As a farm family with a nearly 4-year-old kiddo, the idea of traveling for weeks at a time across Southeast Asia or Europe is feeling pretty far out of reach. While I do miss casually strolling the streets of Paris and enjoying a cold beverage perched on a tiny plastic chair in Hanoi, the thing I have actually missed most is gathering new experiences. Luckily for me, however, 30 years living in Wisconsin has not been nearly enough time to discover all this state has to offer.
I was reminded of that on a recent trip to La Crosse, a city of just over 52,000 residents nestled along the Mississippi River. What was designated as a work trip for my husband Tommy and I ended up becoming one of the more relaxing and enlightening vacations we’ve experienced in a long time.
We might have only been 150 miles from home but it felt a world away amongst the rocky bluffs and cozy shops of downtown La Crosse. I loved perusing the section of local authors at Pearl Street Books and had one of the best dinners I’ve experienced in a while at SAGRA Food and Wine. Chef Mitchel Weber’s menu was a celebration of hyper-seasonal, which came as no surprise after we learned they drive to Harmony Valley Farm in Viroqua every week for some of the best produce in the region.
Just like my past international trips, I returned refreshed, with an extra bonus of not being jet-lagged. There is so much to discover in Wisconsin whether you’ve been here three years or 30, and I encourage you this summer to seek new experiences all across our unique state.
Let Emily Tucker inspire you to hit the road and explore all the hidden foodie gems across small-town Wisconsin. Create the perfect on-the-go snack with Laura Poe Mathes’ recipe for elderberry fruit leather that can accompany you on hikes through Bagley’s Wyalusing State Park or in a canoe down the Wisconsin River. Wherever your adventures take you this summer, use it as an opportunity to try what is seasonal, local and a specialty of each region of this beautiful state.
Cheers,
Marissa DeGroot, Managing Editor
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