A few years back, a friend of mine from my study abroad program in college asked me to photograph her wedding in Wisconsin. It was, in my opinion, the proper way to be exposed to Wisconsin culture and food, which go hand-in-hand, really.
First, after picking me up from the airport, my friend took me for burgers and frozen custard at Kopp’s. (Probably the best in my life.) At the rehearsal dinner, I tried my first-ever old-fashioned, which every Wisconsinite suggested was the must-have local cocktail. And then at the wedding itself, we snacked on cheese curds, drank root beer from kegs and ate cake with a scoop of blue, almond ice cream.
I was also very taken with the stark contrast between the industrial city of Milwaukee and the stunning countryside of the rural areas. The wedding took place at a barn near my friend’s family’s Christmas tree farm, and it was just a lovely, picturesque weekend all around. I’ll never forget it — burgers, old-fashioneds, cheese, root beer and blue ice cream will forever come to mind when I think of Wisconsin. The goodies in this Wisconsin gift guide are reflective of the memories I made that weekend!
Anyway, here we are at the 50th Kitchen Road Trip. There’s one more, and then I’ll have covered every state in the country. Can’t believe that! Happy Monday, friends. // susannah
The Kitchen Road Trip series is a virtual ‘trip’ to a different state. Posted weekly on Mondays, each post is a gift guide to items from a different state, in alphabetical order, and features food & drinks, books, home goods and travel items.
1. DB Infusion Chocolates* ($5.25) // 2. Cottage in the Woods framed letterpress print by Flying Rabbit Press* ($135) // 3. Cloud Spoon Rest by JD Wolfe Pottery* ($24) // 4. Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old-Fashioned Experience
by Ron Faiola ($35) // 5. Milkhaus Design Polka Dot Leather Linen Pouch* ($42) // 6. Potter’s Crackers Organic Caramelized Onion Crisps* ($8) // 7. Kinnickinnic Whiskey* ($48) // 8. Schoolcraft Wisconsin Wondermint Schnapps Liqueur* ($22.99) // 9. Quince & Apple’s Cherry Grenadine* ($14) // 10. LOFT Studios Cross Dinner Napkins* ($48 for four)
*Made or designed in Wisconsin
(Photo // Jeramey Jannene on Flickr)
Chrissie says
I love this gift guide! My family is from Wisconsin and I lived there for seven years for college and law school. When I see my cousins every summer, they bring me some of my favorite Wisconsin beer (from New Glarus) and cheese curds (as a confession, I came back to Charlotte with a purse full of cheese curds after my college reunion this summer!)
I haven’t found an Old Fashioned that compares in Charlotte yet, but rumor is Miki from e2 can make a mean one. New goal for the New Year!
Susannah says
That’s so cool, Chrissie! Wisconsin beer and cheese curds? What a treat! I found some cheese curds at the Charlotte farmers market this summer, but they didn’t squeak the proper amount. You know better than I do that is heresy!
I would love to explore that Old Fashioned with you! Let’s go to e2 in the New Year. 🙂
Chrissie says
Yes please, let’s do it!
katie says
Congrats on all 50 guides! I love Wisconsin, it’s a beautiful state. All have to say is, where are the cheese kurds? 🙂
Susannah says
Thanks lady! One more left. (D.C. sure throws a wrench in things.) I couldn’t find any cheese curds to ship, but I sure wish I could. I’d be buying them left and right.