New Glarus

Last month, Lisa and I stopped in Middleton, Wisconsin to visit Grace Coffee Company and National Mustard Museum. This second leg of our journey would take us to New Glarus where we experienced: Swiss + German fine dining, the origin of “Only in Wisconsin” beer, world champion cheese, fresh original pizza like we remember, coffee and breakfast that pull out all the stops, and a long line of locals and travelers queued up daily for handmade pastries since 1910.

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“Light and crisp with a refreshing caramel malty finish!”

It all started with a newspaper article given to us from our friend Sue about the National Mustard Museum. Then we wanted to fill out our experience with New Glarus Brewing Company. One thing led to another with one foot in front of the other. Before we knew it we were on our way with a full itinerary and empty bellies.

Glarner Stube was the most authentic old Swiss restaurant in the historic downtown of New Glarus. In the middle of the district, we found a small but charming well-preserved building with the worst kept secret in town. We arrived early for dinner before the wave of regulars, travelers and anyone else taken in by this hub of Swiss fine dining and spirits. Lisa ordered the Geschnetzelets “Stube Style” while I chose the Sea Scallops with Röesti (fried hash browns with aged Swiss). Lisa thought the dish “Spectacular!” and I noticed that the place filled up fast with locals—always a good sign.

Powered by the Stube, the first full day we trekked to New Glarus Brewing Company, sitting atop a hill upon a densely wooded landscape. The expanse of land was similar in size and scope to legendary Kentucky distilleries. Since I was the designated driver, Lisa was the appointed taster. She enjoyed them all from top to bottom. We made it a point to visit the Store and Depot to buy some souvenirs and favorites. “Only in Wisconsin.”

With a little time to pass and a lot of steps to take, we ended up at Chalet Cheese Haus. This was the source of the aged Swiss in the Röesti at Glarner Stube. They supplied cheese to several of the establishments in town. After a few cheese samples, we couldn’t resist a fresh hot grilled cheese sandwich made with melty panarro so stretchy.

The night was relaxing as we settled in at Sugar River Pizza. Again, we found ourselves seated with regular locals, not because of the town’s size but the quality of the pies. We ordered a Veggie Pizza that reminded us of our favorites growing up. Lisa noticed that the veggies were kept fresh under the cheese so golden brown. I commented that “The cheese was so good that it might’ve been sourced from Chalet Cheese Haus or somewhere local in the Dairy state.”

“Thin and light hand-tossed crust. Veggies were under the cheese, keeping them crisp and juicy!”

The second morning we toured the downtown once again but for the first time in bright sunlight. We enjoyed coffee and breakfast at Fat Cat Coffee Works, located inside the historic former train station. Lisa ordered a Latte with Almond Milk and Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich on Toasted Naan. I wanted to try their take on fall with a Frapped Iced Pumpkin Latte and Caprese Quiche. We both agreed that the environment was cozy and fresh while the fare was robust and a strong pull to come back.

Before we left, we stopped at New Glarus Bakery, established in 1910, and a detour for travelers near and far ever since. The line to get in the place peeked out the front door. Lisa and I looked at each other but I kept us patient. The wait actually gave us time to decide from the many trays of tempting delights. We tasted a little our first morning, we ate some on the drive back, and we enjoyed more at home.

“Smooth with the perfect balance of almond milk. The latte art is still perfect after drinking!”

Middleton and New Glarus made for a great extended weekend getaway not far from greater Chicago or Milwaukee. We could’ve stayed another night; but, we think next time we’ll stay overnight and bring friends. They liked our stories and souvenirs (edible and non) so much that they’ll really be revved up to go after seeing this post. I don’t think they’ll be alone in this!

This two-leg journey turned out to be much more enriching than I ever imagined. Go in with low expectations and open horizons, and get ready for a trip to remember. Maybe one or more of these destinations will be on your next itinerary. If you do go, save a Raspberry Berliner for me!

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To learn more and plan your visit to Glarner Stube, click Facebook – Glarner Stube

To learn more and plan your visit to New Glarus Brewing Company, click New Glarus Brewing Company

To learn more and plan your visit to Chalet Cheese Haus, click Chalet Cheese Haus

To learn more and plan your visit to Sugar River Pizza, click Sugar River Pizza – New Glarus

To learn more and plan your visit to Fat Cat Coffee Works, click Fat Cat Coffee Works

To learn more and plan your visit to New Glarus Bakery, click New Glarus Bakery

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To experience a dynamic presentation of New Glarus, click on the link to my Adobe Express photoblog at Adobe Express – New Glarus

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