, Minnesota. Caution: When using Google Maps, you might be directed to take gravel roads through some very desolate areas, so make sure your gas tank is filled, and you have a paper map as you will probably lose cell service. If you do end up following Google Maps’ shortest route on gravel roads, you are guaranteed to love the scenery.

Caledonia is at 1,181’ above sea level and quickly drops to 686’ as you enter the community of Freeburg. Hwy. 249 not only has a hilly grade, but is also curvy. Some of the curves are tight, so make sure to watch your speed.

No matter which way you travel, the drive never gets old as the scenery is breathtaking.

Crooked Creek runs through the ancient river valley surrounded by steep wooded hills. If you want to make it a day trip, bring your fishing gear and poles to fish in the stream.

As you are driving, remember to watch for deer, rocks, and fallen trees.

Rich history

Freeburg has a rich history, and so does the restaurant. The name, chosen by proprietor C.C. Michelson, has nothing to do with food but everything to do with swimming. Michelson built a sand bottom pool and kids and families flocked to Freeburg to swim, many even took the train to Freeburg to swim. The menu provides a brief synopsis of the bar/restaurant’s interesting history.

To get an in-depth look at the havoc flooding caused in 1946 to the small vibrant community of Freeburg and Little Miami, read the following three articles written by historian Lee Epps, published in the Fillmore County Journal in 2023.

Part 1 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-most-of-the-sows-and-their-babies-came-back-home/

Part 2 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-it-was-all-downhill-into-crooked-creek-valley/

Part 3 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-unless-something-was-done-things-were-getting-worse/

Upper Midwestern food

Now for a description of the tasty Midwestern food.

New Mexico grandkids, Damien and Christian, enjoying a non-alcoholic Pink Squirrel. Yummy!

Little Miami is known for its large adult ice cream drinks. One drink is more than enough for two adults, especially after eating dinner. Little Miami also offers non-alcoholic ice cream drinks for young diners. The drinks are not only huge but delicious. Signature drinks include Brandy Alexander (Brandy and Crème de Cacao), Grasshopper (Crème de Memthe), Caramel Apple (Apple Pucker Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps), Dreamsicle (Peach Schnapps, Orange Juice), Golden Cadillac (Galliano), Heath Bar (Kahlua, Butterscotch Schnapps), Pink Squirrel (Crème de Noya (Almond)), Polar Bear (Kahlua, Irish Cream), and Slippery Nipple (Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps).

The Minnesota state fish is the walleye.
Broasted Chicken, a Wisconsin invention.

Fried cheese curds are a family favorite, especially with the New Mexico grandkids. Tony enjoys the hamburgers, which he rated as ‘damn good’. Another favorite of my NE Iowa boy is the Saturday night prime rib special. Broasted chicken, a Wisconsin invention and a healthier frying option than fried chicken, is a favorite among locals. You will find me enjoying the walleye with a side salad including red onions and tomatoes topped with either the champagne vinaigrette or the orange balsamic dressings, which are both homemade. Tony orders a side of coleslaw, which he describes as having a unique taste. Haven’t asked but wonder if it is a homemade dressing. For French Fry connoisseurs, you can order thin-cut fries, crinkle-cut fries, or sweet potato fries. If you are feeling like a cup of soup, try the beer cheese soup, which is not only tasty but hardy.

A hardy Midwestern soup.

Exceptional service

There is room in the two dining rooms for large groups. There is also a patio where you can enjoy Minnesota’s pleasant weather.

The service at Little Miami is exceptional, plus the customers are always very friendly. There are always lots of families and visitors from all three states enjoying a meal, plus a handful of locals sitting at the bar. On April 26, 2023, all the customers were wearing camouflage clothing, even the two little girls with permanent smiles on their faces were dressed in camouflage clothing. One of the little girls even held the door open for us, demonstrating that Minnesota Nice is alive and well in Freeburg.

Little Miami is open Wednesday and Thursday night from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday.

Follow Little Miami on Facebook.

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Small Midwestern Town Bars have the Best Food

The plan going forward is to feature at least one small Midwestern town bar every month, population less than 2,000. It is not unusual for a rural town located in the middle of farm county to have a bar that serves tasty traditional bar food, but some bars will surprise patrons with their expanded menu. Included on the menu is a selection of food and drinks that you would find in a five-star restaurant in a large town or city.

This month Just Around the Bend Travel is featuring Alpha Tap located in the NE Iowa town of Alpha. The unincorporated community of Alpha located in the Township of Eden, Fayette County is a typical small farming community. Visitors will find a church and cemetery, a grain silo or two, a bar, and Victorian-style homes. The population of Alpha in 1925 was 100 and almost one hundred years the estimated population has not changed much. Alpha, a one-road town, is located 38 minutes south of Decorah, IA, and 53 minutes north of Waterloo, IA. It is easy to miss the small directional signs pointing to Alpha, located one mile off County Rd. V68 3 miles south of Waucoma, IA, two-lane highway in Fayette County.

The sign on the front of the restaurant is a dead giveaway to what visitors will find on the menu. Alpha Tap serves seafood, including a perfectly cooked cold-water lobster tail from the seas of Australia and South Africa, mouth-watering sea scallops, and delicious jumbo shrimp. Finding seafood that is not fried in rural NE Iowa is ‘slim to none’. In addition, patrons can enjoy cod and Canadian walleye.

Doesn’t this look sumptuous? This French ‘fryaholic’ loves her french fries.

For those looking for a hamburger and fries or the usual bar food like tasty fried cheese curds, you will not be disappointed. Specials include wings on Tuesday night – 4 pounds and 1 pound of fries for $45+, enough to feed a family, rib-eye on Thursday night, all-you-can-eat cod on Friday night, and prime rib on Saturday night. Alpha Tap truly does offer something for everyone. The restaurant proudly proclaims that they serve a full menu all day, every day!

Chefs in fine restaurants are known to come out and converse with the customers to find out how the food is. When the owner comes outdoors to talk with you is rare and a special treat. What an example of first-class service?

What else makes Alpha Tap special? Besides the quality and variety of food and the exceptional customer service, Alpha Tap is open on Sundays as well as the other six days of the week. This makes Alpha Tap unique in this area, as most restaurants close on Sundays.

Hours of operations: Sunday from 12-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Watch for more stories on small Midwestern town bars that offer a five-star menu on Just Around The Bend Travel. You are in for a tasty surprise!

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Squeaky Iowa Cheese Curds Hits the Spot

Deprived of a consistent intake of fresh cheese curds over the last 30 years, it became apparent that a Sunday drive through the Driftless Region of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin was in store.

“A cheese curd is a small chunk of cheese often identified as the freshest form of cheddar,” explains Golden Age Cheese. 

Sunday Drives

Baby Boomers can attest to the fact that Sunday drives are a Midwest family tradition. Having something to devour, while driving through the rich agricultural landscape is a necessity. It was not uncommon in the Corson family to enjoy a bag or two of cheese curds on their Sunday drives.

Finally, I have a free Sunday for a drive. I headed out on the first of many drives in search of the perfect cheese curds. Heading north from Decorah, Iowa to Mabel, Minnesota, I  stopped at the local convenience store to purchase a bag of cheese curds. Half expecting to see an array of tempting flavors – (Dill, Ranch, Parmesan, or even Sour Cream and Onion), I was relieved to see a bag of traditional plain white cheddar cheese curds. The white curds are what I remember nibbling on as a little girl. Opening the bag, I grabbed the first peanut-shaped curd that my fingers touched. Closing my eyes, I slowly took that long-awaited bite, eagerly expecting to hear that familiar squeak between my teeth; I heard– nothing.

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Disappointed, I drove headed toward La Crosse, Wisconsin, snacking in silence toward Wisconsin touted as the United States’ cheese capital. According to Quora.com, Wisconsin is a cheese curd lovers’ paradise. Wisconsin is where I remember my parents going to buy cheese curds. Not able to find any curds that caused me to cringe from that signature squeak when I bit into them,

Not willing to give up, I decided to find a restaurant offering homemade fried cheese curds. They were as good as I remembered enjoying with my former mother-in-law. Still, there was only a squeak now and then. Maybe I was dreaming?  Did cheese curds not squeak as I remembered?

It was time to compare Minnesota and Wisconsin curds with those made in Iowa. I anxiously awaited my first bite of Iowa cheddar cheese curds.

Throughout my month-long journey, I became intrigued with finding out what made cheese curds squeak. After a quick internet search and chatting with cheesemakers, it became clear that an understanding of the process of making cheese curds is essential to understanding what makes curds squeak.

According to Livestrong.com, “As whey is drained from the vat during the creation of cheddar, cheese curds remain as an end product. Most cheese curds are best within a few days of production.”

WW Homestead Dairy

Just down the road from Decorah in Waukon is WW Homestead Dairy, self-proclaimed the cheese capital of Iowa. After a tour and lots of questions, I got my answer and much more. As it turns out, eating fresh warm curds is the key to the squeakiest cheese curds that you can imagine. Cheese curds that can cause one to cringe as if you’d just heard fingernails run down the face of a chalkboard.

Caring friends and colleagues suggest briefly warming up cheese curds in the microwave to force them to squeak as if fresh, but that didn’t work for me. No matter. My search is over. I have found the secret to tasty cheese curds.

Stop in at Homestead Dairy on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The time when you can purchase curds straight out of the vat– large, warm, tasty, and squeaky.

Where to Find Fried Cheese Curds

In my quest to find the best cheese curds, step two was to find area restaurants that serve fried cheese curds made from Homestead Dairy cheese. I checked out T-Bocks, Good Times, and Luther College in Decorah. The fried cheese curds were all made from cheddar from the WW Homestead Dairy and were delicious at all three places.

Fried Cheese Curds Recipe

Having now experienced deliciously fried local cheese curds, I thought it would be fun to learn how to make them.

After only five minutes of research on the internet, I came across the following recipe on AllRecipes.com.

Ingredients

2 quarts of corn oil for frying

¼ cup milk

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup beer

½ teaspoon salt

Two eggs

2 lbs. Cheese curds, broken apart

15-minute prep 15-minute cook | Ready in 30 minutes

Directions

1. Heat corn oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)

2. Whisk together milk, flour, beer, salt, and eggs to form a  smooth, relatively thin batter.

3. Place cheese curds, about six to eight at a time, into the batter, stir to coat, and remove with wire strainer.

4. Shake curds to remove excess batter.

5. Deep fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Drain on paper towels.

7. Serve hot with Ranch dressing.

Researching information for this article produced unexpected results. When I set out on this adventure initially, it was to find the best-tasting cheese curds in the Driftless region of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The journey turned out to be much more informative than imagined. CheeseUndergroundBlogspot.com offers the following advice and facts:

“Only buy cheese curds if they are fresh – anything over a day old isn’t the same.”

“High in fat but also high in taste.”

“Squeaky fresh and fun to eat.”

“Traditionally, cheese curds were the leftover bonus from a batch of cheddar, but cheesemakers brought it home for their children to eat.”

Calories

110 calories in 1 serving | 1 serving are equal to a half a cup or 1 ounce

Knowing the number of calories in a serving and how many servings a person can eat in one sitting,

I realized that physical exertion is a requirement after enjoying cheese curds. According to CalorieKing.com, it takes 31 minutes of walking or 30 minutes of jogging or 9 minutes of swimming, or 17 minutes of cycling to burn 110 calories.

Time to Eat

It is now time for a handful of curds.

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