Showing posts with label Wisconsin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisconsin. Show all posts

Monday, October 22, 2007

Mouth-watering confectionery in Wisconsin....

Yesterday being such a fabulous day, we decided to hop into the convertible, top down, and drive up to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin.

Apart from the beautiful lake which I'll blog about later, we discovered a cute and extremely busy little confectionery shop on the main street called Kilwins. Decorated in a style evocative of the 1940s, the brand was actually founded in North Michigan by a couple during the late 1940s.

Their selection of home-style fudge is overwhelming: dark german, maple walnut, chocolate pecan to name but a few. Beautifully wrapped chocolate gift boxes adorn one of the walls. Raspberry creams, cherry cordials, almond toffee crunch...the list goes on. Then there's the ice-cream corner. Rum-raisin, Lake Geneva mud, pumpkin seem to be some of the most requested flavors while we were there. It was very busy indeed.

A pound of fudge costs about $13 but is totally worth it. The attendant packed in a couple of knives for us to cut the fudge with.

We bagged a bench with a view and like children, opened the box as fast as we could. And savored the soft and sweet fudge as we gazed at the lake....

Maybe you know of similarly original and quality confectioners across the country that you have fallen in love with? Drop in a comment and let me know.

Kilwins.com will give you more information about stores nationwide.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Door County, Wisconsin

North of Illinois lie the state of Wisconsin. Greener and prettier, it's only a few hours drive north of Chicago and a treat for the senses if you wanted to escape the big city or the samey suburban vibe.

I want to recommend a place called Ephraim, about 5 hours north of Chicago. It's located on the 'prong' of land northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and is part of the famously scenic Door County. A tiny village on the bay, it is picturesque and serene. There is a state park nearby and trails to explore. Ephraim is famous for 'all things cherry'. I mean the fruit. We were there in November of last year, and I remember cherry cakes, granola and cookies. And all of them delicious!

There are a number of fine bed and breakfast places in Ephraim, but I wholeheartedly recommend the 'Eagle Harbor Inn'. Go for the suites rather than the rooms in the Inn, because they are majestic!

Suites feature a sitting room with a selection of interesting books and a breakfast table, among other things. There is an adequate kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, a sink and essential utensils. The bedroom features a plush bed with homely Victorian furnishings, and a stunning modern whirlpool. There is of course, the additional shower room and toilet.
Most striking is the two-way fireplace, seen from both the sitting room and the bedroom. There was also a decent-sized deck. Imagine relaxing in the whirlpool, then tucking into a breakfast basket delivered to your door, and enjoying it on the deck as the dawn breaks....

Eagle Harbor has a moderately-sized pool and a sauna, which we loved using. But the best thing about it was their ample gourmet breakfast. It is an extra $11 per person, but boy, is it worth the money. Cherry Granola followed by Eggs Benedict and fluffy pancakes one morning. French Toast dusted with confectioners' sugar and Cherry Pie the next. The proprietors are extremely friendly and have a wealth of local knowledge. Ephraim and Eagle Harbor is perfect for recharging your body and soul. Check the link below for rates and availability.

p.s. On your way to Ephraim coming in from Northern Illinois, you will encounter another charming village called Fish Creek. Good for quaint shopping and dining.

Eagle Harbor Inn