cat-on-a-mac

We'll be making a road trip from NC in the next couple of weeks to attend a wedding in Chicago. We plan to spend a few days in SE Wisconsin, and was wondering about quilt shops, etc. in the area. Also, my DH grew up on a farm, and is interested in just touring the countryside and dairies ... is there any area that is particularly good for that?

MdmSew'n'Sew

A non-quilting destination, but fascinating, The House On The Rock, Spring Green, WI, just down the road from Taliesin. The collections there are phenomenal, will give you a whole new perspective on your 'stash' when you get home One word of caution - the Infinity Room - not for those with fear of heights - ask me how I know! A major must-see there is the carousal room.

You must try Kringle, a Danish-style pastry made in Racine but available in most grocery stores and don't forget to stop at Mars Cheese Castle just off the highway in Kenosha, you can watch cheese being made and get some great treats to take home.

Great, now I want to get in the car and go visit my cousins so I have an excuse to eat pastry and cheese Enjoy your trip!

ghostrider

There's a SE Wisconsin shop in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Quilt Sampler. I don't know anything about it, but if it made QSampler, it must be good. It's in Cedarburg, 20 miles NW of Milwaukee, and is called Ye Olde Schoolhouse (yeah, it's in an old circa 1887 brick schoolhouse).
http://www.yeoldeschoolhouse.com/Ye_...e/Welcome.html

PolkaBabe

if you can at all possible do go to see "House of the Rock". It is worth it, & it will take you a day to go through it all. Want to see it again.

smm06

Ye Olde Schoolhouse is a very nice shop. I would also recommend Mill House Quilts - www.millhousequilts.com or Loose Threads http://www.loosethreadsllc.com/ These are two of my favorite places to stop when I am in the area.

cat-on-a-mac

Just looked up "House on the Rock" on the web. This looks very interesting!

As for the pastry and cheese ... I'm in big trouble; I don't eat either! But, hubby will enjoy!

Thanks for the responses ... I have a while yet to plan our route, so keep the ideas coming.

gingerd

Here is a link to Sew 'n Save. Take 94 north into WI and get off at Rt. 11 east. Continue eastbound past Rt. 131, thru the next 3 lights and it is in the strip mall on the right side of the street.
http://www.sewnsaveofracine.com/

If you're a teacher this weekend they are having a sale with your school ID.


Here is another in Northern IL not too far from the tollway.....
http://www.thecommonthreadmerc.com/wordpress/main

For The Common Mercantile get off at Grand (Rt. 132) west. Stay on this until you reach Rt. 45 (approximately 9 lights). Go north on Rt. 45 thru 2 lights. Take a left at the second light, then a right at the first driveway. It is an old barn.

Have fun!

DogHouseMom

Another vote for House on the Rock. Simply amazing. The area surrounding the House is all dairy area - very pretty area for just driving through.

While in Chicago, don't forget to visit Millennium Park - downtown Chicago. Some of the features of the park are the incredible Band Stand (an architectural delight - even if there is no music playing at the time - it's wonderful to look at!), the "Bean" - a stainless steel sculpture that mirrors the city skyline, and the Millennium Fountains - wear shorts and sandals because wading is not only permitted but encouraged!!

sewmary

On your way to Sew n Save in Racine stop at O &H Bakery for REAL fresh kringle. They are on Hwy 11 also -and the highway is 31 (Green Bay Road) not 131. They will be on the north side of the street after the second light from Hwy 31.

House on the Rock is a bit of a drive from Chicago and is not in the SE Wisconsin area. But is neat to see if you have the time. There will indeed be dairy farms in that area. Mill House Quilts is also in that area of Wis.

SE Wis itself is pretty much an urban area. (Kenosha - Racine - Milwaukee counties). Go west or north of Milwaukee to see farms.

Cedarburg has all kinds of shops besides the quilting one mentioned.

Peepers

Hi I live in the Milwaukee area. Patched Works in Elm Grove is another nice shop. Nancy's Notions shop is in Beaver Dam. I also found this site for hubby www.dairyfarmtours.com This farm would be on your way from Chicago to House on the Rock. The Wisconsin State Fair is the place to be August 2 - 12. All things farm for hubby and gorgeous quilts for you. Milwaukee also has an ethnic festival most every weekend during the summer and the world's biggest music festival, Summerfest, is June 27 to July 8. Enjoy!