States #24 and 25: Wisconsin and Minnesota
A Foodie Adventure in Milwaukee
Foodies unite! For a delectable adventure through the heart of the Midwest, we started our culinary escapade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This region is renowned for its brewing heritage and dairy inventions, and we were about to indulge in a range of mouthwatering delights that celebrate the rich traditions of the local cuisine.
Our first stop was the Bavarian Bierhaus, a hidden gem nestled in the charming Old Heidelberg Park. Stepping into this establishment, founded in the 1920s, we were transported to Germany, where Oktoberfest reigns supreme.
Here, we relished the delightful Flammkuchen, a tantalizing flatbread topped with creamy cheese, savory bacon, and zesty red onions. It was a perfect start to our culinary journey, embracing the essence of German flavors.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Our gastronomic journey took a crunchy turn as we savored the delectable Wisconsin fried cheese curds. These beer-battered white cheddar cheese curds, accompanied by a creamy buttermilk ranch dipping sauce, were a cheese lover’s dream come true.
It was a delightful combination of flavors that encapsulated the essence of Wisconsin’s culinary heritage.
Milwaukee’s Brewing Tradition
Our expedition led us next to the legendary Sprecher brewery, an old-school gem featuring a picturesque German-style bier garden.
While renowned for their craft soda and fire-brewed root beer, Sprecher also offers a delightful range of brews. It was a toast to the rich brewing culture of the Midwest.
Frozen Custard by Lake Michigan
Along the breathtaking waterfront of Lake Michigan, we stumbled upon a local favorite, Culvers Frozen Custard. This heavenly spot serves up premium desserts, including their luscious and creamy custard made with farm-fresh dairy.
A treat for our taste buds, the custard left us longing for more of Wisconsin’s delightful indulgences.
La Crosse and a Flavor Adventure
Venturing to La Crosse for a hike with friends, we discovered the trendy La Crosse Distilling Company. The menu boasts tantalizing wings accompanied by an array of unique hot sauces.
But the real star of the show was the Papas Machas: fried blue organic potatoes drenched in a chili-peanut sauce, topped with whipped ricotta and sugar-cured jalapenos. It was a bold, exciting flavor adventure that left us craving more.
Axe Throwing and a Sweet Finale
Embracing adventure, we tried our hand at axe-throwing and discovered a hidden talent. After all the excitement, we ended our Wisconsin journey at The Pearl, a delightful 1930s-style soda fountain and ice creamery.
This charming parlor, once immortalized by Norman Rockwell on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, offered a sweet nostalgia that perfectly rounded off our time in the Badger State.
Crossing Into Minnesota
Crossing into Minnesota, we reunited with family and ventured to the iconic Mall of America. But our gastronomic journey didn’t end there; we also paid homage to the legendary recording icon, Prince, by touring his recording studio and former home at Paisley Park.
Dinner With Family
Dining with my cousins, we visited A-Side Public House. Here, I was delighted by a flavorsome shawarma bowl featuring marinated chicken, accompanied by a refreshing tahini-cucumber salad and tzatziki.
The dish was elevated with juicy tomatoes, cauliflower tabbouleh, mixed olives, and Bulgarian feta—a delightful blend of textures and tastes that paid tribute to global influences.
Two States, Countless Flavors
As we concluded our foodie journey through the Midwest, we were left with hearts full of wonderful memories and taste buds that had experienced a true culinary adventure.
From the beer-soaked streets of Milwaukee to the royal flavors of Minnesota, our trip was an exploration of the diverse and delicious offerings that make this part of the country truly special.
Remember to savor every bite and celebrate the joy of discovering new flavors! Bon appétit!
Where I Stayed:
Microtel Inn, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Our stop in La Crosse brought us to the Microtel Inn, a straightforward and comfortable place to spend the night as our road trip continued through Wisconsin. After exploring the area and hiking with friends, it was nice to have a convenient place to relax before getting back on the road. It was one of those practical road-trip stays where location and a good night’s rest were exactly what we needed.
Sheraton St. Paul Woodbury Hotel
In St. Paul, we stayed at the Sheraton, where one of the highlights turned out to be spending some time at the Red Rock Bar. After a busy day of sightseeing and visiting family, it was fun to relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere rather than simply heading back to the room. These little hotel experiences often become some of the unexpected memories from a long road trip.
Milwaukee Marriott West
The Milwaukee Marriott West was actually in Waukesha, just west of Milwaukee, giving me convenient access to both the city and the surrounding communities. Located near I-94, it was particularly easy to reach and made a good base for a road trip through Wisconsin. The hotel has an indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, and BLVD Kitchen & Bar, giving me plenty of options without having to leave the property. I enjoyed the quieter setting while still being close enough to Milwaukee to explore the city.