She Magazine

Cedarburg

At city that ages well with time

Published:

Story and photos by Kathleen Troher

Sometimes the only difference between a fine antique and a piece of junk is, that somewhere along the line, someone cared about and cherished it.

Someone cared about Cedarburg, Wis., and they’re still cherishing the legacy of this quaint destination to the point that leaders from other towns visit to see how age can be worn so gracefully.

The most high-profile of the historic buildings is the old woolen mill. Built in 1864, it was a boarded-up relic of yesterday when Jim and Sandra Pape saved it from the wrecking ball back in 1971.

Today, the mill and adjacent buildings on or near the corner of Washington Avenue and Bridge Road are known as the

Cedar Creek Settlement (N70 W6340 Bridge Road).

Here you’ll find the

Cedar Creek Winery

begun 37 years ago when the Papes combined their interest in historic preservation with their passion for winemaking.

Owner-operated shops and studios have come and gone over the last few decades, but among the veterans is the 30-year-old

Cedar Creek Pottery

, where visitors are likely to find owner and local ceramic sculptor Andee Warren creating one of her works of usable art. Also in the building are more than two dozen specialty shops with antiques, jewelry, unique accessories and quality clothing not found in most department stores.

Among my favorites are

Bierma Gallery

, which has a stunning collection of Willow Tree figurines along with hip, funky, feminine clothing;

A Little Pizzazz

, which has a terrific collection of jewelry; and

La Diva The Beautiful Woman

, where you’ll find a dazzling selection of purses and hand-beaded blouses.

If you’re hungry you won’t have to go far. The Settlement also includes

Cream & Crepe Café

and a new restaurant,

Anvil Pub & Grill

, which has moved into what previously had been a restored 19th century blacksmith shop.

If you travel to Cedarburg for the afternoon, resist the temptation to spend all your time at Cedar Creek Settlement. Stretch those legs by walking up and down Washington Avenue, which is a shopper’s delight. You will find establishments specializing in fabric and quilting supplies, garden accessories, antique lighting, cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies, home décor, fine soaps and candles, beads, gems, minerals, fossils, coffee, baking, chocolate, ice cream and candy.

The town itself is very pretty, with many beautiful, old churches, well-landscaped B&Bs, and quaint secret gardens you can spy from the sidewalk. Whereas so many of Wisconsin’s once-thriving towns are in decline, Cedarburg appears to be undergoing a Renaissance, with more new shops and restaurants than I remember seeing last time I visited several years ago.

In Cedarburg you’ll find a wide variety of brewpubs, cafés, taverns and restaurants from cozy, creek side establishments with outdoor decks to upscale dining locales. Cedarburg also is home to more than half a dozen spas and salons, so pampering yourself is another option to explore.

If time permits, be sure to head north on Washington Avenue to visit Covered Bridge Park. There you can walk through the last remaining original covered bridge in the state and picnic along Cedar Creek. If you want to visit the

Cedarburg Cultural Center (W62 N546 Washington Ave.)

General Store Museum (W61 N480 Washington Ave.) Performing Arts Center (W68 N611 Evergreen Boulevard)

Woolen Mill Textile Museum (W62 N580 Washington Ave.)

make sure to call in advance for hours and prices. Another great stop is the

Ozaukee Art Center

and

Paul Yank Sculpture Studios

in the historic Cedarburg brewery (W62N718 River Edge Drive).

For more information: Contact the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 800-237-2874 or 262-377-9620 or www.cedarburg.org.