She Magazine

New Glarus

Brenda's Blumenladen is filled with flowers, seasonal gifts and garden accessories.

Stop and shop in this Swiss settlement

Published:

Story and photos by Kathleen Troher

Don’t have the time or cash for a trip to Switzerland? Why not do the next best thing if you live in Wisconsin: Head to New Glarus.

Nowhere are the state’s deep European roots more alive than in this Swiss settlement born of economic distress in the homeland almost 160 years ago.

This town wears its charming Swiss heritage proudly, with many buildings constructed in the Alpine architectural style. Inside many of them you’ll find opportunities for shopping, shopping, eating, and more shopping, shopping . . .

I’ll start the tour at one of my favorite stores,

The Bramble Patch, 526 First St

. Owner Carol Allen has amassed thousands of pieces of Polish Pottery, and you‘ll find hundreds on display at any given time in her beautifully appointed store.

Never heard of Polish Pottery? Ah, let me introduce you.

Folks in the southwestern area of Boleslawiec, Poland, have been creating this absolutely stunning pottery since the 7th century using indigenous white clay. Since 1950 the Ceramika Artystyczna factory has designed some of the highest quality pieces, each of which is hand painted. You’ll find these at The Bramble Patch.

Not only beautiful, they’re durable too, going from freezer to oven or microwave to table to dishwasher with no problem. When you buy your first of many pieces from Carol, she’ll give you a pamphlet with care instructions.

Although they feature various colors and patterns, each of these plates, bowls and other pieces are trimmed in a deep blue, so they’re easy to mix and match. They range in price from $11.95 for a butter knife to $225 for a roaster, but most of the items are between $20 and $50.

Even if you’re not ready to buy, visit Carol’s store to admire the pottery. While you’re there you might be tempted by some of her jewelry, or bath and beauty products, or award-winning maple syrup. Over the last two decades or so her family has won first-place honors internationally four times with the more-than-waffle-worthy specialty item.

For jewelry, retro leather clothing, Native American dolls, vases and pottery, candles, soaps and more, visit

Sugar River Gallery, 108 Fifth Ave

Mrs. Lackovich’s Fine Gifts and Seasonal Accents, 600 First St.

, features a nice assortment of ornaments, table linens and Christmas items. Set aside at least 45 minutes to make it all the way through

Brenda’s Blumenladen, 17 Sixth Ave

., which features home and garden accents that will have you rethinking your budget.

Looking for authentic Swiss knickknacks? Try

Roberts European Imports, 102 Fifth Ave.

The store specializes in Swiss, German, Austrian, Norwegian and Russian imports.

For lunch I’m recommending

Glarner Stube, 518 First St.

I have two words for readers: mashed potatoes. This side dish is like a dessert. No, let me take that back. It’s better than dessert, and you’re reading a review from an admitted dessertaholic. The mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, but you’ll find some hearty nuggets of potatoes in there too. Dig in. Oh, and if you’re there on Sunday, order the sauerbraten special — marinated, oven roasted flank steak served with a sweet-and-sour onion gravy. Other menu items include wiener schnitzel (veal cutlets), schublig (mildly spiced beef sausage) and kalberwurst (mild veal sausage). For the less daring, they have steak sandwiches, reubens, hamburgers, chicken breasts and other less-ethnic fare. Whatever you order, wash it down with some beer from the hometown brewery that’s made it big, New Glarus Brewery Co.

If picnics are your thing, there are a couple places you should stop for fixin’s. First, head over to

Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus, 554 First St.

, for, well, cheese, chocolate and a whole lot more.

Then walk down a couple doors to

New Glarus Bakery, 534 First St.

Warning: Don’t even go in if you’re on a diet or have some unrealistic expectation of buying only one treat. Next to those cream-filled donuts you’re going to see cheesecake drizzled with chocolate and carmel, and next to that you’ll see frosted butter cookies. You’ll be tempted for sure, so go ahead, splurge a little.

Take your picnic basket filled with goodies to nearby New Glarus State Woods. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks recently honored the Woods with two awards: Best View of a Moonrise and Best Playground. Votes are cast by campers, bikers, hikers and other state park visitors.

If time permits, check out the Chalet of the Golden Fleece or the Swiss Historical Village. The Chalet features a vast collection of beautiful, artistic and offbeat stuff. It’s open by appointment only for group tours of five or more people from April through October by calling 1-800-527-6838.

At the Swiss Historical Village, there are 14 buildings including an original settler’s log home, a Swiss church and a country school. If you’re making a weekend of it, be sure to take a bike and head over to the 23-mile Sugar River Trail. You can spend the night at

Chalet Landhaus Inn, 801 Highway 69

If you’re lucky by the time you visit New Glarus the area’s newest destination will be open. It’s the New Glarus Brewing Co.’s new brewery, which is set for unveiling this June or July. They’ll still brew small batches and fruit beers at their old location. For more information on hours, tours and locations (of old and new facilities) call (608) 527-5850 or visit www.newglarusbrewing.com. Should you visit when the brewery is closed, stop at

Roy’s Market, 600 State Highway 69

, which carries a full selection of the award-winning beverage.

One note, some shops are closed during the week particularly in winter, so it might be a good idea to call ahead if you’re not heading to New Glarus on a weekend.

For more information, call 800-527-6838 or go to www.swisstown.com.