2025 Year in Review

2025 didn't start off any better than 2024 ended. Adventure plans looked bleak and it took until July to leave the state. We did manage a baseball road trip and a few random adventures with Stacy. Hopefully 2026 is a better year for adventures.

Bucket List Adventures

Original List 4 -- Surprised it was that many
Expanded List 50+

States
1. WI
2. MN
3. IL
4. IN
5. OH
6. KY

Counties -- 85 (8 New)

MLB Stadiums
1. AmFam

MiLB Stadiuns
1. Fox Cities Stadium
2. Four Winds Field*
3. Day Air Ballpark*
4. Louisville Slugger Field*

College Basketball Arenas
1. Kohl Center
2. University of Sayron Arena
3. Yum Center (Louisville)
4. State Farm Arena (Illinois)

College Football Stadiums
1. Camp Randall
2. Welcome Field (Dayton)
3. Memorial Stadium (Illinois)

NFL Stadiums

1. Lambeau Field

States With Baseball
1. WI
2. IN
3. OH
4. KY*

States With Donuts
1. WI
2. IN
3. IL

States with Burger Joints
1. WI
2. IN

States with Pizza
1. WI
2. KY*
3. IL

States with Chocolate Shops
1. WI
2. IL*

States with Ice Cream
1. WI
2. IL

Counties with Sports
1. Wood
2. Milwaukee
3. Fond du lac
4. Outagamie
5. Calumet
6..Sheboygan
7. Dane
8. Winnebago
9. Brown
10. Manitowoc
11. Marathon*

Counties With Pizza
1. Outagamie
2. Winnebago
3. Eau Claire
4. Fond du lac
5. Manitowoc
6. Door
7. Sheboygan

Counties With Chocolate Shops
1. Ozaukee
2. Outagamie*
3. Columbia

Counties With Cheese Shops
1. Ozaukee
2. Calumet*
3. Columbia

Counties with Ice Cream
1. Outagamie
2.. Calumet
3. Ozaukee
4. Dane
5. Manitowoc
6. Sheboygan

Counties with Burgers
1. Outagamie
2. Dane*
3. Winnebago

Counties with Donuts
1. Outagamie
2. Dane*

Counties with Beer
1. Manitowoc*
2. Waukesha*

Counties with Coffee Shops
1. Outagamie
2. Sauk*
3. Calumet*

7705. Try chocolate cheese

 Janis splurged on us for the cookie exchange and gave each us a chunk of chocolate cheese. We sampled some at the cookie exchange but I saved mine to share on Christmas. 

Chocolate cheese is not cheese dipped in chocolate. It is a a creamy blend of cocoa and usually cheddar mixed with nuts. It is soft and can be spreadable. A little can go a long ways. 

When I had it at the cookie exchange, it was fresh. I thought it tasted pretty good. I was excited to share it with my family.

On Christmas, it was not as good as I remembered. It was gritty and too chocolate. Maybe it was the wine I had at the cookie exchange enhanced the taste of the chocolate cheese. That would make sense. It didn't really go good on my cracker.'

I am torn on the chocolate cheese. I think if it's fresh and not 2 weeks old, it is probably better. I think it does pair good with a tart wine.

So the jury is still out on chocolate cheese. I am have to try some fresh again before I write it off completely. I would still recommend trying some when you get the chance. It is definitely unique. 

Checking out the Christmas Skating Spectacular

 As we were driving around the Valley checking out the Christmas Lights, we went through Downtown Neenah and parked for a few minutes by the Plaza. We wanted to watch the skaters. It turns out there was an ice show going on .

The Fox Valley Figure Skating Club was putting on a free show at the ice rink at the Plaza. It was free and open to the public and started at 6:30. We got there around 7:30 and was able to catch the tail end of the show. 

Sitting in the back seat I didn't have a great view of watching through the gate especially at the far end of the rink. We did occasionally catch a glimpse of the skaters. 

Some were pairs and some were single skaters. They all skated about 2-3 minute short program. Some had fun costumes. Others wore skating costumes.

From what we saw it was a great program. I wish we could have seen the whole program and not from the inside of the car.

If they do it again next year, hopefully I find out about it before we stumble upon it. It looks like a fun Christmas activity with fun beverages and some skating. The hubby probably would roll his eyes. Maybe you will be able to check it out next year too 

25 in 2025 -- Try a New Coffee Shop -- Mud Creek Coffee

 I have driven by Mud Creek Coffee numerous times and finally decided I need to try it. Heather and I tried to stop on the way to see sunflowers but it was closed for Labor Day weekend. I tried to stop a couple of times on the way to Saukville a couple of times after that but never had enough time. Finally Stacy and I decided to visit Mud Creek Coffee for breakfast during cookie baking weekend.

Mud Creek Coffee is located in Sherwood on Highway 114. It is open 6-3 Monday-Friday and 7-3 Saturdays and 8-3 on Sundays. You stop in or go through drive thru. 

We opted to dine in. They have several tables and booths. 

Looking at the menu for breakfast, I was tempted to try a breakfast bowl but since the eggs were premade and I couldn't get them well done. I don't like runny or soft eggs. It's a texture thing. I just ended up getting a bagel. Stacy said her sandwich was good and didn't even realize the eggs were pre-made. The sandwiches looked very good.

I got peppermint hot chocolate. I was disappointed. It was watery. It was not rich and creamy that I was expecting. Maybe they are not just hot chocolate people. I was disappointed but there are other drinks I would like try I'm not about to give up on Mud Creek. Stacy said the coffee was good. 

Mud Creek Coffee is a popular place in Sherwood. I will stop again and try the chai. If you are in the Sherwood area (or even High Cliff), grab your coffee at Mud Creek. 

A Very Neenah Christmas Market

 Neenah decided to have a Christmas Market this year. It was downtown next to the Plaza. I wanted to go check it out. Since Danielle bailed on me when we were going to see the live Mannequins, I dragged Stacy downtown to check it out. 

 The Very Neenah Christmas Market was open the first weekend in December -- 12/5 5-8, 12/6 10-8, and 12/7 10-3. Parking and the market was both free to attend. It was sponsor by Galloway and aptly named Galloway Christmas Village.

Galloway Christmas Village was not large by any means. I have a feeling it may continue to expand over the years. It had about a dozen, wooden huts with local artisans displaying their wares. It felt like a true Christmas market. 

Instead of mulled wine, you could get eggnog (not surprising since it was sponsored by Galloway) for $5 a glass or $30 for a glass and a homemade mug. No Christmas market is complete without the unique mug to that market. 

We didn't stay long because I really didn't need to buy anything. I just wanted to look. Next year if they have it again, I will be prepared to buy something... maybe for the saran wrap game or hold of on a present until after the market. 

Stacy was afraid to check out Christmas markets this year after spending last year at German Christmas markets for fear she would be disappointed. She said this one was worth it.

Hopefully they continue the market next year. It is a great way to get people downtown and it is a great family event. 

Dining Adventures 2025 -- Cedar Lodge Supper Club

 We are always on the look out for a new supper club. We've driven past Cedar Lodge Supper Club in Malone several times and have always said we should go there. We tried numerous times this year to get there and finally I just put it on the calendar that we were going to go.

Cedar Lodge Supper Club is located in Calumetville just north of the Fond du Lac/Calumet County line on Highway 151. It is open for dinner Wed-Sat starting at 4:30 to either 8:30 or 9 depending on the day of the week. It is also open Sundays for brunch. Unlike many supper clubs in the area, they do take reservations. There also have a large parking lot. 

We got there around 4:45 and actually was able to snag seats at the bar. In true Wisconsin Supper Club fashion, we checked in at the bar and then ordered a cocktail while we perused the menu in typical Wisconsin Supper Club fashion. I had an old fashioned. After a while a waitress came to take our order. Eventually we were shown to our table in the corner of the dining room. This is completely normal Supper Club service. 

We were not expecting a 5 course meal. When the waitress took our order, she gave us the option of fritter or fruit cup. I was thinking a corn fritter and ordered that. I am so glad I did not go with the fruit cup. It was not a corn fritter but something of a donut. It was doughy and covered in powdered sugar. It was amazing. 

Then came our choice of soup. They had a choice of 4 soups. I went with the beef barley and the hubby surprised me with ordering French Onion. They were both very good. The beef barley had a huge chunks of beef in it. The little cup was the perfect size. 

The salad came next. It was an ordinary house salad. I did find it odd that it came with a slice of green pepper on it. That is not a normal salad topping. 

Then our entrees came out. I had a prime rib (Saturday Night Supper Club Special) and a twice baked potato. I had a hard time deciding between twice baked and hashbrowns. The twice baked was the right choice. It was cheesy and delicious. The hubby said has steak and haddock were very good. His tenderloin was topped with onion rings which I snagged one.

We were too full for after dinner drinks which would normally complete a true Wisconsin Supper Club experience. They also had dessert which is unusual for a supper club. 

Cedar Lodge is not all that large of a place. My living room is probably bigger than the bar area and it was 2-3 deep at all times. The dining room didn't seem all that big but couldn't see how far back it was around the corner

I would highly recommend Cedar Lodge Supper Club if you are into Supper Club, Fish Fries, or jsut a good steak dinner. The best part of a Supper Club you don't need to dress up and the food is amazing. I would either get reservations in the future or make sure we are there by 5 on a Saturday so you are not waiting for ever. Definitely a good pick. 

7641. Have a Spotted Cow

 After the hubby finished his conference and he found me, he asked where the pub was at the Kalahari Resort. I was like I didn't see it but we can go find it. He needed to meet up with colleague.

When we got to Wisconsin Brew Pub, we grabbed seats at the bar where the hubby could meet with his colleague. The hubby looks at me and said "You've been having adventures all day, have another one" meaning have a drink. 

I looked at the beer taps in front of me and saw one that caught me eye until I learned it was an IPA. I am not an IPA fan. Then I saw Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing Company. All their beers are only available in Wisconsin. Not one to drink beer regularly, I wanted to try their flag ship beer. I asked a glass of Spotted Cow.

Some how it took me 20+ years to try Spotted Cow and I am not sure why. Stacy thinks I had it once before but I don't remember it. It might have been the time we tried to party on Water Street in Milwaukee. 

Spotted Cow is a farmhouse style ale. It is on the sweeter side. It is the perfect beer for me when I can't get a sour or a shandy. 

As I was sipping my beer and watch whatever game is on the TV, I realized there was another set of taps I missed and realized there was more beers that I might have been able to try. They apparently had many beers on tap based on the board I saw as we left. 

I still think I picked the right beer. Spotted Cow has become my go to beer when there is nothing else I like is available. If you have not tried Spotted Cow, especially if you are not a beer fan, you better add it to your bucket list. You will thank me.. maybe

25 in 2025 -- Visit a new Indie Bookstore -- The Village Booksmith

 Since I had plenty of time to kill while exploring the Dells, I decided to see if I could find an Independent (Indie) Bookstore to check out since I did not get to a new one yet this year. It turns out the only Indie bookstore in the Dells area was in Baraboo and it was a used bookstore. Since I was going to the zoo in Baraboo, I figured I might as well check out the bookstore.

The Village Booksmith is located downtown Baraboo. It is open daily: 10-6 Mon-Fri, 10-4 on Saturdays and 11-3 on Sundays. Summer hours might differ. There is plenty of street parking in winter around the square. Summer might be more difficult to find a parking spot. 

The Village Booksmith is not a large bookstore but it is crammed full of used and some new books. There is a dedicated children's section.

You can find all the different genres throughout the store. I particularly liked the "Brew Crew" section within the sports section.

As with any used bookstore, you never know what you are going to find. I wandered around trying to find something I have not read. I was going to pick up a Debbie Macomber book but then I saw some local mysteries by a local author. They were autographed and it fit my rules of I can only buy autograph copies to keep. It looks intriguing. 

If I had more time to kill, I could always have taken my new book and curled up on one of the many seating areas around the store to read. They looked very comfy.

The Village Booksmth is a charming store. If you are in need of a book while on vacation in the Dells, take the short drive into Baraboo and pick one up. 

5606. Go to Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo

 Looking for things to do in the Dells Area in November proved to be a challenge. Many places on my bucket list were closed for the season. After going to the Museum of Root Beer, I headed to Baraboo to check out the zoo. 

Ochsner Park Zoo is located in Ochsner Park in Baraboo. It is open in winter 9-3:30 daily. Summer and spring/fall hours are different. There is a spacious parking as well as a park with picnic areas and paths to walk down by the river. Admission is free but they do accept donations.

Ochsner Park Zoo is not a large zoo by any means but it is a nice zoo. They have about a dozen or so animals. As Danielle said, fall is the perfect time to visit as all the animals were quite active even with the chilly temperatures. 

I saw goats

Emus.. which reminded me of Hippogriffs

Donkeys

An Arctic Fox

A Black Bear

Mexican Wolves

Canada Lynx -- The sunlight and enclosure made it hard to get a good picture of the lynx

Beaver -- He sure enjoyed his stick

and

River Otters -- There were a pair of hams

They were all very active. I couldn't find the prairie dogs or a few other animals. It was great being able to see all the animals. There were not a lot of people there. It was actually very nice.

After leaving the zoo, I headed down the path to the river and walk down by the river for a bit before heading to the Outlet Mall for some retail therapy. 

If you are in Baraboo, I would suggest checking out the Ochsner Park Zoo. It is a great way to slow down and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Dells.