6-11-13, 8-9-14, 8-13-16 and many more visits.
It was to revisit this beautiful little hamlet of 3300 people on the Sugar River. Last time we came was Oct. 2009. Paoli was founded by Peter Mats in 1846. It soon had a lumber mill, later becoming a grist mill. Also a cheese factory and other businesses necessary to build a thriving community. Several buildings were made of local stone, still standing and in use today.
Let’s begin our walk down Paoli Road, the main street which is the center of commerce here.
On my right is the Abel Contemporary Gallery
Photo by Al Kutil
On the left is the Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Cafe.
Soon we are on the bridge overlooking the Sugar River. It’s part of the huge Upper Sugar River Watershed in Dane County.
Upon crossing the river, on the left is the Paoli Clay Company. They produce clay for pottery making use.
Next up also on the left is the Paoli House Gallery, another artist enclave. Closed in 2014.
Lastly on this side is the new Landmark Creamery, replacing the Paoli Local Foods store. It opened in 2018.
Next door to that is the Paoli Pub and Grill.
Across the street on our right are many beautiful shops, some in historic buildings. On the right is the Paoli Secret Garden, which opened on June 1 of 2013. The owners JJ and Kellie were busy setting things up when we stopped by. They took the time to pose for a picture with us and show us the many delightful products they had to offer. They would love for you to stop by! If you can’t come to the store, you can buy their products from their Etsy store.
Here is a “living table”. Also a look inside their shop in the yellow building.
Next door is Paoli Road Mercantile, formerly a whey house. It is built of large multi-colored rocks that give it such a unique and beautiful appearance.
These businesses are part of the Mill Shops and Park.
The Bread and Brat Haus is especially popular. We had Chicken Pot Pie there when we went to the Paoli Fall Festival and it was delicious!
They also associate with The Hop Garden below. Enjoy live music from the Hop Garden stage while enjoying food from the Brat Haus.
This view is behind the Brat Haus and The Hop Garden.
Totally Wired is next to the Paoli Secret Garden and their specialty is purses.
The Zazen Gallery is next on our right.
Cluck the Chicken Store. They provide for the needs of chicken owners, as well as people who love cute chicken decor.
At the end of Paoli Road is Paoli Park, a great place to eat your lunch on a warm summer day. Bicyclists stop in Paoli also for refreshment on their ride. The Badger State Trail passes through town. It has a gazebo and a garden area with an arch. Also many mature trees.
I’ve spent many an evening in past years dancing upstairs in Fischer Hall. It’s one of the smallest dance venues but we sardines made a good go of it and got a good dose of human contact. I wonder if there are any dances there these days… Such quaint and picturesque places just off the straight and narrow highway. 🙂
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Hi Peter, good to see you back. As you see, you have a lot of catching up to do here, LOL! 🙂 Have a great evening!
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I’ve never been to Paoli but I’ve heard many times that it was lovely from people who’ve been there. Your pictures would bear that out. Thanks for sharing Laurie!
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