The first stop for our third day was Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, WI. Our guide gave us a good tour and explanation of how they make premium cheeses the old fashioned way. We even went through the waste treatment facility--very quickly I might say! Almost everyone went with home with some "squeakies". This is fresh cheese that had been made that very morning. They even make Water Buffalo cheese at certain times of the year! These milk holding tanks were painted so the milk wouldn't feel lonesome during storage--according to our guide, Kathy.
Lunch was at The Old Feed Mill in Mazomanie, WI. There we enjoyed a delicious meal--and great desserts! This old mill has a rich history that dates back to 1857--before the Civil War. It was started as a water and flour mill by the railroad company that created the first rail connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River System. It is featured on the Food Network as one of the best in country cuisine!
After lunch it was on to The Shoe Box in Black Earth, WI. It is the Midwest's largest shoe store. They have over 300,000 pairs of shoes, and represent over 180 major shoe companies. Most of us had a little less money when we left there. Pictured here are Martha Speir, Karen Barker, and Sue Heath as they prepare for their shopping experience.
Rural Route 1 Popcorn in Monfort, WI was a fun stop. They not only have just about every kind of popcorn one can imagine, but a very nice gift shop as well. The store was opened in 1983 as a way to market about 25 acres of popcorn that were being grown on the farm. It was an attempt to diversify and explore a new production crop. Now the farm has 3,000 acres, and several hundred are dedicated to producing gourmet popcorn. Chocolate covered popcorn is one of their specialties, and several containers of C.C. Winkle, S. S. Dunkle, and Ivory Almond K'Nuckle found their way onto the bus.
After cheese, pot roast, and popcorn, it was time for the evening meal! There is never a shortage of good food on our IEAFCS trips. The group enjoyed a fantastic dinner at Eagle Ridge Resort, just east of Galena, IL. It is a luxurious resort, golf course, spa, etc. Desserts at Eagle Ridge were "to die for." Carol, how do you find all these places?
Members of the group are: Jody Talick, Joy Richey, Sue Heath, Janet Burnett, Shirley Cummings, Steve Wiyatt, Jean Wiyatt, Patti Faughn, Mary Clark, Lois Smith, Terry Clark, Donna Mueller, Lyn Flahardy, Jimmy Smith, Cliff Flahardy, Martha Speir, Kathy Griffy, Karen Barker, Gary Slack, Linda Griffy, Sheila Grebel-Kertz, Glennon Schlitt, Carol Schlitt, Pam Slack, Jananne Finck, and Karen Gibbs.
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