Lake Winnebago Region 2019

Jenelle Bruno Realtor, First Weber Fond du Lac

“I would encourage someone to openly share their experiences spending time and money in the Lake Winnebago Region. This area has wonderful retail variety that continues to grow; these retailers are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. When we support our small businesses, we support the health and growth of our community.”

INSIDER

Photo courtesy of Todd Dacquisto.

#2 – The Plaid Squirrel is a fun place with pieces from local artists. It’s a relatively large store and a unique destination. Notably, in early fall The Plaid Squirrel partners with other galleries to create a driving tour of neighboring galleries. This studio tour is a great opportunity for shopping, too. “It gets people to go to places they wouldn’t necessarily go to organically.” #3 – The Downtown cluster of dynamic art spaces, including Ubuntu Art Space , Riverwalk Art Center , and Langdon Divers Community Gallery , offers artistic retail finds. Closing out the day is a must stop at Ledgerock Distillery . Specializing in small-batch spirits, this destination has generated considerable buzz in the short time since opening in June 2018.

Having lived all over the country, most recently on the east coast and in Florida, Jenelle and her family made a choice four years ago to call Fond du Lac home. “There’s nothing like the Midwest. The people are warm. The pace of life is enjoyable. Everything is close and accessible, and to me, that’s what makes Fond du Lac desirable.” When describing the perfect day to explore Lake Winnebago Region’s retail treasures, Jenelle mapped a ‘round the lake trip with three distinct stops, ending in a vibrant Downtown shopping district that is home to clothing boutiques delivering big-city fashion with exceptional personal service. #1 – LaClare Family Creamery , known for the evening goat milking ritual that kids of all ages enjoy, the creamery has an on-site cafe and shoppe selling artisanal soaps and cheeses that make a perfect gift for any discerning recipient. “They take care of and love on [the goats], and we can love on them, too. Our kids just love it here.”

RETAIL

RURAL TREASURES ARMSTRONG APPLES, ORCHARD & WINERY W853 Highway B, Campbellsport 920-477-3007 armstrongapples.com

LACLARE FAMILY CREAMERY W2994 County Road HH, Malone Just minutes N from Fond du Lac off Highway 151 920-670-0051 laclarefarms.com Our retail shoppe offers a wide variety of Wisconsin artisan and farmstead cheeses, soaps, and caramels made with goat, cow, and sheep milk. We also offer ice cream, wine, craft beer, and specialty foods. We have over 10 different varieties of LaClare Farms cheeses that are being made right here at our farmstead creamery. Sample some award-winning cheese, such as the 2011 U.S. Championship Cheese, LaClare Farms Evalon. Open daily 10am–7pm.

Enjoy award-winning Wisconsin wines from our apples and other locally grown Wisconsin fruit. Stop in for free wine tastings. Join our wine club and get the first notices of special reserves. Our on-site store offers homemade jams, preserves, fresh cider, honey, and fudge. Our winery is an extension of our passion for quality, flavor, and wholesome ideals! Nestled in the hills of picturesque Kettle Moraine, Armstrong Apples, Orchard & Winery is dedicated to producing the best fruit possible! Come taste the fruits of our labor!

Armstrong Apples, Orchard & Winery. Photo courtesy of Patrick Flood.

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47 | fdl.com