Baumgartner's

We've talked about Baumgartner's on this blog before, so imagine how tickled we were to see Chris Soukup and Baumgartner's featured in an interview on the Madison news recently.



If you are new to the area or just visiting, stop in for a sandwich, a beverage or some cheese. Baumgartner's is a staple on the west side of Monroe's Downtown Square for good reason. Now, I have not tried the Limburger sandwich yet, but I can say that the roast beef is excellent. Someday I'll make my grandpa proud and give the Limburger and onions a try...

Bounty of Green County

I don't know about you, but I am eagerly anticipating the return of fresh local produce. Everything is turning green, and the plants are popping up all over the garden. This time of year means that the opening of the local farmers markets is just around the corner.

Monroe's Farmers Market opens next week, May 12. Open on Wednesdays from 2 until 5:30 and Saturdays from 8 until 1 pm, the Monroe Market is on the Downtown Square.

The market in Darlington is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am until 7 pm at the fair grounds.

The Paoli market opens in June, and takes place in the park on Wednesdays from 3 until 6 and Saturdays from 9 until 1.

Belleville's Farmer's Market opened last weekend. It is in the library park on Wednesdays from 2 to 6 and Saturdays from 8 until noon.

If you need something in between markets or something that you cannot find at a market, check out the Bounty of Green County list as well.

There are so many wonderful foods being made in our area, and buying directly from the producer is important on so many levels: money stays local, consumers can talk with the producer about what they are purchasing and how it was grown/created, and producers feel more accountable when they sell directly, so they provide a consistent, quality product.

Win $100 Monroe Money

Monroe Main Street is looking for your input on the hours that Downtown retail and service businesses are open. We know that everyone has busy lives these days. What hours make it easier for you to get Downtown?

The survey is only three questions long. It takes less than a minute to complete, and you'll be giving
some valuable input to Downtown business owners.

Complete Survey Now

If you need any more incentive, Monroe Main Street will also give away $100 Monroe Money to one respondent. Enter your email address when you complete the survey to be entered in the drawing. Not too bad for answering three quick questions, eh?

Thanks for helping Monroe's Downtown.

Finally, a CSA with a local drop off point!

Oh yes, another local food post. You know me - love to buy local and buy direct! Good food is one of the joys of life.
It has been years since a CSA (community supported agriculture) has had a drop off point in or around Monroe. For those of you unfamiliar with what a CSA is, you purchase a share of the harvest from a local produce grower. These farmers grow vegetables on their area farm, and every week during the growing season, you receive a box of freshly picked, perfectly in season produce as your share of the harvest. These boxes are usually brought to a few central drop off points a specific times, and you must go there to pick up your produce. Locals who wanted to be members of a CSA have often had to go to Verona, Janesville, Beloit or elsewhere to pick up their food.

Wiser Farms Produce in Evansville will be doing a Monroe drop off point this year. Josh and Bekah are in their first year with their CSA, and they are only take 20 shares for this year's harvest. They are offering a 16 week season, getting their clients more of the summer harvest and less of the extended periods of greens that some CSAs with 20 week season seem to have. I spoke with Josh, and he said that so many people seem tired of greens by the time the summer produce comes around that he wanted to keep his season a little shorter.

A share for their 16 week season is $400, only $25 per week for a box filled with local, fresh produce. If you are looking for an easy way to eat more local foods or just want to make sure that you are eating more vegetables this summer, you can't get much easier than this. Pick up your box once a week and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor.

They already have plants going in their hoophouses, and they will have bedding plants available (both vegetables and flowers).

Are you getting exciting about spring?

Business Spotlight - Ideate Ink

Keep it local.

That is one of our core beliefs in business and life. Supporting local businesses keeps our local economy strong and vibrant.

So, when we decided it was time for a new look for our business cards recently, we picked up the phone and called Adam Bansley over at Ideate Ink in Monroe. We gave Adam a photo and the text we wanted on the cards, and told him we wanted a classic design that was clean and readable. We had a proof within a day or two, and the cards were in our hands in next to no time.

It could not have been easier! The time we ordered cards online, we had to spend all the time flipping through templates and laying everything out ourselves. Adam saved us all of that hassle, and we know that our new business cards are not simply cookie cutter designs. Best of all, Ideate Ink was cheaper than the big company we ordered cards from previously. Small businesses can be surprisingly competitive and the service cannot be beat.

So, what do you think of our new card?

Local food producer want to know your opinions

We've talked about our friends up at Goosechaser Farm by Blanchardville frequently here on Cheese Country Realtors. Well, Stef and Andre have been busy developing a new offering, and they could use some input.

They have been developing their line of brats made from heritage pork, turkey, chicken and more. Trust me, these brats are worth trying. Created from Stef's custom spice blends and meat from animals raised naturally on Goosechaser Farm's patures, the brats are a truly local product. We have had the pleasure of enjoying some before, and we have become complete converts. Delish.

In order to better meet customer expectations when developing a new service, Stef has put together a short survey. In exchange for about the 3 minutes of your time necessary to answer the survey, you will be entered to win a year-long subscription to Goosechaser Farm's Brat of the Month Club. Take the Survey!

Get clean and save some green

Wisconsin winters are hard on our cars, what with all the salt and sand from the road making everything a dull grey and the ice that can build up. It can be damaging to the finish and undercarriage of a vehicle to leave that on too long.

We'd like to help you have a little money while protecting the investment you have in your vehicles. Readers of our blog can save 10% on any car wash at Pro-Image Car Wash in Monroe or receive $10 off any vehicle detail in the month of February. Simply mention Cheese Country Realtors or Luis to receive your discount.

Pro-Image had a full equipment rehaul in recent years, and all equipment and chemicals used have been updated to be both highly effective and respect the environment. This is not a touchless system, and what a difference that makes. The soft foam system is wonderful at getting a car to shine, and the polishes used help protect your vehicle until the next time you come through. The soft foam brushes creates friction which allows Pro-Image to use significantly less water and gentler cleaning solutions while still getting your car cleaner. (Touchless systems rely heavily on large quantities of water and frequently harsh chemical to clean your car.) Also, the water used is processed properly through the city's waste treatment system, and nothing ends up in the storm sewers like when someone washes a car in their driveway.

Pro-Image is located at 606 10th St next to Monroe Honda on Monroe's West Side, and as co-owners, we are proud to say that it is 100% locally owned and operated. Stop in Monday through Saturday from 8 am until 6 pm or Sunday 8 am until 5 pm. Remember to mention Cheese Country Realtors or Luis to receive your discount. (If you haven't met Luis in person yet, you pronounce his name Louie.) Call 608-329-4666 to set up a full or partial vehicle detail by appointment.

Business Spotlight

Being passionate supporters of both locally owned businesses and the environmental movement, we have been happy patrons of a New Glarus business for a while now. Recently, we have been hearing more and more people talk about this business, which warms our hearts.

Nikki's Diapers in New Glarus is an internet-based company turned brick and mortar store. We have had the pleasure of spending time with Nikki and her husband, and they are lovely people. They started the company from their home a number of years ago. Nikki wanted to fill the gaps for parents who were searching for quality cloth diapering items. Cloth diapering has come a long way from our grandparents' era, but you would never know it to see some of what is offered at the major national retailers. Niche businesses like Nikki's are helping make cloth diapering easier for parents of all budgets.

A few years ago, Nikki opened a retail space in New Glarus where she proudly offered not only cloth diapers and covers, but many other types of products as well. Now under the Planetwise umbrella, Nikki offers breastfeeding support items, babywearing slings and soft sided carrier, adorable soft baby shoes and legwarmers, wooden toys, reusable swim diapers, and much more. The New Glarus store has been one of our favorite places to stop in for a baby gift or supplies for our own children.

We want to congratulate Nikki because she recently opened a second brick and mortar retail location. There is now a Nikki's Diapers store in Madison as well, in Sauk Point Square on the corner of Old Sauk Rd and High Point for those of you familiar with the area. It is exciting to see a local business grow so well!

For those of you unfamiliar with Nikki's current New Glarus location, it is at 405 2nd St, just down the road from Tofflers and almost across the street from the park with the swimming pool. Hours there are limited to weekdays until 3:30, though the Madison store does have expanded hours. Otherwise, take advantage of her free shipping options and shop from home.

For those of you curious about cloth diapering, it really is easy. The environmental impact does make a big difference, in spite of what the studies commissioned by the disposable diaper companies claim. Go green and support a local business at the same time!

Local Money

Have you heard of Monroe Money or Monticello Money?

Both of these area communities have special programs where area residents can purchase certificates to be spent at any one of a number of local businesses. Monroe Money may be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and can be spent at any Chamber of Commerce member business.

Monticello has Monticello Money, and the certificates can be spent at any of the Monticello Business and Professional Association members. Monticello Money may be purchased at the Bank of Monticello's Main Street location or at the Village Hall.

Monticello is doing a special Black Friday promotion to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season. Monticello Money will be 10% off on Friday, November 27.

Monticello Money or Monroe Money also make great gifts in and of themselves. Both can spend these at any member businesses. With lists of members that include hair salon, grocery stores, bowling alleys, repair centers, gift shops and much, much more, there will be myriad options for the lucky recipients.

Joining the "Go local, go independent" movement

Frequent readers know that we are strong supporter of locally owned, independent businesses. We are joining their ranks.

Towne Square Realty has always been locally owned, but we've been part of the Re/Max family for a while now. Our company decided to return to our roots and go independent again as of this month.


This move gives our company more flexibility to serve our clients to the best of our abilities. We still advertise our properties in all of the same venues and all of the same website (including the Re/Max site and all of the other major franchise sites thanks to the wonders of internet data exchange).

Go local, go independent!

"Stirring the Pot"

This week starts the first of a three-part series of free community picnics. “Stirring the Pot: Dialogue, Discussion and Dinner in the Dairyland,” is sure to be an engaging and fun forum for area residents to gather and learn more about creating a healthy, green and sustainable local food system.

Come sit on the Monroe Arts Center lawn on a blanket and enjoying your picnic. Watch area chefs share secrets for cooking fresh, tasty dishes. Wander over to the MAC parking lot area enjoy local music and various activities to prompt discussion about food.

This first picnic on Wednesday, June 17 features a spring theme, with discussion focused on the theme “Roots and Seeds of Spring,” prompting discussion around how our food experiences and memories shape our attitudes today. On July 15, the second picnic will take place with a “Summer Abundance” theme. The final picnic is on August 19 and turns to fall harvest perspectives. National humanities experts Dr. Steve Stevenson and Kathy Ruf will be on hand to share their perspectives working in the areas of preserving family farms and encouraging local food systems.

The “Stirring the Pot” picnics all start at 5:30 pm, following the Wednesday Monroe Farmers’ Market. The upcoming June 17 event will kick-off with demonstrations by Blackhawk Technical College’s Chef Mark Olson, who will be demonstrating Goat Cheese and Oven-Dried Tomato Strudel showcasing local Green County raised and produced items. Steph Culberson of The Goosechaser Farm in Blanchardville will then share her technique and tips for making spätzli, the traditional Swiss egg noodle dish.

Please bring your own picnic and blanket or lawn chairs and help reduce waste at this event by bringing reusable dishware. The event will be held inside the Monroe Arts Center in case of rain. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer and help with these events, please contactCara Carper, UW-Extension (608-328-9441, cara.carper@ces.uwex.edu). No reservation is needed. For those with disabilities who need table seating, call Cara as well.

Business Spotlight - Sequels

The only constant is change, and change is something that we do see in the businesses that line Monroe's Downtown Square.

A new store joined the Square earlier this month. Sequels features higher end consignment furniture. Do you prefer to buy consignment pieces due to the lower environmental footprints associated with reusing? Have you outgrown your college furnishings, but do not have the budget for more refined furnishings yet? Did you just purchase a new home and ran out of furniture before you ran out of rooms? Maybe you simply prefer saving a little money while still furnishing your home with high quality pieces. You need to stop in to see the rapidly changing stock at Sequels.

I was in Sequels a couple of times over the course of a few weeks, and the inventory varied greatly. The hand painted canvas featuring a glorious red poppy that I had my eye was long gone by the time I went back for it, and I noticed that the stock of larger furniture pieces was very different as well. The prices are very fair at Sequels, and people who are quick to recognize the deals should not delay in purchasing like I had. From custom furniture and home decor pieces to art work and china, the stock at Sequels is bound to be snapped up by people with an eye for refined decorating.

Sequels is located on the east side of Monroe's Downtown Square. Rosemary is the owner, and she is a lively woman who is a treat to chat with. Pop in, say hi and browse a bit.

If you spot something floral and hand painted, give me a call. My living room needs something new. I wonder who snapped up the poppy painting...

Local Foods + Business = Success

Food plays a large role in our lives here in Green County. Family farms grow food, raise animals and milk cows. Our many cheese factories create award winning cheese. CSAs and market farmers grow vegetables. Established businesses like Swiss Colony, Minhas Brewery and New Glarus Brewery distribute goods nationwide.

There is a new initiative beginning that has the goal of getting more of our local foods into local homes as well as helping people start the value-added food businesses they have always dreamed of, but never had the resources or support to begin. The group, sponsored by UW Extension, is currently doing a survey to assess demand for a community kitchen in order to secure funding.

If you currently have a small local food business, from jelly making to cake decorating, or if you dream of a business, please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. Green County Community Kitchen Survey If you yourself do not have these dreams, but you know of someone in the area who has an amazing salsa, if your neighbor gives away batches of delicious kettle chips, if your cousin creates sublime fudge, please pass this along. Sometimes all it takes is a suggestion and some support for a business to grow out of a hobby.

The group is also promoting two events this spring and summer along the local foods and business theme. See Jane Grow is a workshop presented by local author, business owner and director of the Rural Women’s Project, Lisa Kivirist. The workshop is described as "bringing together various tools, resources and networking opportunities for women passionate about food and agriculture." See Jane Grow is free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Cara at UW Extension (328-9431) to register. This event takes place at Kookaburra's on Monroe's Square on the evening of April 30, and it is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Blackhawk Technical College and Green County Development Corporation.

The Wisconsin Humanities Council has also given the group a grant to fund a three part potluck discussion series this June, July and August. Stirring the Pot: Dialogue, Discussion and Dinner in Dairyland will feature a cooking demonstration, potluck and topical discussion led by national local food leaders each month. Mark your calendar for June 17, July 15 and August 19. The family friendly events will bring together area farmers, chefs, educators and anyone who appreciates our area’s rich food and agriculture traditions.