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...

Things to Do Around Monroe

What to do, what to do.

~ The Wisconsin Regional Art Exhibit opens at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. This multi-media exhibit features artist from all over the region. The exhibit culminates with an artist workshop on Feburary 27. That all day workshop has $5 admission at the door, but the exhibit in Frehner Gallery is, as always, free.

~ MAC also has a painting workshop this weekend. "Approaches to Winter Painting" with Tina Duemler and Jonathan Wilde is this Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm. $70 fee, registration required. The deadline was actually Tuesday, but try giving MAC a call anyways if you are interested.

~ Young Professionals of Green County are participating in a free curling exhibit this Saturday. Come over to SLICE in Monroe on Saturday from 1 until 3 to learn about curling with other YPs.

~ Brooklyn has a free family movie night this Saturday at their community center starting at 7. Doors open at 6:30, and there will be concessions. Bring your own seating! Did you know that Brooklyn also has drop in Yoga and Zumba classes on Thursday evenings? Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 at the community center, bring your own mat, $5 per class.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild has a "Painting Cinderella" workshop starting this Saturday. This FREE workshop will involved learning scene painting while working on the set for the middle school musical production of Cinderella this spring. Ages 12 through adult are welcome, 9 am through noon. This is the first of three Saturday workshops for it; come to one or come to all three. Sign up also for the music and movement classes for kids ages 4-7 next weekend or the spring youth choir, both next weekend.

~ MTG members can come over the STAGE building on Sunday for their big Super Bowl Party. Watch the big game on the BIG screen! The fun starts at 1 with board games and cards. Bring your snacks and drinks or a dish to share if you want. They will be pooling for pizza later in the evening. Not a member? Join for just $15 for individuals, $20 for members.

~ Cat's Pajamas is doing an vocal concert at the Performing Arts Center on Monday at 7 pm. Friends who have seen this group perform in the past rave about them. Everything is vocal, but you would swear there was an entire band up there when they perform. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for student, and are available through the any Monroe School office. The event benefits the Monroe School District Choral Department.

~ It will be a busy week for YPs. Tuesday evening is their monthly happy hour networking event. Pop in at Baumgartner's any time after 5:30 for free cheese trays and drink specials. Baumgartener's is owned by fellow YP'er Chris Soukup, and he is sponsoring the food.

~ After the YP happy hour, come over to Kookaburra's in Monroe for one of their cooking classes. Cooking for 2 is this week's class. Sign up on their website or by talking with Laura, $25 per person. They will be making fondue, ravioli gratin, custard and more, and attendees get to eat what they make!

Goodness, there is a lot going on. This doesn't even cover the normal movies and dining options in the area. Have fun!

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ Come to Heritage House in Monroe tonight for the Young Professionals of Green County for a Holiday Happy Hour starting at 5:30. There will be Holiday Martini and appetizer specials. The YPs are also adopting a family in need this month, and they will be collecting donations tonight. Donations of food, cash, baby clothing and educational toys are encouraged. See YP website for details.


~ Prost! Baumgartner's in Monroe is having their holiday party this Friday evening from 7 pm until midnight. Enjoy oysters on the half shell, traditional Glugg, cheese and more.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus is hosting a CD release party for area artist Beth Kille. There will be live music and no cover charge for this event which starts at 9 pm on Saturday.

~ There is still time to see Monroe Theatre Guild's annual production of A Christmas Carol. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well at 2 pm on Sunday.

~ MTG's Stage Right youth program has a workshop on Saturday. Junk Puppets is for kids ages 8 through 12. Children will learn the art of puppet making combined with recycling as they use traditionally recycled and throw-away items to make their art. $18 for members, $21 for non-members, 9 am until noon.

~ Green County Humane Society has a fundraising event this Saturday. Pet Photos with Santa takes place from 10 am until noon at Monroe Auto Sales on the west side of Monroe. Bring your pets to be photographed with the big guy, and while you are there, pick up some treats at the bake sale there at the same time. Donations of baked goods are welcome; please contact Angie at 325-9600 for more information. Remember, the Humane Society is always in need of donations and dog walkers (see their website for a wish list), so chip in to help out the furry friends there this winter!

~ The Monroe Farmer's Market is starting up again! The first market of the season is today ~ Don't miss this weekend's Winter Market! Stock up on root vegetables, jams, jellies, baked goods and more at the farmers market on Monroe's Downtown Square. With a nod to the weather, the market moved indoors for winter, and it will be held in the lower level of Das Baumhaus from 9 am until 2. The next one isn't until January 16, so stock up now.

~ The Bel Canto Singers will perform a concert at 7 pm on Sunday at St Victor's Catholic Church in Monroe. Bel Canto is known for their rich vocals, and they will be teaming up with an organist, trumpeter and saxophonist for this performance. $5 admission.

~ Congratulations are in order for five Brodhead area ballerinas who will be onstage at the Overture Center in Madison this weekend for the annual Nutcracker performance. The girls, all students at the BHF Dance Academy, are Emily Beauchel, Nickole Becker, Carly Benton, Abby Jo Harnack and Rachel Jorgensen. There is still time to purchase tickets for the performances by contacting the Overture Center Box Office. Way to go girls! All that hard work really paid off for you. Break a leg!

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ There is an opening reception for the new exhibit in Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. "Looking In, Looking Out" is an exhibit by Lake Mills artists Karen Ragus and Leslie DeMuth. The show features artists working within a contrast of styles, a contrast of inspiration, and a contrast of imagery, but with a shared passion for color, mood and personal expression. The reception is from 5 until 7 pm, with a talk by the artists starting at 5:30 pm.

~ Did you get the kids enrolled for Monroe Theatre Guild's Stage Right Youth Theatre workshops this weekend? There is still time to enroll, so call Suzanne as soon as possible. There are two workshops for kids ages 7 and up this weekend, and two for kids ages 4 through 7 next weekend.

~ UW Extension is offering a free webinar for local farmers this Friday from 8 until 10 am in the new Justice Center. The topic will be on dealing with issues in the fall harvest, weighting the pros and cons of letting the crops dry naturally in the fields at the risk of potential mold development versus harvesting earlier and dealing with the costs of mechanically drying. Pre-registration is requested; call Mike Mayer at 328-9440.

~ Famous Fossil Winery is having Wine Movies and Cheesecake on Fridays and Saturdays this November and December. Enjoy a free wine-themed movie, pick up a slice of homemade Famous Fossil Cheesecake, and enjoy an evening out. This weekend's movie will be A Good Year; next week's is The Secret of Santa Vittoria.

~ Baumgartner's has live music this Saturday evening. Glen Davis will be playing blues starting at 8 pm. It should be a great event. Stop by Baumgartner's tonight for their Wednesday night Baby Back Ribs special!

~ Get some of your holiday shopping completed this weekend at the Brodhead Jaycees Arts and Crafts fair. Browse the many vendors all day on Saturday at the high school. Food will be available on site as well.

~ You can eat pancakes all day long in Freeport on Saturday. The United Methodist Church is having a pancake breakfast, and the Silvercreek Museum is having a pancake supper.

~ Monroe Arts Center hosts the final Sunday concert for fall on Sunday. Chicago pianist Mark Valenti will perform a series of works by Schubert, Stravinsky, and Debussy starting at 2 pm. Tickets are free for MAC members, $10 for the general public and will be available at the door.

~ Edler Glass Studio in Cedarville has their annual open house on Saturday and Sunday from 10 until 4. Watch the art of glass blowing, view the exhibit pieces and browse for something special to take home.

~ Small business owners, make plans to attend a workshop on financing options at Blackhawk Technical College Monroe's campus on Tuesday evening. The subject of the workshop will be Financing Opportunities for Small Business. Learn the myths and truths about small business loans, grants, financing and more. The cost is $10 and pre-registration is required. Call 342-1038 to register.

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are hosting a socializing and networking Happy Hour at Flanagan's Shenanigans on Tuesday, November 10 starting at 5:30 pm. Free snacks, drinks specials. The YPs are doing a Toy Drive for the Monroe Women's Club in conjunction with this event, so please bring a new, unwrapped toy if you are able.

~ Register for Chef Stef Culberson's Gifts from the Kitchen workshop at Goosechaser Farm next week. This popular class will be offered three times this year, twice at the farm and once at Kookaburra's in Monroe. Each participant will take home four wrapped and packaged gifts, all ready for giving.

~ Next Wednesday, November 11, MAC is auditioning local talent for the Annual Showcase of Talent Variety Show starting at 6:30. Groups or individuals, singing, dancing, instrumental music, comedy and more are all welcome. A second day of auditions is scheduled for Saturday morning, November 11.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Another weekend is approaching quickly. Do you have your plans ready?

~ Monroe Main Street hosts a webinar on Green and Sustainable Downtowns on Thursday, October 17 at Wisconsin Community Bank over the lunch hour. Contact Cara at Green County Extension to register: 328-9440. Cost is $12.50 for the webinar, and that includes lunch.

~ John and Lisa over at Inn Serendipity are hosting a Sustainable Living in the 21st Century workshop on Friday and Saturday. Nationally recognized in the green movement, they are an incredible resource in sustainability and going green. This workshop covers buying a farm property, sustainable gardening, renewable energy, divirsified business planning in a rural setting and raising a family on the farm. There will be resources on getting started and a hands-on tour of the farm, gardens, a strawbale greenhouse under construction and various renewable energy systems. Registration required, $30 per person. Call Lisa or John at 608-329-7056 for information and registration.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus has special events for the weekend's football games. Saturday they are playing the UW game on the big screen, and come in on Sunday for the Packer game and a free nacho bar.

~ Live music at Baumgartner's this Saturday evening. Fever River String Band takes the stage at 8 pm.

~ Dad's Corn Maze just east of Monroe has Flashlight Night this Saturday until 9 pm. Bring your own flashlight and wind your way through the twists and the turns of the maze.

~ The Monticello Lioness Craft Fair is Sunday from 9 until 3 in the school gym. There will be over 60 vendors on hand, and the Lionesses sell nuts every year as well. Don't forget your tickets for the raffle!

~ Plan ahead for next weekend! Monroe Theatre Guild has a lot going on at the Stage building. Get your tickets for Singin' on Sunday and Craig Tuttle, performing on Friday and Saturday evening. There is also a Stage Right Youth Theatre workshop on Saturday, Acting Essentials for Teens.

Things to Do Around Monroe

~ Have you made reservations for this month's Famous Fossil Wine Down and Cookout? Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of. The July menu includes rib eyes on the grill, seasonal salad, Mrs Mike's chips, wine specials and Famous Fossil Sangria, all served on the patio at the winery overlooking the vineyards.

~ Enjoy live music at Tofflers in New Glaurus on Friday night. Enjoy the sounds of Mark Harrod on the patio. On Sunday, the Alex Wilson Band will perform at Caribbean Coffee and Cream in Brooklyn from 2 until 5 pm.

~ There is still time to sign the kids up for Fairy Tale Theatre through Monroe Theatre Guild, and scholarships are still available. Visit the MTG website for details.

~ From Friday through Sunday, "Eight Miles of Ag-tiques" will line highway 69 from Monroe to Orangeville. International Harvestor. John Deer. Minneapolis Moline. Oliver. Allis Chalmers. Massey Harris. If these names mean anything to you, come see your favorites. If these names mean nothing to you, find out why the are special. There will be displays at farms and businesses lining Highway 69 filled with vintage farming equipment and one farm will even feature a draft horse demonstration.

~ Washington Church in Monticello celebrate their anniversary with an annual music fest on July 4. There will be 5 bands playing starting at 11 am and going until 4 pm.

~ Monroe's big Fourth of July celebration takes place on Saturday at Twining Park. Events kick off at 11 am. Watch the soccer, volleyball and softball games or enjoy entertainment in the band shell. Food vendors will be in the park all day. Children's events are scheduled from 11 am until 3 pm. The big fireworks display starts about 9:30.


~ Brodhead's Fourth of July celebration on Saturday starts with a parade at noon and finishes with fireworks at dusk. This year's event will feature special events celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Fire Department.

~ You can also find fireworks celebrations in Brooklyn at Legion's park. There will be bands, games for the family and a grand fireworks finale.

~ Stephenson County will be having a big fireworks display for Independence day on Friday evening at dusk at the fairgrounds in Freeport.

~ Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meets on Monday evening at 6:30 in the New Glarus Room of the Monroe Hospital. This month's featured speaker is James Schneider of Blue Chip Training & Marketing. His topic will be "Building and Maintaining a Winning Business Attitude."

Things to do

~ Tour a local garden with the Green County Garden Club on Thursday. Jeff Burandt will give a guided tour of his ponds and a discussion on water gardening. Call Wanda at 608 219-8480 for time and address.

~ Have you signed up for the Sugar River Golf Outing? The Belleville Chamber put together this outing for Saturday at Arguement Golf Course. $25 includes includes 9 holes of golf with a cart, along with steak dinner and beer after wards, and prizes. Call Dave Ace at Eyeball Machine or Regina Moyer at Amcore Bank-Belleville to sign up.

~ Come listen to live music this Saturday at either Baumgartners (Monroe) or Tofflers (New Glarus).

~ If you prefer your music outdoors, come to the Brooklyn Bluegrass Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Ameteurs and professionals will gather for workshops, concerts, homemade food, campfires, local beer and more.

~ Are you looking to try something new? Susan Myoyu Andersen Roshi is having an introductory class on Zen meditation at the Great Plains Zen Center on Saturday, June 7 from 9am - 11:30am. Suggested donation is $15 ($8 for seniors and students). The Zen Center is wheelchair accessible.

~ The Zor Shrine Circus is coming to town next week. Come to one of the shows on Wednesday, June 10 at the Green County Fairgrounds. Do you need some buy one, get one free tickets? Drop us an email and we will mail you some.

~ Next week, come Downtown in Monroe for the first Concert on the Square for the summer. Horsefeathers plays rockabilly on Thursday, June 11 from 6:30 until 8:30. Box lunches are available from some of the Downtown restaurants: Cafe Claudeen, Garden Deli, Turner Hall.

~ Thespian alert! Monroe Theatre Guild is auditioning for the role of Scrooge for this winter's performance. Auditions will be next Friday, June 12. You can pick up the script, which is new this year and an original piece written by Fr. Klarer, at the library.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Time to look ahead to what is happening in the next week or so.

~ There is still a little bit of time to register for tomorrow's See Jane Grow workshop led by Lisa Kivirist of Inn Serendipity and hosted at Kookaburra's in Monroe. I just spoke with Lisa, and while there are 20 registered attendees, there is still room for a few more.

~ The Monticello Historical Museum opens for the season on Saturday. They will be unveiling a new exhibit, Jim Town, and there will be a Civil War Living History Encampment. The encampment will be across from the fire department at the end of Main Street, and it will open at 9 am. The museum opens at 10 am, and there will be a parade at 1:30 pm. Following the parade, the City Band will have a concert at 2 pm in Community Park (alternate location is the school gym in case of inclement weather). Free, but donations are appreciated.

~ Time is running out to register a team for the annual Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl For Kids Sake. The event takes place over the next week and half at area bowling alleys. Register your team and gather your pledges, then lace up your bowling shoes.

~ The UW Extension Master Gardeners are having a plant sale in the Auditorium of the Government Services building on Saturday from 9 until noon. They will have perennials, annuals and herbs, and volunteers will be available to help you choose the best plants for your garden.

~ Live Music! Come to Baumgartner's on Saturday night to listen to the sounds of Robert J and the Rowdy Prairie Dogs. Tofflers will feature Joel Pingitore and the Playground of Sound. Tofflers is also having a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday including a Fancy Hat Contest at 5 pm.

~ Thursday, April 30 is the last day to register to attend Monday evening's "Taste of Spring" benefit event for MAC.

~ Young Professionals of Green County are having a Business Showcase at Quest Industrial, a locally company owned by a YP'er, on Monday evening at 5:30. Tour the facility and learn about the company's current robotics projects. There will be a socializing time at Smokey's following the event for anyone who wishes to stay.

We'll see you around town!

Tasting Tour #1

There are some pretty amazing flavors that come out of our stomping grounds here in Green County.

Whether you are a tourist visiting the area or a long time resident, take a little vacation and sample some of our goods. Try a day trip to the area with a Tasting Tour.

I am writing these myself; they are not from any visitors guide book or tourism site, so please keep that in mind. These are just fun ways to spend a day or two here in the Green County area.

Tasting Tour #1 will focus on beverages, alcoholic and non. If you want to do the full tasting tour, start promptly at 10 am and follow the schedule as given. If you would rather linger longer in the New Glarus area, adjust the tour so that you get to Monroe in time for the 3 pm brewery tour and leave off the final winery stop.

Start your day in New Glarus at 10 am. Here is where you will find New Glarus Brewing Company, a quickly growing upstart in the craft brewing world. Fat Squirrel, Spotted Cow, Organic Revolution, Crack'd Wheat - these are names known to beer aficionados in the Midwest. Dan and Deb Carey are the founders. This company is unique because it is the first brewery in the US founded and operated by a woman. Deb runs the company, Dan is the brewmaster, and an incredible local product is the result. Self guided audio tours are available from 10 am until 5 pm Monday through Sunday. The new facility on the hill just south of New Glarus will be open to the public this year. If you would like to sample, stop in the Tasting Room where $3.50 will get you three samples and a New Glarus Brewing tasting glass.

After learning about New Glarus beers, stop over at Primrose Winery around 11 am to learn about local wines. Primrose began in 1986 when Peg and Bob Borucki decided to turn their wine making hobby into a business after many raves from their friends about their products. Primrose Winery uses Wisconsin fruits to create 13 handcrafted wines. Primrose is special because they do use chemicals to clarify their wines, instead relying on old fashioned racking. They do not offer tours, but they offer free tastings year round at their building in Downtown New Glarus. They do have an Open House event coming up in late May.

Noon means lunch time! Pick up a sandwich for lunch and the coffee drink of your choice at Fat Cat Coffee Works before leaving New Glarus. You'll enjoy the quality ingredients and the charming ambiance at this small town coffee cafe. If you want to do the full Tasting Tour, leave New Glarus at about 12:30 to give yourself enough time to get to your next tour at 1 pm. Otherwise, wander over to the New Glarus bakery for a pastry dessert and visit some of the New Glarus shops as well.

Next stop is Monroe for a tour of Minhas Brewery. This has been a brewery since 1846, the oldest continuously operating brewery in the Midwest. The name has changed a few times, the product labels are different, but the product is still the same - mostly beer. During Prohibition, they began producing excellent root beer and sodas. When alcohol became legal again, the soda stayed in the line up. The brewery has changed hands a few times in 163 years, and in 2006, it became Minhas Brewery. Minhas still produces Blumer's, Berghoff, and Huber, but has grown to include such brews as Lazy Mutt. Do stop in for a tour. They are fun and tasty experiences. Tours are offered every Friday at 1p.m. and Saturday at 1p.m. and 3p.m. It is recommended to call to reserve a spot: 608-325-3191. Tours are $10 for ages 13 years and older, kids under 12 are free with parent. The tour price does include a Minhas Craft Brewery Gift Pack including several bottles as well as Minhas gifts.

If you made the 1 pm tour at Minhas, you will have time for the final stop on our Tasting Tour. (If you had the 3 pm tour instead, browse around our Downtown or catch a matinee movie at Goetz Theater before skipping ahead to dinner).

Drive a little farther south towards Freeport, IL to tour Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery. Famous Fossil is a charming winery that has a certified biodynamic vineryard (meets organic standards plus some). Their tasting room is open from 11 am until 5 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 until 7 on Fridays and noon until 4 on Sundays. Sit on the deck, sample the wines and enjoy the countryside and vineyard views. If you call ahead, they will arrange a box meal for you to enjoy on site.

If you prefer a restaurant dinner, drive on back to Monroe and enjoy a leisurely dinner at Barrett's Brick Cafe, Cafe Claudeen or Poncho & Lefty's, opening soon. End your tour with a stop at Baumgartner's on the west side of the Square for a final glass of your favorite beer of the day, great camaraderie and (on many Saturday evenings) live music.

Don't forget the designated driver on this tasting tour! We want you to get back to your hotel or bed and breakfast safely.

If you are making a weekend out of visiting our area, combine this with Tasting Tour #2.

Things to Do around Monroe, WI

Lots going on in the area in the upcoming days!

~ Monroe Theatre Guild is a happening place in the next week! Tons going on at the Stage Building in Monroe.

• Dancing with Marlene: This dance class is a bargain! The five week class started last week, but anyone interested can still register and join us this week. The class runs from 6:30 until 7:30 on Thursdays, and the prorated price is only $8 for memeber for the remaining classes. Luis and I are taking it, and it is so much fun. Learn swing, polka, waltz, line dances and more.
  
• Youth Improv Workshop: Dave Bristow is leading this workshop for people age 14-24. Learn the art of Improv comedy and acting. Cost is $30 for the 4.5 hour class. Registration is officially finished, but there may still be room. Contact MTG for more information.
• Classic Movie Night: Come watch Casablanca with MTG members on Saturday evening. Enjoy their theatre seating and pick up some popcorn at their concessions. Stick around after the showing for post-movie discussion. 7 pm

~ Music! If you want to hear live music, this is the weekend for you.

• Keith Gennerman Band is playing at the New Glarus Hotel on Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 pm.
• Dave Cox is playing blues and rock at Baumgartner's on Saturday night at 8 pm. Come listen to Cox's mix of blues and rock, enjoy a Lazy Mutt or peppermint hot cocoa and a cheese sandwich.
  
• Joel Pingitore and the PlayGround of Sound! is playing at Toffler's in New Glarus on Saturday evening at 9 pm.
• Turner Hall has another Dance and Dine event featuring the Keith Zweifel Band on Sunday from 2 until 6 pm.

~ Stop by the United Methodist Church on Saturday morning for the Boy Scouts Troop 180 annual Pancake Breakfast. Adults are $6, kids 10 and under are $3. The breakfast runs from 7 am until noon.

~ The 22nd annual Monroe FFA Farm Toy Show takes place at the Monroe High School on Sunday from 9 am until 3 pm. There will be over 120 tables of old & new tractors, Nascar, farm displays and farm related toys as well as vendors from three states. Admission is $3, kids 10 and under are free.

~ Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport is showing a production of The Vagina Monologues on Saturday March 7 and March 14 at 7:30 pm. It is sponsored by the Freeport Art Museum, and proceeds will go to support VOICES, a Freeport group working to prevent violence against women and girls. Tickets are $12.

~ The Monroe Public Library is hosting another Celebrando Storytime on Tuesday, March 1o. Bring the kids for stories in both English and Spanish along with games and a craft. Everything is presented in both languages, so you do not have to be bilingual to attend. Stories start at 6:30 pm in the community room at the library.

~ Young Professionals of Green County is having another Bowl-o-Rama at Turner Hall on Wednesday, March 11 starting at 6 pm. $10 for bowling, pizza and soda.

This is just a sampling of local events. Check out Green County Spotlight or Stephenson County CVB for more events.