Once upon a time in Wisconsin, mills were a way of life. But with advancements in power and technology, they are not common. Many of them have been destroyed. But a few have survived. None is more gorgeous than the Dells Mill in Augusta, Wisconsin. Built in 1864, this old mill was the center of this pioneer community. Back then, it served as a water-powered flour and feed mill. It's imposing, standing at five stories tall. Your breath will be taken away as you hear the roar of the power. See the old wooden water wheel turn. You will be amazed by the engineering put into this mill, and you will truly feel as if you were transported into the past.
It is now a national landmark and is one of the most photographed places in all of Wisconsin. The inside serves as a museum. Still, not many people know of its existence. That's a shame, because it is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Wisconsin.
Apple cider is a fall staple in Wisconsin. Once the air starts turning cool, this crisp, sweet drink hits the spot in a way it couldn't during any other season. And what better place to drink some than on a farm after picking a massive bag of apples of your own?!
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There's something extra special about drinking cider after a day at the farm. You've been outside, your cheeks are flushed, your arms are sore from carrying a heavy bag of apples, and you're ready to relax. Well, if this sounds like something up your alley, I have the perfect Wisconsin fruit farm to tell you about.
Barthel Fruit Farm was established in 1839 and is located about 30 minutes from Milwaukee in Mequon, Wisconsin. It is an easy day trip with an incredible payoff in the form of fresh fruit and lots of fun.
When apples are in season, Barthel Fruit Farm offers two U-pick options: a peck, which carries about 10 pounds of apples, and a half-bushel, which holds roughly 20 pounds of delicious fruit. This Wisconsin apple farm also has an incredible variety, from standards like Macintosh and Fuji to more exotic types that might be new to you!
I'm most intrigued by the Ruby Rush variety, which is ready to pick by the end of October. Barthel Fruit Farm describes the taste of this apple as "Sweet/tart, juicy and aromatic with a desirable crisp texture." Sounds yummy, doesn't it?
In addition to apple picking, this farm offers pumpkin picking when the gourds are in season and various other fruits throughout the year.
There's also a corn maze, which previous visitors report is the perfect size for not getting too lost.
Barthel Fruit Farm is also well-known for its incredibly delicious cider. It can be purchased at the farm's bakery truck or taken home to enjoy in gallon and half-gallon sizes. If you order it there, you can choose between a cold glass of cider or a refreshing cider slush. Sometimes, having a crisp beverage while it is chilly outside can be quite satisfying.
Barthel Fruit Farm also offers a hard cider. Brewed in conjunction with the Fermentorium Brewery and Tasting Room in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, this hard cider is hazy and dry and finishes with delicious notes of sweetness that you'll be thinking about for days. And, of course, it's made with locally sourced, freshly pressed apples.
Another thing you'll want to taste fresh before leaving Barthel's is their famous apple cider donuts. Dusted with cinnamon and sugar, these spicy-sweet delights are the stuff dreams are made of.
That's not the only pastry offered at Barthel Fruit Farms, however. You'll want to bring an appetite for the scones, apple crisps, muffins, cheesecakes, and more. With all of that deliciousness, you might want to bring a cooler along with you. We love this one from REI, which can be worn as a backpack.
If you're looking for something savory to offset all that sweetness, this spot is so unique that you've probably never had a meal like it. It serves Nepalese cuisine and is just a six minute drive away!
When I was a little girl, going to the flea market was an event for my family. Me, my brother, our parents, and even our grandparents would pile into the car and drive 90 minutes to the Jockey Lot. It's an epic flea market located in South Carolina that is now considered the largest flea market in the Southeastern United States.
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I remember it fondly. My mom and grandma looked at all the vintage fashions; my papa and brother went to find some knives and fishing supplies. My dad and me? Well, we went looking for snacks and rocks, the two most important things to shop for at a flea market.
I'd love to live that experience all over again at the Polish Flea Market in Wisconsin.
According to customers, this is a flea market lover's dream. It's new to the shopping scene in Adams, Wisconsin, opening in 2023. The variety of vendors is awesome, and it has everything I love about a flea market.
Fresh & local honey and produce? Check.
Old tin bar signs in crates for you to dig through to your heart's content? Check!
I'm always looking for unique vintage advertisements: I could happily rifle through crates like these for hours. There's no telling what treasures you'll find.
Previous visitors also rave about the food vendors at this flea market. Cooked with care, the Polish Flea Market truly is a one-stop shop. There are even some treats you can take home with you, like these homemade hand pies.
Homemade reigns supreme at the Polish Flea Market in Adams, Wisconsin. That's one of the things I've always loved most about flea markets: I'm supporting real humans and small businesses. I know exactly where my money is going.
Plus, I like things that folks make with their hands. There are plenty of these sorts of booths to choose from at this incredible Wisconsin Flea Market.
There's stunning woodworking from birdhouses to cutting boards and seemingly everything in between. You can find handcrafted jewelry and lawn ornaments.
Plus, the Polish Flea Market has a wonderful collection of clothing, both vintage and new. I've not been able to find out if they have an airbrush artist at their location; I feel like that's something every flea market should have.
Giant bags of popcorn! There's nothing like chowing down on a mix of caramel and cheese 'corn while everyone shares what treasures they found. At least, that's how my family used to end their trips to the flea market.
Luckily, Polish Flea Market has all of this and more. It is open on the weekends from May to October, with a Farmer's Market on Wednesday. This Wisconsin flea market is slowly gaining steam, so please make a point to check it out while it's still the hidden gem that it is.
Oh, and when you're in the area, be sure to check out Adams Flea Market, which is just down the road. Sounds like an excellent excuse to spend two days shopping at flea markets, doesn't it? This pet-friendly lake house in Adams, Wisconsin, sleeps seven, so the whole family can go on a flea market treasure hunt!
Do you know any other hidden gem flea markets in Wisconsin? Tell me about them in the comments!
